The Intruders

The prototype for Gamble & Huff's classic Philly soul groups of the early '70s, the Intruders didn't spend much time in the pop Top 40 -- especially compared to heavy-hitters like the O'Jays or Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes -- but their smooth performances and Gamble & Huff's strong arrangements usually triumphed over the occasional novelty-ridden nature of their songs. The title track, "Cowboys to Girls," isn't a novelty by any means; it's one of the paragons of soul music, a delicious blend of subtle strings, punchy brass, and crystal harmonies from the group, with Samuel "Little Sonny" Brown's strong lead keeping it all together. The follow-up (and their only other Top 40 hit), "(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game," was a novelty, but a good one, as were the R&B hits "A Love That's Real" and "(Win, Place or Show) She's a Winner." At 20 tracks, Cowboys to Girls: The Best of the Intruders has room for all the Intruders' hits, including a few engaging latter-day entries like 1969's "Sad Girl" and 1970's "When We Get Married" (the latter during Bobby Starr's brief tenure at the head of the group). ~ John Bush, All Music Guide