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)
Me and Mrs. JonesBilly Paul
When it comes to singers who represent Philly soul, many people probably think of Billy Paul.
He excelled at the genre’s signature trait—smooth, sweet vocals—and all of his works exude an extraordinary sensuality.
One of his most iconic tracks is Me and Mrs.
Jones.
It’s also known as a quintessential Philly soul song, beginning with a sweet, jazz-like intro and unleashing soulful intensity just before the chorus.
Theme from the PlanetsDexter Wansel
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.
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.
Love T.K.O.Teddy Pendergrass
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.
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.
