THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

765-The Stylistics-You Make me Feel Brand New.

1974-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.30.Buy one, get one free.

The only hit of The Stylistics to feature two lead vocalists, the magical falsetto of Russell Thompkins Jr., and a rare outing for the baritone of Airrion Love.The Stylistics were formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,United States in 1968 by the coming together of two local bands, ‘The Percussions,’ from where came James Dunn, and Herb Murrell, and ‘The Monarchs,’ from where came Russell Thompkins Jr., James Smith, and Airrion Love.They are still active, with Love, and Murrell remaining from the original line up.

The Stylistics were initially signed to the Avco Record label, where they were assigned to songwriter/producer Thom Bell, who together with Linda Creed (1948-1986) (see also best songs 183) would write many of their early hits including ‘Betcha by Golly Wow,’ and ‘Rockin’ Roll Baby.’Linda Creed who had been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 26, and died at 37,is best remembered for writing the lyrics to ‘The Greatest Love of All,’ originally recorded by George Benson, but made famous by Whitney Houston, it is based loosely on her own life experiences. Thom Bell had previously worked with fellow Philadelphia Soul band The Delfonics, and would go on to great success with The Detroit Spinners.

When Avco records transitioned in to ‘H&L Records’,they worked with Van McCoy (see also best songs 690,) and the songwriters Hugo Peretti (1916-1986,) Luigi Creatore (1921-2015,) (see also best songs 194) achieving their only UK Number 1 single ‘Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love,’) in 1975.

‘Precious friend, with you I’ll always have a friend, you’re someone who I can depend.’