Philly soul classics | A wave of sweet soul music arrives

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.

LA-LA – Means I Love YouThe Delfonics

LA-LA – Means I Love You

Active from the late 1960s through the ’70s, The Delfonics are a representative group of “Philadelphia soul.” Their song “La-La Means I Love You” (Japanese title: “La-La wa Ai no Kotoba”) was released in 1968 and has been loved across eras and borders ever since.

This melody has been covered by many artists worldwide, so chances are you’ve heard it at least once.

It’s said that the title was inspired by the word “la-la,” uttered by band member William Hart’s son when he was a baby, and today the song is cherished as a classic about love between men and women.

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.

Love, Need and Want YouPatti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle – Love, Need and Want You (Official PhillySound)

Patti LaBelle, a female singer whose gentle vocals have greatly influenced today’s R&B artists.

She is one of the leading female singers of Philly soul, and all of her works exude a languid mood, centered on the sweet melodies that characterize the genre.

One of her most iconic songs is “Love, Need and Want You.” This track is a masterpiece with an exceptionally sweet atmosphere.

Be sure to check it out.

Love T.K.O.Teddy Pendergrass

Teddy Pendergrass – Love T.K.O. (Official Audio)

Many people enjoy sweet, delicate vocals, but there are also those who prefer a rich, masculine sound.

For listeners like that, I recommend “Love T.

K.

O.” It’s a hit song by Teddy Pendergrass, a singer who had a profound influence on Philly soul and R&B, released in the 1980s.

This masterpiece blends smooth jazz with Philly soul to create a sophisticated, adult atmosphere.

I’ll Be AroundTHE SPINNERS

I’ll Be Around

When you hear “Philly soul,” you probably think of soul music born in Philadelphia.

And of course, in most cases it did come from Philadelphia—especially from Sigma Sound Studios.

But there’s also Philly soul that emerged from different labels and regions.

A prime example is “I’ll Be Around,” the classic by the Detroit vocal group The Spinners.

It blends the atmosphere of Philly soul with Detroit’s light, graceful melodicism.

You’ll Never Find Another Love Like MineLou Rawls

Lou Rawls – You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (Official Audio)

Lou Rawls, a singer emblematic of the 1960s and 1970s with a gospel background.

A classmate of Sam Cooke—one of the most important figures in the soul scene—he energized the scene with a similarly sophisticated musical sensibility.

His soul music shows strong influences from the then-dominant neo-soul and spans a wide stylistic range.

Among his works, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” is a prime example that captures the feel of Philly soul—a smooth, mature classic.