The Stylistics – The Stylistics

Could 1971's "The Stylistics" be the late Thom Bell's finest moment as a producer?

Though they didn't release their first album until 1971, The Stylistics has been around since 1968. All five group had gone to the same Philadelphia high school, but Airrion Love, James Smith and Russell Thompkins Jr. had been of the singing group The Monarchs. James Dunn and Herb Murrell sang for The Percussions. Love's English teacher suggested the two group's pool their talents and Slim and the Boys guitarist Robert Douglas suggested The Stylistics nameplate. By 1970 they'd carved out small fan base playing the local club circuit and picked up a manager in the form of Marty Bryant. They were signed by the small Philadelphia Sebring label, debuting with a 1970 single.

- 1970's 'You're a Big Girl Now' b/w 'Let the Junkie Bust the Pusher' (Sebring catalog number S-8370-Y)

When the song became a regional hit Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore's AVCO Embassy label scooped up their recording contract, reissuing the single. The company's promotional resources saw the 45 hit the US Billboard R&B top-10 charts.

I'll readily it their sophomore 45 is a mystery to my ears. Like their debut 45, the track was produced by Bill Perry (with Rudy Wilson co-producing). Complete with Stax-styled horns, the single sounded nothing like the debut. In fact, 'You Gotta Have Soul' sounded like a slice of Southern soul, rather than something out of the Philly soul catalog. The gruff lead singer certainly wasn't Thompkins Jr.. In contrast the flip side ballad was a more typical Stylistics performance with a lead vocal that sounded like Thompkins.

- 1971's 'You Gotta Have Soul' b/w 'I'm Gonna Get You Back' (AVCO Embassy catalog number AVE 4570)

While the sophomore 45 wasn't a massive hit AVCO Embassy remained committed to the group and went looking for a sympathetic producer to team with them The label's initial choice was Thom Bell, but already busy with The Delfonics and other projects, he wasn't interested. Impressed by lead singer Russell Thompkins, Jr. Bell eventually relented. agreeing to produce a Stylistics album. Recorded at Philadelphia's Sigma Studios, 1971's "The Stylistics" could easily have been a Thompkins solo effort. The musical focus was clearly on Thompkins shimmery falsetto. Reportedly Bell made little use of the other group , frequently using other Philadelphia sessions musicians including Kenny Gamble, Phil Hurtt, Bunny Sigler and Bell himself on backing vocals. The album also spotlighted Bell's considerable talents. In addition to producing the album, Bell arranging and conducted the orchestral backing. Along with songwriting partner Linda Creed, he was also responsible for penning eight of the albums nine selections. The lone exception came from the inclusion of the group's debut 45 'You're a Big Girl Now'. At least to my ears, the album encapsulated Bell's highly melodic production sound. Complete with elaborate string and horn arrangements, the lush sound was instantly recognizable. It was clearly soul, but soul that appealed to a broader audience - aka top-40 radio listeners. There was no denying Thompkins led ballads like 'Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)', 'Betcha by Golly, Wow' and 'You Are Everything' were soul classics. For goodness sakes, for a time in the early-'70s The Stylistics ruled the airwaves. Perhaps because they're not as familiar to my ears as the hits, today I tend to gravitate to the album's more atypical performances. A rare up-tempo tune, 'Point of No Return' sounded great on a dance floor. With an unexpected lyric (how many early-'70s city dwellers were dreaming of moving to the country?) 'Country Life' was equally charming. The act is virtually every one of these songs had commercial potential and ultimately all nine track were released as 45 "A" or "B" sides.  

Judging by this album, along with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, it anyone could lay claim to "The Philadelphia Sound" it was Bell.  And perhaps I'm ing this album through the proverbial rose colored glasses. I wasn't even in my teens when The Stylistics started their chart run, but I can clearly recall a timeframe when commercial radio was far more open than it is today when stations seemingly limit themselves to a very narrow musical niche. Growing up listening to Armed Forces Network and local European stations like Radio Caroline and Radio Luxembourg there was no one "sound". Radio stations seemed far more willing to mix things up - a Stylistics tune followed by a bubblegum tune and then something harder rocking ..The entire album reminds me of that timeframe and having been exposed to so many musical genres.  

"The Stylistics" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 2:54 rating: ***** stars
Supposedly one of the first songs Bell and Creed brought to the group, 'Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)' was the perfect ballad for the group. Silky smooth; hyper-dramatic and draped in a near perfect melody, it was meant to be a song played at high school proms and weddings. To this day hearing it brings a smile to my face. Ironically, this was essentially a Thompkins solo effort. The back vocals were not provided by the rest of The Stylistics, rather by Bell, Kenny Gamble, Carl Helm, Phil Hurtt and Bunny Sigler. It was released as the album's first single.

- 1971's 'Stop, Look, Listen (to Your Heart)' b/w 'If I Love You' (AVCO Embassy catalog number AV 4572) # 39 Billboard Hot-100 charts; # 6 Billboard R&B charts
2.) Point of No Return (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 2:45 rating: **** stars
Not one of their best known tracks, but 'Point of No Return' stands as one of my favorite Stylistics tunes. Powered by Thompkin's unique voice and Roland Chamber' fuzz guitar, this was instantly recognizable as a Stylistics song, but as an atypical up-tempo dance number it was simply great. The song also appeared as the "B" side on their 'People Make the World Go Round' 45.
3.) Betcha by Golly, Wow (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 3:47 rating: **** stars
I'll be the first to it I didn't know Connie Stevens originally recorded this song. In fact, with Bell producing, under the title 'Keep Growing Strong' she released it as a 1970 single.  
To be honest other than the revamped title, The Stylistics' version wasn't much different from Stevens' version. At east to my ears 'Betcha by Golly, Wow' could very well have been the same musical track with Thompkins' vocals inserted over Stevens. The songs sounded that similar. Musically The Stylistics version was offered up another classic slice of Philly soul vocal group magic. Released as the album's third single, the 45 was a bit shorter than the album track with a short end of song instrumental section edited out.
- 1972's 'Betcha by Golly, Wow' b/w 'Ebony Eyes' (AVCO Embassy catalog number AV 4591) # 3 Billboard Hot-100 charts; # 2 Billboard R&B charts
4.) Country Living (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 2:57  rating: **** stars
Perhaps because it was another lesser know Stylistics tune, the bouncy ode to a pastoral life 'County Living' was another personal favorite. The lyric were unexpected for a Philly-based soul group and perhaps a little optimistic, but the arrangement was magical. The song also appeared as the "B" side of their 'You Are Everything 45.
5.) You're a Big Girl Now (Marty Bryant - Robert Douglas) - 3:14  rating: **** stars
Supposedly recorded for $400, 'You're a Big Girl Now' was released as their debut single and was the only non-Bell/Creed tune on the debut album. Showcasing some of the doo-wop roots, the song certainly lacked the polish Bell brought to his work with the group, but that Stylistics sound was still recognizable. In fact, the song's rougher edge wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Bass singer James Smith handled the spoken word segment.
- 1970's 'You're a Big Girl Now' b/w 'Let the Junkie Bust the Pusher' (AVCO Embassy catalog number AV-4555)

(side 2)
1.) You Are Everything (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 2:55  rating: **** stars
Yes it was so sweet as to pose a threat to diabetics, but the hyper-romantic 'You Are Everything' brought it all together - Bell and Creed's artistry and Thompkin's unique voice.
- 1971's 'You Are Everything' b/w 'Country Loving' (AVCO Embassy catalog number AV 4581)
2.) People Make the World Go Round (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 6:26 rating: **** stars 
ittedly Bell and Creed's "protest" song wasn't going to pose a threat to Marvin Gaye's social and political commentary legacy.  Still, it it's own way 'People Make the World Go Round' was just as effective. Opening with some ominous heavy winds sound effects, the song quickly shifted into a smooth, almost jazzy mode. With Ronnie Baker's classic bass pattern anchoring the tune, Thompkins ran through a list of societal challenges, his vocals striking the perfect blend of concern, resignation and hope. The extended jazzy fade out was a dream. The fifth a final single off the album, it wasn't their biggest hit, but still made for a classic Stylistics performance.
- 1972's 'People Make the World Go Round' b/w 'Point of No Return' (AVCO Embassy catalog number AV 4595)
3.) Ebony Eyes (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 2:21 rating: **** stars 
Roland Chambers's jazzy guitar opening set the tone for what was one of their breeziest and most endearing performances. Equally good was Lenny Pakula's brief Hammond B3 solo. Fun to hear Thompkins voice double tracked on the chorus. The song would have made a great 45, but was relegated to the "B" side on their 'Betcha by Golly,Wow' 45.
4.) If I Love You (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 2:05 rating: *** stars
Initially 'If I Love You' struck me as being a misfire. Bell's arrangement sounded over-arranged and too MOR-ish. Luckily the song's catchy refrain saved it from oblivion. The song also appeared as the "B" side on their 'Stop, Look, Listen (to Your Heart)' single. (Little Anthony and the Imperials recorded a cover of the song in 1970. Co-produced by Bell and George Butler, with a heavier arrangement and electric sitar backing, their version was actually better.

Album Revolution #1:

As I continue my LOVE AFFAIR with iring "THOSE Thom Bell Productions", I just finished a stint of reviewing the Classic "Delfonics" albums....Now it is "The Stylistics" turn!!!!!!

Formed around 1966, "Airrion Love", "James Smith", "Herbie Murrell", "James Dunn", and Lead Vocalist, the ONE and ONLY, "Russell Thompkins Jr.", were another group "Straight From Philadelphia", going around town, Doo-Wooping ALL OVER the city...In the mist of touring the small Club circuit, the groups Road Manager, "Marty Bryant" and then guitarist "Robert “Doc” Douglas", penned the tune "You're A Big Girl Now" and helped them Record it.....

The song got the attention of "Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore" (better known as "Hugo & Luigi", who Produced Soul Master "Sam Cooke"), which led to g the group to "Avco Records", and helped them release it in 1970.....The B-Side had the tripped out song, "Let The Junkie Bust The Pusher" (also Written by "Bryant" and "Douglas")....It was less received by the Public, but because "You're A Big Girl Now" went #1 in "Philly", it got a little airplay (I have this on 45)....

Well, what's next? The group was getting noticed, but now it was time to Record an album...So who do you call?

Who else, "Mr. Thom Bell"!!!!!!!!

I don't believe it was ever said how "The Stylistics" and "Bell" came to work together, but THANK GOD THEY DID!!!!!!! Whatever the circumstance, this led to the group to release their "Self Titled" album....

Well, we know that "Thom Bell" could Produce a bunch of Birds and make it sound good....But for this to really work, "Bell" recruited a FANTASTIC Lyricist named, "Linda Creed"...."Linda" was noted to supply some of the GREATEST Lyrics to "THOSE Thom Bell Productions"!!!!! She was also a HECK of a Background Singer!!!!!

Getting ALL THAT out the way, the album starts with the MASSIVE HIT, "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)"....I usually have a problem with albums starting off slow, but it DOESN"T MATTER HERE AT ALL!!!! Laced with "That Thom Bell Production", the group sounds FLAWLESS!!!! "Russell Thompkins Jr.'s" Lead Vocals GLIDES perfectly over the Melody, while having that PERFECT Background touch from the group...I have talked about this Classic from my "New Birth" reviews....I'm sure MOST of you know this is the ORIGINAL, but if not, HERE IT IS!!!!!!

One of my "Stylistic" FAVORITES, "Point Of No Return", IS THE BOMB!!!!!! This is a faster BANGER, with a nice THUMPIN' Beat, laced with that signature "Thom Bell Keyboard & Guitar Mix"....This a head bobber, and I find myself repeating it at least 3 TIMES!!!!!!

"Betcha By Golly, Wow" is another BOMB!!!! "Russell's" Vocals flows PERFECTLY over "THAT Thom Bell Production" Melody....His delivery also gives "Linda Creed's" Lyrics the life it DESERVES!!!!! SO MANY artists (including the ONE and ONLY "Prince"), have tried to make this Classic their own!!!!! The only artist that came close is the ONE and ONLY, "Phyllis Hyman", on "Norman Connors", "You Are My Starship" album in 1976.....But still, in my humble opinion, NOBODY'S COMES CLOSE to "The Stylistics" version!!!!! Sorry Guys!!!!!

"Country Living" is cool....It's not a dud, but it's not all that to me...I think it is only because I'm from the City (straight Concrete and Pollution, lol!!!!)!!!! So even if I have relatives who live in the Country, I guess I just don't identify with this one....Sorry again Guys!!!!!

I think it was VERY SMART to include, "You're A Big Girl Now" on the album....It gave a chance for People to see where the group got their start....I am also sure that it made Folks from "Philadelphia" PROUD!!!!!!!

"You Are Everything" WAS JUST IT!!!!!! This MASTERPIECE, again displayed the elements of the groups Vocals, "Linda Creed's" TERRIFIC Lyrics, and "THAT Thom Bell Production"!!!!! I also LOVE how, at the start, the Melody came in kind of Muffled, giving this t EXTREME CHARACTER!!!! This is another "Stylistic" t that was copied SEVERAL TIMES (most noted "Diana Ross" and "Marvin Gaye", from their "Diana & Marvin" album and let's not forget "Everything" from "Mary J. Blige's" classic album, "Share My World")!!!!!!!

Then there's "People Make The World Go Round".....

This was not a song, it was a DOCUMENTARY!!!!!! Not only the subject matter on how People carry on, the Music ("THAT Thom Bell Production"), is VERY Theatrical!!!!! "Russell" was giving the reigns Vocally on this one all by himself!!!!! There is NO DOUBT that this is the BEST t on here!!!!! HANDS DOWN!!!!! I bought this on CD around 1999, and was BLOWN AWAY to find out it was over 6 minutes long!!!! You Guys know how I LOVE LONG SONGS!!!!! It's just that the short version was played SO MUCH, that I had NO CLUE how long it really was!!!!! Letting the Musicians (No Doubt "MSFB"), have free reign on this t, PRICELESS!!!!! I also have to thank "Spike Lee's" Movie, "Crooklyn", for getting me reinterested in the song.....

The last two ts "Ebony Eyes" and "If I Love You" ends this FANTASTIC album respectively....It's not that they are terrible songs (in fact there are pretty good), they just are not in the class of the other ts.....I have to be honest though, I would have ended this album with "People Make The World Go Round"....Just sayin'.....

Well....Here we go again!!!!! Another Musical Journey, by another Classic group, with THAT Classic Producer Thom Bell!!!!

It amazes me that when I go back and listen to this album (which I now own on Vinyl), it gets BETTTER and BETTER EVERYTIME I hear it!!!!! I have had SO MANY People have me make CD's for them with the Music from "The Stylistics"....When I was young, I didn't realize that this album was EXTREMELY POPULAR!!!!! Even the POP World was drawn to this FANATSTIC group!!!!!

With that being said, this album spelled nothing but possibilities!!!!! "The Stylistics" was READY to take on the World!!!!!

PS: Not only do "The Stylistics" start with an Album Revolution, this album is an Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate Crown Jewel!!!!!!