Thursday, 21 May 2026

The Chi-Lites - (For God's Sake) Give more power to the people 1971

Released in 1971, (For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People stands as one of the finest achievements of the golden age of soul music. Led by the exceptional songwriting and production talents of Eugene Record, The Chi-Lites crafted an album that seamlessly blends heartfelt romance with powerful social commentary, showcasing the group at the peak of their creative powers.The album's title track remains one of the most compelling protest songs of its era, delivering a message of empowerment and social justice through an infectious groove and unforgettable harmonies. Yet the record is equally celebrated for its emotional depth. The timeless hit "Have You Seen Her" is a masterclass in soul balladry, combining poignant lyrics with one of the most moving vocal performances of the decade.

Throughout the album, The Chi-Lites demonstrate their remarkable versatility. Songs such as "We Are Neighbors," "Love Uprising," and "I Want To Pay You Back (For Loving Me)" highlight the group's ability to move effortlessly between socially conscious themes and deeply personal expressions of love. Rich orchestration, lush strings, warm horn arrangements, and the group's signature harmonies create a sound that is both sophisticated and instantly recognizable. More than fifty years after its release, (For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People remains a timeless soul masterpiece. It captures the spirit of its era while retaining a universal appeal that continues to resonate with listeners today. For fans of classic soul, this album is not merely recommended it is essential listening. A landmark soul album that perfectly balances social awareness, romance, and musical excellence, securing its place among the greatest releases of the 1970s.
*
01 Yes I'm Ready (If I Don't Get To Go) 4:14
02 We Are Neighbors 3:41
03 I Want To Pay You Back (For Loving Me) 4:41
04 Have You Seen Her 5:08
05 (For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People 2:58
06 Love Uprising 2:32
07 Troubles A' Comin' 3:15
08 You Got Me Walkin 2:40
09 What Do I Wish For 2:48
*
Arranged en Produced by:
Eugene Record
℗ 1971 Brunswick Records  #BRLS 3011
*
Re-Recorded and HQ Cleaned from vinyl by FM
WAVE 44100Hz  Stereo Recording
Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands
*

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

The Chi-Lites - A Letter To Myself 1973

With A Letter To Myself, The Chi-Lites delivered one of the most sophisticated and heartfelt soul albums of the early 1970s. Guided by the songwriting and production talents of Eugene Record, the group seamlessly blends lush orchestration, smooth harmonies, and deeply emotional storytelling into a collection that remains as compelling today as it was upon its release. The album's title track, A Letter To Myself, stands as one of the group's finest recordings an introspective and reflective piece that showcases Record's remarkable ability to combine personal lyrics with memorable melodies. Elsewhere, songs such as We Need Order reveal the group's social consciousness, addressing the challenges of the era while maintaining the warmth and accessibility that defined their sound. Musically, A Letter To Myself is a masterclass in Chicago soul. Rich string arrangements, tasteful horn sections, and impeccable vocal performances create a sophisticated backdrop for both romantic ballads and upbeat grooves. Tracks like Someone Else's Arms and You Smiled The Same Old Way highlight the group's signature blend of tenderness and soulfulness, while Love Comes In All Sizes demonstrates their ability to craft infectious melodies without sacrificing depth.

What makes this album particularly special is its balance between commercial appeal and artistic maturity. The Chi-Lites never lose sight of the emotional core of their music, allowing every song to resonate with sincerity and elegance. Eugene Record's songwriting shines throughout, confirming his place among the great soul composers of his generation. A Letter To Myself remains an essential entry in The Chi-Lites' catalog and a shining example of classic 1970s soul music. A timeless soul gem filled with rich harmonies, heartfelt performances, and some of the finest songwriting of The Chi-Lites' remarkable career.
*
A Letter To Myself 5:30
Too Late To Turn Back Now 4:25
Just Two Teenage Kids (Still In Love) 5:56
Sally 3:36
Someone Else's Arms 4:11
We Need Order 5:20
Love Comes In All Sizes 5:58
My Heart Just Keeps On Breakin' 4:05
You Smiled The Same Old Way 6:40
*
Produced by:
Eugene Record
℗ 1973 Brunswick Record Corporation lp BL-754188
*
Re-Recorded and Cleaned from vinyl by FM
WAVE 44100Hz  Stereo Recording
Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands
*

Saturday, 16 May 2026

Three Degrees - Toast of Love (Japanese) 1976


Released exclusively for the Japanese market in 1976, A Toast Of Love stands as one of the most fascinating and collectible albums in The Three Degrees catalog. Recorded during a transitional period in the group's career, the album captures the elegance, sophistication, and vocal excellence that made them one of the premier female soul groups of the 1970s. Musically, A Toast Of Love blends lush Philadelphia soul, smooth pop melodies, romantic ballads, and hints of the disco sound that would soon dominate the charts. Throughout the album, the voices of Sheila Ferguson, Valerie Holiday, and Fayette Pinkney shine with remarkable warmth and precision, delivering performances that are both polished and deeply emotional.

The title track, "A Toast Of Love," perfectly showcases the group's trademark harmonies, while tracks such as "Do It (Use Your Mind)" and "Sunrise" add an infectious energy and melodic charm. The inclusion of songs recorded specifically for Japanese audiences gives the album a unique international flavor and sets it apart from the group's better-known releases. What makes this album particularly rewarding is its consistency. Rather than relying on a handful of standout singles, A Toast Of Love unfolds as a complete listening experience, filled with elegant arrangements, rich instrumentation, and timeless melodies. The production is smooth and sophisticated, allowing the group's impeccable vocal chemistry to remain at the forefront. Today, the original Japanese pressing is highly sought after by collectors, but beyond its rarity lies an album that deserves recognition on musical merit alone. A Toast Of Love may not be the most famous Three Degrees release, yet it remains one of their most charming, refined, and underrated recordings. A hidden gem of 1970s soul graceful, romantic, and a testament to The Three Degrees at the height of their vocal powers.
*
01 Sunrise / A Toast Of Love
02 Japanese Cycle 1999
03 I Wanna Say ''LA''
04 From Souvenirs To Souvenirs
05 The Promise
06 Do It (Use Your Mind)
07 Ipi-N-Tombia
08 Gee Baby (I'm Sorry)
09 Stop In Nevada
10 Truth
*
Produced and Arranged by:
Richard Barret and Jun Fukamachi
Recorded with Japanese musicians
℗&© 1976 CBS, Inc. # 25AP2A
Manufactured by CBS/Sony Inc. Tokyo,Japan
*
Remastered from the original record
WAVE 44100Hz HQ 16 Bit Stereo Recording
Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands

Friday, 15 May 2026

Rick James - The Best Of

The best of Rick James
*
01 Super Freak
02 You Turn Me On
03 You And I
04 Mary Jane
05 Ebony Eyes Feat. Smokey Robinson
06 Give It To Me Baby
07 Dance Wit' Me
08 Cold Blooded
09 17
10 Big Time
11 Fire And Desire  Feat. Teena Marie
*
WAVE 44100Hz / 16 Bit Stereo Recording
Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands
*

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Soul City Orchestra - Best of Mail Ticket '77

The best tracks from the album in this file. Soul City Orchestra's Meal Ticket features titanic funk, mellow groove, and symphonic disco-soul with strings.
*
Short Change
Wheeling And Dealing
Rockarama
The Jam
Soul City Drive
*
Remastered from the original vinyl record
WAVE 44100Hz / 24 Bit Stereo Recording
Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands
*