Imagination

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 00:00:00
Though they were based in Ohio, the O'Jays were one of the definitive Philly soul bands of the 1970's. Beginning with 1972's stone-cold classic BACKSTABBERS, the group's yearning harmony and Eddie Levert's gruff, gospel-influenced lead vocals meshed perfectly with Gamble & Huff's smooth-but-funky production style to create a sound that spawned scores of imitators. Unlike other older groups that attempt to re-capture a share of the market by jumping onto every new trend that comes along, the O'Jays have largely stuck to their guns, turning out one sweet soul affair after another. IMAGINATION is no different--the group delivers 11 tracks of prime Philly soul, replete with slinky bass grooves, sweeping strings, and rafter-raising singing. That said, there are a few nods to modern trends--"Repair Man" takes a cue from late-'80s new jack swing, combining humorous lyrics with a touch of synthesizer and a hip-hop-flavored rhythmic base, while "Chauvinistic" combines old-school disco with a bit of Rick James-esque funk-rock. Throughout, the O'Jays' largely self-penned material is both catchy and substantial, proving beyond the shadow of a doubt that the group can easily go toe to toe with its younger R&B counterparts.