Moment of Truth

Some disco and soul historians argue that disco was born in Philadelphia when Jerry Butler recorded the extremely danceable and highly syncopated "One Night Affair" under Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's direction in 1972. But whether or not disco was actually created in Philly, the city undeniably made many outstanding contributions to the genre. One of the finest albums recorded in Philly in 1977 was this self-titled LP by the superb but obscure soul/disco quartet Moment of Truth. Such sleek yet gritty jewels as "So Much for Love," "Chained to Your Love" and "Helplessly" (a minor club hit) pack a strong emotional punch that brings to mind groups like Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and the Intruders, but Truth's overall approach is much more disco-oriented and club-conscious. Clearly, the group realized that the best disco stressed vocal personality, not just beats. As little known as this album is, it came as quite a surprise when, in 1993, it was reissued after being out of print for at least 13 years. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide