The Delfonics - Alive & Kicking (1974)

The Delfonics do it again on their 1974 Alive & Kicking. I have heard and read that this album lacks the magic of their earlier late 60's early 70's albums. I will be honest; this album cannot touch La La Means I Love You (1968), Delfonics (1970), or Tell Me This is a Dream (1972), my fav 3 albums by them, but as usual there is some real magic on this album, and to be really honest again, Alive and Kicking is not that far behind them. There are some surefire classics on here. A hit, "Think It Over" is one for sure. William Hart belts out a tune about advising his boo to think before she acts and leaves the relationship, a beautiful soft number. I love the string laden, rolling funkiness of "First Thing on My Mind," again with Hart's tender falsetto, and the sweet harmonies on the hooks and bridges. Wilburt Hart also takes the leads with his rich voice on the hippie/flower child influenced innocent number "Pardon Me Girl;" I love the soft sitars and sweet strings and harmony. "Love is" also has a similar vibe with a groove hook I dare anyone not to move to. William Hart takes the lead again on "Start All Over Again." This number is a slow drag ballad which brings back the memories and magic of the earlier classics, and is one of my favorite Delfonics songs. "Can't Go On Living" has the strings and vibes reminiscent of a late 60's song, and is another winner: I believe it is Major Harris doing the lead vocals here, and the vocals are smooth as butter. As I type my review I am loving it even more before I had started reviewing it. This one may need a little more time to grow on you, but best believe me it will. This is another great Delfonics album, and is the last album that would spawn the big hits for them unfortunately, since they are an awesome group.

Tracklist:
1.01 - The Delfonics - Lying To Myself (4:05)
1.02 - The Delfonics - I Told You So (3:14)
1.03 - The Delfonics - First Thing On My Mind (4:33)
1.04 - The Delfonics - Hey Baby (3:27)
1.05 - The Delfonics - Think It Over (4:42)
1.06 - The Delfonics - Pardon Me Girl (2:52)
1.07 - The Delfonics - Seventeen (And In Love) (4:25)
1.08 - The Delfonics - I Don't Want To Make You Wait (3:18)
1.09 - The Delfonics - Love Is (2:21)
1.10 - The Delfonics - Can't Go On Living (3:15)
1.11 - The Delfonics - Start All Over Again (4:23)
1.12 - The Delfonics - Don't Leave Me (Bonus Track) (2:52)