Travelin' At the Speed of Thought

This album from the Cleveland, OH-based trio continues to priimarily convey a profound social message of the album's key producers and label owners Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Gamble in particular was the lyrical force that kept the O'Jays' (and label mates') songs seasoned with a conscious meaning that has come to transcend time. On this set, the only number to chart was the charged "Work on Me." While Walt Williams is as smooth as always, Eddie Levert interjects his invigorating vocal delivery with feet-stomping ad libs. The single slipped into the Billboard R&B charts' Top Ten at #7, staying afloat for 17 weeks. The threesome stay consistent with their previous Gamble/Huff releases by intertwining gospel rhythms, R&B melodies, sermonic lyrics and breathtaking vocal exhibitions. Most of the tracks here represent the upbeat groove the group is known for. The O'Jays mellow-out with "Feelings" and "Let's Spend Some Time Together." The former is a re-make of the classic pop standard. The common listener would not recognize Williams' falsetto introduction or Eddie Levert's toned-down, somber approach to the lyric. However, as the song builds, Eddie's trademark style begans to surface. The latter is another atypical O'Jays number. Williams breezes through this doo wop-flavored number; a style for which they are not known. Both are beautiful numbers and too little heard from.