The Stylistics

Philly soul legends, the Stylistics are best remembered for two things: exceptionally smooth instrumentation and the high-flying falsetto vocals of Russell Thompkins Jr. On their second LP, released in 1972, they wow listeners with ballad after ballad, including classics such as "Break Up To Make Up" and "I'm Stone In Love With You." Essential love jams from true masters.

James Taylor is merely a wimp--Russell Thompkins, Jr. is a Wimp God. The creamy fluidity of his falsetto is miraculous, and the settings provided by composer-producer Thom Bell simply heavenly. Unfortunately, the material isn't as consistent on the group's second album in a year (three hits plus uneven filler) as on the first (five hits plus impressive filler). (Grade - B+)