CRAZY GOOD! | War - Edwin Starr (Reaction)

[@katrinacash6393]

This song hits hard now but when we were in the midst of the Vietnam War and had a mandatory draft for our young men there was a whole other level of hard.

[@laminator72]

I was one of those young men then but my lottery birthday date was never picked.

[@spoonerfive]

@tor72 Same here. Turned 18 in 1971, Lottery #133

[@laminator72]

Think I was around #257. I turned 18 early 1969.

[@Band-lz5gb]

My brother in-law was the Baritone Sax player on the recording, Edwins touring back up band at the time were The Houston Outlaws based out of Houston Texas, He married my sister and made his second home in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

[@ejtappan1802]

OMG... Tell him THANK YOU from me! This song came out when I was little. I fell in love with that low gravelly sound. Never quite got over it. Ended up playing bassoon in band. Not quite as groovy as a barry sax but not that dissimilar a sound in the lowest register! (Blame the band director for steering me that way to suit the needs of his orchestration, lol.) This song will live on forever, and your BIL's sax is definitely a part of that legacy!

[@carlaglewen5573]

Cool!

[@ggttee3]

That is awesome man, totally love this, was he on 25 miles?

[@Band-lz5gb]

@@ggttee3 No, just War.

[@slinman100]

This song meant a lot to those of us around during the Vietnam War. Please tell him thank you!

[@bobschenkel7921]

"War" by Edwin Starr came out while I was in Junior High, 1971, Middle School for some of you, and we heard the message, but we were busy dancing. Viet Nam was on the TV every night with Walter Cronkite, and though I was only 12 or 13 years old, 18 was only five years away, so it was close to mind. Now it is even more powerful, so many wars since then.

[@spoonerfive]

I turned 18 in 1971, but my draft number was 133, so I was safe. My best friend was #7, but he never got called anyway. I think we were born a year too late for Vietnam, and I am eternally grateful for my good fortune.

[@danevans5823]

The most powerful song of Full Truth ever produced

[@christinepotter855]

2024 should be played over and over again maybe someone will hear it

[@jewsbad]

Still as great as it was when it came out, and still relevant today.

[@jdwfenton]

I was stationed overseas at the time when this song came out. You can actually hear the anger in his voice.

[@user-qi3fo9tz5g]

I first heard this song back in 1970 when I was in basic training. They drilled it in our heads day after day that we were going to Vietnam and many of us wouldn't come back and we may as well get used to it. The majority of us were still teenagers and dumb about the world but quickly grew up. The world back then was crazy and politicians didn't care if you lived or died.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

do they care today?

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

@@Kate-hu5uz why do you thank him for his service, was the US under attack?

[@shemanic1]

The Best anti-war song & one I play every year, on vinyl, at festivals in the U.K. This should still be an anthem heard often now.

[@KevinRCarr]

I have loved this song since the first time I heard it explode out of the am clock radio at my bedside when I was about 6th grade, in the middle of the Viet Nam war. It's like a kick in the stomach. Edwin Starr was many years before Elvis Costello.

[@AncientActivist]

"What's so funny about peace, love, and understanding?"

[@AliasMark69]

My 68 Chevy Camaro... Craig Cassette Player... 200 Watts. 4 speakers, CRANKING this song at Newport Beach Pier gets lots of peoples attention and reactions.

[@wendyryder2708]

I’m sure it would! lol!

[@SCVIndy]

Has a 69 Z28 when this song released

[@Martin.Wilson]

I bought this album when it came out in the summer of 1970 at the height of the war in Vietnam. It was explosive and raw.....the pain and anger in the vocals is stunning. The lyrics pulled no punches and are just as relevant today as they were 54 yrs ago when this was recorded. For me, War and Masters of War by Bob Dylan are the two best anti-war songs ever recorded.

[@RicoCosta317]

Definitely the best antiwar song ever IMO. Powerful isn't the word. Great reaction as well. Thanks, brother!

[@rabanmartine3902]

In an another style you also have "The Vietnam song from Country Joe and the fish at Woodstock. Same strong message.

[@RicoCosta317]

@@rabanmartine3902 Of course that's great, as are Masters of War by Dylan, Gimme Shelter, Lives In The Balance by Jackson Browne, BYOB by SOAD, etc etc. It's just that, as JM alluded to, War was more commercial and thus reached many more peopleplus the raw power of the vocals, music arrangement, lyrics and production, makes it the best ever in my view.

[@JFinSD2]

Fortunate Son by CCR is another good anti-war song.

[@remmymafia3889]

Totally agree (b 1955). Starr's piece hits all the points,....and hard! He sings hard as the situation (Vietnam War) called for at the time.

[@rebeccabrown2483]

Love that song, and you are right it is good all the way around. I've always loved singing that song!

[@cletushouse906]

Great song. Nothing could be more true.

[@anthonyblakely399]

Powerful song!!! Relevant for today!

[@mattshaw6180]

This song is a visceral gut-punch of a protest song. A brilliant companion piece you should hear is the "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag" by Country Joe and the Fish; that one's a sarcastic/satirical slam at the American consumerism and conformism that wanted the Vietnam war. It was a crowd-pleaser at Woodstock!

[@bugvswindshield]

this one always hits me in the gut! HUUH!

[@scottchapin2323]

This song is still relevant today, how sad that we have learned nothing.

[@garygoodrich7495]

This song still gives me chills. The draft ended not too far from my 18th birthday...this song and other anti-Vietnam war songs were getting more of my attention back then as it was still raging and my 18th birthday was rapidly approaching. I breathed a sigh of relief when they ended the draft and we pulled out not too long after that. This song brings back those memories. Maybe the greatest anti-war song ever!!!

[@spoonerfive]

Really enjoyed this particular reaction to a historically important protest song that rocks.! Edwin Starr was well before Elvis Costello. I also love "What's So Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding" A great message from Elvis and a ROCKER, too! Another popular protest song from the 60's was "Eve of Destruction", by Sgt. Barry McGuire. Check it out, the lyrics still apply today, 60 years later.

[@barryhickman6911]

AMEN brother!

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

War can't give life, it can only take it away. Are you listening MERICA!

[@marybill1429]

What a great song so true

[@user-cq6yz4pk8p]

This was first offered to the Temptations, during the Dennis Edwards era, but they turned it down, so Edwin Starr released his version, and it became a massive hit. The Temptations ended up doing a very similar, clearly inspired-by, song of their own called Ball of Confusion. If you love this, I highly recommend checking out Ball of Confusion by the Temptations.

[@jabreck1934]

Music and history correspond with each other. The draft ended in 1972. Fighting ended in 1975.

[@KayBolinger-ec2vw]

25 Miles is another great one by Edwin Starr!

[@brianmoon1058]

First time I heard this was in I'm Gonna Get You Sucka. Loved it ever since

[@andythrush3341]

This song breaks the "sounds of silence" spoken about in the "The Sound of Silence" song. Silence like a cancer grows...

[@paulward1799]

I had this song on a 45rpm record!

[@lorilxn1597]

Love this song, been loving it for decades

[@soozkoozhooz5902]

My best friend and I were 13. She had the 45. We blasted this song until the record was warped. (well, the warped part is an exaggeration) 😎😎 Good God ya'll PS you still hold first place on KZbin for best smile. 😁😁

[@Randsurfer]

So glad Edwin Starr had a big hit with this. I've heard Motown thought it was too hot to handle for some of their bigger name stars.

[@suzanneprock7286]

I heard this all the time on the radio when I was in grade school, it was very popular. This came out during the Vietnam War in 1970, it's considered the greatest anti-war anthem EVER!

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

I have heard this since I was a child. Always sing with it. Your reaction was well done. Listening to the lyrics does put the emphasis on this creative, musical wonder. Thank you for sharing!

[@WillCashem]

I bought this 45 with my paper route money and couldn't wait to get home and play it.

[@JonahPedersen-tz3uk]

He’s fuckin right. Good for nothing.

[@susanpace3672]

This was when music was music.

[@sasquatch-7634]

Check out, Spirit in the Sky, Norman Greenbaum

[@jamesdalton8539]

Righteous Funk!!! 🙂

[@billterry9996]

great song

[@TheCornishCockney]

Edwin came to England and loved it since much,he stayed, In Warwickshire,he became an Earl of some kind and wore country gentleman clothes. Soul with a powerful message.

[@sammcclurkin146]

Amen ❤

[@vernhoke7730]

Love this song, would hear it on the radio all the time. It's been covered a few times. Being from New Jersey, the one I've heard live is Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's 1986 cover.

[@dannycasson1551]

I haven't heard this in forever! What a great song. There are no weak parts whatsoever. You broke it down perfectly (as usual!)

[@sharonmcdonald6299]

tough!

[@csutton161]

absolutely NOTHING, one of my favorite songs, not just for the killer vocals and background music, but for the message! A message people today need to hear.

[@reddoxx4754]

And now, if you haven't reacted to it already, you might like Edwin Starr's "25 Miles".

[@sammybeck7794]

I had forgotten all about the song 25 miles till I read your comment. I have had this song embedded in the back of my brain for many years and the memory came out today. That is one of my favorite songs of his and I would love to hear it again. Thanks for bringing it up.

[@janetnadeau690]

Absolutely correct! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing! It needs to STOP! Love your reactions!

[@MsRedsphere]

Just found your channel and I must say I'm enjoying as you are respecting some great music. Vietnam days Subscribed

[@TelfordO]

Have a listen to "Time" by Edwin Starr who was a Soul Icon here in the UK.

[@CandC68]

Songs that strike it home. Still... "Mr Businessman" kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGmnlGqIbr6fr5o "The Vietnam Song" kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqKzhn2erpV3sJY "Ball of Confusion" kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2rToHZ3qr6HY9U "Eve of Destruction" kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5e9h6hmltGIZqs

[@stevengill6927]

Edwin Starr has one of the coolest voices

[@user-uj7kd6mb5b]

I'm with you Jim Boy! I had the 45 "25 Miles" the opposite side was "Love is my destination" I never paid too much to this song. Perhaps because the others were catchy! Today what have we learned? How many innocent lives were lost in this dam War?

[@Colin-1964]

Visited this man’s grave many times. BIG on the Scooter Scene & actually moved to England. PROPER Entertainer!✌🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@wolftracks9010]

For powerful anti-war songs , listen to "Isabella" and "Machine Gun (live)" - live by Jimi Hendrix, "E Pluribus Funk" by Grand Funk Railroad, "Unknown Soldier" by The Doors, "Soldier Boy" by Free (Absolutely live), "Fortunate Son" by CCR and "Gone to Canada" by Jack Traylor and Steelwind (Craig Chaquico's (lead guitarist for Jefferson Starship) first appearance on any album.

[@watchwmn]

❤

[@SCVIndy]

Vietnam war was raging when this hit AM radio ..

[@karynkay328]

I met him on a promotion tour in the early 80s, loved his lyrics, have his autograph kept it all these years.

[@tcanfield]

Gordon Lightfoot did another great anti-war song “The Patriot’s Dream”, but this is the best of em’ because of the passion.

[@joannparker1977]

Love this song. All the Vietnam War did was kill young men. (No women back then.) And they were forced to go because they were drafted.

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

NO! they went there because LBJ said in his pre election speech. Vote for me and I will give you a war. So MERICA! elected him and he gave them a war.

[@valeriemoore2762]

As old hippie, l would imagine anti war songs blasting over the war zones, this one. Check out Love Train.

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Bruce Springsteen does a great cover of this brilliant song!

[@paulg6309]

I had this on 8 track lol

[@steveowens2505]

Bruce Springsteen covered as Reagan was trying to coop his songs. It’s a live take with story of going home after getting draft physical

[@Blue-qr7qe]

58,000 killed in Vietnam for what?!

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

money. your figures are for US soldiers, yet you kindly omitted the ones the US murdered.

[@davidrichards6509]

Now you have at least ONE proper pop culture reference that SHOULD be MANDATORY in Internet law before you're permitted to watch for the first time and react to Rush Hour and then post to KZbin🤣 Edwin Starr and this song were a foundational influence on the musical genre called "funk"

[@user-bt1yk2tt9y]

Edwin star was out well before elvis costello

[@2GunRock]

JOMBOY, checkout "HAPPY RADIO" by Edwin Starr, the 6 Mins and 35 Secs club version. You'll see where Pharrell stole the idea, but Starr's long version is so much better.

[@Fairygrl_TW]

Great, great anti-war song. Being a protesting teen in the 70s, songs like this gave us drive to overcome backlash. War, h'uh...what is it good for, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Hate that the poor have to fight and sacrifice everything for the war mongers who start them. Thanx so much, take care, Peace

[@bjm9071]

And this song became popular again after that Seinfeld episode! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH7TkH6YadqdrcUsi=u6_FQM292QMlD91F

[@Kate-hu5uz]

Also 'Rush Hour' with Chris Tucker

[@Battle_Faith-Ministries]

Rush Hour made this song famous again

[@RuthKing-wm9nw]

Tell it. Absolutely nothin' The war tore this country and families apart. The evening news gave us the body count of how many of our young men had died that day. I was 18 and we all lost someone.

[@owl-gd6ce]

OMG what is it doing for ...absolteley doing nothing ! yes

[@salsonny]

Good God ya'all

[@creinicke1000]

It's a powerful song and voice.. BUT.. very naive because if we don't fight back against evil then evil rules. this song was product of the vietnam war when we seemed to be sending our young me to die.. we were mean to the returning men.. our government wouldn't support the soldiers and left them to fight in the dirt. I was a stupid teenager going to antiwar protests led by communists and socialist but I had no clue.

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

Finding the good stuff huh?

[@Dan-cf2hq]

*Promosm*