Customer Reviews

Rich Get Richer

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was not a huge fan of The O'Jays. However, their "Survival" album which came out in the mid 70s is excellent. Composed partly of sociological topics and part love songs, they triumph in both areas with the strength of their Philadelphia International writers and producers. The title track and "Rich Get Richer" are on the political end. In the "Rich Get Richer", Eddie Levert reminds you just who runs this country." There are only 16 families that run the whole world." That sentiment is no more relevant today in this facist environment run by oligarchs.
Eddie Levert rips "Let Me Make Love to You" as one of most sensual, blatant calls to the bedroom. Where Teddy Pendergrass was smooth with his seductive "Close the Door". Whereas Eddie Levert promises a night of hot, sweat dripped passion. That and "How Times Fly" speak to the more romantic stylings of this album. It is impossible to chose between the political songs vs. The love songs, as to which are the more powerful. They are equally effective.
The follow-up "Ships Ahoy" was an even bigger commercial success. But this, "Survival", the only O'Jays album I own is a topical powerhouse. The political songs like the title track understood the issues of the hood. The love songs celebrated the one moment of pleasure afforded to those oppressed by the "Rich Get Richer". As important as some of Stevie's social masterpieces, Gamble & Huff delivered the Philly International versions of what Norman Whitfield did mainly with The Temptations at Gordy/Motown.
Easily one of the finest entries to the Philadelphia International catalog.