‘Good Times’, one of the most prominent tracks in music history, has been the subject of numerous covers and remixes. It’s hard to forget that energy, bass, and unforgettable guitar riff that took disco to new heights.
While the song itself was a smash hit when released in 1979, Chic’s ‘Good Times’ has been immortalized in hip hop and pop music culture since then. It proved to be a hit with music sampling as well, with multiple music producers using the track’s unforgettable sound in their tracks. In this blog post, we will explore the history of “Good Times” by Chic and its influence on music sampling.
The Origin of Good Times by Chic
Written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, ‘Good Times’ is Chic’s most notable work. Released in 1979, the song achieved major success on both the R&B and disco charts, despite being considered as a B-Side. The guitar riff that has come to define the track was created by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards and was recorded in just a single take.
Chic’s ‘Good Times’ was produced as an upbeat song that would make dancers move. Nile Rodgers’ guitar adds a level of funk and disco into the mix, while the percussion, drums, and bass provide a strong foundation for the track. The result was an instant classic that became a favorite on dance floors across America and beyond.
The Sampling of Good Times by Chic
The task of sampling ‘Good Times’ began in the late 1970s and continued into the early 1980s. It all started with ‘Rapper’s Delight,’ a song that revolutionized hip hop music. Released in 1979 by the Sugarhill Gang, the song sampled the Chic’s ‘Good Times’ bassline and gave rise to an entirely new genre of music. ‘Rapper’s Delight’ featured a funkier beat and delivered rhymes that defined the sound of early hip hop, forever linking ‘Good Times’ to hip hop music. Even today, the song remains a classic in the genre.
‘Good Times’ has also influenced other prominent hip hop artists like Tupac, who used the track to create his own version of the song that featured uncredited samples from the track. Grandmaster Flash’s hit ‘Adventures of Flash on the Wheels of Steel’ is another example of how the track has been sampled in early hip hop.
The track’s impact continued into pop music, with Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’ taking inspiration from a section of the track, in which she replaced “Good Times” with “Material World.” Queen’s ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ features a bassline groove that is nearly identical to Chic’s ‘Good Times.’
The Legacy of Good Times by Chic
Chic’s ‘Good Times’ has also left a tremendous impact on the music industry at large. It was the start of a new era in music, where DJs and producers would use samples from established tracks to create something fresh and vibrant. This new style of music sampling has become a staple in the hip hop and pop music culture, where the producers used ‘Good Times’ as a blueprint for their own music.
In conclusion, Chic’s ‘Good Times’ has transcended beyond disco music and evolved into a significant influence on hip hop and pop music. By sampling the track, artists have been able to create fresh music while still paying homage to the iconic song that started it all. Chic’s ‘Good Times’ will always remain an essential record in music history, not only for its contribution to the music genre but also for its influence on the decade to come.
FAQ
What song does Rapper’s Delight sample from the song by Chic?
“Rapper’s Delight” is a landmark song in the history of hip-hop, widely regarded as the first commercially successful rap song. Released in 1979 by the Sugarhill Gang, the song was a massive success, reaching number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the US R&B chart.
One of the most notable aspects of “Rapper’s Delight” is its use of a sample from “Good Times”, a song by the funk band Chic, released in 1979. In fact, the Chic sample is so prominent in the song that it has become one of the most iconic hip-hop samples of all time.
The sample is used in the song’s famous bassline, which is provided by a looped section of “Good Times”. The loop has been slowed down slightly to match the tempo of “Rapper’s Delight”, and the lyrics of the song are rapped over the top of the loop.
The use of sampling in “Rapper’s Delight” was not a new technique at the time – other musicians had been using samples in various forms for several years prior to the song’s release. However, “Rapper’s Delight” was the first rap song to use sampling in such a prominent way, paving the way for many of the sampling-heavy hip-hop songs that would follow in the years to come.
In recent years, there has been some controversy over the use of samples without proper clearance and compensation. It has been claimed that Chic founder Nile Rodgers did not receive any royalties for the use of the “Good Times” sample in “Rapper’s Delight” for many years. However, this issue has since been resolved, and Rodgers has praised the song’s impact on popular music.
“Rapper’S Delight” samples the Chic song “Good Times”, which provides the iconic bassline that is a key part of the song’s appeal. The use of sampling in this way was groundbreaking at the time and has contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
What is the world’s most heard tune?
When it comes to determining the world’s most heard tune, there are a variety of factors to consider. One song that consistently ranks high on the list is “La Paloma”, a popular Spanish folk song that dates back to the 19th century. According to one German journalist who wrote about the song in 2004, it is “the most played, most sung, most listened to, most recorded, most varied song in world history.”
“La Paloma” has been covered by countless artists in a variety of languages and musical styles, including Elvis Presley, Julio Iglesias, and even Benny Goodman in a swing version. It has been used in movies, television shows, and commercials across the globe.
At its core, “La Paloma” is a love song, with lyrics that express longing, devotion, and the pain of separation. Its simple melody is instantly recognizable, and it has become a cultural touchstone in many parts of the world.
Interestingly, the song has also been associated with tragedy in certain contexts. It was reportedly played by the band on the Titanic as the ship sank, and it was also used as a signal during the Spanish Civil War to call for surrender by Republicans. Despite these darker associations, “La Paloma” remains a beloved tune that has resonated with listeners across generations and borders.
While it is impossible to definitively declare one song as the world’s most heard tune, “La Paloma” certainly occupies a prominent place in musical history and has earned its reputation as one of the most widely recognizable and enduring songs of all time.
What song is baddest of them all sampling?
“Baddest of Them All” is a song by Eliza Rose and Interplanetary Criminal. The song includes a sample of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam’s 1991 song “Let the Beat Hit ‘Em” (LL W: Love RC Mix). “Let the Beat Hit ‘Em” was originally released in 1989 and quickly became a popular dance song in the US, peaking at number 1 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and number 34 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The sample used in “Baddest of Them All” comes from the LL W: Love RC Mix version of the song, which features a distinctive drum beat and vocal sample. The sample is heard throughout “Baddest of Them All,” serving as the backbone of the song’s rhythm.
Eliza Rose and Interplanetary Criminal’s use of the sample is a common practice in electronic music. Artists often use samples of existing songs to create new works or remixes. The use of samples can help to create a connection between the new work and the original, as well as add a layer of nostalgia or familiarity for listeners.
“Baddest of Them All” is a modern interpretation of an iconic dance song from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The use of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam’s “Let the Beat Hit ‘Em” sample adds a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, while the new production and vocals bring a fresh energy to the song.