# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published April 21, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-philly-soul-album-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **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.
2. **Ship Ahoy**
   The O'Jays' 1973 Philadelphia International album is socially conscious orchestrated soul at its most ambitious, featuring epic production by Gamble & Huff.
3. **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.
4. **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.
5. **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.
6. **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.
7. **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.
8. **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.
9. **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.
10. **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.
11. **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.
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.

Tags: music, 70s, classics, soul