Rating:
Genre:
R&B
Release Date: 02/01/2008
Though fans of
the Jackson 5 or
the Staple Singers would love arguing the claim of the title,
the Five Stairsteps recorded some solid Windy City
soul during the late '60s and early '70s, just a small step below the level of
the Chi-Lites or
the Impressions (whose
Curtis Mayfield signed the group to his
Windy C label and produced much of their material). Since their only well-known hit,
"O-o-h Child," was also one of their last, it's appropriately relegated to the end of this collection, though neophytes may find it a difficult chore waiting 16 tracks to get to it. Easing the way are a pair of early
Mayfield gems --
"You Waited Too Long" and
"Danger! She's a Stranger" -- both superb examples of yearning,
baroque soul.
"Playgirl's Love" would've been a perfect fit on an
Impressions LP, while a cover of
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles'
"Ooo Baby Baby" proved a splendid choice of material. Though hit-seekers may prefer the
Greatest Hits or
Encore Collection sets, fans of the breezy Chicago sound or smooth supper-club
soul will find much on this
Buddha compilation to love.
~John Bush, All Music Guide
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