Day 27: Message In The Music- The O'Jays
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.
Though associated with their primary record label Philidelphia International, The O’Jays originated in Canton, Ohio. Early in their career, they were known as The Mascots and The Triumphs, but by the time Gamble and Huff signed the group to Philidelphia International, they had already become The O’Jays. Their namesake Celeveland’s WABQ DJ Eddie O’Jay.
Message in the Music was released in 1976 and featured Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, and William Powell (this would be his last record with the group before his death). The O’Jays were no strangers to making “message songs” or bringing politics into their music. The four albums they had released on the label before Message in the Music featured songs like “Gotta Give the People What They Want,” “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money,” and “Family Reunion.” Message in the Music follows in the footsteps of these albums and loudly proclaims that there is a social message not to be ignored. In the liner notes, Kenneth Gamble co-writer of 6 out of the 8 songs on the album writes,
In this day of confusion, we must find the root of the problem in order to solve it.
The problem is a lack of truth and communication among man and woman. Therefore, the wrong interpretation of life and life's purpose has been exposed.
The word with music is one of the strongest, if not the strongest means of communication on the planet Earth.
Music is the first means of communication known to man.
It is the only natural science known to man.
We choose to 'make a joyful noise unto the Lord' only to help vindicate His name. So His will can be done.
The word with music can do it's part to calm the savage beast that lives in every man.
The message is PEACE.
The message is LOVE.
The message is WISDOM.
The message is UNDERSTANDING.
The message is UNITY.
The message is dedicated to truth and justice for all mankind.
Man Understanding Spiritual Information Clearly
''Understand while you dance''
-Kenneth Gamble
Though Message in the Music isn’t my favorite record from the O’Jays, it does hold to Gamble’s promise of communication. The message in this album isn’t controversial, but rather a starting point. A thought-provoking selection of songs that both comfort and encourage the beginning of a conversation.
The first track “Message in our Music” functions well as an introduction to the musical discussion. It is upbeat and danceable, acting as a Trojan horse inviting listeners to enjoy and prepare for the themes to come. “A Prayer” slows things down with a humble call to God. “Paradise” is a standard fare love song that reminds me of the Isley Brothers’ sound from albums like 1971’s Givin’ It Back (“Love the One You’re With” in particular) or their album from 1976, Harvest for the World. The use of the acoustic guitar in the beginning felt different from what is normally part of the TSOP instrumentation. My favorite song on the album has always been “Darlin’ Darlin Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love)” which is where my listening inadvertently started today. Originally I wanted to write and listen to Big Pun’s Capital Punishment which features “I’m Not a Player” (explicit content) and the iconic sample of “Darlin’ Darlin Baby.” I figured I would stick with the source material as it is one of my all-time favorite songs.
Overall, Message in the Music is always a pleasant listen and another success for the O’Jays as it certified gold and hit number 2 on the Billboard R&B Charts and 20 on the pop charts.
Until Tomorrow,
Emily
Listen to Message in the Music on YouTube