Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs
#66: The Gap Band 'Outstanding'
It goes without saying that if it were not for this track that provided the backdrop for many trips down memory lane, Charlie Wilson would not have been able to stage his late '90's comeback. "Outstanding" is one of those tracks that makes you feel warm and fuzzy from the moment you hear the bass line drop in the beginning of the song. If it were not for Stevie Wonder, whom Wilson has credited as a musical influence, we would not have the near falsetto infused with intricate melisma that Wilson and Wonder are both known for. In turn, if it weren't for Charlie Wilson, the influence of Aaron Hall and R. Kelly on contemporary R&B, as much of a disappointment as it is, would not have taken root with today's young stars. Interestingly, it wasn't until their sixth album that The Gap Band achieved critical success, and not until 1983 that this track dropped. "Outstanding" is the type of song that can turn gray skies to blue, crushes into love, and water into wine. Especially the extended version. Not dancing to this song when it comes on is equivalent to musical blasphemy. So go ahead, dance by yourself. We won't tell.
Tags: aaron hall, audio, gap band, r kelly, stevie wonder

Comments
we would not have the near falsetto infused with intricate melisma
"Outstanding" is the type of song that can turn gray skies to blue, crushes into love, and water into wine.
You better say that ish Mami! LOL! You make me glad this was on my list!
Now save some of that for ALL the Bilal tracks that I know are coming in the Top 10.
Vivrant Thang | May 19, 2008 3:50 PM | PermalinkGreat song ! Glad Charlie left the drugs alone and is making a new career for himself. His last album was fire ! And he sounds good over the new tracks of "today" especially him and Pharell together. Charlie is one of my top 10 singers of all time
Mutada al sader the king | May 19, 2008 11:31 AM | Permalinkeasily one of the top 3 songs EVER made. Nuff said.
stoneyisland | May 17, 2008 1:29 PM | PermalinkI'm a die hard Gap Band/ Charlie Wilson fan. Thank you Soulbounce.com for recognizing a great band and my own personal theme song!!
cutenshort79 | May 16, 2008 10:15 PM | PermalinkI love this song. It make you want to get up and dance.
BrownSugar283 | May 16, 2008 8:41 PM | PermalinkThis song is played by every black college marching band.
J | May 16, 2008 5:12 PM | Permalink