Alive & Kicking
The Delfonics · 1974
43 min · 12 tracks · rhythm and blues
Smooth harmonies intertwine with lush instrumentation, delivering a classic soul sound that evokes both nostalgia and romantic longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hey Baby — This track became one of The Delfonics' most recognizable songs, highlighting their harmonious vocal delivery paired with an infectious melody that captures the essence of early '70s soul.
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Start All Over Again — With its heartfelt lyrics and emotional depth, this song exemplifies The Delfonics' ability to convey vulnerability through their music, making it a standout on the album.
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I Told You So — This track showcases the group's intricate vocal harmonies and smooth instrumentation, embodying the polished sound that The Delfonics are celebrated for.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal harmonies and orchestration typical of its era but lacks standout compositions throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature prominent string arrangements that create a lush backdrop for the vocal harmonies.
- Several songs utilize call-and-response techniques between lead vocals and backing harmonies, enhancing the soulful feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt narratives of love
- smooth harmonies for relaxation
- late-night reflective ambiance
- easygoing tunes for conversations
- nostalgic vibes for quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek immediate musical impact
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1974, Alive & Kicking was The Delfonics' third studio album, following their successful self-titled debut and the critically acclaimed 'Sound of Sexy Soul.' By this time, the group had honed their distinctive style characterized by falsetto vocals and rich arrangements, solidifying their place in the Philadelphia soul scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Stylistics· The Chi-Lites· Blue Magic
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lying to Myself 4:02
- 2 I Told You So 3:11
- 3 First Thing On My Mind 4:30
- 4 Hey Baby 3:25
- 5 Think It Over 4:59
- 6 Pardon Me Girl 2:49
- 7 Seventeen (And in Love) 4:22
- 8 I Dont's Want To Make You Wait 3:14
- 9 Love Is 2:18
- 10 Can't Go On Living 3:12
- 11 Start All Over Again 4:20
- 12 Don't Leave Me 2:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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