The Dells Albums (12)
'Spending Our Christmases Together'
Release Date 11/28/2008
Tracks 2
Label Dells/Way
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'Open Up My Heart: The 9/11 Album'
Release Date 10/1/2002
Tracks 10
Label DeVine
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What The Critics Say
The Dells formally celebrated their 40th anniversary with this nice 10-cut session, juggling overproduced urban contemporary and New Jack selections with classic, close harmony numbers that spotlighted Marvin Junior's still-impressive, swaggering baritone and Johnny Carter's always-mellow falsetto. The contemporary material wasn't horrible; even the rap insert on "Baby Don't Go Away Mad" wasn't overbearing, while the arrangements on the title track were acceptable. But it was the ballads that signaled that these were still The Dells; "Somebody's Gotta Move," "Oh My Love," and "Closer To You" had the familiar ingredients -- steamy, inviting or even despairing lyrics. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Second Time may have a high-tech production style, but for the most part, the Dells stick to a classic Northern soul sound on this little-known 1991 release. While their next album, 1992's I Salute You, would try to balance urban contemporary and soul considerations, urban elements aren't very prominent on The Second Time. Longtime Dells aficionados will be pleasantly surprised to hear how much ballads and slow jams like "That's How Heartaches Are Made," "Can We Skip That Part," and "No Win Situation" sound like their magnificent recordings of the 1970s. Marvin Jr.'s passionate baritone had held up well, and he still believed in going that extra mile. Though not quite as strong as the Dells' '60s and '70s hits, this is an excellent album that's definitely worth trying to find. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Whatever Turns You On'
Release Date 1/1/1981
Tracks 9
Label 20th Century
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What The Critics Say
Though the Dells' close-harmony, doo wop-echoing sweet soul style remained intact by the time of this 1981 album, that style wasn't as in tune with the marketplace as it had been during the group's peak years. Despite co-production by Eugene Record of the Chi-Lites and major Chicago soul producer Carl Davis, the material wasn't strong enough to attract much notice, failing to produce a chart single. The big problem, despite the abundance of talent in attendance, was the absence of strong songs. The record had a characteristic Dells sound (if slightly updated production-wise for the early '80s), but the quality of the results came out in faded colors. While they handle some uptempo disco-tinged numbers (such as the Trammps-like "Happy Song" and the title track, the latter co-written with Billy Ocean) with competence, those aren't the kind of songs most suited for the group's approach. Sentimental ballads remained in their repertoire, but only the closing "Stay in My Corner" was that reminiscent of their glory days -- and even that was a remake of their 1968 hit of the same name. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
'I Touched a Dream'
Release Date 1/1/1980
Tracks 7
Label 20th Century
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What The Critics Say
The last great Dells album, and one of the year's big surprises. The Dells were on another new label, and now were working with Carl Davis and Eugene Records (also of The Chi-Lites). The pair simply restored The Dells' strengths; each production made sure Marvin Jr.'s roaring leads and Johnny Carter's wavery falsetto were at the forefront. They also got them a superb ballad in the title track, a good message song in "It's All About The Paper," and other fine cuts. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation'
Release Date 1/1/1974
Tracks 9
Label Cadet
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What The Critics Say
Named after their million-selling salute to women, Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation is a tight, nine-song creation of the legendary Don Davis. A mellow "You Don't Care" provides a good vehicle for the guys to display their blending skills; Marvin Junior's ear-popping baritone enhances the biting lyrics. They shine on "Closer," a smooth, aggressive number with a slick production; it could have been a hit, but Cadet decided to slap it on the back of "Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation." They update "The Glory of Love" in a '70s Dells' style, and do a credible job with "Ain't No Sunshine." For some reason this LP has never been easy to find. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Tremendous vocals and production, coupled with superb ballads and good uptempo cuts. The Dells were never better than during the late '60s when they moved to Cadet and Charles Stepney's vision was fulfilled. Although he was never fully credited, lead singer Marvin Jr. stands as one of soul's great vocalists, and he showed it repeatedly on this set. Johnny Carter's floating falsetto was another major weapon expertly utilized in The Dells' soul success. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
