Strawberry Letter 23: The Very Best of the Brothers Johnson

Though they have been largely disregarded by critics, The Brothers Johnson had one of the most brilliant four-album runs of any ‘70s R&B act. Their creative and commercial success between 1976 and 1980 was due in no small part to Quincy Jones. Before Jones split to work with Michael Jackson, the Johnsons were his primary creative outlet, and in many ways these songs lay the groundwork for the music Jones and Jackson would make on Off the Wall and Thriller. George and Louis Johnson were gifted at blending thick funk with airy pop melodies and harmonies. For his part, Jones elevated the recordings with his impeccable production and arranging. The Very Best of the Brothers Johnson offers everything you need to get to know the group, including a handful of tracks from after their split with Jones. There's a wealth of excellent material here, but the pinnacle remains the Brothers’ four #1 singles. “Get the Funk Out Ma Face” and “Stomp!” are great funk/disco singalongs, but “Strawberry Letter 23” and “I’ll Be Good To You” are simply resplendent — two of the greatest pop funk songs ever made.