The Whispers - One For The Money 1976

Released in August 1976, One For The Money marked The Whispers' debut album under the Soul Train Records label, which was established by Don Cornelius and Dick Griffey. This album was a significant milestone in the band's journey, helping them reach a broader audience. The title track, "One For The Money," soared to become a Top 10 hit on the R&B charts and is now recognized as one of their most iconic early songs. The album captures the essence of mid-seventies Philadelphia Soul, featuring lush string arrangements, a tight rhythm section, and harmonious multi-part vocals. Producer Norman Harris collaborated with some of the best session musicians from Philadelphia to create a stylish blend of soul and disco. With standout tracks like "One For The Money," "Living Together (In Sin)," and "Sounds Like A Love Song," this album is now considered one of The Whispers' finest Philly Soul releases, acting as a bridge between their initial work with Janus Records and their later achievements on SOLAR Records.

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One For The Money

Living Together (In Sin)

Put Me In The News

You're Only As Good As You Think You Are

Sounds Like A Love Song

I've Got A Feeling

In My Heart

One For The Money (Radio Version)

You're Only As Good As You Think You Are (Radio Version)

Sounds Like A Love Song (Radio Version)

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The Whispers are:

Walter Scott

Wallace Scott

Nicholas Caldwell

Marcus Hutson

Leaveil Degree

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Produced by: 

Norman Harris (The Harris Machine)

RHYTHM SECTION:

Norman Harris – Guitar

T.J. Tindell – Guitar

Bobby Eli – Guitar

Ronnie Baker – Bass Guitar

Michael Foreman – Bass Guitar

Earl Young – Drums

Ron Kersey – Keyboards

Bruce Gray – Fender Rhodes Piano

Larry Washington – Congas

Brian Evans – Acoustic Guitar

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Recorded at: Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia

1976 Soul Train Records BVL1-1500

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WAVE 44100Hz / 16 Bit Stereo Recording

Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands

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file right here on 472MB High Sound Quality

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.

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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

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Produced and Arranged by:

Richard Barret and Jun Fukamachi

Recorded with Japanese musicians

℗&© 1976 CBS, Inc. # 25AP2A

Manufactured by CBS/Sony Inc. Tokyo,Japan

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Remastered from the original record

WAVE 44100Hz HQ 16 Bit Stereo Recording

Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands

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file right here on 352MB High Sound Quality