Love Is Back In Style
Omnivore, 2024
8/10
Listen to Love Is Back In Style
A Philadelphia soul group who had much success on the charts in the ‘70s, this 1996 release from The Stylistics features original members, and it lives here again with a bonus track.
“I Once Had Love” starts the listen with the soulful and powerful voices meshing with incredible grace in the dreamy climate, and “She’s All That” follows with a bright presence and hip-hop nods, as some funk enters the lively grooves.
Deeper into the listen, “Right Face, Wrong Mind” carries much melody, where the high notes are hit with ease thanks to the trio’s stunning vocals, while “Love Can Heal A Wounded Heart” meshes the baritone and soprano with intimate and flowing instrumentation.
“What You’re Goin’ Through” exits the formal listen with cozy R&B nods that are met with hazy songwriting, and the bonus track, a remix of “She’s All That”, is packed with a dance floor energy that welcomes Biggy Smallz handling the rap vocals.
The Stylistics saw even more attention when “Betcha By Golly Wow” was covered by Prince on his Emancipation album, and this mid ‘90s effort- the final with the original line up of Russel Thompkins Jr., Herb Murrell and Airrion Love- carries the spirit of the ‘70s but with ‘90s sensibilities that still sounds great all these years later.
Travels well with: Doris Troy- Another Look; Lenny Williams- Chill