The Three Degrees (Album) A Masterpiece

Dirty Ol’ Man

For a man, getting the brush off, never sounded so soulful as in this song. I don`t know if I`m wrong, but I can`t remember a song where woman sing so specific about men being too pushy.

Can’t You See What You’re Doing to Me

This tune has a good vibe and is typical for that period. It is nothing outstanding but still sounds good on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

A Woman Needs a Good Man

You expect a slow ballad and are just enjoying the beautiful harmony the girls are singing. When I first heard this one I thought that it sounded like a nice ballad, but longer I listened to it, the more the song started to fill my soul. It is not a classic ballad as it`s not really an up-tempo song. I find this song very appealing.

When Will I See You Again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnEZSR7KCQA

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is the evergreen of a life time, fresh and well arranged here shown in a Japanese version*. You can bet the Three Degrees were very successful in Japan as well. And what can I say about this version, these girls could sing. This is what Valerie remembers about their time at Philly International: „The whole Philadelphia Sound was the brainchild of Kenny (Gamble) and Leon (Huff),” Valerie explains. “They wrote and produced most of the hits…Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, Billy Paul, the Intruders. In all honesty, we weren’t aware of the potential of the label when we first signed but at our first session with them, we felt the magic. It was different from anything we had ever experienced before. “To be perfectly honest, I didn’t hear “When Will I See You Again”! We had released “Dirty Ol’ Man” as the first single and, to me, it was just another track on the album! I really wasn’t knowledgeable enough to be a good judge. “I was very disappointed when we left the label. I thought that Kenny and Leon were the best writers and producers we had ever worked with. I liked their work and I liked working with them. To this day, Richard Barrett has never explained why we left!”

*Back in 1974 The Three Degrees won the 1st price on the Third Annual Tokyo Music Festival with the song 'When will I see you again'. Quite an achievement for Western artists. Because of the success of 'WWISYA' in Japan, they also recorded a Japanese version of the song: 'Tenshi-No Sasayaki'.

I Didn’t Know

Once you hear this one you sure know why it was a well deserved hit back in the days. An up-tempo version is presented here. I`m sure it made many people hit the dance floor.

I Like Being a Woman

A nice song but the weakest on this album. I enjoy the live version better than the studio version. In my opinion it is a good song. And one thing is for sure, back in the days the artists, at least most of them, were singing live and yes, the could sing.

If and When

Here is my personal highlight of the album. I love songs with a big orchestral background partnered with theses voices. What else can a soul fan ask for. I`m even more impressed with this live version as their voices sound even better here.

Year of Decision

This one  has been nicely placed after a ballad like “If and When”. This is again a good song, nothing outstanding but it holds the candle high when comparing to today`s releases.

All in all, this album is one of those records, once you heard it, you will remember. It is a great production, features great songs from one of the finest writing teams in music history. These girls had the style and voices to sing their heart out and dance at the same time, while enjoying each second of it.

https://www.discogs.com/The-Three-Degrees-The-Three-Degrees/master/86501