William DeVaughn
Be Thankful For What You Got
Bass – Hugh McDonald
Drums – Al Price
Engineer, Mixed By – Carl Paruolo
Guitar – Pal Rakes
Written-By – William DeVaughn 5:35
A2 We Are His Children
Bass – Hugh McDonald
Drums – Al Price
Engineer – Carl Paruolo
Guitar – Pal Rakes
Mixed By – Doug Fern
Written-By – William DeVaughn 5:14
A3 Blood Is Thicker Than Water
Bass – Hugh McDonald
Drums – Al Price
Engineer, Mixed By – Carl Paruolo
Guitar – Pal Rakes
Written-By – Pal Rakes, Russ Faith 7:19
A4 Kiss And Make Up
Bass – Hugh McDonald
Drums – Al Price
Engineer – Carl Paruolo
Guitar – Pal Rakes
Mixed By – Doug Fern
Written-By – William DeVaughn 2:48
B1 Be Thankful For What You Got
Arranged By [Arranging Assistance] – Allan Felder
Bass – Rusty Jackman
Drums – Earl Young
Engineer, Mixed By – Joe Tarsia
Guitar – Bobby Eli, Norman Harris
Written-By – William DeVaughn 7:12
B2 Sing A Love Song
Bass – Hugh McDonald
Drums – Al Price
Engineer, Mixed By – Carl Paruolo
Guitar – Pal Rakes
Written-By – Frank Fiorvanti, William DeVaughn 3:26
B3 You Can Do It
Bass – Hugh McDonald
Drums – Al Price
Engineer, Mixed By – Carl Paruolo
Guitar – Pal Rakes
Written-By – William DeVaughn 3:38
B4 Something's Being Done
Bass – Hugh McDonald
Drums – Al Price
Engineer – Carl Paruolo
Guitar – Pal Rakes
Mixed By – Doug Fern
Written-By – William DeVaughn 3:44
Label: Roxbury Records – RLX 100
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
William DeVaughn's 1974 debut album, Be Thankful for What You Got, is widely considered a soul classic, though many critics and fans note the rest of the album struggles to match the iconic status and quality of its massive title track. The album is a quintessential piece of Philadelphia soul, featuring the legendary MFSB session musicians.
The song "Be Thankful for What You Got" is universally lauded as a sublime, enduring soul hit with an uplifting, socially conscious message, often compared to the work of Curtis Mayfield. Its lyrics ("Diamond in the back / sunroof top / diggi'n the scene with a gangsta lean") are among the most famous couplets in R&B history. The single was a huge commercial success, selling nearly two million copies and reaching number one on the US Billboard R&B chart.
Reviews of the full album are more mixed. Some consider the entire record to be a superb, laid-back listen that perfectly captures the "Philadelphia Soul signature" with rich arrangements and a great groove. However, a common criticism is that the other tracks are often "one-note" or feel like rewrites of the title track, lacking variation. The general consensus is that while the album is solid and well-produced, the monumental shadow of its hit single makes the rest of the content seem merely "okay" by comparison.
The album is praised for its production quality, recorded at Sigma Sound Studios with members of MFSB, providing a smooth and rich sonic experience. The long track lengths (many over five minutes) are noted for their deep grooves and intricate arrangements.
Despite its uneven critical reception as an album, the impact of the title song has made the record an important artifact for soul music aficionados. The song has been extensively covered and sampled by artists across genres, including Massive Attack, N.W.A., and Arthur Lee & Love, cementing its lasting cultural relevance.
Overall, the album is a must-have for fans of 1970s soul and R&B, primarily for its brilliant title track and the strong Philly soul production throughout, showcasing DeVaughn as a unique voice in soul music with impeccable Philly Soul backing.