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 stream of sweet soul music (1–10)
Turn off the LightsTeddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass, an R&B singer who achieved overwhelming success in the 1970s, is a tremendously important figure in the world of R&B, and part of the foundation of modern R&B was built by him.
Among his works, the song I especially recommend is Turn off the Lights.
It’s a quintessential piece of Philly soul, rich in R&B elements, and the sweet atmosphere crafted by his masculine voice is truly exceptional.
Be sure to check it out.
T.S.O.P. ft. The Three DegreesM.F.S.B.
MFSB is a soul band from Philadelphia.
They came out of Sigma Sound Studios and released many songs with relatively accessible melodies within the Philly soul scene.
Among MFSB’s works, one track that became especially popular is “T.S.O.P.” featuring The Three Degrees.
Its light, upbeat performance is enough to put you in a great mood just by listening.
It’s a recommended song for beginners who aren’t yet familiar with Philly soul.
When Will I See You AgainThe Three Degrees
The Three Degrees are a female vocal group from Philadelphia formed in 1963.
They’ve toured Japan frequently, and many of their songs have been used in Japanese media, so many of you may already know them.
One of their signature hits is When Will I See You Again, a classic you’ve probably heard in commercials and elsewhere.
Its gently flowing melody—characteristic of Philly soul—beautifully evokes a wistful yet warm atmosphere.
Enjoy YourselfThe Jacksons
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.
Nights Over EgyptThe Jones Girls
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.