Which soul group had the hit "Brick House" in 1977?

Which soul group had the hit “Brick House” in 1977? The answer is the Commodores.

“Brick House” appeared on the Commodores’ 1977 self-titled album and was released as a Motown single that August. The funky track featured Walter Orange on lead vocals and a prominent bass part from Ronald LaPread, while Lionel Richie was part of the group’s broader vocal and instrumental lineup.

The song reached No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the U.S. R&B chart. Its title refers to a strongly built woman, drawing on the expression “built like a brick house.” The chorus uses a deliberate pause to imply the more vulgar original phrase without singing it directly.

“Brick House” is often grouped with the Commodores’ softer hits, especially “Easy,” but the two songs showcase very different sides of the band. “Easy” is a ballad led by Richie; “Brick House” is a rhythm-driven funk performance led by Orange.