The O’Jays<div hidden>The O Jays The OJays</div>
The O'Jays are an iconic American R&B and soul group from Canton, Ohio, best known as pioneers of the Philadelphia soul sound. Formed in 1958, the group achieved legendary status in the 1970s with a string of socially conscious and romantic hits.
The group was founded by high school classmates Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. They originally performed as The Triumphs (1958) and The Mascots (1960) before renaming themselves The O’Jays in 1963 as a tribute to Cleveland DJ Eddie O’Jay.
Their first national chart appearance came in 1963 with the minor hit "Lonely Drifter". Bill Isles departed in 1965, and Bobby Massey left in 1971, leaving the group as the classic trio of Levert, Williams, and Powell.
The group's career skyrocketed after signing with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records in 1972. They defined the "Sound of Philadelphia" with massive hits including: "Back Stabbers" (1972): Their first million-selling single; "Love Train" (1973): A global anthem of unity that topped the Billboard Hot 100; "For the Love of Money" (1973): A Grammy-nominated, socially conscious track.
In 1975, founding member William Powell retired due to a terminal cancer diagnosis and passed away in 1977. He was replaced by Sammy Strain, formerly of Little Anthony & the Imperials. The group continued to chart throughout the 1980s with hits like "Use Ta Be My Girl" (1978) and "Lovin' You" (1987). Their final studio album, The Last Word, was released in 2019.
The O'Jays have been widely recognized for their influence on R&B and soul:- Hall of Fame Inductions: Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2004), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2005), and National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (2013); Lifetime Achievement: Recipient of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2009).
Commercial Success: The group has earned 10 Gold albums and 9 Platinum albums throughout their career.
Love And More
Arranged By [Rhythm], Keyboards – Leon A. Huff
Arranged By [Strings, Horns] – John R. Faith
Bass – Jimmy Williams
Drums – Quinton Joseph
Horns, Strings – Don Renaldo And His Horns And Strings
Producer, Written-By – Kenneth Gamble, Leon A. Huff 4:26
A2 Extraordinary Girl
Arranged By [Rhythm], Keyboards – Leon A. Huff
Arranged By [Strings, Horns] – John R. Faith
Bongos, Congas – Leonard 'Doc' Gibbs, Jr.
Drums – Quinton Joseph
Guitar – Cecil Womack, Dennis Harris
Horns, Strings – Don Renaldo And His Horns And Strings
Producer, Written-By – Kenneth Gamble, Leon A. Huff 5:10
A3 I'm The Kind Of Man (Every Mother Wants Her Daughter To Love)
Arranged By [Rhythm], Keyboards – Leon A. Huff
Arranged By [Strings, Horns] – John R. Faith
Bass – Jimmy Williams
Drums – Quinton Joseph
Horns, Strings – Don Renaldo And His Horns And Strings
Producer – Kenneth Gamble, Leon A. Huff
Written-By – Cary Gilbert, Kenneth Gamble, Leon A. Huff 3:46
A4 Everybody's Dance Krazy
Arranged By [Rhythm], Keyboards – Leon A. Huff
Arranged By [Strings, Horns] – John R. Faith
Bass – Jimmy Williams
Drums, Percussion – Quinton Joseph
Guitar – Cecil Womack, TJ Tindall
Producer – Kenneth Gamble, Leon A. Huff
Written-By – Cary Gilbert, Kenneth Gamble, Leon A. Huff 5:30
B1 Summer Fling
Arranged By – John R. Faith
Bass – Jimmy Williams
Drums – Quinton Joseph
Guitar – Russell Evans
Horns, Strings – Don Renaldo And His Horns And Strings
Producer – Eddie Levert, Walter Williams
Written-By, Keyboards, Synthesizer – Matthew Rose 4:55
B2 I Really Need You Now
Drums – Clifford Pete Rudd
Guitar – James Herb Smith, Marc Ruben
Percussion – Mark Dauberman
Producer, Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Keyboards, Synthesizer – Dexter Wansel
Written-By – Cynthia Biggs, Dexter Wansel 4:12
B3 Love You Direct
Bass, Keyboards, Synthesizer – Dean Gant
Drums – Stephen Ferrone
Guitar – David Williams
Producer, Arranged By – Keni M. Burke
Written-By – Allan Felder, Keni M. Burke 3:55
B4 Let Me Show You (How Much I Really Love You)
Bass – Douglas Wimbish
Drums – Daryl A. Burgee
Guitar – Bernard A. McDonald
Keyboards – Walter "Bunny" Sigler, James Sigler
Producer, Synthesizer – Walter "Bunny" Sigler
Written-By, Arranged By – James Sigler 3:54
B5 Give My Love To The Ladies
Arranged By – James Sigler
Bass – Douglas Wimbish
Drums – Daryl A. Burgee
Guitar – Dennis Harris
Keyboards – Walter "Bunny" Sigler, James Sigler
Producer, Synthesizer – Walter "Bunny" Sigler
Written-By – Bunny Sigler, Marvin Morrow 4:15
Label: Philadelphia International Records – FZ 39367
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Philly
Love and More is considered by fans to be a solid album showcasing The O'Jays' timeless voices, despite not producing any major chart hits. Professional critical reviews are sparse, but user opinions suggest it is an "underrated" work of 80s quiet storm R&B.
It marked a transitional period for the band and the Philadelphia International label, which was experiencing distribution issues at the time.
The album is generally seen as a collection of smooth grooves and slow jams, fitting the "quiet storm" R&B style popular in the 1980s. Fans appreciate it for highlighting the group's signature, lived-in voices.
Several user reviews on platforms like Discogs describe the album as "criminally underrated" and "pretty good," especially certain standout tracks.
Specific songs like "Extraordinary Girl", "I'm The Kind Of Man (Every Mother Wants Her Daughter To Love)", and "Love You Direct" are noted by fans as strong, well-executed numbers that found their place in the 80s music landscape.
Released in the mid-80s, Love and More followed the height of The O'Jays' success with Gamble & Huff in the 1970s, a period when artists like Michael Jackson and Prince were redefining the music industry.
Some critics felt that by the 80s, the group's sound was being left behind and that subsequent albums didn't stand up to the radical stylists of the new era. However, the album is still considered an enjoyable listen for fans of the band's core vocal talent and classic R&B sound.
In summary, Love and More is seen as a decent effort from a legendary group, best enjoyed by existing fans who appreciate their vocal prowess over groundbreaking new material. It's a testament to their consistent talent rather than a landmark album in their discography.
o-jays ojays o jays the ojays the o jays
Ship Ahoy
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
4:07
A2 Ship Ahoy
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
9:41
A3 This Air I Breathe
Arranged By – Lenny Pakula
Written-By – B. Sigler, K. Gamble
3:53
A4 You Got Your Hooks In Me
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – B. Sigler
5:34
B1 For The Love Of Money
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – A. Jackson, K. Gamble, L. Huff
7:19
B2 Now That We Found Love
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
4:41
B3 Don't Call Me Brother
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – B. Sigler, K. Gamble
8:58
B4 People Keep Tellin' Me
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Written-By – G. McFadden, J. Whitehead, L. Huff
Label: Philadelphia International Records – KZ 32408
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
The O'Jays Ship Ahoy (1973) is widely acclaimed as a soul masterpiece, building on Back Stabbers with powerful social commentary, iconic hits like "For the Love of Money" and "Put Your Hands Together," and the epic, haunting slave trade narrative of the title track, showcasing Gamble & Huff's genius and the group's masterful vocals on themes of greed, love, and justice. It's praised as "all killer no filler," a definitive album in the Philly Soul genre, blending poignant messages with irresistible grooves, solidifying its legendary status.
The lyrics address racism, greed, hypocrisy, and calls for universal understanding, particularly in "For the Love of Money," "Don't Call Me Brother," and the powerful title track. The Gamble & Huff production, with arrangements by Bobby Martin, creates a rich, soulful sound that balances anger with sweetness.
Features enduring classics like the funky "For the Love of Money," the uplifting "Put Your Hands Together," and the romantic "Now That We Found Love". The title track is a ten-minute journey exploring the horrors of slavery, delivering a chilling and poignant experience.
The album received near-universal praise, with high ratings from outlets like AllMusic and Rolling Stone, often cited as a perfect album. Praised for its maturity, strong songwriting, and flawless execution, establishing The O'Jays as major forces in soul music.
Ship Ahoy is celebrated as a seamless, start-to-finish album (an "all killer no filler" experience) that combines deep messages with irresistible Philly Soul sound, making it a timeless work of art and social expression.
So Full Of Love
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Kenneth Gamble And Leon Huff
Written-By – Kenneth Gamble And Leon Huff
4:25
A2 Use Ta Be My Girl
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Kenneth Gamble And Leon Huff
Written-By – Kenneth Gamble And Leon Huff
4:02
A3 Cry Together
Arranged By – John Usry Jr.
Producer – Kenneth Gamble And Leon Huff
Written-By – Kenneth Gamble And Leon Huff
5:36
A4 This Time Baby
Arranged By – Thom Bell
Producer – Thom Bell
Written-By – Casey James And LeRoy Bell
4:43
B1 Brandy
Arranged By – Thom Bell
Producer – Thom Bell
Written-By – Charles B. Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson
4:14
B2 Take Me To The Stars
Arranged By – Dennis Williams
Producer – Dennis Williams, Eddie Levert, Walter Williams
Written-By – Al Boyd, Larry Hancock (2)
4:13
B3 Help (Somebody Please)
Arranged By – Dennis Williams
Producer – Dennis Williams, Eddie Levert, Walter Williams
Written-By – Eddie Levert, Robert Dukes
4:58
B4 Strokety Stroke
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Bunny Sigler
Written-By – Bunny Sigler
4:24
Label: Philadelphia International Records – JZ 35355
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco, Philly
Released in 1978, The O'Jays' So Full Of Love is a prime example of Philadelphia soul, featuring a mix of romantic ballads and funk-driven tracks produced by Gamble & Huff. While departing from the group's earlier political commentary, the platinum-certified album is praised for hits like "Use Ta Be My Girl" and "Brandy".
The album delivers sophisticated Philadelphia soul, featuring lush arrangements and a polished, funky sound reminiscent of 1970s soul and disco.
Track Highlights:-
"Use Ta Be My Girl": A massive #1 R&B hit, this track is described by dereksmusicblog as a joyous, hook-laden classic and one of the best songs the group ever recorded.
"Brandy": This ballad is famous for its "beautiful melody" but carries a quirky backstory—while many listeners originally thought it was a breakup song for a woman, songwriters later revealed it was actually written about a dog.
"Cry Together": An "absolute standout" ballad known for its dramatic, gut-wrenching emotional delivery.
"Strokety Stroke": A funky, upbeat closer that critics identify as a "funk treasure" and a "straight-up get down joint".
The album features production from Gamble & Huff, with contributions from Thom Bell and Bunny Sigler, highlighting the best of the Philadelphia International Records era.
It was a departure from their previous, more socially conscious albums, focusing instead on themes of love.
So Full Of Love is regarded as a high-quality, quintessential 70s soul record, often described as a "smoky" and enduring classic.
Modern and retrospective reviews generally view the album as a polished, high-quality entry in the Philly Soul canon, though some critics argue it lacks the experimental edge or social urgency of earlier masterpieces like Ship Ahoy or Back Stabbers.
Super Bad
Written-By – B. Massey, Lester McKenzie, R. Dukes
A2 Little Brother
Written-By – R. Shonn, W. Williams
A3 Crossroads Of Life
Written-By – E. Levert, F. Butler, W. Powell
A4 La-De-Da
Written-By – The O'Jays
A5 Peace
Written-By – Bradford Craig, H. B. Barnum
B1 Shattered Man
Written-By – Fred Butler, John Owens
B2 Your Turn This Time
Written-By – The O'Jays
B3 Just To Be With You
Written-By – B. Massey, B. Dukes
B4 Gotta Get My Broom Out
Written-By – The O'Jays
B5 Never Can Say Goodbye
Written-By – B. Massey, B. Dukes
Label: Little Star Records – LS-LP-1000-X
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Philly Soul
Super Bad by The O’Jays, released in 1971 shortly before the group's massive success with Philadelphia International, is a highly regarded, though often overlooked, classic pre-Philadelphia International O'Jays funk and soul album. It is celebrated by fans and critics alike for its raw sound, deep grooves, and as a "hidden gem" in their discography.
The album is noted for its blend of funk, gospel, soul, and R&B, with prominent harmonies, tight horn lines, and sharp drums. It is considered more raw and deep-funk-oriented than their later, more polished Philadelphia International sound.
Users and reviewers often describe the album as a "first-class O'Jays set" and "one of the most influential vocal groups of the '60s with their original masterpiece". It holds an average user rating of 4.5/5 on some platforms, with listeners expressing high satisfaction with its quality and musical depth.
Reviewers highlight the melancholy feel of songs like "Little Brother" and "Shattered Man," alongside the soulful "La De Da" and "Never Can Say Goodbye".
Super Bad is considered a necessary collection for Philly Soul and rare groove enthusiasts, showcasing the group on the brink of superstardom. Its quality is such that some consider it a contender for their favorite O'Jays album overall, not just a precursor to their hits.
Overall, the consensus is that Super Bad is an excellent, essential album for any serious soul music enthusiast, often viewed as an overlooked masterpiece that captures a unique and influential period in The O'Jays' history. You can find more user reviews on sites like Discogs.
o jays ojays the o jays the ojays o\'jays o\\'jays o''jays