The Stylistics

Easily the sweetest sounding Philly soul group produced by Thom Bell, the Stylistics possessed a sound hinged on Bell's lush, sultry production and Russell Thompkins, Jr.'s strong, soaring falsetto. The biggest surprise on this live set is how much of that lush soundscape that Bell provided for the group's ballads is reproduced in concert, and as the Stylistics move through their hits, including "Betcha by Golly, Wow," "Break Up to Make Up," "I'm Stone in Love with You," "You Make Me Feel Brand New," and the poignant "People Make the World Go Round," it all comes together elegantly, although Thompkins' vocals occasionally sound a little thinner than on the original recordings. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide