The O'Jays in Philadelphia

AMG Review of The O'Jays in Philadelphia

Richie Unterberger
All Music Guide

The O'Jays' first album with the Gamble/Huff production team was a landmark for all parties involved. A respected but journeyman soul outfit since the early '60s, the singers benefited immensely from distinctive, innovative production; in the O'Jays, Gamble and Huff found what may have been the best vehicle for framing their lush arrangements. Gamble and Huff write most of the material; Thom Bell handles about half the arrangements. There weren't any monster hits, but the result was considerably above the average late-'60s soul album, with strong songs and propulsive strings and brass that clearly blueprinted the Philadelphia soul sound.