The Patterson Singers – The Patterson Singers (Remastered) (1972)

While the Patterson Singers' lone Atco release embraces a secular vantage point, the album is unmistakably the product of the group's deep gospel roots. The intensity of the vocals and the sheer passion of the performances are remarkable, and even if the lyrics address matters of the heart and the flesh, the spirit remains the unspoken bond that holds the music together. Although relatively conservative by funk-era standards, The Patterson Singers is nevertheless a solid listen from start to finish, evoking soul giants spanning from Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin. The harmonies are outstanding, and the material, if a bit unimaginative, fits comfortably within the classic soul tradition, with the lively "How Can You Say That" even generating excitement on Northern Soul dancefloors years after the fact.