Fabulous

Because it was overseen by commercially minded producer Van McCoy, 1976’s Fabulous doesn’t have quite the artistic scope of the earlier Thom Bell–guided Stylistics albums. What it does have is a handful of excellent, dramatic performances, all gilded by the now-familiar harmonies of Russell Thompkins Jr. and company. “Because I Love You” and “Baby Don’t Change Your Mind” are no-brainers: these are the sort of propulsive-yet-feathery sing-alongs that The Stylistics were put on earth to sing. Of the covers, the most interesting entry is “You Ought to Be with Me,” a slow orchestral version of what was originally a very lithe and intimate Al Green performance. As interesting as that song is, the standout is undoubtedly “It’s So Good.” The song’s roiling funk was an entirely new look for The Stylistics, leaving you wishing that they'd recorded a whole album in this militant style. The tune’s tribal trumpet line and tectonic bass line recall dancehall tunes from Jamaica, where the stylings of The Stylistics had a major effect. Perhaps “It’s So Good” was the group’s way of returning the favor.