Is It Still Good to Ya
Ashford & Simpson · 1978
34 min · 8 tracks · rhythm and blues
Soulful melodies intertwine with lush harmonies, capturing the essence of love and resilience in a vibrant R&B landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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It Seems to Hang On — This track not only became a chart-topping hit but also exemplifies the duo's infectious blend of catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, making it a standout representation of their style.
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Is It Still Good to Ya — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of questioning relationship dynamics, delivered through a smooth melody that highlights their vocal chemistry.
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Get Up and Do Something — This song serves as an empowering anthem encouraging action and self-reflection, showcasing the duo's ability to infuse social messages into their music without sacrificing melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and vocal interplay, though it follows familiar R&B structures.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that shifts the energy.
- Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, with lead vocals often alternating between the two main singers rather than sticking to one voice per song.
- Several tracks incorporate instrumental bridges that allow for dynamic shifts in mood and tempo, enhancing the overall flow of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- celebratory vibes for gatherings
- uplifting energy for motivation
- smooth harmonies for relaxation
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, complex compositions
- seek heavy, intense soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Is It Still Good to Ya marked Ashford & Simpson's fifth studio album and solidified their reputation as prolific songwriters and performers. Following the success of their previous album, Send It, this record showcased their ability to blend personal storytelling with polished production, further establishing them within the R&B genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Marvin Gaye· The Stylistics· Tavares
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It Seems to Hang On 5:13
- 2 Is It Still Good to Ya 3:52
- 3 The Debt Is Settled 3:53
- 4 Ain’t It a Shame 4:55
- 5 Get Up and Do Something 4:55
- 6 You Always Could 3:35
- 7 Flashback 3:58
- 8 As Long as It Holds You 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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