Back in the 70s, the Chi-Lites developed a reputation as one of the great soul groups around, particularly with a string of reflective ballads of love lost, such as “Oh Girl” and “Have You Seen Her.” Of course, the group, led by legendary singer-songwriter Eugene Record and the Godfather of Soul Groups, Marshall Thompson, also knew how to throw down the funk, as they showed on hits like “Give More Power to the People,” and “We Are Neighbors.”
Eugene Record left the Chi-Lites split in the late 70s to issue three modestly successful solo albums. But when he returned in 1980, he brought with him a new appreciation for the club scene, leading to group into such dance favorites as “Hot on a Thing” and “Bottoms Up.”
Back in the 70s, the Chi-Lites developed a reputation as one of the great soul groups around, particularly with a string of reflective ballads of love lost, such as “Oh Girl” and “Have You Seen Her.” Of course, the group, led by legendary singer-songwriter Eugene Record and the Godfather of Soul Groups, Marshall Thompson, also knew how to throw down the funk, as they showed on hits like “Give More Power to the People,” and “We Are Neighbors.”
Eugene Record left the Chi-Lites split in the late 70s to issue three modestly successful solo albums. But when he returned in 1980, he brought with him a new appreciation for the club scene, leading to group into such dance favorites as “Hot on a Thing” and “Bottoms Up.”
He also continued to experiment with other diverse sounds, with one of the most satisfying being his incorporation of island elements. 1981’s “Try My Side of Love” (later recorded by The Impressions), is an ultra cool midtempo that hits just the right spot, with that breezy beat and fantastic group harmonies all supporting a song that asks a woman to look past her past experiences and to take a chance on new love. It works 100% and has developed into a much loved song over the years since its release.
“Try My Side of Love” is our newest SoulTracks Lost Gem. Check it out below and enjoy the breeze of the Chi-Lites all over again.
By Chris Rizik