Brenda and the Tabulations
Brenda & the Tabulations were an American R&B vocal group established in 1966 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The original lineup featured lead singer Brenda J. Payton, alongside Eddie L. Jackson, Maurice Coates, and other members. Brenda, born on October 24, 1945, in Philadelphia, was the group’s primary vocalist and lyricist, known for her powerful and emotive singing style.
The group initially formed when Brenda and Maurice Coates began singing together while working as supervisors at a playground in downtown Philadelphia during the summer of 1966. Their chemistry and passion for music led to the formation of the group, which quickly gained popularity in the local music scene.
Brenda & the Tabulations rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, becoming well-known for their soulful sound and hit records. They recorded several tracks that garnered significant airtime and chart success such as "Dry Your Eyes" (1967), "The Touch of You" (1969), and "Right On The Tip Of My Tongue" (1971). Their music is characterized by the classic R&B style, combining orchestral elements with heartfelt vocal performances.
Throughout their career, the group contributed to the rich tapestry of American soul and R&B music. Brenda & the Tabulations have been recognized for their influential impact on the genre and their continued legacy in the music industry.
Dry Your Eyes
Written-By – Payton, Coates 2:30
A2 Walk On By
Written-By – Bacharach - David 2:27
A3 God Only Knows
Written-By – Wilson, Asher 2:10
A4 Who's Lovin' You
Written-By – Robinson 3:10
A5 Summertime
Written-By – Gershwin 3:40
A6 Where Did Our Love Go
Written-By – Holland - Dozier - Holland 2:05
B1 Just Once In A Lifetime
Written-By – Payton, Coates 2:40
B2 Forever
Written-By – Holland, Holland, Gorman 2:25
B3 Stay Together Young Lovers
Written-By – Ellison, Bell 2:55
B4 Hey Boy
Written-By – Payton, Coates 1:55
B5 Oh Lord What Are You Doing To Me
Written-By – Keyes, Dixon 3:10
B6 The Wash
Written-By – Payton, Coates 2:10
B7 When You're Gone 2:35
Written-By – Bob Finiz, and Lenny Pakula
Label: Dionn Records – LPS 2000
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Philly Sweet Soul
Brenda & The Tabulations' "Dry Your Eyes" album (1967) is a highly-regarded early Philly Soul/Sweet Soul record, praised for Brenda Payton's beautiful lead vocals, rich male harmonies, and Van McCoy's songwriting, featuring the massive hit "Dry Your Eyes," alongside soulful originals like "The Wash," and great covers, making it a must-have for fans of classic 70s soul despite being from '67, showcasing a unique, heartwarming sound.
The group masterfully blended soft, sweet melodies with deep, heartfelt soul, creating a unique, often poignant sound.
Brenda Payton's lead voice is consistently praised as a major strength, perfectly suiting the material.
The dynamic interplay between Payton and the male Tabulations (Eddie Jackson, Maurice Coates, Jerry Jones initially) provided rich, distinctive backing.
While the title track was self-penned, the album features killer cuts by legendary songwriter/producer Van McCoy ("Lies Lies Lies," "Always and Forever").
Reviewers often note the group's overlooked status despite their quality, with this album being a prime example of their greatness.
Key Tracks:
"Dry Your Eyes": The iconic, heartbreaking title track and their first major pop/R&B hit (Pop #20, R&B #2).
"The Wash": Another standout original showcasing their signature sound.
"Just Once in a Lifetime": A deeply soulful track.
Covers: Strong renditions of classics like "Don't Make Me Over" and "California Dreaming".
The album is considered essential listening for soul fans, a classic piece of early Philly Soul, and a testament to a group that deserved far more mainstream recognition. It's seen as a benchmark for its era's male/female vocal group dynamic.
I Keep Coming Back For More
Arranged By – John Davis
Producer – Gilda C. Woods, John Davis
Written-By – John Davis
5:09
A2 Take It Or Leave It
Arranged By – John Davis
Producer – Gilda C. Woods, John Davis
Written-By – B. Weisman, Evie Sands, R. Germinaro
3:40
A3 Everybody's Fool
Arranged By – John Davis
Producer – Gilda C. Woods, John Davis
Written By – E. Robin, A. Willis, D. Lasley
6:05
B1 Home To Myself
Producer – Gilda C. Woods, Norman Harris
Written-By – Sager, Manchester
4:50
B2 Let's Go All The Way (Down)
Producer – Bobby Eli, Gilda C. Woods
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Vinnie Barrett
3:41
B3 Leave Me Alone
Producer – Gilda C. Woods, Norman Harris
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Vinnie Barrett
4:43
B4 I Keep Coming Back For More
Producer – Bobby Eli, Gilda C. Woods
Written-By – George Guess, Norman Harris, Ron Tyson
3:30
Label: Chocolate City – CCLP 2002
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco, Philly
I Keep Coming Back For More, the 1976 album by Brenda & The Tabulations (essentially a Brenda Payton solo effort), is a highly-rated Philly Soul/Disco record known for its lush production at Sigma Sound, blending dancefloor hits like "Superstar" and "Let's Go All The Way (Down)" with soulful ballads such as a standout "Home to Myself" cover, praised for Payton's vocals and the classic Philadelphia sound.
Reviews highlight its strong production by Bobby Eli, Norman Harris, and John Davis, making it a collector's item with impressive remastered versions available.
A quintessential mid-70s Philadelphia sound, balancing upbeat disco/funk with smooth, heartfelt soul ballads.
Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, featuring top Philly producers like Norman Harris and Bobby Eli, known for their work on many hits.
Brenda Payton's powerful and emotive voice is central, showcasing versatility from disco diva to soulful balladeer.
Includes the charting R&B track "Superstar," the popular disco cut "Let's Go All The Way (Down)," the emotional Dusty Springfield cover "Home to Myself," and slow jams like "Take It Or Leave It" and "Leave Me Alone".
Though technically a solo album under the group name, it solidified Payton's status and is celebrated by fans of classic soul and disco, often appearing on "best of" lists for the era.
Critics and fans view I Keep Coming Back For More as a brilliant, well-crafted album that captures the essence of the Philly sound, delivering both dancefloor energy and deep soul. The CD reissues are particularly noted for their excellent remastering and informative booklets, making it a must-have for collectors.