Payback

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James Brown

About Payback

"The Payback" is a funk song by James Brown, the title track from his 1973 album of the same name. The song's lyrics, originally written by trombonist and bandleader Fred Wesley but heavily revised by Brown himself soon before it was recorded, concern the revenge he plans to take against a man who betrayed him. The song is notable for its sparse, open arrangement and its use of wah-wah guitar – a relative rarity in Brown's previous funk recordings. Released as a two-part single (featuring a radio announcer at the beginning of part one) in February 1974, it was the first in an unbroken succession of three singles by Brown to reach #1 on the R&B charts that year – the last chart-toppers of his career. It also peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was his second, and final, single to be certified gold by the RIAA. 


Year:
2005
4:26
77 
#1

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James Brown

James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of funk music and is a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance. more »

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10 facts about this song

Music Style
"Payback" by James Brown is notable for its fusion of funk and soul, two genres heavily attributed to James Brown's musical influence.
Chart Performance
The single peaked at number 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Brown's highest-charting songs in the US.
Album Details
"Payback" is the title track and the lead song on James Brown's 1973 double album, "The Payback."
Recording Details
The song, like many of Brown's tracks, features a focus on rhythm and groove, with a heavy emphasis on the interplay between rhythm guitars and horns.
Song Origin
James Brown initially wrote it as the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film "Hell Up in Harlem," but it was rejected by the filmmakers.
Length of Song
"Payback" was widely notable for its length too. The original version of the song is over 7 minutes long, whereas average song lengths at that time were between 3 and 4 minutes.
Song Theme
The lyrics of "Payback" are a narrative about revenge and retribution, hence the title "The Payback."
Pop Culture
"Payback" has been sampled numerous times by various artists, especially in hip-hop. Notably, En Vogue used a loop from "Payback" in their 1990 hit song "My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)."
Historical Significance
Rolling Stone ranked "The Payback" number 238 on their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
Awards
In 2015, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

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