The Delfonics Albums (9)
'La La Means We Love You'
Release Date 1/1/2005
Tracks 14
Label Music Avenue
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
When Fantasy reactivated the Volt label in 1999, it recorded urban contemporary newcomer Angel Sessions, as well as older soul veterans like the Delfonics, the Dramatics, and Brenda Holloway. Although not in a class with the Delfonics' seminal recordings of the late '60s and early '70s, 1999's Forever New is an enjoyable outing that finds the group in good form 31 years after "La La Means I Love You" burned up the R&B charts. William Hart's distinctive voice has held up well over the years, and his performances on "I Will Remember You," "When You're Gone," and other selections, demonstrate that time has not robbed the Philadelphian of his charisma. Produced by Fred Pittman and Preston Glass, Forever New tends to favor a high-tech urban contemporary production style that is a departure from the lush orchestral approach Thom Bell was known for (although Bell arranged "She's The Kinda Girl"). The horns and strings are missed, and the Delfonics (whose lineup on Forever New consists of Hart, Major Harris, and Futures graduate Frank Washington) would have been better served by an honest-to-God band -- even so, the material generally sounds organic rather than forced and unnatural. Also noteworthy is a remake of "Break Your Promise," which falls short of the excellence of the original version but is pleasing nonetheless. Forever New isn't essential -- casual listeners would be better off with a collection of the Delfonics' late '60s/early '70s hits -- but it's still a CD that seasoned Delfonics fans will appreciate. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The bulk of The Professionals consists of ten previously unreleased cuts recorded in 1975 for a planned follow-up to Alive & Kicking. The album was shelved after the poor performance of the band's last few singles, and the cuts appear here for the first time. As could be expected, it's not difficult to see why these cuts were never released, even though they sound fairly identical to the band's other hits, especially the classic "Didn't I Blow Your Mind." There are some interesting standout moments here, such as the dance break inserted into the middle of "Your Name," or the jazzy rhythms of "The Same Things That Make You Laugh." Most of it, though, lacks the punch and energy of earlier hits, which suggests that one of the reasons the album wasn't released is because the Delfonics' formula may have started to wear thin (even though none of this sounds unlistenable or ill-conceived). The disc also includes several cuts from Alive & Kicking and the comparison is interesting, since those songs sound musically similar but much more lively and crisp. Part of that may have been the fuller production, but it still seems like the band had essentially peaked by 1974. As an added bonus, the disc includes an outtake from the Alive & Kicking sessions, "Don't Leave Me," and it's a lovely, though inessential, ballad. The Professionals will be of value mostly to Delfonics fans and collectors, but newcomers should probably stick with other collections. ~ Victor W. Valdivia, All Music Guide
'Back 2 Back: Delfonics and Chi-Lites'
Release Date 1/1/1998
Tracks 10
Label Excelsior
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Delfonics Return'
Release Date 1/1/1994
Tracks 10
Label Philly Groove
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Alive & Kicking'
Release Date 1/1/1974
Tracks 12
Label Philly Groove
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
A mediocre album by Delfonics standards, although there are a few good moments. But the magic was gone by the mid-'70s, and the Delfonics were being surpassed by their rivals, like Blue Magic and the Stylistics, who benefited from far superior songs. They kept trying, but didn't click nearly as often, nor as much as needed. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'The Sound of Sexy Soul'
Release Date 1/1/1969
Tracks 12
Label Philly Groove
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The Sound of Sexy Soul is the Delfonics' second long-player and builds upon the notable impact of their first, La La Means I Love You. This album provides the trio a platform for their next batch of crossover soul/pop hits, including "Somebody Loves You" and "Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love)." The developing Philly soul revolution which was being led by writer/musician/producer and arranger Thom Bell is increasingly evident throughout this disc. Incorporating lush tempos, potent string arrangements, as well as the Delfonics' dense vocal blend is a triumphant combination not only for Bell, but all devotees of Philadelphia's embryonic smooth-grooves movement. Evenly divided between six originals and six cover tunes, The Sound of Sexy Soul is perhaps the most accurate name an album of this nature could have. While the title might insinuate a collection of slow ballads, that is only a portion of the soul and pop crossover magic. There is certainly nothing leisurely about the original "You Can't Be Loving Him" or the feisty rendition of "Ain't That Peculiar," which happily suffers from an undeniable Motown groove, propelled by a familiar-sounding rhythm not too far removed from its Motor City roots. Among the other cover versions that the Delfonics reinvent for themselves on this LP are a psychedelic reading of "Scarborough Fair" and a mid-tempo reworking of "Going out of My Head." As with their previous album, the songwriting team of Thom Bell and William Hart scored not only the aforementioned hits -- "Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love)" and "Somebody Loves You" -- but several hidden gems, including "Everytime I See My Baby" and "My New Love." These tunes are textbook Philly soul and include trademark muted brass and string arrangements that support without impeding the trio's timeless vocal blend. In essence, they are able to delineate as well as personify the combination of influences that Bell and company drew upon in their quest to create a whole new soul music subgenre. The 2001 Buddha Records reissue marks the first time that The Sound of Sexy Soul has been available on CD. It boasts nearly perfect sound and a four-panel liner notes foldout which includes a historical essay from noted musicologist Bill Dahl as well as a reproduction of the original LP jacket. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although self-titled, The Delfonics was actually the fourth long-player for the Philly soul vocalists. The album would not only be the band's entrée into the Top 100 pop album chart upon its release in 1970 -- peaking at Number 61 -- it would also sport five hit singles over the course of two years. The success came with a price, however, as the album would be among the final collaborative efforts between the original trio -- which consisted of brothers William Hart and Wilbert Hart, and Randy Cain -- and their mentor Thom Bell. In two unrelated and evolutionary incidents, Cain would be replaced by Major Harris. While Bell -- who was just beginning to receive the international acclaim so deserving of his work -- would begin recording with the Spinners, Stylistics, and even established artists such as the O'Jays. All of the individual elements that helped create the distinctive "smooth grooves" sound synonymous with the Delfonics coalesce on this album with undeniable intensity. Indeed, the material has arguably never been stronger -- with nine of the album's ten tracks composed by either Thom Bell and/or William Hart. The performances are likewise ideally scored, incorporating string and brass sections without overpowering the vocal blend or seeming pretentious. Stylistically, the extroverted up-tempo arrangement on tracks such as the psychedelic "Funny Feeling" is equally as potent as the intimate ballad "I Gave to You." Several sides on this disc are among the group's best-known works, as well as definitive entries into the distinct Philly-brand soul music scene. The leadoff track, "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," would not only become a staple of Top 40 and R&B radio in 1970, but nearly two decades later inspired the 20-volume soul music compilation Soul Hits of the 70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind. Additional crossover pop/R&B chart hits include: "Over & Over," "Trying to Make a Fool of Me," and "When You Get Right Down to It." The Delfonics also includes several "sleeper" tracks that would remain somewhat obscured by the overwhelming strength of the rest of the album. It was not until the disc was issued on CD by Buddha Records in 2001 that "Delfonics' Theme (How Could You)" -- a timeless showcase for the unmistakable, soaring falsetto of William Hart -- as well as the slinky syncopation of Hart's "Think About Me" were rediscovered. Again, considering the power of the rest of the release, it is easy to see how they were relegated to becoming deep cuts. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Philly soul has rarely sounded as regal as it does on Buddah Records "Original Masters" reissue series. Their initial batch of releases includes the first three long-players from the Thom Bell-produced and arranged Delfonics. While La La Means I Love You is the trio's debut LP, they had actually been working with Bell as far back as their 1966 single "He Don't Really Love You." By the time this album was cut, Bell had begun to establish a core of key Philadelphia musicians who would later become internationally recognized as MFSB. This conglomerate further enhances the already mellifluous vocal blend of the original Delfonics, which included brothers William Hart, Wilbert Hart, and Randy Cain. The multi-task role that Bell plays in the success of the Delfonics -- as well as most every other Philly-based group fortunate enough to have been guided by his discernible ears -- included producing and arranging as well as co-writing over half of the original material on the album. Among them are the Top 40 hits "I'm Sorry" and "Break Your Promise," as well as the title track, which would become one of the group's signature tunes. The sublime smooth grooves seemingly inherent in these arrangements practically define the distinction between the Philly soul scene and those more established in Detroit (Motown), Memphis (Stax), or Chicago (Chess). Bell's trademark easy and languid rhythms, when married to the trio's lush vocal harmonies, add new hues to the sonic soul music pallet of the late '60s and early '70s. The effectiveness of Bell's innovative arrangements is perhaps most evident on the cover tunes. Astute listeners will inevitably note the influence of another highly regarded and successful songwriting/arranging team. The inclusion of two Bacharach/David classics -- "The Look of Love" and "Alfie" -- gives listeners more than just a hint at where much of Bell's fresh and distinct ideas may have taken root. Additionally, the Delfonics' cover of "Hurt So Bad" should not be missed, as it bests, or at the very least updates, Little Anthony & the Imperials' more familiar version. Buddha's 2001 reissue marks this title's CD debut by mirroring the original vinyl release -- even going so far as to faithfully reproduce both sides of the original LP jacket. Newly inked liner notes -- as well as complete discographical and personnel information -- have also been added in the six-panel foldout. Above all, the remastered sound yields the best this material has had. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
