Love Is Back in Style

AMG Review of Love Is Back in Style

Andrew Hamilton
All Music Guide

A few tracks into this and you'll think you're listening to a reunion of the Stylistics and Thom Bell. With few exceptions, the interest of some Stylistics fans waned after their trio of Bell-produced albums. This one, however, surrounds the group with elegance and first-class Philly songs and arrangements. Russell Thompkins' effortless falsetto never sounded better, and the same is true for Herb Murrell, and Aiiron Love, whose deeper register takes "Love Can Heal a Wounded Heart" to lofty heights. As much as Herb Murrell preaches against rap at live concerts, they include one here by Biggy Smallz on the remix version of "She's All That." There are too many keepers among the 12 tracks to single out favorites, but if you enjoyed the early Stylistics, you'll love this well-crafted and well-executed gem.