The Three Degrees – International

Album Revolution #2:

After "The Three Degrees" captured the hearts of the world with their Hit "When Will I See You Again", the group has been in very high demand!!!! Every T.V. Show in the world wanted them, including overseas (like "Japan").....They also helped "Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff", along with the "Philadelphia International Records" House Band "MFSB", develop a theme song for the "Absolute Classic Saturday Morning Show" "Soul Train", in "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)".....

So after all that, I am sure they took some time off....

So by 1975, "The Three Degrees", along with "Gamble & Huff", went back to the studio and recorded and released their next Record in "International"....

Now, even though I included this in their Album Revolution, I will it that it had nothing on their "P.I.R." debut....But even if that is the case, it was still a very good album, with lots to Groove to....

The album starts off with the Slow Jam in "Another Heartache"...Now, I personally don't believe in starting albums like this, but it is a very nice Sultry track, projecting their Vocals perfectly (and it was good enough to be the 1st Crown Jewel).....

The 2nd Crown Jewel, "Take Good Care Of Yourself", is a mid bouncy tune....It's not in the class of ts like "Dirty O'l Man", and "I Didn't Know", but it still made the grade....

"Get Your Love Back", the 3rd Crown Jewel, is one of the best songs on the album....It has the energy that we look for by the group, with terrific Vocals....

The 4th Crown Jewel, "Lonelier Are Fools", is another of those Drama filled "Philly Slow Jams".....The way the Ladies delivered this one almost came close to "If And When" (which means it should have been longer!!!!!)....

I really struggled with their versions of both "Marvin Gaye's" "Distant Lover" and "The intruders" "Together"....Out of the both of them, I will at least say that "Distant Lover" is little better, but honestly they both missed the Crown Jewel status.....

"Long Lost Lover", the 5th Crown Jewel, is a Mid Tempo t, again laced with those unmistakable Vocals....

The 6th Crown Jewel, "Here I Am", is another Drama Slow Jam, and again, it should have been longer!!!!!

It was very, very, very, very smart to include "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia) (Theme From The Television Show "Soul Train")" on here...I am also a very happy fellow, because this version actually has the Ladies singing "Soul Train" on here...I always say that "Don Cornelius" (the shows Host and Creator), made a HUGE mistake by not letting "Gamble & Huff" release that single with the "Ladies" singing the theme....."TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)", would go on to become an Out Of This World #1 Hit (still "SMH")!!!!!!!!!! So, to have it in its Puriest form in my possession is Priceless!!!!!!

The last song in "Loving Cup", is honestly the only dud of the album...In fact, its a Yuck!!!!! I am not feeling this one at all!!!!!

Now, let's do this...

It hurts but I have to go there...This was the last "Official" album on "Philadelphia International" by the group....I don't know what happen!!!! I don't understand it!!!! And nothing was ever said about it (at least to my knowledge)!!!! It just didn't make any sense!!!!!! I know that this wasn't as good as the last album, but it is still a very much sought after release....

"Gamble & Huff' would release a "Live" album the same year, I guess to finish out the contract....I personally feel like, if there were creative differences, it could have been worked out....After the group left "P.I.R.", even though they lasted, it would never be the same for them.....Sad!!!!!!!!!

My record has the following:

Matrix / Runout (Runout A): AL-33162-111-2HZA:
Matrix / Runout (Runout B): BL-33162-111-2HA: