Search - O'Jays :: Essential O'Jays

A treasure trove of grade "A" soul in a great new collection

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 09/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No doubt about it. When Motown pulled up stakes and moved the bulk of its operations to the West Coast in the early 1970's the center of gravity in the world of soul music shifted dramatically. But it did not, as the executives at Motown had hoped, follow them to Los Angeles. Rather, the new capitol of soul music was located about 450 miles to the south and east of Detroit in the City of Brotherly Love. For it was just about that same time that producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in conjuction with CBS founded Philadelphia International Records. It would go on to become the dominent soul label for the next decade featuring artists like Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, Billy Paul, The Three Degrees and so many others. But clearly the most important and successful group to record for Philadelphia International was the O'Jays.

Though there have been other "Greatest Hits" packages offered in the past "The Essential O'Jays", released in early 2005 is head and shoulders above the rest. For one thing the sound quality is vastly superior to anything else I have heard. This collection offers 16 of the O'Jays biggest and best recordings from that era. Everyone remembers the big ones like "Backstabbers", "Love Train" and "Use To Be My Girl" which were mega hits for the group during this period. "Essential O'Jays" also includes the full 7 minute version of "I Love Music" which was divided into Parts I and II on the original 45. What a great record! And while the O'Jays were producing hit after hit on the pop charts during the 1970's they were even more dominant on Billboard's Soul chart where they would amass an impressive total of 8 #1 hits. All of those chart toppers are included in "Essential O'Jays". Among them are some great songs you just might have missed including tunes like "Give The People What They Want", "Livin' For the Weekend" and the fantastic "Message In Our Music". In addition, be sure to check out "992 Arguments" which was the follow-up to "Backstabbers" in 1972. Inexplicably, this one never received a lot of airplay. I have always felt that it was one of their best songs. I also enjoyed hearing a song called "The Big Gangster" for the very first time. Dynamite tune!

There is precious little not to like about "Essential O'Jays".

As I mentioned earlier the sound quality is terrific and there are some pretty decent liner notes included as well. And may I add the price is nice. My only regret is that Sony did not think to include the groups 1965 hit "Lipstick Traces". Although this tune was recorded for another label it would have given the listener an opportunity to sample what the group sounded like in its earlier incarnation. All in all, this one is a winner. Very Highly Recommended!"

Best Single-Disc O'Jays Collection Yet

Jeff Pearlman | Lakeland, FL USA | 03/19/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"By substituting "Message In Our Music", "Darlin' Darlin' Baby", and "Use Ta Be My Girl" for other tracks included on "Ultimate O'Jays" and "Love Train," this ranks as the only O'Jays CD to include all their 1970's R&B #1's. That includes "Anthology", which baffled by leaving off "Back Stabbers."



I'd give this five stars, but there's room left for a couple more songs, and I have reason to hope that another record company is planning an even heftier disc that would reach into the group's '80's output and even reach back into their little-heard '60's material.



Until that dream disc comes out, get this one. Someone finally got it right!"

Sing a happy song

Edgar Olivares | New York City, NY USA | 08/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having recently been expanded from a one disc to a two disc collection, this is now the most comprehensive O'Jays collection spanning 1963 through 1995. In addition to their hits there are also a few album cuts here as well. There's also a 2008 single version of "Ship Ahoy" ,the title cut from their '73 album. And there's "Wind Beneath My Wings" sung by Eddie Levert with his son Gerald.



Whether you're a long time fan or a new one, this will be a memorable listening experience. Get on board the Love Train and enjoy the ride.



Total Time Disc 1-74:43;Disc 2-78:37"