ROUND 2

The Stylistics: Russell Thompkins Jr., Airrion Love, Herb Murrell, James Dunn, James Smith. All songs written or co-written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed except "It's Too Late" (Carole King/Toni Stern), "You'll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart)" (Burt Bacharach/Hal David) and "Peek-A-Boo" (Gregory Guess/Norman Knox). Personnel: Herb Murrell, James Dunn , Airrion Love, James Smith, Russell Thompkins, Jr. (vocals). Arranger: Thom Bell. This was the Stylistics' sophomore album and it spawned three Billboard R&B Top Ten singles: "I'm Stone in Love With You," "Break Up to Make Up," and "You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)." The first two even cracked the Top Ten on the pop charts. Furthermore, there is much here to savor. The vocal quintet's version of the Carole King classic "It's Too Late" never soars or dips -- it just soothes in spite of the fateful lyric. "Children of the Night" imparts a similar mood but with a different lyrical content. The two selections "Peek-A-Boo" and "You're As Right As Rain" are Stylistics originals. First tenor Russell Thompkins Jr, who leads on all the aforementioned songs, seems to effortlessly reach each note and hold it as long as necessary. Although only the first three hit the charts, all of the songs referenced are radio favorites. As superb as the group was vocally, the production work of Thom Bell is commendable as well. ~ Craig Lytle