The Delfonics: La La Means I Love You

Label: Philly Groove/Bell

While La La Means I Love You is the trio's debut LP, the Delfonics had actually been working with producer Thom Bell as far back as their 1966 single "He Don't Really Love You." By the time this album was cut, Bell had begun to establish a core of key Philadelphia musicians who would later become internationally recognized as MFSB. This conglomerate further enhances the already mellifluous vocal blend of the original Delfonics, which included brothers William Hart, Wilbert Hart, and Randy Cain. The multi-task role that Bell plays in the success of the Delfonics -- as well as most every other Philly-based group fortunate enough to have been guided by his discernible ears -- included producing and arranging as well as co-writing over half of the original material on the album. Among them are the Top 40 hits "I'm Sorry" and "Break Your Promise," as well as the title track, which would become one of the group's signature tunes. The sublime smooth grooves seemingly inherent in these arrangements practically define the distinction between the Philly soul scene and those more established in Detroit (Motown), Memphis (Stax), or Chicago (Chess). Bell's trademark easy and languid rhythms, when married to the trio's lush vocal harmonies, add new hues to the sonic soul music pallet of the late '60s and early '70s. -All Music Guide