The Independents
The First Time We Met
Written-By – J. Jiles, M. Barge 3:23
A2 Our Love Has Got To Come Together
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:13
A3 Can't Understand It
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 2:45
A4 Just As Long As You Need Me (Part 1 & 2)
Written-By – C. Jackson, J. Butler, M. Yancy 6:08
B1 Leaving Me
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:14
B2 Baby I've Been Missing You
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:48
B3 I Love You, Yes I Do
Written-By – J. Jiles, M. Barge 2:50
B4 Couldn't Hear Nobody Say (I Love You Like You Do)
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:31
B5 Here I Am
Written-By – C. Jackson, M. Yancy 4:18
Label: Wand – WDS 694
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The Independents' The First Time We Met showcases smooth, mixed-gender harmonies and lush strings, blending classic 70s soul with Philly-style sounds, featuring romantic themes and standout tracks like the laid-back "The First Time We Met," offering a nostalgic, melodic deep dive into a beloved but commercially limited R&B vocal group known for their heartwarming sound and memorable crossover hit "Leaving Me".
A defining feature is the rich, mixed-gender vocal blend (Chuck Jackson, Helen Curry, Eric Thomas, Maurice Jackson), reminiscent of 60s soul but with a distinct '70s feel.
The music is characterized by its smoothness, sweeping strings, and classic soul arrangements, with some modern reissues noting excellent sound quality despite minor original production artifacts like sibilance.
Lyrically, the focus is on love, romance, and reminiscence, typical of the era, but delivered with a genuine, heartfelt touch.
Highlight Tracks: "The First Time We Met" itself is a slower, evocative track, while the group's hit "Leaving Me" is a key inclusion on their compilations.
While the group never achieved massive commercial success beyond a few crossover hits, the album is considered a "hidden gem" of the era. It's a key record for fans of classic soul music, appreciated for its sophisticated arrangements and heartfelt performances.
The album generally receives high user ratings on music databases like Discogs. It is a foundational release in the group's short but impactful discography on Wand Records.
If you're looking for authentic, melodic 1970s soul with a unique, sweet vocal chemistry and a focus on classic themes, The First Time We Met (or their Greatest Hits) is a highly recommended, genuinely good listen for soul music aficionados.