AMG Review of Survival

Ron Wynn
All Music Guide

The O'Jays followed the spectacular Backstabbers and Ship Ahoy with the good, but not on the same level, Survival. It was unrealistic to expect masterpieces every time out, and the LP included many strong ballads and good message tracks. But while it may not have been as epic in its performances and compositions, it was certainly the other albums' equal in sales strength. The group had two number one R&B hits in 1975, "Give The People What They Want" and "I Love Music (Part 1)." In addition, the title track made the charts as the B-side to "Let Me Make Love To You," another rousing ballad.