The Futures
Past, Present And The Futures
Backing Vocals – Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson, Evette Benton
Producer – Sherman Marshall
Written-By – S. Marshall, T. Wortham 5:14
A2 Ain't No Time Fa Nothing
Producer – Charles B. Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson
Written-By – C. B. Simmons, J. B. Jefferson 5:32
A3 Deep Inside Of Me
Producer – Cynthia Biggs, Kenneth Gamble, Ted Wortham
Written-By – C. Gilbert, C. Biggs, T. Wortham 4:58
A4 Sunshine And You
Producer – Douglas Brown, Terry Price, William Bloom
Written-By – D. Brown, T. Price, T. Wallington, W. Bloom 3:41
B1 Come To Me (When Your Love Is Down)
Producer – Charles B. Simmons, Joseph B. Jefferson
Written-By – C. B. Simmons, J. B. Jefferson, R. Roebuck 4:48
B2 You Got It (The Love That I Need)
Producer – Douglas Brown, William Bloom
Written-By – D. Brown, T. Price, W. Bloom 4:57
B3 (You're The One) Someone Special
Producer – Carl Gamble, Franki Smith, John L. Usry, Jr.
Written-By – B. Rivers, C. Gamble, F. Smith 4:17
B4 I Wanna Know; Is It Over
Producer – Douglas Brown, Frankie Smith, William Bloom
Written-By – D. Brown, F. Smith 4:30
Label: Philadelphia International Records – JZ 35458
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
The album Past, Present and The Futures by The Futures is a well-regarded Philly soul project, praised for its strong vocal harmonies and classic Gamble & Huff production. The album is particularly known for the "rare groove" classic "Ain't No Time Fa Nothin'".
The album is described as a prototypical Gamble & Huff project, featuring excellent arrangements and strong material with the signature lush strings and horns of the Philadelphia International Records sound. The overall sound is smooth and features deep rhythms and soulful vocals.
Reviewers highlight the "searing falsettos," "deep resonating bass," and "smooth vocal harmonies" that blend influences from groups like The Temptations, The Dramatics, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Standout Tracks:
"Ain't No Time Fa Nothin'": This track is a popular "rare groove" classic, described by one reviewer as a "hot to death disco banger" that makes them "feel 12 feet tall". Its popularity in the UK rare groove scene helped the album gain recognition years after its initial release.
"Party Time Man": This track was the album's single that hit the charts, known for its Philly funk influence.
"You Got It (The Love That I Need)": This track is a melodious, hand-clapping tune clearly influenced by mid-60s Temptations classics.
Despite the quality of the music, the album did not perform well commercially upon its initial 1978 release, potentially due to the changing musical trends at the time. It has since gained a reputation as a high-quality, underrated album among soul music enthusiasts.