Flashback Soul: Joe Simon is "Drowning in the Sea of Love"

In 1970, after winning a Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal R&B performance and charting several hits, the great Joe Simon switched labels to Spring Records, which put him in the capable hands of the legendary Philly soul production team Gamble & Huff.  And in 1971, they sprinkled their magic dust on Simon's track "Drowning in the Sea of Love," which reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold over 1.5 million copies.

The track is an undisputed soul classic, from its gentle wah wah guitar licks to the trademark Gamble & Huff swelling strings. But what really sets it apart is Simon's vocal, arguably the best of his still-ongoing recording career, which flows like sweet, thick molasses. Enjoy.

By Robb Patryk