Enchantment
Enchantment is an American soul and R&B vocal group that originated in Detroit, Michigan. The group was formed in 1966 during their time at Pershing High School, with key members including Emanuel "EJ" Johnson, Joe "Jobie" Thomas, Bobby Green, Edgar "Mickey" Clanton, and David Banks. Johnson, the lead singer, is visually impaired but has been noted for his powerful vocal abilities, which contributed significantly to the group's distinctive sound.
The band began to gain notoriety in the late 1960s. Their breakthrough came in 1976 with the release of the album "Enchantment," which included hits like "Gloria" and "Sunshine." Their music is characterized by a smooth blend of soul and R&B, often featuring lush harmonies and romantic themes that resonated with listeners.
Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, Enchantment enjoyed commercial success, releasing several albums and singles that charted on various music lists. Their style incorporated influences from funk and soul, and they became known for their melodious and smooth sound.
Despite shifts in the music industry and changes in personnel over the years, including Jobie Thomas' departure to form his own version of the group, Enchantment has maintained a presence in the music scene. They have continued to perform and release music into the 21st century, adapting to changes in musical tastes while staying true to their roots in soul and R&B. The group's legacy is evident in their influence on the genre and their continued appreciation among fans of soul and R&B music. I
Enchanted Lady
Written-By – H. "Skip" Boardley
4:58
A2 Enchanted Lady
Written-By – E. Johnson
5:19
A3 Toe Jammin'
Written-By – J. Thomas, S. Thomas
5:45
A4 I Can't Forget You
Written-By – E. Johnson
6:24
B1 Adora
Written-By – J. Thomas
4:48
B2 Only You
Written-By – R. Reid, W. Anderson
6:33
B3 Your Love Is Like A Melody
Written-By – E. Johnson
3:25
B4 Peace Is What The World Needs
Written-By – R. Reid, W. Anderson
5:20
Label: Columbia – FC 38024
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Electronic, Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Boogie, Funk, Soul
Enchantment
A2 Gloria 5:20
A3 Dance To The Music 4:00
A4 Sexy Lady 3:00
B1 Come On And Ride 4:16
B2 My Rose 4:28
B3 Sunshine 4:40
B4 Thank You Girl For Loving Me
Written by Emanuel Johnson, Michael Stokes
Label: United Artists Records – UA-LA682-G
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Sweet Soul
Enchantment's self-titled 1976 debut album is praised as a strong, classic soul/R&B record, showcasing the group's vocal talent with standout singles like "Gloria" and "Sunshine," alongside deep cuts like the funk track "Hold On," with reviewers highlighting its lush arrangements, diverse styles (sweet soul, funk, disco), and timeless quality that defied the disco era's rise.
The album is noted for its intricate harmonies, masterful lead vocals (especially E.J. Johnson's tenor), and rich instrumentation, making it a highly recommended staple of 70s soul.
The group was one of the last great "sweet soul" acts, blending the polished sound of Motown with Philly soul, notes Allmusic.
Reviewers emphasize the exceptional vocal versatility and harmonies, with E.J. Johnson's powerful tenor leading many tracks. "Gloria" (R&B #5) and "Sunshine" (R&B #3) were major successes, proving their chart power.
Tracks range from romantic ballads ("My Rose") and funk grooves ("Hold On") to sensual R&B ("Sexy Lady") and disco, creating a varied and magical listening experience, according to this Amazon review.
Despite the emergence of disco, the album's quality soul/R&B sound is considered non-dated and highly enduring.
In summary, Enchantment's debut is celebrated as a high-quality, essential soul album, praised for its tight musicianship, standout singles, and consistent quality from start to finish, solidifying their place in 70s soul music history.
Enchantment – If You're Ready... The Best Of
2 It's You That I Need 6:00
3 Sunshine 4:52
4 Gloria 5:36
5 Dance To The Music 4:02
6 My Rose 4:37
7 Thank You Girl For Loving Me 3:54
8 Come On And Ride 4:23
9 Sunny Shine Feeling 3:43
10 You Must Be An Angel/Up Higher 5:07
11 Hold On 6:28
12 Silly Love Song 4:55
13 Trying To Get Over (With You) 5:51
14 Where Do We Go From Here/Journey 6:12
Label: EMI – 7243 8 34401 2 2
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Soul, Funk, Disco
Journey To The Land Of Enchantment
Written-By – Thomas, Stokes, Lowe
3:50
A2 Magnetic Feel
Written-By – Thomas, Stokes, Lowe
4:41
A3 Anyway You Want It
Written-By – Johnson
3:15
A4 Love Melodies
Written-By – Thomas, Stokes
3:35
A5 Oasis Of Love
Written-By – Thomas, Stokes
3:44
B1 I Wanna Boogie
Written-By – Thomas, Stokes, Lowe
3:48
B2 Fun
Written-By – Thomas, Stokes
2:29
B3 Let Me Entertain You
Written-By – Thomas, Stokes, Lowe
3:38
B4 Forever More
Written-By – Johnson
4:58
B5 Where Do We Go From Here
Written-By – Johnson
4:20
B6 Journey
Written-By – Stokes
1:50
Label: Roadshow – BXL1-3269
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Soft Lights, Sweet Music
Words By, Music By – Belita Woods, Trenita Womack, William Wooten
3:59
A2 I'm Who You Found (Not Who You Lost)
Words By, Music By – James Dean, John Glover
4:13
A3 I Believe In You
Words By, Music By – David Banks, Emanuel Johnson, William Stevenson IV
5:04
A4 Moment Of Weakness
Words By, Music By – Anita Jones, David T. Garner
3:45
A5 I Can't Fake It
Words By, Music By – Joe Thomas
2:54
B1 Soft Lights, Sweet Music
Words By, Music By – Marilyn McLeod
4:20
B2 Are You Ready For Love
Words By, Music By – Emanuel Johnson
4:07
B3 I Can't Be The One
Words By, Music By – Belita Woods, Trenita Womack, William Wooten
3:07
B4 You And Me
Words By, Music By – Emanuel Johnson
5:03
Label: RCA Victor – AFL1-3824
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Utopia
Written-By – E. Johnson, J. Barnes, L. Stokes, M. Stokes
5:10
A2 Come Be My Lover
Written-By – J. Thomas, L. Stokes, M. Stokes
4:58
A3 Love Struck
Written-By – R. Kersey, S. Dees
4:59
A4 Here's Your Chance
Written-By – E. Johnson, L. Stokes, M. Stokes
5:30
B1 Don't Fight The Feeling
Written-By – J. Thomas, M. Stokes
4:43
B2 Somebody's Loving You
Written-By – D. Erving, E. Johnson, J. Thomas, L. Stokes, M. Stokes
3:40
B3 I'm Dreaming
Written-By – E. Johnson
4:14
B4 Get It While It's Hot
Written-By – L. Stokes, M. Stokes
3:02
B5 Gotta Find A Love
Written-By – E. Johnson
4:22
Bonus Tracks
10 I Know Your Hot Spot 4:57
11 Enchanted Lady 5:24
12 Adora 4:48
Label: Columbia – FC 38959
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Boogie, Disco, Funk