Archie Bell and The Drells<div hidden>Archie Bell & The Drells</div>
Archie Bell & the Drells formed in Houston, Texas, as an influential R&B vocal group in the late 1960s. Led by Archie Bell, born September 1, 1944, in Henderson, Texas, the group achieved massive success with hits produced by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.
Archie Bell started singing young, influenced by Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke, and formed the group in 1966 (or earlier in junior high per some accounts) with friends James Wise, Willie Parnell, and Billy Butler while at Leo Smith Junior High. They signed with Houston's Ovide label in 1967, recording tracks backed by the T.S.U. Toronadoes.
"Tighten Up," recorded in October 1967, originated from a dance Billy Butler showed Bell to lift his spirits amid a draft notice; it topped R&B and pop charts in 1968 despite Bell's leg injury in a non-combat Army truck accident in Germany. Follow-up "I Can't Stop Dancing" also charted high, leading to their debut album.
Key singles included "There's Gonna Be a Showdown," "Girl You're Too Young" (1969), "Here I Go Again" (UK hit 1972), "The Soul City Walk" (1975, UK #13), "Let's Groove" (#7 R&B), and "Everybody Have a Good Time" (1977). Lineup shifts featured brother Lee Bell replacing Butler as choreographer, plus later members like Reid Farrell; they released albums like Dance Your Troubles Away (1975).
The group disbanded in 1980, but Bell issued a solo album I Never Had It So Good (1981) and reformed the Drells with new musicians into the 1990s-2000s. Houston honored Bell, Lucious Larkins, and James Wise with "Archie Bell and the Drells Day" on April 16, 2013.
Hard Not To Like It
Written-By – Victor Carstarphen 3:39
A2 Disco Showdown
Written-By – Gene McFadden & John Whitehead, Victor Carstarphen 3:01
A3 Disco Fever
Written-By – Gene McFadden & John Whitehead, Victor Carstarphen 4:08
A4 On The Radio
Written-By – Victor Carstarphen 4:30
B1 It's Hard Not To Like You
Written-By – F. Smith, H. Preston, Gene McFadden & John Whitehead 4:00
B2 There's No Other Like You
Written-By – Gene McFadden & John Whitehead, Victor Carstarphen 4:43
B3 Real Good Feeling
Written-By – Gene McFadden & John Whitehead, Victor Carstarphen 3:41
B4 I've Been Missing You
Written-By – D. Brown, Gene McFadden & John Whitehead, T. Wallington 3:57
Label: Philadelphia International Records – PZ 34855
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly, Disco
Hard Not to Like It by Archie Bell & The Drells is considered a solid Philly Soul/Disco album, showcasing their successful transition to the sound of Gamble & Huff, with strong two-step soul on the second side complementing disco efforts on the first, featuring highlights like "It's Hard Not To Like You" and "There's No Other Like You" for true fans, though it's often part of compilations like the Where Will You Go When The Party's Over CD.
The album successfully captured the era's dance trends, balancing catchy disco with classic, smooth Philadelphia soul sounds.
Side two is particularly praised for its easy, soulful two-step tracks, perfect for dancing.
Notable Tracks: "It's Hard Not To Like You," "There's No Other Like You," and "Real Good Feeling" are highlighted as great examples of their sound.
It's often found on CD compilations alongside albums like Where Will You Go When The Party's Over, offering a strong collection of their later work.
While maybe not as iconic as their earlier hits like "Tighten Up," it's seen as a strong, enjoyable album that represents the group's mature sound and appeal to disco fans, making it a good listen for fans of 70s funk and soul.
Tighten Up
Written-By – Archie Bell, Billy Buttier 3:10
A2 Tighten Up (Part 2)
Written-By – Archie Bell, Billy Buttier 2:52
A3 I Don't Wanna Be A Playboy
Written-By – Earl Hines, James Bonner 3:00
A4 You're Mine
Written-By – Cal Thomas 2:46
A5 Knock On Wood
Written-By – Eddie Floyd, Steve Cropper 2:30
B1 Give Me Time
Written-By – Sunny Ozuna 2:29
B2 In The Midnight Hour
Written-By – Steve Cropper, Wilson Pickett 2:27
B3 When You Left Heartache Began
Written-By – Archie Bell 2:36
B4 A Thousand Wonders
Written-By – Cal Thomas 2:08
B5 A Soldier's Prayer, 1967
Written-By – Archie Bell 2:54
Label: Atlantic – SC 8181
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Archie Bell & The Drells' Tighten Up (1968) album, centered around the iconic, two-chord funk/soul party anthem "Tighten Up," is celebrated as quintessential feel-good, danceable music, showcasing infectious grooves, strong Hammond organ work from the T.S.U. Tornadoes (who provided the instrumental backing), and Bell's energetic MC-style vocals, offering a blueprint for future funk and disco, even if some tracks lean into simple, joyous party vibes over complex song structures, making it a classic for its undeniable, lasting energy.
"Tighten Up" itself is a simple but powerful groove built on two chords, a funky bassline, and iconic brass, becoming a massive #1 hit by capturing the spirit of a hot summer party.
The album is full of happy, danceable tracks like "I Can't Stop Dancing," focusing on fun, rhythm, and getting people on the floor, a signature of the band's sound. The T.S.U. Tornadoes (including organist Robert Sanders) are crucial, providing the vibrant, soulful, bluesy organ and instrumental foundation that drives the record.
While simple, the album showcases an early, innocent sound that evolves into more sophisticated dance tracks on later albums, with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff later refining their style.
Tighten Up is considered an influential early funk record, laying groundwork for disco, despite its minimalist nature and James Brown's existing funk dominance.
Critics and fans love Tighten Up for its pure, unadulterated fun and its role in defining early funk and dance music, with its catchy rhythms and joyful spirit holding up well for listeners seeking feel-good tunes. It's a beloved staple for its nostalgic charm and irresistible beat.
Where Will You Go When The Party’s Over
Written-By, Producer – J. Whitehead-G. McFadden, V. Carstarphen
4:20
A2 Where Will You Go When The Party's Over
Written-By, Producer – J. Whitehead-G. McFadden, V. Carstarphen
4:07
A3 Right Here Is Where I Want To Be
Producer – Bunny Sigler
Written-By – J. Whitehead-G. McFadden, V. Carstarphen
5:01
A4 Dancin' Man
Producer – McFadden & Whitehead, Victor Carstarphen
Written-By – V. Barrett, V. Gray
5:29
B1 Everybody Have A Good Time
Written-By, Producer – B. Sigler
6:15
B2 I Swear You're Beautiful
Written-By, Producer – B. Sigler
5:21
B3 Nothing Comes Easy
Written-By, Producer – J. Whitehead-G. McFadden, V. Carstarphen
3:09
B4 I Bet I Can Do That Dance You're Doin'
Written-By, Producer – J. Whitehead-G. McFadden, V. Carstarphen
3:17
Label: Philadelphia International Records – PZ 34323
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly, Disco
Where Will You Go When The Party's Over by Archie Bell & The Drells is praised for its lush Philly Soul production, featuring dramatic strings, punchy horns, and soulful vocals, particularly on standouts like the emotive title track and "Don't Let Love Get You Down," showcasing the Drells' tight harmonies and a blend of sweet drama and joyous, danceable grooves, marking a strong entry on the Philadelphia International Records label.
The album leans into the rich, orchestrated sound of Philadelphia Soul, with prominent strings and powerful horn arrangements. Archie Bell delivers impassioned, emotive vocals, supported by the Drells' tight, sweeping harmonies.
Produced by the team of McFadden & Whitehead, tracks are lush and dramatic, with arrangements by Jack Faith adding depth.
Standout Tracks:-
"Where Will You Go When The Party's Over": Often called the album's masterpiece, this "anthemic" title track features a sultry saxophone intro and cascading strings.
"Don't Let Love Get You Down": A standout "thump-funkin'" track that received heavy radio play and later became a significant UK single.
"Everybody Have A Good Time": A high-energy, uplifting disco track produced by Bunny Sigler, noted for its "blazing horns" and Archie Bell’s showman-like performance.
"Right Here Is Where I Want To Be": A change of pace, this is described as a "heartfelt and impassioned" ballad that showcases the group’s soulful harmonies.
"Dancin' Man": A funkier, more aggressive track where the rhythm section and keyboards "kick loose".
While the album features hit-potential tracks and strong production, the title track itself wasn't a massive chart smash, which puzzled some reviewers.
Fans appreciate the blend of soulful emotion and dancefloor-ready funk, making it a well-regarded album in their catalog. The album is frequently sold as a remastered two-disc set alongside the group's later albums, Hard Not To Like It and Strategy.