THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

823-The Isley Brothers-This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You.)

1966-Number 47 single.When re-issued in 1968 it peaked at Number 3.

Best Bit-At 1.41.The Isley Brothers can boast hits in six consecutive decades, from ‘Shout’ in 1959, all the way through to ‘Contagious’ in 2001.

As the name suggests The Isley’s are brothers, who originated from Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, they officially began their singing career in 1954, with Ronald, and Ernie still performing to this day.The only member who was not a brother was Chris Jasper, who in fact was the brothers, brother-in-law,he was a band member between 1973-1983.

The Isley Brothers (see also best songs 176) only had a short stay at Motown records, between 1965-1967, when they left they found great success, when forming their own record label,’T-Neck.’

‘This Old Heart of Mine’ was written by the legendary songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland (see also best songs 969-650-553-411-212 and 148,) and Sylvia Moy (1938-2017.) Moy was a big influence on the early career of Stevie Wonder, the first hit she co-wrote with Wonder was ‘Uptight (Everything’s Alright.’) Of the songs meaning, Lamont Dozier said it was about a girl he couldn’t give up,’The more I tried, the deeper I fell.I made excuses for her, and all the wrong she did to me. She was a necessary evil that I just couldn’t overcome.’

In 1975 Rod Stewart recorded a version for his Album ‘Atlantic Crossing,’ which reached Number four in the UK. In 1989 he recorded the song again, this time as a duet with Ronald Isley, which peaked at Number 10 on Billboard.

‘But if you leave me a hundred times, a hundred times, I’ll take you back.’