Philly soul classics | A wave of sweet soul music arrives
Philadelphia, a city located in southeastern Pennsylvania.
It’s known as a city that’s indispensable when talking about soul music.
The genre known as Philly soul, which was born in Philadelphia in the 1970s, gained popularity with its sweet sound that hadn’t existed in soul music up to that point.
This time, I’d like to introduce some classic tracks of Philly soul.
Philly soul is a genre that laid the foundation for today’s R&B.
It’s also extremely important for understanding Black music, so please relax and enjoy it to the end.
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Philly soul classics | A steady stream of sweet soul music (11–20)
I’ll Be AroundTHE SPINNERS
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.
Lady LoveLou Rawls
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, 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.
Close The DoorTeddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass, an R&B singer known for his husky, deep voice, left a strong impression.
His vocal style, which shares many qualities with contemporary R&B, influenced countless artists.
Among his body of work, a particularly recommended classic is “Close the Door.” While it’s categorized as R&B, I picked it because it shares characteristics with the then-booming Philly soul.
Enjoy his vocals, which exude sensuality amid their fiery intensity.
You’ll Never Find Another Love Like MineLou Rawls
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.
LA-LA – Means I Love YouThe Delfonics
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.
Philadelphia soul classics | A wave of sweet soul music keeps coming (21–30)
What You Won’t Do for LoveBobby Caldwell
Bobby Caldwell is one of the singers who represents AOR and blue-eyed soul.
Although he was white, he gained popularity with an authentic R&B sound.
Among his works, this song is surely the timeless classic that continues to shine.
Its straightforward and passionate message—doing anything for the one you love—really strikes a chord.
The smooth melody and distinctive horn section create a sophisticated, romantic mood.
Released as a single from his debut album “Bobby Caldwell” in September 1978, it’s also famous for the anecdote that it was written in just two days.
I think it’s a perfect song for a leisurely holiday atmosphere.
In conclusion
Although Philly soul has a broad genre definition, it generally tends to be characterized by sweet, cohesive melodies. Because you can catch glimpses of modern R&B in it, many of you may have felt that even songs from the 1970s sound relatively fresh. In addition to Philly soul, Rug Music also features soul music and R&B. Be sure to check those out too!