The Persuaders
Made To Be Loved
2 Never Stop Loving You 3:44
3 Don't Think I Won't Leave 5:09
4 What About You 4:26
5 All Up In Your Love 3:38
6 Mama 4:12
7 As One 4:29
8 The Wedding Song 4:48
9 You're The Best Thing 5:06
10 This Time Next Year 4:43
11 She's Mine 4:39
12 I Don't Think So 4:13
13 A House Is Not A Home 4:32
14 Hypnotized 3:30
Label: It's Soul Time – STCD-001
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2005
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul
Made To Be Loved, released in 2005, marked a welcome return for the classic 1970s soul group The Persuaders. Reviews largely praise the group's enduring vocal talents and harmonies.
Critics agree the group's harmonies remain excellent, even decades after their peak. The addition of new lead singer Tony "Showtime" Riley, noted for his resemblance to The Dells' Marvin Junior, brought a gritty, soulful edge to the album's sound.
A frequent criticism is the use of largely synthetic or programmed instrumentation. Reviewers suggest the material would have benefited from a live band to match the warmth and power of the vocal performances.
Standout songs often mentioned in reviews include the strong opener "A Woman Was Made to Be Loved," the uptempo "I Don't Think So," and "Don't Think I Won't Leave". The socially conscious "All The People" (featuring original member Willie B. Holland) and a cover of "A House Is Not A Home" also received positive mentions.
The album is seen as a worthwhile effort and a pleasant surprise for longtime fans of 70s soul. While not perfect, it is considered a solid, enjoyable record that highlights the timeless quality of classic soul sensibilities. The Soul Express review goes as far as to say listeners would need "little or no persuading" to purchase the CD.
The album, with 15 cuts, was considered slightly long by some, who felt a more concise 10 or 11 tracks would have made for a stronger overall product.
Overall, Made To Be Loved is recommended for soul enthusiasts who appreciate strong group harmonies and a classic sound, provided they can overlook some of the modern production choices.
The Persuaders
A2 Please Stay (Bob Hilliard, Burt Bacharach 3:40)
A3 If You Feel Like I Do (Jackie Members, Bobby Poindexter 6:05)
A4 Trying Girls Out (Jackie Members, Bobby Poindexter 4:07)
A5 Is It Too Heavy For You? (Jackie Members, Bobby Poindexter 2:44)
B1 Bad Bold And Beautiful Girl (Alton Watkins, Jackie Members, Nelson Daniels, Richard Poindexter, Robert Holloman, Bobby Poindexter 4:10)
B2 What Is The Definition Of Love? (Jackie Members, Bobby Poindexter 2:47)
B3 Love Goes Good When Things Go Bad (Jackie Members, Bobby Poindexter 2:41)
B4 I Want To Make It With You (Rich Barthlow, Robert Esenberg 4:35)
B5 You Still Love Me (After All You've Been Through) Jackie Members, Robert Poindexter 5:25)
Label: ATCO Records – SD 7021
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The Persuaders self-titled second album, released in 1973, features soulful R&B ballads and funk songs, with standout tracks "Peace In The Valley Of Love," and "Bad Bold And Beautiful Girl", both of which were released as singles and charted in both the R&B charts as well as the pop charts in the US. It was produced by the group's members Bobby Poindexter and Richard Poindexter, and is considered a classic vinyl record for collectors and soul music fans.
While it may not have received the massive commercial success of their previous album, "Thin Line Between Love and Hate," it is a well-regarded album for fans of the genre and is considered a must-have for fans of 1970s soul and R&B and a significant part of The Persuaders' discography.