The Delfonics
The Delfonics were a pioneering R&B and soul vocal group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for popularizing the smooth, orchestral "Philadelphia Soul" sound in the late 1960s and early 1970s
Brothers William "Poogie" Hart and Wilbert Hart formed the group in Philadelphia around 1964, originally as The Orphonics. The "classic" trio consisted of the Hart brothers and high school friend Randy Cain. Manager Stan Watson introduced them to producer/arranger Thom Bell, who was then a pianist for Cameo-Parkway Records.
Their first recording, "He Don't Really Love You" (1966), was released on Moon Shot Records after Cameo-Parkway initially passed on it. Under Thom Bell's production, the group developed a signature "sleek and airy" sound featuring lush string arrangements and William Hart’s distinctive falsetto.
Breakthrough Hits: "La-La (Means I Love You)" (1968): Their first million-selling gold single, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" (1970): A massive hit that earned the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. Other Notable Hits: "Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide from Love)," "Break Your Promise," and "I'm Sorry".
Randy Cain left the group in 1971 (later helping form Blue Magic) and was replaced by Major Harris. After Thom Bell left to produce The Stylistics, the group's success declined. They officially split in 1975 into two separate touring units led by William and Wilbert Hart, respectively.
Their music gained renewed fame in the 1990s after being featured prominently in Quentin Tarantino's film Jackie Brown (1997). They were inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 1995 and the Atlantic City Walk of Fame in 2023.
William Hart passed away in 2022, but Wilbert Hart continues to perform, keeping the Delfonics' legacy alive.
Tell Me This Is A Dream
Written-By – Wilbert Hart 3:21
A2 I'm A Man
Written-By – Wilbert Hart 3:04
A3 Too Late
Written-By – Wilbert Hart 2:36
A4 Love You Till I Die
Written-By – William Hart 3:10
A5 Looking For A Girl
Written-By – William Hart 2:50
B1 Walk Right Up To The Sun
Written-By – Allan Felder, Norman Harris 3:02
B2 Round And Round
Written-By – Wilbert Hart 3:12
B3 Baby I Miss You
Written-By – Wilbert Hart 3:20
B4 Delfonics Theme
Written-By – Thom Bell, William Hart 4:17
B5 Tell Me This Is A Dream
Written-By – William Hart 3:36
Label: Philly Groove Records – PG 1154
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
Tell Me This Is A Dream, The Delfonics' 1972 album, is often seen as a solid but slightly transitional release, showcasing the group's signature Philly Soul sound with beautiful harmonies and lush arrangements, though it lacked the huge pop crossover hits of its Thom Bell-produced predecessors, despite yielding R&B hits like "Hey Love" and "Walk Right Up to the Sun". Reviews highlight its depth, rich textures, and William Hart's emotive vocals, with many fans finding tracks like "Hey Love" and the title track to be masterpieces, cementing its status as a beloved deep cut in their catalog.
The album marked the group taking more creative control, with William & Wilbert Hart writing most material, alongside producer Stan Watson, moving away from their iconic producer Thom Bell. It maintains the classic Delfonics style—smooth, dreamy, orchestral soul with intricate harmonies, flute, strings, and brass.
Standout Tracks: "Hey Love" is universally praised for its sublime harmonies and Wilbert Hart's rare lead, while the title track and "Walk Right Up to the Sun" are also celebrated.
While not a massive pop smash like their earlier work, it's considered a vital, beautiful album by fans, offering excellent deep soul with a hazy, psych-tinged feel. Reissues, like the Kent CD, are noted for excellent sound quality and historical context in the liner notes.
In essence, Tell Me This Is A Dream is lauded as a testament to The Delfonics' enduring quality and artistry, proving they were more than just a Thom Bell project, offering sophisticated soul that remains deeply impactful.
The Delfonics
Written-By – Thom Bell, Wm. Hart 3:25
A2 Funny Feeling
Written-By – Thom Bell, Wm. Hart 2:28
A3 When You Get Right Down To It
Written-By – Barry Mann 2:45
A4 Baby I Love You
Written-By – Thom Bell, Wm. Hart 2:58
A5 Delfonics' Theme (How Could You)
Written-By – Thom Bell, Wm. Hart 4:20
B1 Trying To Make A Fool Of Me
Written-By – Thom Bell, Wm. Hart 2:58
B2 Down Is Up, Up Is Down
Written-By – Thom Bell, Wm. Hart 2:28
B3 Over & Over
Written-By – Thom Bell, Wm. Hart 3:04
B4 Think About Me
Written-By – Wm. Hart 2:33
B5 I Gave To You
Written-By – Wm. Hart 5:45
Label: Philly Groove Records PG 1153
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
Released in 1970 on Philly Groove Records, the self-titled third album by The Delfonics is widely regarded by critics and fans as the pinnacle of their career and a foundational pillar of the "Philadelphia Sound".
This album is frequently cited as the group’s most cohesive and complete work. It marked their only appearance in the top 100 of the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 61.
Critics praise the "slick and smooth" production by Thom Bell, who used lush orchestrations, French horns, sitars, and harpsichords to create a "sumptuous atmosphere" that defined the era's soul music.
Key Tracks:
"Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)": The album’s centerpiece, this Grammy-winning single reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is considered a "masterpiece" of orchestral soul.
"Trying to Make a Fool of Me": Often cited as being equal in quality to "Didn't I," it is a frequently sampled track noted for its "powerful orchestration".
"Funny Feeling": A more uptempo, "bouncy" track that reviewers compare to the classic Motown sound.
"I Gave To You": A widely praised closing ballad noted for its "smooth gliding" tempo and emotional weight.
Almost entirely original material, with nearly all songs penned "in-house" by William Hart and Thom Bell. William Hart’s lead falsetto is a central highlight, described as "aching," "plaintive," and "supple".
Highly consistent quality throughout the tracklist with "no skips" according to modern listeners. Pioneering use of unique instruments (sitar, harpsichord) in an R&B context.
The album experienced a significant cultural resurgence after being heavily featured in Quentin Tarantino's 1997 film Jackie Brown. Modern vinyl reissues (such as those by Music on Vinyl) are highly rated for their "fantastic" sound quality and dynamic range.