Stylistics / 1971 CD The Original Debut Album (Reissue) (1998)

A masterpiece of harmony soul -- one of THE all-time greats of the genre, and a lasting treasure from The Stylistics! The album really took vocal soul to a whole new level for the 70s -- pushing from the sometimes fragile ballad style of the late 60s into a smoother, more mature sound that was impeccably produced, yet still had all the depth of feeling as before! Maestro Thom Bell is the man to thank for the greatness of this album -- as his production and musical vision really helped The Stylistics hit levels that few other groups like this were reaching at the time. Titles include their seminal long version of "People Make the World Go Round" -- which, at 6 minutes in length, was really unusual for the time. Other titles include "Stop Look & Listen", "Betcha By Golly Wow", "You're A Big Girl Now", "If I Love You", "Ebony Eyes", and "You Are Everything".

Stylistics / 1971 CD The Original Debut Album (Reissue) (1998)

A masterpiece of harmony soul -- one of THE all-time greats of the genre, and a lasting treasure from The Stylistics! The album really took vocal soul to a whole new level for the 70s -- pushing from the sometimes fragile ballad style of the late 60s into a smoother, more mature sound that was impeccably produced, yet still had all the depth of feeling as before! Maestro Thom Bell is the man to thank for the greatness of this album -- as his production and musical vision really helped The Stylistics hit levels that few other groups like this were reaching at the time. Titles include their seminal long version of "People Make the World Go Round" -- which, at 6 minutes in length, was really unusual for the time. Other titles include "Stop Look & Listen", "Betcha By Golly Wow", "You're A Big Girl Now", "If I Love You", "Ebony Eyes", and "You Are Everything".

Stylistics / 1972 / Round 2 (Reissue) (1998)

This was the Stylistics' sophomore album and it spawned three Billboard R&B Top Ten singles: "I'm Stone in Love With You," "Break Up to Make Up," and "You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)." The first two even cracked the Top Ten on the pop charts. Furthermore, there is much here to savor. The vocal quintet's version of the Carole King classic "It's Too Late" never soars or dips -- it just soothes in spite of the fateful lyric. "Children of the Night" imparts a similar mood but with a different lyrical content. The two selections "Peek-A-Boo" and "You're As Right As Rain" are Stylistics originals. First tenor Russell Thompkins Jr, who leads on all the aforementioned songs, seems to effortlessly reach each note and hold it as long as necessary. Although only the first three hit the charts, all of the songs referenced are radio favorites. As superb as the group was vocally, the production work of Thom Bell is commendable as well.

Stylistics / 1972 / Round 2 (Reissue) (1998)

This was the Stylistics' sophomore album and it spawned three Billboard R&B Top Ten singles: "I'm Stone in Love With You," "Break Up to Make Up," and "You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)." The first two even cracked the Top Ten on the pop charts. Furthermore, there is much here to savor. The vocal quintet's version of the Carole King classic "It's Too Late" never soars or dips -- it just soothes in spite of the fateful lyric. "Children of the Night" imparts a similar mood but with a different lyrical content. The two selections "Peek-A-Boo" and "You're As Right As Rain" are Stylistics originals. First tenor Russell Thompkins Jr, who leads on all the aforementioned songs, seems to effortlessly reach each note and hold it as long as necessary. Although only the first three hit the charts, all of the songs referenced are radio favorites. As superb as the group was vocally, the production work of Thom Bell is commendable as well.

The Stylistics - special style (1985) - CD Reissue

WEBSITE

A whole new sound for The Stylistics -- one that has the group working here with Maurice Starr in a sweet 80s street soul style! The approach is a surprisingly good one -- and given that Starr's backings are always on the lighter side of the spectrum, the group's trademark harmonies are never dominated too much by the beats and the basslines! In a way, hearing Starr work with The Stylistics here, we can almost hear the link he made between older group soul modes and some of the younger acts he pushed to fame in the 80s -- but that's not to say that this set is a pop record at all -- because The Stylistics keep things real throughout with a great old school approach to their vocals. Titles include "Love Is Serious", "Special", "Let's Go Rockin", "O Sha Ma", "Sad Girl", and "Only From The Heart".

The Stylistics - special style (1985) - CD Reissue

WEBSITE

A whole new sound for The Stylistics -- one that has the group working here with Maurice Starr in a sweet 80s street soul style! The approach is a surprisingly good one -- and given that Starr's backings are always on the lighter side of the spectrum, the group's trademark harmonies are never dominated too much by the beats and the basslines! In a way, hearing Starr work with The Stylistics here, we can almost hear the link he made between older group soul modes and some of the younger acts he pushed to fame in the 80s -- but that's not to say that this set is a pop record at all -- because The Stylistics keep things real throughout with a great old school approach to their vocals. Titles include "Love Is Serious", "Special", "Let's Go Rockin", "O Sha Ma", "Sad Girl", and "Only From The Heart".

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