What is the best Philly soul album of all time?

Philadelphia's smooth, orchestral soul sound became a defining sound of the 1970s, influencing everything from disco to modern R&B. Which Philly soul record is the finest example?

Back Stabbers

The O'Jays' 1972 breakthrough on Philadelphia International Records defined the lush orchestrated Philly soul sound and featured one of the era's finest title tracks.

1/12

Ship Ahoy

The O'Jays' 1973 Philadelphia International album is socially conscious orchestrated soul at its most ambitious, featuring epic production by Gamble & Huff.

2/12

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes

Harold Melvin's 1972 debut on PIR introduced Teddy Pendergrass' stunning voice to the world on 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' — one of Philly soul's signature moments.

3/12

Wake Up Everybody

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' 1975 PIR album features Teddy Pendergrass at his most socially engaged, with the stunning title track a Philly soul highlight.

4/12

Teddy Pendergrass

Teddy Pendergrass' 1977 solo debut on PIR announced his arrival as the most irresistibly powerful voice in Black music, combining raw sensuality with gospel intensity.

5/12

360 Degrees of Billy Paul

Billy Paul's 1972 PIR album is anchored by 'Me and Mrs. Jones' — one of the all-time great soul ballads — alongside a rich, organ-driven Philly backdrop.

6/12

Love Is the Message

MFSB's 1973 Philadelphia International album features 'TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)' and helped invent the disco and dance music that defined the late 70s.

7/12

La La Means I Love You

The Delfonics' 1968 Philly Groove Records debut is a lush, falsetto-soaked masterpiece that defined romantic Philly soul's signature style before the PIR era.

8/12

The Stylistics

The Stylistics' 1971 Avco Records debut introduced one of Philly soul's most distinctive voices — Russell Thompkins Jr.'s falsetto — in a silky, orchestrated setting.

9/12

Life Is a Song Worth Singing

Teddy Pendergrass' 1978 PIR album contains 'Close the Door' — an intimate, devastating ballad that cemented his reputation as soul music's most electrifying romantic voice.

10/12

All Things in Time

Lou Rawls' 1976 Philadelphia International album produced 'You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine', a massive hit that showcased his burnished baritone in perfect Philly setting.

11/12

Family Reunion

The O'Jays' 1975 PIR album continues their socially conscious strand with lush orchestrations, thematic ambition, and the title track's sweeping vision of Black community.

12/12