The Natural Four
The Natural Four was a Bay Area soul group formed in 1967, known for hits like "Can This Be Real," evolving from local success on Boola-Boola Records (with original members like Chris James, Allen Richardson, John January, Al Bowden) to a major-label breakthrough on Curtom Records (with new members Delmos Whitley, Darryl Cannady, Steve Striplin) in the 1970s, achieving their biggest chart success with "Can This Be Real" in 1974.
The group started in Berkeley, CA, with Chris James (lead), Allen Richardson, John January, and Al Bowden. They gained local fame with "I Thought You Were Mine" on Boola-Boola Records, selling 30,000 copies and hitting #7 on KSOL/KDIA charts. They signed with ABC Records and later Chess Records, but success was limited, with Chess releasing "Give a Little Love" in 1971.
Chris James revamped the group in 1972, bringing in Darryl Cannady, Steve Striplin, and Delmos Whitley (often the lead). The new lineup signed with Curtis Mayfield's label, producing several R&B hits. Their biggest breakthrough came in 1974 with "Can This Be Real," a #31 Pop and #10 R&B hit, featuring "Try Love Again" as its B-side.
The group disbanded around 1976, though their music remained popular, especially rare groove tracks. Known for their smooth sound and tight harmonies, the Natural Four were an important part of the 70s soul scene, with "Can This Be Real" remaining a classic.
Good Vibes!
Written-By – R. Jones
3:17
A2 I Thought You Were Mine
Written-By – L. Cook
2:35
A3 The Situation Needs No Explanation
Written-By – E. Randle
2:41
A4 Same Thing In Mind
Written-By – R. Jones
3:19
A5 Stepping On Up
Written-By – Bowden, L. Gregory, James
2:44
B1 Hurt
Written-By – M. Holmes
3:10
B2 Going In Circles
Written-By – A. Poree, J. Peters
3:21
B3 All God's Children Got Soul
Written-By – Booker T., W. Bell
3:09
B4 Blue Velvet
Written-By – Bernie Wayne, Lee Morris
5:53
B5 Message From A Black Man
Written-By – N. Whitfield & B. Strong
3:27
Label: ABC Records – ABCS-706
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Good Vibes (1970) is the debut album by Oakland-based soul group The Natural Four, released on ABC Records before their later work with Curtis Mayfield. It is highly regarded by soul collectors and enthusiasts, boasting a strong 4.42-4.45/5 rating on platforms like Discogs and Rate Your Music.
The album features a mix of soulful, often smooth vocal harmonies characteristic of the early '70s. While not as widely known as their later Curtom Records material, this debut established their sound, with high demand among soul music collectors.
The album is considered a must-have for fans of vocal group soul from that era, showcasing their early talent and potential. Critics and listeners highlight the "crisp, smooth" lead vocals of Chris James and the group's "sweetest harmony ever recorded".
Unlike their later, more polished Chicago-soul sound under Leroy Hutson, Good Vibes! features a raw, early-70s aesthetic that balances classic vocal harmonies with soulful, rhythmic arrangements.
Natural Four
Producer, Arranged By – Leroy Hutson
Written-By – J. Hutson, L. Hutson, M. Hawkins
3:28
A2 You Bring Out The Best In Me
Producer, Arranged By – Leroy Hutson
Written-By – L. Hutson, M. Hawkins
4:37
A3 Try Love Again
Producer, Arranged By – Leroy Hutson
Written-By – J. Reaves, L. Hutson, M. Hawkins
4:28
A4 You Can't Keep Running Away
Producer, Arranged By – Leroy Hutson
Written-By – L. Hutson, M. Hawkins
3:28
B1 This Is What's Happening Now
Arranged By – R. Tufo
Producer – L. Simon, R. Tufo
Written-By – A. J. Tribble, G. Davis
4:08
B2 Love That Really Counts
Producer, Arranged By – Leroy Hutson
Written-By – J. Hutson, J. Reaves, L. Hutson, M. Hawkins
4:20
B3 Try To Smile
Arranged By – R. Tufo
Producer – L. Simon, R. Tufo
Written-By – L. Brownlee, L. Simon
2:58
B4 Love's Society
Arranged By – R. Tufo
Producer – J. Scott, L. Simon, R. Tufo
Written-By – J. Scott, L. Hutson, R. Anfinsen
3:20
B5 Things Will Be Better Tomorrow
Arranged By – Leroy Hutson
Producer, Written-By – R. Tufo
3:30
Label: Curtom – CRS 8600
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The Natural Four's 1974 self-titled album, released on Curtom Records, is a highly acclaimed harmony soul classic, produced by Leroy Hutson under Curtis Mayfield's label, blending lush arrangements, soulful vocals (especially Chris James'), and mature lyrics with sweet soul and funk elements, featuring hits like "Can This Be Real?" and "You Bring Out The Best In Me".
Masterfully produced by Leroy Hutson, it showcases a polished yet earnest sound, mixing smooth, sweet soul with touches of funk and reggae rhythms, notes Funk My Soul and Apple Music.
Features emotive lead vocals from Chris James, supported by tight, soulful group harmonies, creating a rich texture.
Includes notable singles and album cuts like "Can This Be Real?", "You Bring Out The Best In Me", "This Is What's Happening Now", "Love That Really Counts", and "Things Will Be Better Tomorrow".
Considered a standout in the strong catalog of Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records, standing alongside other great Chicago soul of the era, according to Apple Music and Dusty Groove.
The album is instantly recognizable by its vibrant, multicolored cover featuring a "Lifesavers" candy-like color scheme, designed by Olga Romero with photography by Joel Brodsky.
It reached #36 on the US Billboard R&B Albums chart and contained three top-40 R&B singles, marking the commercial peak for the group. Overall, it's praised as a mature, deep soul work, a "great lost classic" that embodies the best of 70s harmony soul.