The Delfonics' 1968 debut album is pretty much the textbook definition of Philly soul, and as such, it's as close to musical heaven as one can get. The trio's vocal harmonies float luxuriously atop lush, billowing layers of strings and horns, sparkling mallet percussion, and gently undulating grooves that mix pop/R&B with the occasional dash of soft funk.
Philly soul mastermind Thom Bell was the songwriting/producing genius who helped craft the sound, but it would all be for naught without the shimmering vocal blend of the Delfonics. The title track of LA LA MEANS I LOVE YOU is one of the group's best-known tunes, but its poignant, romantic mood is carried out just as effectively through the rest of the album, on everything from covers of "Alfie" and "The Look of Love" to the forlorn feeling of "Losing You" and "You're Gone." This is a smooth soul classic full of elegant, evocative gems.
