The Facts Of Life
The Facts of Life was an American soul/disco trio formed in the 1970s, primarily produced by Millie Jackson. The group consisted of members Jean Davis, who is the sister of Tyrone Davis, along with Chuck Carter and Keith Williams. They initially recorded under the name "The Gospel Truth" before rebranding as The Facts of Life.
Their musical style incorporated elements of R&B, including deep soul and disco, which was characteristic of the era. The group's active years spanned from 1975 to 1978, during which they gained recognition for their soulful sound and energetic performances. The Facts of Life's notable contributions to the music scene during this period showcased the influence of gospel music in their work, reflecting their origins.
Despite their brief stint in the industry, The Facts of Life left a lasting impression within the soul and disco genres, thanks in part to their connection with Millie Jackson, a prominent figure in R&B music at the time.
A Matter Of Fact
Guest – Millie Jackson
Written-By – H. Scales, M. Griffin
5:43
A2 We Can't Hide It Anymore
Written-By – Barry Murphy
3:59
A3 He Ain't You
Written-By – B. Burg, D. Denehatheinz, J. Barry, L. Hartman
3:18
A4 Do You Wanna Make Love
Written-By – Peter McCann
3:48
B1 I'm Way Ahead Of You
Written-By – C. Putman, S. Throckmorton
4:38
B2 You Always Get Your Way
Written-By – B. Inger, S. Catton
3:35
B3 It's Only A Matter Of Time
Written-By – Joe Shamwell
2:52
B4 This Ain't No Time To Sleep Apart
Written-By – Guy Fletcher-Doug Flett
3:51
B5 Dr. Feelgood
Written-By – B. Goldberg, G. Goffin
3:25
Label: Kayvette – 803
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
A Matter Of Fact by The Facts Of Life, released in 1978 on Kayvette/RCA, is a soulful, funk-infused R&B album produced by the legendary Millie Jackson, showcasing the trio's strong harmonies with tracks like "Did He Make Love To You," mixing Southern soul with modern sensibilities, featuring Muscle Shoals backing and Jackson's mentorship.
It is characterized as a blend of Southern soul, deep soul, and disco. The sound features interplay and harmony between the trio—one female singer (Jean Davis) and two male singers (Keith Williams and Chuck Carter)—reminiscent of groups like the Soul Children.
Notable Tracks: "Did He Make Love To You": Described as the group's "masterpiece," this near six-minute dramatic piece features a theatrical argument between Keith Williams and Jean Davis, with interjections from Millie Jackson. Includes "We Can't Hide It Anymore," "I'm Way Ahead of You," and "Dr. Feelgood" (featuring Millie Jackson).
It's the group's second and final album, a gem from the late 70s R&B scene, capturing authentic emotional depth. While their first album found success with the hit single "Sometimes," A Matter of Fact was less commercially successful. It reached #54 on the Billboard R&B album chart, though its singles failed to achieve significant mainstream airplay.
Sometimes
Written-By – B. Anderson
3:45
A2 Caught In The Act (Of Getting It On)
Written-By – C. Hampton, H. Banks
4:17
A3 Bitter Woman
Written-By – G. Jackson, R. Moore
4:11
A4 Lost Inside Of You
Written-By – B. Streisand, L. Russell
3:16
A5 Looks Like We Made It
Written-By – R. Kerr, W. Jennings
3:43
B1 A Hundred Pounds Of Pain
Written-By – L. Welch, R.M. McCoy
3:22
B2 Uphill Peace Of Mind
Written-By – F. Knight
3:52
B3 What Would Your Mama Say?
Written-By – C. Jackson, R. Moore
4:12
B4 Givin' Me Your Love
Written-By – K. terling, M. Jackson
3:55
B5 That Kind Of Fire
Written-By – J. Norman Scott
3:20
B6 Love Is The Final Truth
Written-By – V. Harper
4:12
Label: Kayvette – LPK-802
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
Facts of Life's "Sometimes" album is a highly regarded 1977 Southern Soul/Deep Funk release, praised for its rich interplay between male/female vocals, mellow grooves, tight Muscle Shoals production, and storytelling lyrics, often compared to the Soul Children, featuring hits like "Caught in the Act" and the country-tinged title track, showing depth beyond raw soul with keyboards and background vocals enhancing the sound.
It features smooth, laid-back Southern Soul with a country flavor, recorded at Muscle Shoals with Brad Shapiro, allowing vocals to shine, with excellent interplay between the male (Keith Williams, Chuck Carter) and female (Jean Davis) leads, creating mature, narrative-driven songs.
The album ncludes the breakout hit "Sometimes" (a country cover) and "Caught in the Act (of Getting It On)," a classic cheating ballad. The group showed musical growth from their earlier gospel sound, adding keyboards and harmonies without losing soul.
Seen as a classic trio effort with unique talent for mellow, story-driven soul, offering depth and great vocal interplay. While good, some critics felt the Soul Children were preferable, but acknowledged its quality deep soul with country notes.
In essence, Sometimes is a strong, well-produced soul album from 1977, known for its vocal chemistry and standout tracks, making it a favorite for fans of Southern Soul.