Much like 2001's outstanding Ultimate O'Jays release, The Essential O'Jays covers the group during its most fruitful and commercially successful period from 1972-1975. However, the difference between the two compilations is that The Essential offers up four classics from 1976-1978 that weren't included in the Ultimate edition: "Darlin' Darlin' Baby," "Use ta Be My Girl," "The Big Gangster," and the Philly soul-disco anthem "Message in Our Music." But all of the hits that made the O'Jays one of the most instantly recognizable names in soul music are included, such as their biggest hit, "For the Love of Money." Die-hard fans may already own all of the songs on this collection, but for the casual listener, this is the definitive survey of their career and an outstanding place to start. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
The Essential O'Jays (1-CD)
02/08/2005
Videos from The Essential O'Jays (1-CD)
All Music Guide Review
The Essential O'Jays (1-CD) Track Listing
Credits of The Essential O'Jays (1-CD)
- Vince Montana
- Vibraphone
- Lenny Pakula
- Organ, Arranger
- Joseph M. Palmaccio
- Mastering
- Arthur Stoppe
- Engineer
- Joe Tarsia
- Engineer
- T.J. Tindall
- Guitar
- Larry Washington
- Percussion, Conga, Bongos
- Earl Young
- Drums
- David Ritz
- Liner Notes
- Leo Sacks
- Compilation Producer
- Don Hunstein
- Photography
- Howard Fritzson
- Art Direction
- Harold Williams
- Piano
- Sandy Speiser
- Photography
- Baron Wolman
- Photography
- Bobby Martin
- Arranger
- John Christiana
- Packaging Manager
- Stacey Boyle
- Artist Coordination
- Ronnie Baker
- Bass
- Liz Reilly
- Photo Research
- Stephan Moore
- Project Director
- Adam Farber
- Project Director
- Detchapat Arttasan
- Design
- Eddie Green
- Piano
- John Ursey, Jr.
- Arranger
- The O'Jays
- Main Performer
- MFSB
- Composer
- Bunny Sigler
- Producer
- Reggie Lucas
- Guitar
- Steven Berkowitz
- A&R
- Thom Bell
- Arranger
- Karl Chambers
- Drums
- Roland Chambers
- Guitar
- Don Renaldo
- Horn Section, String Section
- Bobby Eli
- Guitar
- Norman Farrington
- Drums
- Kenny Gamble
- Producer, Compilation Producer
- Norman Harris
- Guitar, Arranger
- Leon Huff
- Piano (Electric), Producer, Compilation Producer
- Anthony Jackson
- Bass


















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