Save The Children: Expanded Edition

No argument -- this is the best Intruders album, other than their greatest-hits compilations, ever released. Little Sonny (Sam Brown) returns to join his buddies, Phil Terry, Eugene "Big Sonny" Daugherty, and Robert "Bird" Edwards, after an unexplained hiatus. "Save the Children" is a socially significant floater where the guys' voices ride the waves of MFSB's fantastic sound. Gamble and Huff spotlight the return of Little Sonny on "I Wanna Know Your Name"; the song employs a convincing rap by the singer. It also became a popular remake, as versions by the Force MD's and Wallace & Scotty (of the Whispers) have since been waxed. "To Be Happy Is the Real Thing" and "Hang On In There" are two upbeat, positive-thinking songs that make you feel better about yourself. The Philadelphians reveal their doo wop roots by doing a credible rendition of Lee Andrews and the Hearts' "Teardrops." The cream is the spirited, tear-inducing "I Always Love My Mama," the best mama song ever. The Intruders rap about their teen years during the break before the song builds to a frantic end. A mellow rendition of Paul Simon's "Mother and Child Reunion" shows the group's versatility. ~ Andrew Hamilton