Latimore, Let’s Straighten It Out | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 105th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Let’s Straighten It Out” by blues and soul musician Latimore.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 105^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Let’s Straighten It Out” performed by Latimore.

“Now, how in the hell you expect me to understand? / When I don’t even know what’s wrong.” Facts, Latimore (Benjamin William Lattimore, 1939 – ).  The gifted blues and soul musician dropped a classic with “Let’s Straighten It Out”.  It was first released as the fourth track on his 1974 album, More, More, More.  Later, he re-recorded it on his 1983 album, I’ll Do Anything For You, released via Malaco. Here, we focus solely on the original, which he composed, and, unsurprisingly, has been covered by various other musicians. “Let’s Straighten It Out” impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Notably, it spent two weeks atop the Hot Soul singles, now published as the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

“Let’s Straighten It Out” is set in a minor key. The instrumental dominates nearly the first two minutes of the song. It catches the ear with a distinct drum riff that commences the delightful musical journey. “Let’s Straighten It Out” benefits from a fantastic drum groove, anchoring bass line, and a brilliant-sounding keyboard, which initially comps a simple, syncopated rhythm. Eventually, those keys deliver a bluesy solo, performing some great licks and riffs. Latimore sings his first note nearly two minutes in.  He sings expressively, sincerely, and soulfully.  His tone is marvelous. He is trying to get to the bottom of the situation. “Now, if you tired ‘n’ you don’t wan’ be bothered, baby / Just say the word and I’ll leave you ‘lone,” he sings in the second verse, concluding, “Instead of layin’ out cryin’ yo’ eyes out, baby / You and me oughta be getting it on.” Sex is better than tears… He truly brings the oomph to the second verse. Latimore gets the assistance of background vocals in the chorus, upping the ante. During the song’s centerpiece, he maintains his authenticity and energy, but never over sings. It’s giving a cool but potent energy, nonetheless.

“Let’s straighten it out, baby

Let’s straighten it out, honey

Let’s straighten it out

Let’s straighten it out.”

Latimore kills it on “Let’s Straighten Out”.  The musicianship is top-notch in every aspect.  Nothing more needs to be said!