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Effusive Emotions!!!

B. Scott | New York, NY United States | 02/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The smooth, velvety, harmonic melodies sung by the Emotions has most definitely withstood the test of time. The Hutchison sisters (Sheila, Wanda, Jeanette, Pamela) and Teresa Davis (who replaced Jeanette breifly in 1970), got their start in the Gospel circuit and were later signed with Stax records and managed to score 14 hits, all of which are included here on "Chronicle."



"So I can Love You" was produced by Issac hayes and penned by Sheila peaking at #3 on the Billboard Soul charts and #39 on the Pop Charts in 1969. Another Hayes production, "The Best Part of A Love Affair" shows off the group's strong, tight harmonic trademark along with heartfelt lyrics; it was #27 on the R&B charts in 1969. One of my favorites, "Stealing Love" is a light, happy, upbeat tune also produced by Issac Hayes and in 1970 peaked at #40 on the R&B charts. "When Tomorrow Comes" offers great harmonic background which works well with the lead vocals. On "Heart Assocation" Sheila's voice really shines on lead along with the angelic voices of Wanda and Jeanette."You Make Me Want To Love Yo," while not my favorite, has it's own groovy thing happening. "Show Me How" is a great song which was also produced by Issac hayes and reached # 13 on the Soul chart and # 52 on the Pop single charts in 1972; it's cute spoken word opener sets the stage for this nicely paced love song. "My Honey and Me", a medium paced song that really didn't do it for me, I'm sure has found an audience somewhere out there.



"I Could Never Be Happy" is my absolute favorite!! The carefully crafted lyrics and melody for some reason reminds me of the Supremes hit "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me," although this song is a lot more dynamic and soulful, along with the phrasing, which is carefully enunciated without being overdone; charting at #93 (US) in 1972. The fun tune "From Toys To Boys" which charted on Billboard Black Singles at #37, is the type of song that grows on you and before you know it you are bopping your head and tapping your feet. It has a pop feel, but for some reason didn't make it to the pop charts. It does however remind me of something the Honeycone would have recorded. "Runnin' Back & Forth" charted at #91 (R&B) in 1973 and with Wanda on the lead the syncopation and catchy lyrics makes it enjoyable. "Put A Little Love Away," peaked at #53 (R&B) and #91 (Pop) in 1974; clever lyrics and great orchestration makes this song memorable. "Baby I'm Through" is another favorite of mine and was originally released in 1974 where it peaked at #82 (R&B/Black Singles) and then again in 1978 at # 59 in the same category. Closing out the album is "Shouting Out Love," a Mavis Staple inspired song showcasing the group's mature sound, ultimately rising to # 31 on the R& B charts.



I really enjoyed this album and although there are a few songs that can be found on "Sunshine" , "Untouched",and "So I Can Love You", it is well worth having all of the Stax hits on one CD. The sound is even throughout the album and you almost don't want it to end. Add this to your collection and you won't be disappointed!

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Little Known Soul Classics from a Well-known group

Andre M. | Mt. Pleasant, SC United States | 07/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Some really beautiful, if obscure stuff from the Emotions' early days with Stax Records. "So I Can Love You" was DESERVEDLY a big hit in the South on Black radio stations in 1969, but is surprisingly not that well remembered today. This is a song you will not be able to play without repeating at least once! "Heart Association," with it's breathtaking climax and crescendo is a song you can really lose yourself into, especially if you have a headset on! "Shouting Out Loud" is the perfect song to put on after coming home from a hard day's work. You go girls!"