The Stylistics Albums (16)
What The Critics Say
A few tracks into this and you'll think you're listening to a reunion of the Stylistics and Thom Bell. With few exceptions, the interest of some Stylistics fans waned after their trio of Bell-produced albums. This one, however, surrounds the group with elegance and first-class Philly songs and arrangements. Russell Thompkins' effortless falsetto never sounded better, and the same is true for Herb Murrell, and Aiiron Love, whose deeper register takes "Love Can Heal a Wounded Heart" to lofty heights. As much as Herb Murrell preaches against rap at live concerts, they include one here by Biggy Smallz on the remix version of "She's All That." There are too many keepers among the 12 tracks to single out favorites, but if you enjoyed the early Stylistics, you'll love this well-crafted and well-executed gem. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Stylistics fans and Christmas music lovers will find nirvana with this CD. Russell Thompkins' world-renowned falsetto is full of holiday spirit on a baker's dozen yuletide songs that are guaranteed to make that festive time warmer than the fixings in mama's oven. Of special note are "The Christmas Song," "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas," "When You Got Love, It's Christmas All Year Long," and "Auld Lang Syne," all of which Thompkins delivers with reverence. And there's not much of a drop-off when the other guys take the mike, as they do on "This Christmas," "I Wanna Be Wrapped in Your Arms This Christmas," and others. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although they were at least 14 years past their creative and commercial peak when the small, Buffalo-based Amherst label released Love Talk in 1990, the Stylistics proved that they could still be enjoyable on this decent release. The CD isn't in a class with their remarkable work with Thom Bell and Linda Creed in the mid-'70s, but it isn't anything to be ashamed of either. "I Don't Need This" finds the group embracing new jack swing (and even doing some rapping!) with surprisingly unpretentious results, but for the most part, the Philadelphians don't go out of their way to appeal to 1990's urban contemporary market. Silky offerings like "I Just Don't Know What to Do," "Me - U equals Blue" and a cover of the Willie Nelson hit "Always On My Mind" aren't all that different from the type of sweet soul they were embracing 17 years earlier. Russell Thompkins' falsetto had held up well over the years, and he could still be quite charismatic. But the little-known CD was pretty much ignored by urban radio, and in fact, many diehard Stylistics fans didn't even know that it existed. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'1982'
Release Date 1/1/1982
Tracks 8
Label Philadelphia International
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The Stylistics didn't always get hits when they were with Gamble & Huff, but their albums sure sounded great. That was the case with 1982. But the superb production and mastering aside, this was the least interesting, off-centered album the group did while at TSOP. There wasn't one song that charted, nor were there any that deserved to be hits, which was almost shocking considering the parties involved. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A nice, though slightly disappointing album that saw The Stylistics fail to regain the chart momentum they had enjoyed in the 1970s, despite getting superior production and decent songs from the Gamble & Huff team. "Sweet" soul had pretty much run its course by the early '80s, and urban contemporary radio hadn't yet stratified to the degree where the group could have been marketed to no-rap outlets. But the vocals were above-average, and Russell Tompkins, Jr. had emerged from his late-'70s funk and was again singing with flair, expressiveness, and conviction. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'Hurry Up This Way Again'
Release Date 1/1/1980
Tracks 8
Label T S O P
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The Stylistics' last album to hit the pop charts, this eased them into the 1980s on somewhat solid ground. While the "sweet" sound was no longer a force in black music, they had regrouped with a deal on TSOP, and the title cut garnered them one final Top 20 R&B hit. It was the end of an era, as delicately sung, innocently written pop and "sweet" soul would soon be relegated to the graveyard of nostalgia. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Stylistics' tenure on Mercury wasn't memorable. They couldn't find the right songs and couldn't get their albums or singles in the right hands, or aired on radio. This album actually had some nice tracks; the title cut was fine, and "First Impressions" made the charts. But the overall product was limp, and the group didn't remain with Mercury very long. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
