A bombastic re-imagining of a classic, roaring with raw energy and unexpected commercial might.
There are cover songs, and then there are transformations. When Grand Funk Railroad unleashed their version of “The Locomotion” upon the world in 1974, they didn’t just re-record a familiar tune; they detonated it, rebuilt it from the ground up with their signature blend of raw power and unbridled enthusiasm, and sent it hurtling up the charts with the force of a runaway train. For those who lived through the seismic shifts in popular music during the 1970s, this track wasn’t just a hit; it was a moment of delightful bewilderment, a hard-rocking curveball from a band known for its heavy, blues-infused originals. It stands as a vibrant testament to Grand Funk’s ability to inject their unique, blue-collar swagger into anything they touched, proving that even a seemingly innocuous pop ditty could be transmuted into a thunderous rock anthem.
The story of “The Locomotion” as a chart phenomenon is a fascinating one, particularly in the context of Grand Funk Railroad’s career. Originally a massive hit for Little Eva in 1962 (written by the legendary Carole King and Gerry Goffin), and later a top ten hit for Kylie Minogue in 1988, Grand Funk’s version brought the song to a whole new generation and genre. Released as a single from their eighth studio album, ‘Shinin’ On’, in 1974, “The Locomotion” became Grand Funk Railroad’s second, and ultimately final, No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. This was a remarkable achievement, following their previous chart-topper “We’re an American Band,” and solidified their status as a major commercial force in American rock music. It also performed well internationally, reaching the Top 50 in Canada and other territories. This commercial success was particularly notable because it showcased a deliberate pivot in their sound, a conscious effort orchestrated by producer Todd Rundgren to make the band more accessible while retaining their undeniable power.
The genesis of Grand Funk’s “The Locomotion” is intrinsically linked to the vision of producer Todd Rundgren. Having already guided them to success with “We’re an American Band,” Rundgren understood the band’s immense live energy and raw appeal, but also recognized the potential for them to broaden their audience without compromising their identity. The idea to cover “The Locomotion” was reportedly Rundgren’s, a brilliant, almost mischievous, suggestion that paid off in spades. He saw the potential to take a simple, universally recognized melody and infuse it with Grand Funk’s trademark crunching guitars, driving basslines, and Don Brewer’s powerful, almost frenetic drumming. The result was a track that pulsed with an infectious energy, a joyous, no-holds-barred rendition that dared listeners not to move. Mark Farner’s distinct vocals, while different from Little Eva’s, brought a gruff charm and undeniable rock credibility to the party, transforming the innocent dance number into a celebration of uninhibited rock ‘n’ roll liberation.
For those of us who remember the vibrant, often chaotic, musical landscape of the mid-70s, Grand Funk Railroad’s “The Locomotion” is more than just a song; it’s a nostalgic jolt. It conjures images of late-night drives with the radio blasting, of dance floors (or living rooms) erupting in spontaneous movement, and of the sheer, unadulterated joy of hearing a familiar tune given an exhilarating, unexpected new lease on life. It speaks to that era’s willingness to cross genre boundaries, to defy expectations, and to embrace music that simply felt good. Hearing it today brings forth memories of youthful exuberance, of a time when rock music, even when playing with pop tropes, still felt gloriously untamed and brimming with a spirit of rebellious fun. It reminds us of a moment when a band known for its deep cuts and extended jams could effortlessly conquer the pop charts with a song that was, at its heart, about the simple, undeniable pleasure of movement – a pleasure that Grand Funk Railroad delivered in spades, shaking listeners to their very core with every powerful beat.