Courtesy of The Urban Daily.

Congratulations, everyone. Midterms are finally over! In keeping with the excitement of this time of the semester, I thought I would give you all some music to help you celebrate.

In the 1970s, the American music television show, Soul Train, was at the peak of its success. Showcasing music giants like the Jackson 5, Bill Withers, and “the godfather of soul‰Û, James Brown, Soul Train became an instant hit among music fanatics across the country.

Soul Train, like the music performed on the show, was about letting loose and having fun. As the name suggests, it encouraged people to set their souls free and to disregard any rules that might have held them back.

People surely enjoyed this aspect of the series, as the episodes show audience members happily dancing and singing to the live, rhythmic performances in front of them.

Even though I was not around in the 70s, I still feel a sense of nostalgia for this time when I watch these reruns. Back then music was simpler, yet more profound. It focused less on perfecting the instrumentals and vocals, and more on producing a sound that would convey the spirit of the piece.

This makes all the difference in the listening experience, as not only can you hear the emotion of the piece, you can also feel it. Try closing your eyes while listening to this music. You‰’ll get it then.

Three of my favorite Soul Train performances, which feature three of my favorite musicians of all time, sum up these exact experiences. They are the famous Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin.

Enjoy below: