Ohio Players Songs Ranked

Ohio Players were an American funk band, most popular in the 1970s. They are best known for their songs “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster”; as well as for their erotic album covers that featured nude or nearly nude women. Many of the women were models featured in Playboy. The singles “Funky Worm”, “Skin Tight”, “Fire”, and “Love Rollercoaster”; as well as their albums Skin Tight, Fire, and Honey, were awarded Gold certifications. On August 17, 2013, Ohio Players were inducted into the inaugural class of the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame that took place at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. Here are all of Ohio Players albums ranked.

Don’t miss out on the music of Ohio Players. Click below and listen to the timeless songs of this funk-rock band.

12. It’s All Over (Fire, 1974)

“This is an absolute funky jam, and it’s got everything you’d want from a funk hit of the era. Catchy-ass rhythmic guitar riffs? Hell yeah! Killer horn sections? Of course! A bassline to die for? I mean, obviously, right? It’s also got some nice little atmospheric synth parts to add that feeling that you’re not just dancing, but dancing in space (or something). Killer tune.”

11. Fopp (Honey, 1975)

“Funk legends” is an appropriate title for the Ohio Players, who were part of the inaugural of the R&B Hall of Fame (not that I particularly care for any HoFs, but it speaks of their recognition). Sadly, most of them have passed by now, but their cultural impact remains. “Fopp” isn’t their most well-remembered song, but I’d argue it’s actually one of the best in the entire genre.”

10. Singing in the Morning (Pain, 1972)

“One of the funkier and more soulful tracks on the album, with a terrific ending. Brilliant, piercing guitar licks from Sugarfoot and old-timey piano fills by Junie.”

9. Players Balling (Pain, 1972)

“The Players repeat this bit of superior funkification on the laid-back groover “Players Balling (Players Doing Their Own Thing)”, another loose instrumental riddled with – at times hilarious – adlibs from various bandmembers. More supreme funkin’ here, with Junie’s piano riffs riding through the thang like a freight train.”

See more: Ohio Players Albums Ranked

8. Sweet Sticky Thing (Honey, 1975)

“Sweet Sticky Thing”, features an amazing horn arrangement, that remains funky yet, soulful at the same time. The Ohio Players are perfectionists when it comes to doing love songs, and this is no exception.”

7. Jive Turkey (Skin Tight, 1974)

“The taut funk of the title track and ‘jive turkey’ was the best of the uptempo material . The lush ‘heaven must be like this’ the best of the slower.”

6. Skin Tight (Skin Tight, 1974)

“Skin Tight is an uneven album in that for every mediocre tune on here, there is an excellent tune to offset it…there are only six in total.”

See more: Earth, Wind, & Fire Albums Ranked

5. Pride and Vanity (Pleasure, 1972)

“Pride and Vanity” is like a catalogue of all members instrumental aptitudes, a meandering piece where everyone is invited front stage at one moment or another and brief passages with vocals make sure no one and nothing is forgotten”

4. Here Today And Gone Tomorrow (Observations in Time, 1968)

“The Ohio Players took a more artistic, fulfilling approach here with their follow-up; a more personal, soulful release with a mostly mellow tone. It works very well, and it’s nice to see that the band found its footing this early on.”

3. Funky Worm (Pleasure, 1972)

“Of course everybody loves “Funky Worm”, especially those hip hop heads. “Funky Worm”, a staple for West Coast hip hop scene and it truly is a great fun track, not only for the amazing synthesizer lead but the pitched voice which is supposed to resemble a worm is fun little concept.”

2. Fire (Fire, 1974)

“Some songs go beyond funky and end up FAWN-ky. This is one such song. Wonderful groove that has some rather silly lyrics (“the way you push, push, let me know that, ha ha ha, you’re gonna get your wish!”). But the FAWNK is deep enough that you’ll let them get away with it.”

1. Love Rollercoaster (Honey, 1975)

“This is an absolute funky jam, and it’s got everything you’d want from a funk hit of the era. Catchy-ass rhythmic guitar riffs? Hell yeah! Killer horn sections? Of course! A bassline to die for? I mean, obviously, right? It’s also got some nice little atmospheric synth parts to add that feeling that you’re not just dancing, but dancing in space (or something). Killer tune.”