Day 18: The Stylistics - The Stylistics
Sweet Philly Soul
Note: This post is part of a series where I listen to an album each day in December. Past posts can be found on my substack. All hyperlinked songs go to Spotify links, Youtube links can be found at the end of the post.
I have a sweet spot for the guy groups of the late 60s and 70s. The Four Tops, The O’Jays, The Chi-Lites, you name it I’ve probably heard at least their greatest hits. The Stylistics are high up on my list of favorites and their self-titled debut album is proof why.
The Stylistics was released in 1971 featuring lead vocalist Russell Tompkins Jr. and produced by Thom Bell, who was a collaborator of the music duo Gamble and Huff. The other group members were Airrion Love, Herb Murrell, James Dunn, and James Smith. There are claims that these members did not actually sing the male backing vocals throughout the album but by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Thom Bell, Carl Helm, or Bunny Sigler. Regardless of who sang them, they’re a strong support to the falsetto of Tompkins and blend beautifully with the studio band MFSB. The album’s popularity was undeniable with it reaching number three on the Billboard R&B charts and five of its singles reaching the top 10. Following in the successful footsteps of the Delfonics, the Stylistics were a sign of what was to come of male vocal groups and the blend of lush orchestral arrangements and groove of Philadelphia International.
The album is half ballads half mid-tempo tunes that are true to the sweet soul energy of the group. The love songs from the record are by far the most popular with “Betcha By Golly, Wow,” “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart),” and “You are Everything” all appearing on the same LP. This record also features protest song “People Make the World Go Round” and a personal favorite “If I Love You.”
What sets the collection of music apart for me are the arrangements by Thom Bell. There is so much sonic beauty wrapped up in the orchestral approach that would only gain popularity throughout the disco era. The oboe acts as an important guiding voice on this album, which adds to the romantic nature of the lyrics and voices. The album sounds of the period it was recorded in, but not in a dated or cliche way. Much of the track list stands the test of time, which I attribute to the musicality of MFSB.
Overall, this album is a romantic listen that I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting, especially since many of my favorite songs are on this record. If you decide to listen, these are a few of my favorite tracks.
“You are Everything” (the introduction is gorgeous)
Until Tomorrow,
Emily
Listen to The Stylistics on YouTube
Betcha By Golly Wow!
great read! a great follow-up to this would be MFSB's Mysteries of the World which is some wild futuristic jazz funk fusion