Juice

Hop on board for the ride of a lifetime with The O'Jays.

By 1972, the original five-piece had reduced to a trio, Eddie Levert, Walter Williams and William Powell. A fateful meeting with Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff saw The O'Jays signed to their Philadelphia International label and...magic happened.

This selection features seven extended workouts, mostly album versions produced by Gamble and Huff, with a couple of mixes by Tom Moulton. Call it Philly Sound, call it disco, call it what you want, but it will move your body, mind and soul. 

If you want funky soul grooves, you've got it. 

If you want thought provoking lyrics with a social conscience, you've got it.

If you want the source material for samples by Groove Armada, Grandmaster Flash, Enigma, Gang Starr, Drake and Jungle Brothers, you've got it.

If you want earthy vocals and sweet harmonies, you've got it.

If you want nothing more than just great music, you've got it.

Enjoy!

1) Message In Our Music (Album Version By Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff) (1976)

2) For The Love Of Money (Album Version By Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff) (1973)

3) Love Train ("A Tom Moulton Mix") (1977)

4) When The World's At Peace (Album Version By Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff) (1972)

5) Back Stabbers (A Tom Moulton Mix) (1977)

6) Livin' For The Weekend (Album Version By Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff) (1975)

7) I Love Music (Album Version By Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff) (1975)

1972: Back Stabbers: 4

1973: Ship Ahoy: 2

1975: Family Reunion: 6, 7

1976: Message In The Music: 1

1977: I Love Music / Love Train EP: 3

2012: Philadelphia International Classics: 5

Juice (47:42) (GD) (M)