Philly soul classics | A wave of sweet soul music arrives

Nights Over EgyptThe Jones Girls

The Jones Girls – Nights Over Egypt (Audio)

The Jones Girls, a group hailing from Detroit, a hotbed of R&B.

They have a background singing backup for great soul singers such as Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin.

As you’d expect, their vocal abilities are top-notch, and their songs showcase the tightly synchronized harmonies of the Jones sisters.

Their signature track “Nights Over Egypt” is a prime example, a distinctive Philly soul piece that pairs an unusual backing track with striking choral hooks.

Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us NowMcFadden & Whitehead

McFadden & Whitehead – Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now (Official Audio)

The golden age of Philly soul is said to be the 1970s.

After that, rock and R&B took over the mainstream, but there was a Philly soul duo that thrived even in that era: McFadden & Whitehead, who sang “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.” It’s a classic that blends the sweet vocals of Philly soul with a disco-tinged track to match the early ’80s disco boom.

You’ll also hear many phrases that connect directly to today’s R&B, so keep an ear out for those as well.

You Are EverythingThe stylistics

The Stylistics – You Are Everything (Official Lyric Video)

Philly soul encompasses many styles of classic songs, but among them, sweet and romantic melodies are known as the quintessential Philly soul.

“You Are Everything” is a staple of the genre and has been loved for many years.

The group The Stylistics, who perform it, are so renowned for their sweet melodies that they’re often labeled as sweet soul.

Don’t you think this song clearly conveys that very characteristic of theirs?

Enjoy YourselfThe Jacksons

The Jacksons – Enjoy Yourself (Official Video)

Philly soul isn’t the exclusive domain of Sigma Sound Studios.

Even the famed Motown label released Philly soul tracks.

One I especially recommend is “Enjoy Yourself.” It’s a Jackson 5 song—featuring the King of Pop, Michael Jackson—and it blends R&B with Philly soul into an irresistibly upbeat melody.

Definitely give it a listen.

Theme from the PlanetsDexter Wansel

Dexter Wansel – Theme from the Planets (Official Audio)

Dexter Wansel is an artist whose overwhelming musicality influenced not only the soul scene but the music world as a whole.

Though known as a jazz-fusion vocalist, he also works as an arranger and composer, exploring a wide range of genres in his productions.

Among his works, one that especially exudes the flavor of Philly soul is “Theme from the Planets.” Blending nu-jazz with Philly soul, it’s a masterpiece that conveys both sweetness and a refined, grown-up cool.

I Miss You, Pt. 1 ft. Teddy PendergrassHarold Melvin & The Blue Notes

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – I Miss You, Pt. 1 (Official Audio) ft. Teddy Pendergrass

Philly soul boasts countless wonderful artists, and among them, a group that shines with exceptional presence is Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, who perform “I Miss You, Pt.

1 ft.

Teddy Pendergrass.” They are one of the defining groups of Philly soul and have produced many classic songs.

On this track, they collaborate with fellow Philly soul icon Teddy Pendergrass, delivering a sophisticated piece that layers Pendergrass’s passionate vocals over a cool, elegant arrangement.

Lady LoveLou Rawls

Lou Rawls – Lady Love (Official Audio)

Lou Rawls, a singer who was hugely active in the 1960s and 1970s, is an artist with an exceptionally deep, resonant voice.

Thanks to that distinctive tone, many people can recognize a song as “one sung by Lou Rawls” even if they don’t know the track itself.

Among his works, the Philly soul number I especially recommend is Lady Love.

It retains the essential soul elements while offering an overall easy-to-listen-to melody.

Let yourself be swept away by its sweet, smooth atmosphere.