The O'Jays

Not only did this monster hit turn the veteran O'Jays into "overnight" pop stars, it also introduced the Philly soul sound to the American masses. "Love Train" and the title track were the hit singles, but the O'Jays excelled at everything from politically charged funk-ups ("When the World's At Peace") to darkly swooning torch songs ("Who Am I"). A masterpiece.

Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff are the current grand-masters of R&B production, having
delivered not only dozens of hit singles during the last several years but proving themselves
innovators and creators of the first magnitude. The albums they did with Jerry Butler are
classics and their recent Laura Nyro production was one of her most interesting products.
They are consummate professionals; their records are always excellent musicall... More >

The title cut is single of the year, so I'm not surprised that it's unequaled here, but I wish something came close. Most will opt for "Love Train," a propulsive flagwaver attached to UNESCO lyrics about people all over the world joining hands, presumably so they can't stab each other in the you-know-where. Me, I prefer the follow-up, "992 Arguments," but "I'm a Man" or "Baby Love" it's not--more like "It's the Same Old Song." (Grade - B+)