The O'Jays Albums (23)
What The Critics Say
Like many soul giants of the '70s who continue to perform and record new material, the O'Jays have updated their sound for a more contemporary feel. While Eddie Levert and company's nearly flawless vocal harmonies continue to be the anchor of the group, the clinical production found throughout is in sharp contrast with some of the warmer, most intimate moments of their Philadelphia International years. The songwriting is still among the best of their contemporaries (most notably on the quite creative "Repair Man" and "Chauvinistic") and proves that you can keep up with popular music in a dignified, classy manner without pandering to younger audiences and paying ludicrous amounts of money to have A-list producers remix your tracks. It's not exactly a return to the fold of brilliance that they once had, but it's close and still quite a pleasant-sounding record. Most longtime devotees will enjoy this album from start to finish, and a few younger cats could learn a thing or two from a group of soul veterans who get the job done right nearly every time. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Love You to Tears is a surprisingly successful latter-day album from the O'Jays, proving that the group can survive in their fourth decade of recording. Keeping the mood relaxed and seductive, the O'Jays primarily concentrate on ballads for Love You to Tears, and their voices remain rich and soulful. And even if none of the songs come close to their classic singles, much of the material is solid, and the O'Jays help make these songs into an enjoyable album, even if they can't quite make it into a remarkable one. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
'Back Stabbers'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 10
Label Epic Associated/Legacy
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What The Critics Say
A major turning point for the O'Jays, Back Stabbers took the group to the top of the charts and made them household names in the R&B world. The O'Jays had been paying serious dues since the late '50s, and their perseverance payed off in a major way when the unsettling title song, the infectious "Time to Get Down," and the uplifting "Love Train" became their biggest hits up to that point. Indeed, this album did more than its part to help establish Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International Records as the most successful soul label since Stax and Motown. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Love Fever'
Release Date 11/1/1995
Tracks 10
Label EMI-Capitol Special Markets
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What The Critics Say
For Heartbreaker, The O'Jays made concessions to changing tastes, adopting drum samples and synthesized backing, and including some new jack swing material. But they wisely didn't tampered with their strength, lush three-part harmonies anchored by the earnest lead vocals of Eddie Levert. This release contains several intense, urgent ballads, many of them written by group members. Outside of Carlton Hunt's raps on "Trouble" and "Can't Let You Go," many numbers aren't much different from the classic material that made them superstars in the '70s; that's both part of the music's charm and something that might trouble fans hoping the group would experiment with the vocal arrangements as well as the production. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
With Emotionally Yours, the O'Jays clearly had the same goals that defined Serious--to appeal to the urban-contemporary market, yet remain true to their soul music roots. And for the most part, this approach succeeds. The production (which is handled by two of the O'Jays plus Terry Stubbs, Narada Michael Walden, among others) is decidedly high-tech, and elements of hip-hop and "new jack swing" are employed. But there's no mistaking the fact that the gritty, full-bodied vocals are by the O'Jays. Although not an outstanding album like Message in Our Music or Ship Ahoy, Emotionally Yours definitely has many strong points ranging from the socially aware funk smokers "Respect" and "Something for Nothing" (both of which employ rappers and come across as "Back Stabbers" or "Give the People What They Want" with a touch of Guy!) to the heartfelt balladry and crooning of "If I Find Love Again" "Closer to You" and "Keep on Pleasin' Me." Emotionally Yours proves that even at their second best, the O'Jays are far superior to most '90s R&B artists. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Home for Christmas'
Release Date 1/1/1991
Tracks 10
Label EMI America
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
When this was released in 1987, the O'Jays were experiencing a slight artistic lull. Their first Philadelphia International album under Capitol/Manhattan distribution, Love Fever was an often inspired effort juxtaposing musical risks with the classic Philadelphia International sound. In contrast, this 1987 album doesn't have as much fun, but it offers a few good songs. Let Me Touch You also features five tracks with producers Thom Bell, Casey James, and Leroy Bell. All of their songs fail to catch fire except for the missing-children paean "Still Missing." Despite the noticeable misfires, Let Me Touch You does have some O'Jays essentials. The great "Lovin' You" all but re-creates early-'70s Philadelphia International with Vince Montana on vibes, the Jack Faith arrangement, and a charming production from Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The drum machine and slight lyrics don't diminish "True Love Never Dies." The best song, the graceful and poignant "I Just Want Someone to Love Me," all but makes the album worthwhile. Although the synth-heavy Bell productions predominated here, the songs that truly adhered to the classic O'Jays aesthetic defined this album. ~ Jason Elias, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Even average O'Jays' releases have outstanding tracks, and My Favorite Person is a prime example. Its single releases didn't make much of a splash, so the LP went unnoticed, as compared to some of their other Philadelphia International offerings. "I Just Want to Satisfy You" didn't ignite the charts when dropped as the first single from the album, though it was a nice lilting number with a lazy, light baritone lead by Walter Williams. But selections like "Your Body's Here with Me (But Your Mind Is on the Other Side of Town") -- a devastating soul-to-the-bone ballad that scored well on R&B stations but was ignored by pop radio -- are definitive O'Jays. The same is true of the almost-as-good "Your True Heart (A Shining Star)"; a piano is raised in the mix and provides a good counter to Eddie Levert's outstanding lead. Cleveland native Cecil Womack (Bobby Womack's brother and former Valentino) contributed as a songwriter and musician. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
