To commemorate Black History Month, Neon Tommy has counted down the best oldies from days gone by. Sit back, relax and reflect upon the valuable lessons these songs taught us about life, love and Yogurtland cravings. 

“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King

Who can forget this timeless classic? That’s right, you can’t. There’s even been a movie about it (kinda). If Rob Reiner approves of this song, everyone should approve. 

Lesson: Movies inspired by Stephen King novellas have awesome soundtracks. 

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin

Is there a sassier oldie out there? “Respect” is one of the best songs ever written and it coincided with the civil and women’s rights movements of the 1960s. We have to say: P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

(Spelling) Lesson: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. 

“There Goes My Baby” by The Drifters

This song makes you want to go to a diner, buy a poodle skirt and watch "I Love Lucy" marathons. Let’s not forget how adorable this love song is as well.

Lesson: The 50s had better music and fast food dining options. 

“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding 

In the dead of winter, this song is a classic oldie that makes you yearn for a hot summer day by the lake sipping on lemonade. If only R&B singers would write positively mellow songs like such in today’s day and age.

Lesson: Lemonade, summer and Otis Redding are three perfect puzzle pieces. 

“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

Has there ever been a more sensual song to hit the airwaves? The answer would be no. Even if you don’t listen to this song in your spare time, you have to admit it’s been in everything-- “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Blue Chips.” 

Lesson: Never doubt a song used in “Blue Chips.”  

“Super Freak” by Rick James

Everyone loves a good song filled with innuendos and women that misbehave so badly, men can’t bring them home to their mothers. 

Lesson: Behave around men who wear Ja'mie wigs and write catchy funk tunes. 

“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder 

The great Stevie Wonder has had a plethora of hits, yet this one has got to be one of his better oldies. Though it can be interpreted as romantic, Wonder wrote it for his daughter when she was born. 

Lesson: Have daughters. 

“Sh-Boom” by The Chords

Like other songs from this era, “Sh-Boom” is a precious love tune. Granted, most of the lyrics are composed of words that aren’t actually words, but this track was in “Cars” so it is perfect by all means. 

Lesson: Any song in “Cars” is adorable. 

“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

Possibly one of the most covered singles in history, “Ain’t No Sunshine” is one of those songs made for the best voices in the business. It transcends through genres even. This song is also interpretive. Is it about a breakup? Does it detail the neediness of a man in love? Did Withers move with his love to Seattle, thus explaining the weather? Perhaps, we will never know. 

Lesson: Open the blinds once in a while. Dark rooms are so 90s.  

“I’ll Be Around” by The Spinners

This classic love song is not just applicable to romance; it transcends to family, friends, roommates, that tub of Ben & Jerry’s sitting in your fridge, etc. However, if someone who is a little too clingly starts humming this around you, watch your back. 

Lesson: Stalkers can have anthems too. 

“I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” by The Temptations 

Choosing one song by the Temptations is like choosing the best Yogurtland combination. It is impossible. This track is one of the more underrated of the Temptations, yet it deserves all the more credit. Combining two perfect things, you should subsequently sing this song to your cup of fro-yo. 

Lesson: Yogurtland is the greatest temptation. 

“Soul On Fire” by LaVern Baker

Along with “Respect,” the passion in this song is exceptional. Not to mention the beautiful LaVern Baker’s alluring voice that sounds like butter being spread on a warm biscuit. 

Lesson: Love can sometimes be equated to heartburn. 

“My Girl” by the Temptations and “My Guy” by Mary Wells

It is only appropriate to title these songs together like the mac to the other’s cheese. Both tunes are adorable and, most importantly, short and sweet. This is also the second Temptations song on the list so it’s safe to say they’re our favorite group. 

Lesson: Minimalist song titles always win. 

“You Can’t Hurry Love” by the Supremes 

There cannot be an oldies playlist without mentioning the Supremes. Love may seem like an arduous process at times, but Diana Ross and her girls remind us that you just have to wait. In the meantime, we recommend the process of waiting for “The One” be assisted by exercise, healthy eating and perhaps Netflix binging. 

Lesson: Listen to your mother. 

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Like every song on this list, there is no way to sum up how spectacular this track is. Does one mention the duet? Its transcendent message? The love story between Gaye and Terrell? The fact that we want to watch “Remember the Titans” every time after hearing it? 

Lesson: There is no mountain high enough. Except Kilimanjaro. That might be high enough.

“Who’s Lovin’ You” by the Jackson 5 

This song, written by the adorable Smokey Robinson, has been covered by just about every great “oldies” artist. However, we have to give it to the Jackson 5 for taking the cake on this one. Michael Jackson’s tender voice when he was younger can be compared to no one. We can’t imagine who he is channeling these feelings to, except maybe that lovable afro he decided to cut off. 

Lesson: Save the afros. 

“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” by the Four Tops 

What a sweet, sweet song this is. It is applicable to a multitude of emotions towards a loved one or, perhaps, pie. 

Lesson: Sometimes, you can’t help yourself when it comes to desserts. 

Reach Associate Entertainment Editor Jillian Morabito here.