The Drifters
The Drifters formed in 1953 as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter, previously of Billy Ward and the Dominoes, under manager George Treadwell at Atlantic Records. They evolved into two distinct lineups, producing rhythm-and-blues and soul hits through the 1950s and 1960s, with over 60 members across decades.
The group started with McPhatter (lead), Bill Pinkney, Gerhart and Andrew Thrasher, and Willie Ferbee. Hits like "Money Honey" (1953, #1 R&B) and "White Christmas" (1954) defined their doo-wop sound. McPhatter left for solo work in 1955 after military service, leading to lineup shifts including Johnny Moore.
Treadwell fired the original group in 1958, hiring Ben E. King, Charlie Thomas, Doc Green, and Elsbeary Hobbs as the second Drifters. Under producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, they scored pop-soul smashes: "There Goes My Baby" (1959), "Save the Last Dance for Me" (1960, #1 pop), and "Up on the Roof" (1962).
King departed in 1960 for solo fame; Johnny Moore returned as lead into the 1990s. UK success followed in the 1970s with albums and top-40 hits. The group persists today, with inductions into halls of fame recognizing their influence on R&B and soul.
Love Games
Arranged By – Lew Warburton
Composed By – Macaulay
Composed By, Producer – R. Greenaway 3:04
A2 Like Sister And Brother
Arranged By – Bert De Coteau
Composed By – Cook, Greenaway, Stephens
Producer – Billy Davis, R. Greenaway 3:20
A3 I'm Ready (To Make A Fool Of Myself Again)
Arranged By – Chris Gunning
Composed By – Cook, Greenaway, Stephens
Producer – R. Greenaway 3:00
A4 If You're Gonna Love Me
Arranged By – Lew Warburton
Composed By – R. Cookaway, Macaulay
Producer – Billy Davis, R. Greenaway 3:41
A5 The Cut Is Deep
Arranged By – Lew Warburton
Composed By – H. Barter, R. Barter
Producer – R. Greenaway 3:58
A6 I Can't Get Away From You
Arranged By – Lew Warburton
Composed By – H. Barter
Producer – R. Greenaway 2:20
B1 Kissin' In The Back Row Of The Movies
Arranged By – Tony King
Composed By, Producer – T. Greenaway, Macaulay 3:27
B2 I'm Free (For The Rest Of Your Life)
Arranged By – Bert De Coteau
Composed By – Cook, Greenaway, Stephens
Producer – Billy Davis, R. Greenaway 3:11
B3 I Can't Live Without You
Arranged By – Chris Gunning
Composed By – Cook, Greenaway, Stephens
Producer – R. Greenaway 3:06
B4 If It Feels Good (Do It)
Arranged By – Bert De Coteau
Composed By – Cook, Greenaway, J Rae
Producer – Billy Davis, R. Greenaway 3:24
B5 A Blessing In Disguise
Arranged By – Lew Warburton
Composed By – Mason
Composed By, Producer – R. Greenaway 2:52
B6 Down On The Beach Tonight
Arranged By – Lew Warburton
Composed By – Macaulay
Composed By, Producer – R. Greenaway
Producer – Billy Davis 3:00
Label: Bell Records – BELLS 246
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Pop
The 1975 album Love Games by The Drifters is a studio album that blends the group's classic smooth, buttery harmonies with contemporary musical styles of the era, specifically funk, Philly soul, and disco.
Following a chart success in 1972, the Johnny Moore-led version of The Drifters, based in London, collaborated again with producers Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway. Their goal was to update the group's sound for the mid-1970s, primarily using various single A- and B-sides.
The album features the Drifters' vocals alongside contemporary production. Critical reactions were varied; some found the blend of classic harmonies and modern production effective, while others thought the songs were uninspired and too reliant on musical trends of the time, making the group seem out of place.
The album charted moderately in the UK, reaching number 51 and earning a Silver certification, showcasing the group's evolving sound in the mid-70s, though it didn't chart in the US despite their legendary past hits.
The key hit singles associated with this era and album were:
"Love Games": The title track itself reached a peak position of #33 on the UK Official Charts in August 1975.
"Kissin' In The Back Row Of The Movies": This single was a major hit, peaking at #2 in the UK charts in 1974, prior to the album's release.
"Down On The Beach Tonight": Another Top 10 hit, this track reached #7 on the UK charts in late 1974.
"There Goes My First Love": Released as a single after the album in August 1975, it became a significant hit, reaching #3 in the UK.
"Can I Take You Home Little Girl": This single achieved a peak position of #10 in the UK charts towards the end of 1975.
Another hit, "You're More Than A Number In My Little Red Book," reached #5 in the UK in late 1976 and was included on subsequent repackaged albums, though it was released after the initial Love Games album.
The Drifters’ Golden Hits
Written-By – Benjamin Nelson, George Treadwell, Lover Patterson 2:11
A2 (If You Cry) True Love, True Love
Written-By – Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman 2:17
A3 Dance With Me
Written-By – Elmo Glick, George Treadwell, Irving Nahan, Lewis Lebish 2:21
A4 This Magic Moment
Written-By – Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman 2:28
A5 Save The Last Dance For Me
Written-By – Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman 2:34
A6 I Count The Tears
Written-By – Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman 2:06
B1 Some Kind Of Wonderful
Written-By – Gerry Goffin & Carole King 2:17
B2 Up On The Roof
Written-By – Gerry Goffin & Carole King 2:34
B3 On Broadway
Written-By – Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Cynthia Weil, Barry Mann 3:05
B4 Under The Boardwalk
Written-By – Arthur Resnick, Kenny Young 2:40
B5 I've Got Sand In My Shoes
Written-By – Arthur Resnick, Kenny Young 2:48
B6 Saturday Night At The Movies
Written-By – Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil 2:26
Label: Atlantic – SD 8153
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: Sixties Soul, Pop
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul
The Drifters' Golden Hits (1968 Atlantic compilation) is universally acclaimed as an essential collection of classic pop/soul, showcasing the group's incredible run of hits from the late '50s to mid-'60s, featuring iconic tracks like "Up on the Roof," "On Broadway," and "Under the Boardwalk," praised for its timeless quality, superb sound (especially remastered mono vinyl), fantastic tunes, and nostalgic appeal despite lineup changes.
Fans and critics alike call it a "must-have" for any oldies or soul music lover, defining a significant era of R&B.
The album captures The Drifters at their peak with beloved singles produced by the legendary teams of Leiber/Stoller and Goffin/King.
Reviews highlight how different lead vocalists (Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis, Johnny Moore) seamlessly fit the group's sound, adding to its charm.
Audiophiles rave about remastered versions, noting the superb quality, especially mono vinyl pressings, bringing vibrancy to the classic tracks.
Many listeners find the album deeply nostalgic, bringing back memories with its authentic, original recordings.
Iconic Tracks: Features chart-toppers like "There Goes My Baby," "Save the Last Dance for Me," "Up on the Roof," "On Broadway," and "Under the Boardwalk".
The album benefits from top-tier production from Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and the songwriting of Goffin/King.
It places The Drifters as pivotal figures in R&B and pop music history, bridging vocal group styles.
In short, The Drifters' Golden Hits is celebrated as a near-perfect compilation of joyous, classic, and vital soul music that remains as powerful today as when it was first released.