In the early 70's, the O'Jays reached the top of the soul charts with their hits Back Stabbers, Love Train, Put Your Hands Together and For the Love of Money. The trio was then one of the spearheads of Philly Sound, this soul infused with silk concocted by the Gamble & Huff duo of the PIR label (Philadelphia International Records). Now in their seventies, two of the founding members, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, and Eric Nolan Grant, who arrived in the mid-90s, are showing no signs of stopping. Which is great news, because listening to The Last Word their pure ball of groove has kept momentum and effectiveness. Pure vintage soul juice (that even draws on engaging texts like on Above the Law) that makes you want to pull out the flares and platform boots. © Max Dembo/Qobuz