O’Jays, The – Serious CD (Expansion)

By 1989 The O’Jays had been making music for thirty years. A milestone came in 1972 when with “Backstabbers” they ushered in a new era of Philadelphia soul that had been brewing beneath the surface but now superseded the Stax, Atlantic and Motown domination of the 60s in the mainstream. Gerald Levert’s group Levert were in a good place with the success of “(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop Goes My Mind” and “Casanova” and fellow group member Marc Gordon joined Gerald on this album for writing and co-producer duties. Still, much is written and producer here by Eddie and Walter themselves in an era outside of Gamble & Huff’s authority despite recording facilities utilised by Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. Singles from this album were “Have You Had Your Love Today”, “Out of My Mind”, “Serious Hold On Me” and perhaps the album’s most ensuring songs “Friend Of A Friend” while there is also an outstanding ‘quiet storm’ moment here too in the timeless “Fading”. The original LP was released on CD at the time (now scarce), but the good news is that this reissue comes complete with bonus mixes of the first three singles. – Expansion