The Sylistics Release Collaborative Album ‘Falling in Love with My Girl”

The Stylistics, iconic for their soulful melodies and harmonizing hits from the 1970s like “You Make Me Feel Brand New” and “I’m Stone in Love With You,” are back in the musical spotlight with their first studio album in nearly two decades, titled Falling in Love With My Girl. This album marks a glorious return for the legendary R&B group and features a melting pot of musical luminaries from various genres. Under the production genius of Tom Cridland, and executive production by Debbie Cridland, the album showcases a blend of old and new, staying true to the group’s classic sound while infusing contemporary elements through collaborations with a range of artists across the musical spectrum.

The collaborative aspect is indeed the striking feature of this comeback album. The project proudly announces contributions from fellow music icons such as Gene Simmons from KISS and Ray Parker Jr., alongside The Elton John Band, underlining the broad appeal and respect The Stylistics command within the music industry. The album’s lead single, “Yes, I Will,” features the inimitable Shania Twain and speaks volumes about the collaborative depth of this project. Twain co-wrote the track with Nathan East, bringing her signature country flair to the soulful backdrop of The Stylistics’ sound, which Herb Murrell assures has not deviated from its roots, despite the myriad of influences involved in the album’s creation.

What stands out is the diverse roster of musicians that enriched the album. Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, and more contributed to this soulful endeavor, each adding their unique musical touch, ensuring the album is not just a return, but an evolution. Gene Simmons’ contribution to the track “Don’t Leave Me Here” brings an unexpected, yet delightful, infusion of rock star charisma, while ZZ Top's Billy F. Gibbons lends his guitar prowess to “You'll Live Forever,” demonstrating the seamless integration of rock elements into The Stylistics’ soul framework. Moreover, Chicago’s Bill Champlin and Liverpool’s The Real Thing add further vocal dimensions that transcend the group's traditional sound.

The origins of the album lie in a serendipitous encounter with Tom Cridland when The Stylistics were performing in the UK. Cridland, then their tour partner, proposed the idea of a new album after noticing both the longevity and the relevance that The Stylistics still maintained with their fanbase. This interaction laid the groundwork for the album, melding Cridland's fresh perspectives with the timeless stylistic charm that has long been the hallmark of the group. Long-time fans will appreciate that while the collaborations are many, the essence of The Stylistics, particularly their focus on love-themed songs, remains unchanged.

The 21-track album, freshly released, extends a welcoming invitation to listeners to not only reminisce but appreciate the new musical paths being forged. As Airrion Love reflects on the group’s journey, now well into their 50-plus years of making music, his excitement is palpable. Despite initial concerns about the album’s ability to resonate with their audience, the resulting product, brimming with powerful collaborations, showcases The Stylistics’ undying passion for music and their knack for evolving with the times.