Photo: Edward Windsor Wright public relations / Public domain
Our Top 10 Songs From The O’Jays article takes a look at the catalog of one of the greatest Philadelphia sounding soul groups of all time. However, the O’Jays were not from Philadelphia. The O’Jays were from Ohio. The group first formed in the late 1950s. The original lineup consisted of Eddie Levert, Walter Lee Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isle. (Both Massey and Isle left the group in the early 1970s, turning the O’Jays into a trio) The O’Jays had moderate success in the 1960s. They released many great singles, but most of them did not chart that high. In the early 1970s, a series of moves changed the band’s fortunes. Most importantly, the group signed a new recording contract with the Philadelphia International label. One of the keys to the label’s success with the O’Jays derived from the songwriting team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The two men penned some of the O’Jays biggest hit singles and turned the group into a world wide sensation.
# 10 – Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)
We open up our top 10 O’ Jay’s songs list with the group’s first top 50 hit. The song “Lipstick Traces (On A Cigarette),” was released in 1965. It was issued on the O’Jays first album entitled Coming Through which also came out in 1965. The song was written by Allen Toussaint. It was originally recorded in 1962 by Benny Spellman. This is a very different sounding group than the one we came to love in the 1970s. Yet, its important to present one of their 1960s tunes to present the origins of the group and their history. This is a pretty good one. It seems Holland–Dozier–Holland may have borrowed a little from this one for their big Martha and the Vandellas hit “Nowhere to Run.”
# 9 – Sunshine
Looking for the ultimate slow dance, here you go… The great tune “Sunshine,” was released on the phenomenal Back Stabbers album. The record was released in 1972. It was the O’Jay’s first album for their new label Philadelphia International Records. The song “Sunshine,” was written by Bunny Sigler and Phil Hurtt. The song was never released as a single, so unless you owned the album, chances are this may be the first time your hearing it.
# 8 – Ship Ahoy
We could not compose an O’Jays songs list without including the title track to their 1973 album Ship Ahoy. While the album itself was a brilliant work of art filled with soulful grooves and vocals to die for, the O’Jays took their music to another level with the title track. In the shadow of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and the country still dealing with issues of racism that so sadly have yet gone away, the O’Jay’s composition “Ship Ahoy,” was an ode to the horrors of slavery and the transportation of black men, woman and children who suffered miserable trips across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to the America’s bound for a life of slavery.
# 7 – Deeper (In Love with You)
Continuing with our top 10 O’ Jays songs list we turn to the first single the band released during their 1970s dominating period. The song “Deeper (In Love With You),” was released on the album In Philadelphia. The record was released in 1970. The song “Deeper (In Love With You),” was released as the first single from the record. It was not a huge hit, but it did break the Billboard Top 100 peaking at number sixty four. It did much better on the Billboard R&B Charts just missing the top 20 at number 21. What we love so much about this great song is that killer opening (you will want to play it over and over again) and then that soulful groove that just grabs you within seconds.
# 6 – Use Ta Be My Girl
If ever there was a song that seemed so chill and groovy, yet really was an incredibly sad song, it was the O’ Jays “Use Ta Be My Girl.” The song was released on the album So Full of Love. The record was released in 1978. “Use Ta Be My Girl.” was one of the O’Jays biggest hits. The song hit number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It was an even bigger hit on the R&B Charts as it reached all the way to number one. “Use Ta Be My Girl,” would also serve as the last big time O’Jay’s hit single.
# 5 – For The Love of Money
As we enter the second half our top 10 O’ Jays songs list, we turn back once again to the grand Ship Ahoy album. With a bass line and groove to die for, the O’Jays “For The Love Of Money,” stands as a early 70s classic. The song was written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, and Anthony Jackson. It was also Anthony Jackson that played that memorable bass line in the song. “For The Love Of Money,” was a huge hit for the O’ Jay’s as it was a top 10 hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 where it peaked at number nine and the Billboard R&B Charts where it peaked at number three.
# 4 – I’ll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today)
As we journey towards the number one spot on this top 10 O’Jays songs list we turn back to their 1960s period one more time. The song “I’ll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today)” was released in 1967 on their Back On Top LP. The song would become the groups first top 10 hit on the Billboard R&B Charts as it peaked at number eight.
# 3 – Love Train
“Love Train,” is one of our favorite O’Jays songs of all time. It may not be our top choice, but as you can see, it’s top three. Nonetheless, from a commercial perspective, “Love Train,” stands as the biggest hit of the group’s career. “Love Train,” is the first and only O’Jays song to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It also hit number one of the Billboard R&B charts and Cashbox Hot 100. The song was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. “Love Train,” was released on the 1972 Back Stabbers album.
# 2 – I Love Music
These next two songs so defined 1970s soul in so many ways from its early 1970s incarnation to its flirtation’s with disco in the middle of the decade. “I Love Music,” was released in 1975 at the start of the disco era. But make no mistake, this is not disco, this is Philly Soul music at its finest. “I Love Music,” was written by the great songwriting team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The song was released on the album Family Reunion. “I Love Music,” was a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number five. It had even more success on the Billboard R&B Charts as it hit number one in 1975.
# 1 -Back Stabbers
We close out our top 10 O’Jays songs list with not only our favorite O’Jays song but one of our favorite songs of the 1970s. How could you not love this one. The O’Jays classic tune “Back Stabbers,” was released in 1972. It was the title track to their Back Stabbers album. Everything about this great tune is classic, the song’s killer opening riffs, the deep minor chord strings and of course those vocals are just so sensational.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
How does LIPSTICK TRACES have an iota of semblance to NOWHERE TO RUN ???????
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