Pick of the Litter
Under the steady hand of producer, arranger, and composer Thom Bell, the Spinners hit their stride in the mid-1970s, when Phillipe Wynne's mellifluous tenor led them to the pinnacle of luxurious Philly soul. This 1975 album celebrates love found, laments love lost, and pledges love again while the smooth vocals and rich orchestrations punctuate the message. "Games People Play" became a huge hit with its poetic lyrics and a female "character" answering Wynne's queries. The defiant "Love or Leave" and "All That Glitters Ain't Gold" add elements of funk and disco, providing contrast to the sweeter, string-heavy ballads.--Marc Greilsamer