Released in May 1974, Let's Put It All Together marked an important new chapter in the career of The Stylistics. Following the departure of legendary producer Thom Bell, the group teamed up with producers Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore (Hugo & Luigi) and arranger Van McCoy, creating a smoother, more contemporary sound while retaining the trademark elegance that had made them one of the premier soul groups of the 1970s. The album was recorded at Mediasound Studios in New York City, making it the first Stylistics album recorded entirely outside their hometown of Philadelphia.
The result was one of the group's most successful and beloved albums. Powered by Russell Thompkins Jr.'s unmistakable falsetto and Van McCoy's lush orchestral arrangements, the album reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the R&B Albums chart, becoming the highest-charting album of the group's career in the United States. Among its highlights are the timeless classics "You Make Me Feel Brand New", "Let's Put It All Together", and "Love Is The Answer." The edited single version of You Make Me Feel Brand New became one of the group's signature recordings, reaching No. 2 on both the U.S. and U.K. singles charts, while the title track added another major international hit to the group's impressive catalogue. Van McCoy's sophisticated arrangements and conducting brought a fresh dimension to the Stylistics' sound, perfectly complementing the group's rich harmonies and romantic ballads.
Nearly fifty years after its release, Let's Put It All Together remains one of the finest albums in The Stylistics' catalogue. Combining the group's unmistakable vocal harmonies with Van McCoy's elegant orchestral soul arrangements, the album stands as a perfect bridge between the classic Philadelphia Soul era and the smoother, more polished sound that would define mid-1970s soul music. Its timeless songs continue to make it an essential recording for collectors and lovers of classic soul.
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The Stylistics Are:
Russell Thompkins Jr. – lead vocals
Airrion Love – backing vocals, co-lead vocals
Herb Murrell – backing vocals
James Dunn – backing vocals
James Smith – backing vocals
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Let's Put It All Together
I Got A Letter
We Can Make It Happen Again
Keeping My Fingers Crossed
You Make Me Feel Brand New
I Got Time On My Hands
Doin' The Streets
I Take It Out On You
Love Is The Answer
Love Is The Answer (Instrumental)
Bonus Track
Love Is The Answer Remix
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PHILADELPHIA RHYTHM SECTION:
Normen Harris (Guitar) Ronnie Baker (Bass) Earl Young (Drums)
Ron Kersy (Keys & RMI, Clavenett) Lenny Pakula (Keys & B3 Organ) Bobby Eli (Guitar) Cotton Kent (Keys & Fender Rhodes)
T.J. Tindall (Guitar) Roland Chambers (Guitar)
Vincent Montana Jr (Vibraharp, Tympani, Bells, Chimes & Percussion)
Background Vocals by The Sweethearts: Carla Benson, Evette Benton, Barbara Ingram
VIOLINS: Don Renaldo, Christine Reeves. Rudolph Malizia, Charles Apollonia. Americus Mungiole, Lance Elbeck, Gov Hutchinson, Bridget Pumpolis Mitten. Leonore Walaniuk, Helen Kwalwasser,Vito J.Casiello, Joseph Bonaccorse, Florence Schwartz, Bertran Greenspan, Charles Parker, Diane Barnett, Patricia Gott, Emily E Nicholl, Barbara Sonies. igor Szwec, Anthony Posk
VIOLAS: Victoria Arm Matosich, Anthony Sinagoga, Peter Nocella. Davis Barnett
CELLI: Anthonv Pirollo. Richard Amerosso, Larry Gold, Romeo DiStefano,
ALT SAX: John Bonnie (All Solos)
TENOR SAX SOLOS: Buddy Savitt
FLUTE & PICOLO: Kimberly Reighley, Jack Faith,
FRENCH HORN: Joseph De Angelis
TRUMPETS: Evan Solot, Jack Wilson, Rocco Bene, George Rabbai, Louis Opalesky, Dennis Wasko, Michael A. Natale
TROMBONES: Roger DelLillo, Robert Moore, Edward Cascarella, Fred C.Linge. Richard Genovese
BARETONE SAX: William Zaccagni
CONGAS, TIMBALES, BONGOES & LATIN PERCUSSION:
Larry Washington (Congas) Ray Armando, Peache Greg Jarman (Congas) Peter Quintero, Manny Oquendo, Jerry Gonzalle, Carlos Martin, James Walker
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Produced by: Hugo & Luigi
Produced by: Thom Bell ("You Make Me Feel Brand New")
Arranged and Conducted by: Van McCoy
Recorded at: Mediasound Recording Studios, New York City
℗ 1974 Avco Records Catalogue Number AV-69001-698
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WAVE 44100Hz / 16 Bit Stereo Recording
Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands
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