SOS Band featuring backing vocals by Alexander O'Neal - "The Finest"

[@rodneylittlejr.2018]

The S.O.S. Band was one of the most unappreciated bands in the 1980s. You have EWF....you have Kool & The Gang....but this group was right there with those other superbands.

[@theloverswineverytime1625]

Word. SOS was FA REAL.

[@tbee1575]

Say it again!!! Saw them in concert and almost passed out!! 😂

[@nickj3513]

Rodney Little Jr don't forget about Midnight Star, Atlantic Star, Gap Band and Phil Collins and Genius!!

[@anthonybaker7014]

But that wasn't Alexander O'Neil face

[@IRON5]

I'll throw Slave in there too as being an underrated band of the 80s as well...

[@BEPRODUCTIONSTV]

The very best time in music. Long live real black music. Who still listening in 2020.

[@martinacarter3050]

Me.... damn I love this shit!!

[@theequaliser8026]

Still loving it 2020

[@GiuseppePascuale928]

Still listening and always will be, too!

[@Shontise_Shonie]

My Jam!!!

[@kiheenrose4883]

Be Productions SAY THAT !!!!!! TRUTH !!!!

[@MarcG7424]

Alexander O'Neal had one of those unmistakable crooner voices you know it anywhere

[@LurlinHunter]

Yes he did I was ten I think that I was ten when this song came out or 12 I can not remember what year that it came out

[@hardin54]

Prayers up for lady Mary Davis, I hear she is in the hospital for a while now. God's healing , strength and comfort to her always !

[@hardin54]

per patty jackson youtube channel - video of sept 28, 2020

[@mahoganybrown6607]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@morewithles2738]

Praying in JESUS name

[@NDGOCHYLD]

@@hardin54 my God. Prayers!

[@TheBbtlegit]

Prayers.

[@JBSauce]

Love that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis production, you can hear it in everything they touched.

[@ZeeKeeisme]

As you mentioned that I can now hear it.

[@nakdot46]

Every BBQ, Reunion, Bday Party and Wedding had this in rotation.

[@nakdot46]

Boring Prince?? Never heard anyone say that about that genius. Yeah we rocked him to.

[@theghosttiger1446]

@@nakdot46sorry that was disrespectful. I just never got into him like that, he was very talented and worked hard everyone loved him, maybe I was jealous lol. Plus he dissed my and fired my favorite producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. But ultimately he dissed Alexander Oneal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIKbpGBrYtyJms0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5rSq5WVbamUpLM

[@oliverv291]

Summer of 1986 NYC !

[@nakdot46]

@@theghosttiger1446 I was a little salted he was a douche at times but can't deny greatness.

[@theghosttiger1446]

@@nakdot46 thats right.

[@soulnspired]

I love that she pronounces all of her words. Just a beautiful voice.

[@Cornbread-gi6kt]

Back when working hard all week then couldn’t wait until Fridays and Saturdays made working worth it.

[@lalamega1146]

The 80’ and the 90’s were still the eras where u saw great bands. People actually had talent; could write, could play real instruments, and no auto tunes needed!!!!

[@smoothoperator7023]

U don't think the 70's had great bands?

[@StacyDaFunkBoogie]

She’s one of the best vocalist ever, smooth as silk!

[@mustseeplaces3475]

Who is she?

[@Glenn-lg3rx]

And How

[@Glenn-lg3rx]

@@mustseeplaces3475 YOU WILL NEVER KNOW TO HAVE ASKED

[@rlhmarines]

@@mustseeplaces3475..Ms Mary Davis from Savannah,Ga..my jr high school shop teachers sister

[@rlhmarines]

@@mustseeplaces3475..Ms Mary Davis on lead vocals ❤

[@hollis68]

Hands down, Mary Davis is the GOAT. No debate. Period. Game over. Thanks for playing.

[@steel072]

All these years I KNEWWWW something sounded familiar about those vocals! I can’t believe I didn’t piece it together. Alexander O’Neal?! Gosh darn-it! Love this song even more now

[@lavery0365]

Alex was the man at one time, I love all his music especially his Holiday music, that all I play, him, Luther & old skool holiday, Donny Hathaway!

[@tall3431]

Very underappreciated group and Alexander O'Neal was fantastic

[@louier3846]

Ahh 80's music, best ever, no smart phones, no social media, America was just fun... and then, there is... today...😢

[@RobertClaeson]

Yes... what happened?

[@noneya7297]

I went to a SOS Band concert in Hawaii at the Blaisdell Arena I was 8 years old, it was my first concert. I had fun ❤

[@C2Different]

Now This was real music ❤ I miss this music when I was growing 🆙😍

[@noneofyourbusiness1990]

SOS Band ... they will never get old ... they are already legends ... I basically grew up with their music ...

[@TommieGun71]

The 80's had some of the best music ever recorded.

[@5rangs5rangs23]

ITS 2024 AND THIS BEAUTIFUL SONG 🎵 NEVER GETS OLD 🔥👏🏿💪🏿🎤

[@strengthforthejourney]

2024...and forever!

[@e-jaythesupreme1504]

I heard that the lead singer of the SOS Band Mary Davis is in the hospital. Please keep her in prayer! Someone told me that Patty Jackson's vlog mentioned it! STAY STRONG Ms. Mary!!! The Finest is one of my favorites!!! SOS is the best!!! Alex knocks it out of the park with this classic!

[@brownin329]

They said she got out last week. She is at home.

[@e-jaythesupreme1504]

@@brownin329 Praise God!!!

[@e-jaythesupreme1504]

@@brownin329 Thank you Jesus!!! And Thank you @brownin329 for the update!!!

[@SoulSir5vr]

Although he was already an established artist, this song truly put uncle Alex on the map!!! I ♥️ this song so much!!!!💯💯💯

[@SoulSir5vr]

@Suga Booga No argument at all. This particular song put him on the map for me. I was a preteen when the song the finest hit the charts. That's when uncle Alex was first revealed to me! I am aware that he was an already popular artist in Chicago with Erect records as well as in Minneapolis. Believe me, I for one would never taint the legendary Alexander Oneal!!!😊

[@marca.caldwell2472]

Always appreciated in my neck of the woods. As is Alexander O'Neal. And mu state produced great soul r&b late 70's&all 80's! Natchez Miss stand up!

[@Zaxxi5]

Still a Super Bad Jam in 2020!!!

[@nazb33]

Great mime by not-Alex. This has to be one of the greatest tracks of the 80s

[@lisagrace8725]

Maybe Alex was unavailable #crackiswhack!

[@GEMINININE-sl4xn]

Lol!.. I kno Y they say Alexander?!

[@d.knight941]

That is Alexander O'Neal on this song. Google it in Wikipedia and this is what is says: The Finest" is a 1986 hit single for the American band The S.O.S. Band. It is the fifth track on their sixth studio album Sands of Time and it is one of the group's last songs to feature the vocals of original lead singer Mary Davis. R&B singer, Alexander O'Neal shares vocals with Mary Davis. "The Finest" was a major success on the US R&B charts, reaching number two and was their last entry on the Hot 100, where it peaked at number 44.[1] On the dance charts, "The Finest" peaked at number eight[2] and was also their second top 20 hit on the UK Singles chart, reaching number 17.

[@nazb33]

@@d.knight941 I know it's Alex on the track. I've been listening to him for nearly 40 years. It's just not him on stage. It's not an issue.

[@d.knight941]

@@nazb33 4sho bruh! Dude came out on stage singing Alex's part looking like "Al B. I'm Not Sure" 😂😂

[@bubbabb8464]

makes me miss the 80s even more 😭

[@latrinarandolph66]

Me too

[@islandsurveyor]

Wow! Never seen Alexander O'Neal at this age before today. Still sounding good in 2023.

[@officialalexanderoneal]

Alex is not in the video

[@marshalltravis3217]

Takes me back to the Eagles nest on Wiesbaden Air Force Base in West Germany, 1986. What a righteous time to be alive!

[@georgethom2696]

Definitely the Finest songs ever.

[@tinaharris9403]

The S.OS. Band came to the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago for New Years, I was bartending so I didn't get a chance to watch them perform, but I heard them and they were amazing wish I could have saw them perform live, And Alexander Oneil..

[@bladerunner27x]

He's vocals are so distinct, always knew it.

[@captainprototype187]

yes, me too. This is he first time it is confirmed for me though. 15 yo in 1986...

[@MrGmilton1220]

The TABU Family stuck together just as the SOLAR Family did...Music from our day & time (60s thru 80s) is TIMELESS & PRICELESS!!!!

[@pageonederful9479]

All thanks to The Black Godfather: Clarence Avant. His story is on Netflix.

S.O.S Band was my first live concert in 1984. I was 17 years old and kinda of old for first concert, but hey I got there. S.O.S was my favorite band. This is when R&B was full of originality actual instrumentation and good voices! RIP --real R & B.

[@meilleursjours24]

Saw the SOS Band last summer and the female lead said she'd just turned 75. She still sounds exactly the same though. They're still FIRE!

[@juniorchavesopicassodeyahu988]

Long live real black music✨

[@stephaniejohnson2403]

I luv, luv, luv it!!!!! Luv the SOS band but to realize Alex sang background vocals is definitely the icing on the cake. Wow!!! Thanks Alex for letting us n on ur secret. I’ve listened to that song forever and with Alex’s voice and the female lead singer no wonder this song is great then and still n 2020. SOS band is on my playlist. This again proves Alex is definitely the MAN and the MAN with that incredible voice. A forever fan of Alex since the 80’s that luv’s Alexander O’Neal and his music.🥰✌🏿

[@FreddieFreethinking]

This Masterpiece Is Without A Doubt One Of The Greatest Soul Jams In Music History. 😎

[@mikk4185]

This brings back good memories. I received a $400 Sony D5 portable CD player and this CD in 86 for my 13th birthday. Alex didn’t get too much credit for the shared vocals. His voice is golden. And he always shines through on any project because he works well with others even if it’s not reciprocal because he’s a professional even in lieu of hard times. ❤️

[@faruqal-amin1993]

I didn't remember cd's in 1986. We had cassette tapes and records.

[@pageonederful9479]

Alex & Cherrelle’s name were printed on the inner lp sleeve/j-card on the cassette/cd as ‘Special Guest Vocalist’

[@Villanelle2k24]

I was a kid in 86 and knew this was Alexander singing.

[@truandliving]

Yeah, I don't remember no CDs in 86 either🤔

[@mikk4185]

@@faruqal-amin1993 There were CDs. Springsteen came out 1985 but I was into euro Sting, Tears for Fears, and Bowie also. And many others worldwide.

[@theloverswineverytime1625]

I'm surprised alot of folks never knew that that Alex was on this track. I've known it was him since the song came out in '86.

[@xyere4984]

I never knew it and this is one of my favorite songs and groups. How'd I miss that? But that most assuredly, is Alex. 34 years later I get it 🙄

[@abvthlw]

That voice is unmistakable, ain't it!

[@LeonardTaylor700]

Man the summer in the 80’s Brooklyn.... I was a kid but I remember this song being everywhere 👏🏾❤️❤️💯

[@akinchinnery1167]

Me too😊☝🏿❣

[@kevinmartin9732]

No doubt!

[@queenladybug1702]

I had no idea Alexander O'Neal sung this song with the SOS Band ❤

[@theequaliser8026]

Was lucky enough to be on stage with Alex back in the day amazing times

[@tbee1575]

Really???? How cool!!!

[@theloverswineverytime1625]

😔

[@TheBbtlegit]

I would have loved to play behind Alexander o neal.

[@BoomerKid1965]

38 years ago and nothing missed. It is so great song. The finest.

[@princephillip1481]

Maaan i think i've played this almost ten times...think i'm in love with someone..... God Is Good!!! 🙂🙃👍

[@AlfredoHernandez-vr3wc]

I remember this song when it came out.I use to record songs I liked as a kid growing up sitting the bedroom floor with my radio cassette tape recorder and use to hate missing the beginning or the stupid radio announcer still talking during beginning of a song or playing ending short or start talking towards the ending of a song,hated that part.i think radio announcements do it on purpose probably know people like me recording songs off the radio station.remember recording radio music in and out other radio station interruptions music,getting country music coming into my RnB music.Mann times have changed alot over the years.

[@brettclouse5905]

Much thank to Alexander O'Neal, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis & S.O.S. Band for the great music you gave us all. Be from M.P.L.S. MN. I grew up in the best time in the Mn music seen it was a great time & memories. I roller skated too all of these 4 legionary artist songs back in the days. My MN. music education came from (Roller Gardens) & K.M.OJ, KFAI & KBEM back in the 70's - 90's. What was wild a good hand full of Mn. artists were roller skaters & met a few of them. The 1st songs i skated to of Alex. was Innocent, S.OS. Band was S.O.S dit dit dit dash dit dit, The Time Get it up. Dance to there music when the club seen blew up. & DJed there music from the house parties era to the clubs. Yes i still have there lps. 12"s & some cds. Herd Jam & Lewis/Ann Nesby - Til i found you late 2019 wondering when that lp. will be released?? Hopefully maybe Alex. + S.O.S Band too release music? Hope Mary from S.O.S get well soon. Thank you again. *****

Wow! Never knew Alexander O'neal sand with the S.O.S band! THIS was REAL r&b and I miss these days so much. No breast or booty exposed just classiness, real instruments and true singing!

[@chicbxbecerril6985]

Everybody here listening to this is in the late 40s or in the mid 50s good memories

[@keithdavis9633]

Early 60

[@ver2uswoman]

Man Alex smooth voice was everywhere!

[@misterg3627]

She has a beautiful voice.

[@darrensmith8158]

October 2024 who's with me. 🎉

[@thomasreeskenyon6]

So good to play this never.get sick of this .nothing now means anything.bring back soul and the great bands.could someone reading this agree and get it back please🎉

[@messynthwave80s27]

HOW I LOVEEEEEEEE THIS SONG!!!! I born in 85, but how I'd like to live this moments

[@deloisjackson125]

I’ve always loved this song 🎶. This is when music 🎶 was music 🎶. The Finest 💃💃💃💃💃💃❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.

[@Liberty4All100]

This music will never be matched in all of human history

[@gavinogarcia1590]

That's right ! Somebody !! Now , this is some good "Old Skool Music 🎶👌🎵..... PurO ! 80's ..... 👌😎👌

[@dolphus32]

1986... and the 80’s. Those were some great years

[@1Dub79]

I was in first grade at the time. Despite being that young, I remember this song, very well.

[@rmhaime]

What a revelation to me. Thank you Alex for giving us some of the best vocals in R&B. Great track! Greetings from Suriname. Be safe y'all🙂

[@tia.tt_]

Alex’s voice is so distinct 💛

[@DisneyInDepth]

Alexander O'Neal has one of the most distinctive voices ever. Obviously that's not Alex in the video but the two voices together in this song are perfect.

[@kiheenrose4883]

EPIC ALBUM!!!! I listen to it at least 3-4 days of the week !!!! Facts!!!! 🙏🏾💯👍🏾

[@teepride9054]

Sending Prayers to Mary one of the Best Band to ever do it.🙏💝🎤🎼📀🎹🥁🎸💙🎷🎵🎺💕🙏

[@abrahamjackson6019]

I miss the 80's.

[@erolsobutay8206]

Abraham i missed the 80s to brother.

[@virgilrichardson6816]

The best music

[@kaycar6804]

I haven’t heard this jammmm in a long time.... when quality music was being played.

[@georgiagurlgamingx3237]

My boy Alex on backing vocals is the icing on the cake werd

[@irvingstorobert973]

LOVE TO S.O.S BAND ,JUST HEARD ALEX VOICEE WHICH I REALLY DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS HIM. HE IS ATRUE LEGEND ALWAYS IN MY WORLD!!!! PEACE BRO!! 💘

[@henryjones542]

Best band ever! I'm so grateful to have been able to grow up on this music. 80's baby

[@terrencealston370]

Classic and often played on the BIG DM FM 101.3 Sumter and Columbia South Carolina!!!!! BEST MUSIC EVER!!!!

[@AdrienneMoore-rr9xi]

I used to love this song growing up in the 80s❤ This played all the time on the radio 🥰💯

[@Walidx-gq3hz]

I was there. WDMT Cleveland loved them. So if you weren't there you can't say.

[@markm.w.3376]

They are one of the best bands even today. Mint Condition too

[@DJSoulShaker33]

Best track ever with this combination.

[@badgalruth]

One thing bout Alexander O'Neal voice it is highly recognized!!!! Love him and SOS band Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced some bad to the bone talent!!!!

[@tbearsghia1]

Spring 1980 was when I relocated to ATL and SOS was and still is the best musical group!

[@chuckanthanio]

Back in the late 70s and early 80s, the Milli Villi era was in full effect. As a DJ back then, there were two groups, the actual singers and band who made the real music and the performers, lip-sync singers and bands who did shows. I know because I often played the track when they performed. If you ever wonder that they sound just like the record, this is the real reason. Finally, that was Alexander O'Neal on the track.

[@stephaniejohnson2403]

I saw The S.O.S. band n concert and they do sound just like the record but better. They give a really good show. I was n my twenties n the 80’s and played their music all of the time dancing around n my apartment and singing n my car and for Alex to b on the song is just crazy. I should have recognized that voice cause he was the man I loved to listen to n the 80’s pure soul..smooth with sexy mixed n...yesssss!!! Forever Alex fan from the 80’s. 🥰✌🏿

[@marcjay077]

The best music is timeless! SOS Band and a legendary singer in A O'Neal this song is still fire in 2020 🔥🔥🔥

[@mmsiphonevinyls1027]

Jam & Lewis do re-use melodic nuances a lot. Here the “after all that we’ve been through” line sounds like the “warms me with her smile that glows” chorus of “Sunshine”. And it also shows up in the verse of SOS Band's "Even When You Sleep". So many have things in common, its interesting.

[@frothe42]

I had this record, bought when it came out. Love SOS Band for years!

[@本吉英一-v4m]

Masterpiece of jam&lewis

[@sherifatyakubu2614]

I MISS THE 80 MUSIC 🎶🎵🎼🎧

[@Chris-ui1nh]

Great song & group 🎶 and Alexander o'neal is a legend

[@paulkillick527]

One of my favourite soul bands of all time!!! Brilliant tune and my favourite song from these icons is two time lover absolutely superb!! The late 70s -late 80s soul funk era was the best!! From the uk incognito light of the world loose ends second image central line plus many more and of course from across the pond sos band Frankie Beverly and maze Gwen Mccrae Stevie Arrington and slave great memories ty for posting this 🇬🇧🇬🇧🙏

[@brycesoul3196]

I was born in 87 thank god all this good music

[@blacklove804]

Being a chap. Growing up in Petersburg VA. Dad stationed at Fort Lee. Good times

[@mustseeplaces3475]

I love the band SOS,❤ I can't believe that nowadays with all the technology and engineers, there aren't more producers and musicians to make quality music like the 80's 😢

[@danaterrell3099]

My favorite SOS band song. dana t.

[@dallastexxasss8260]

man i'm so glad that i could jam to this REAL music back in the 80's

[@williemo44]

Every Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced song, I can hear The Time doing it. Not to mention Alexander O’Neal was supposed to be the front man of The Time. SOS Band is dope!

[@NS-dt2bd]

How can you guys have lived through 80s R&B and not know that it is Alex O'Neil singing on this song? Lol anyway this is one of the best of SOS Band.

[@Alleycat1921]

The SOS Band was huge in Detroit during the 80s. The group's music was regularly featured on local radio stations and "The Scene", a Detroit television dance show hosted by Nat Morris.

[@charlesmumba4756]

The SOS Band Was And Will Always Be A Super Band Period

[@michaelbliss3419]

So so so good Mary Davis love love love .

[@barberhygienist227]

Thumbs Up Mr. O'Neal. Great Job.

[@darkroomcypher5388]

Alexander is that guy!! Definitely does not get the recognition as he should. Always cant wait for his part to come in. Classic joint!

[@ebnyflyer]

Real DJs still rocking this all over the world.

[@rafaelramirez3180]

Talent ! Talent ! Talent ! The finest !

[@DiabolikalFollikles]

Saw SOS Band, Confunkshun, and Cameo a few years back. The audience stayed on their feet jamming through all sets. What a blast. 🖤

[@andreesimmons5520]

Love this song! Club banger for us old heads!

[@patpete9199]

YOU'RE SO RIGHT SOS WHERE A BAND FULL OF TALENT ❤

[@alvindlee1]

Aww wow! I distinctly remember when this song first appeared on Atlanta's V-103 FM. I was a summer camp counselor at Brown High School and everyday after camp, I'd walk to the Westend train station with my WalkMan headset and my two workmates. I was 15 and I thought I knew everything! Looking high and low, looking for my Finest Love.

[@soulnspired]

No one sounds like Alex. Let me repeat, no one sounds like Alex.

[@iluvmyboba]

Let me reiterate, NO ONE.