Teddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 4:06
A2 Somebody Told Me
Written-By – K. Gamble, J. Whitehead, G. McFadden, V. Carstarphen 5:13
A3 Be Sure
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 5:17
A4 And If I Had
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 4:23
B1 I Don't Love You Anymore
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 3:59
B2 The Whole Town's Laughing At Me
Written-By – S. Marshall, T. Wortham 4:28
B3 Easy, Easy, Got To Take It Easy
Written-By – J. Whitehead, G. McFadden, V. Carstarphen 4:55
B4 The More I Get, The More I Want
Written-By – J. Whitehead, G. McFadden, V. Carstarphen 4:27
Label: Philadelphia International Records – PZ 34390
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
Teddy Pendergrass's 1977 self-titled debut is a landmark R&B/soul album, marking a smooth, sophisticated, and sensual solo launch after leaving Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, featuring hits like "The Whole Town's Laughing at Me" and "I Don't Love You Anymore," showcasing his powerful baritone and establishing his "Teddy Bear" persona with classic Philly Soul production and strong ballads.
Critics praise its blend of danceable uptempo tracks and heartfelt slow jams, though some note early disco influences and lyrical clichés, but universally acknowledge its immense impact and legendary status as a "killer album".
The album is classic R&B, Soul, with emerging disco elements, signature Philadelphia International lush strings, and rich production by Gamble & Huff.
Pendergrass's distinctive, raspy baritone shines, delivering both gritty emotional depth and smooth romanticism, elevating tracks with gospel-infused ad-libs.
The album produced three hits singles:- "I Don't Love You Anymore," "The Whole Town's Laughing at Me," and "The More I Get, the More I Want" all became major R&B hits, defining his solo sound.
Fans and critics love uptempo cuts like "You Can't Hide from Yourself" and "And If I Had," alongside ballads, finding gems even in lesser-known tracks like "Be Sure".
It Established Pendergrass as a solo superstar, setting the stage for his iconic "bedroom ballad" era and influencing countless artists, solidifying his "Black Elvis" image.
Considered a near-perfect, essential debut, a "killer album" with "all killer no filler". Perfectly balanced mature, sexy themes with sophisticated soul music. A strong start that immediately found its audience and proved his solo potential.
In essence, this album was the electrifying launch of a legend, delivering powerful soul music that cemented his place in R&B history.