Music: The Stylistics, 'Falling In Love With My Girl'
For the first time again, the indelible Philly soul of The Stylistics make us feel brand new
Proving that legends never go out of style, Philadelphia’s The Stylistics have returned with their first new material in over 20 years. The smooth vocals of the trio — original members Airrion Love and Herb Murrell, together with Jason Sharp who joined the group in 2011 — are the epitome of what is termed “adult contemporary” in today’s music environment. However, the pedigree associated with the name has attracted a diverse roster of guest stars for this release, which releases February 21.
The surprise for many may be the unfamiliarity of this Philly soul group who first formed in 1968 and became a staple of early ‘70s AM radio, R&B charts and The Midnight Special as a quintet.
I’m Stone in Love with Love – The Stylistics | The Midnight Special/℗© Bellboy Music & Assorted Music BMI/YouTube
Falling in Love With My Girl is a return to a nostalgic love of the sound of soul, enhanced with some out-of-left-field collaborators. Among the talent sprinkled liberally throughout the 21-tracklist is the title song which features Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, certainly not on anyone’s 2025 bingo card. If anything, this entire collection is a Who’s Who of classic supporters contributing their talents to these soul icons.
Among the musicians sharing in the gifts are Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones) and Jay Graydon (his solo on Steely Dan’s “Peg” still sizzles) on the laidback “Who Am I” and on “Whatever Happened To Our Love” that hints at the sweet spot of ‘80s-era Chicago, due to the inclusion of Bill Champlin, the silvery vocals of Liverpool’s The Real Thing and Nigel Olsson (Elton John’s drummer).
The Stylistics, Shania Twain – Yes, I Will (Official Video)/℗© Greatest Music of All Time LLC/YouTube
The album’s first single “Yes, I Will” grabs your ears right off from the distinctive inclusion of Shania Twain (who co-wrote with bassist Nathan East), with a hymn-like melody, supplemented by her grit and the all-around ‘stylings’ of master guitarist Steve Lukather, which gives a huge stamp of authenticity and evocation to the kind of collaborations that are rare these days in the music community.
In addition to another Elton John connection, guitarist Davey Johnstone contributes his work, most distinctive to the ballad “Infatuation,” which along with bandmate Olsson, sounds like a blueprint for an EJ tune from the ‘90s with anthemic vocals and a slower tempo that compliments the lovelorn lyrics.
And as the left-field guest stars continue to pop up unannounced, you’ll find ZZ Top’s Billy J Gibbons solo on “You’ll Live Forever,” Gene Simmons (yes, THAT Gene Simmons!) on “Don’t Leave Me Here,” and I promise you will recognize him on this slow funk, guitar-shredding song that has a coda worth sticking around for.
If the world has shown us anything, it’s that when music such as this appears, grab it, take it in, and rejoice. You may not get another chance in 20 years to celebrate this kind of soundtrack
Falling In Love With My Girl from The Stylistics drops February 21 and is available to pre-order/add here.
"Yes, I will" is wonderful. Looking forward to hearing the entire album.