Rating:
Genre:
R&B
Release Date: 10/31/1995
Run Time: 71:12
The prototype for
Gamble & Huff's classic
Philly soul groups of the early '70s,
the Intruders didn't spend much time in the
pop Top 40 -- especially compared to heavy-hitters like
the O'Jays or
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes -- but their smooth performances and
Gamble & Huff's strong arrangements usually triumphed over the occasional
novelty-ridden nature of their songs. The title track,
"Cowboys to Girls," isn't a
novelty by any means; it's one of the paragons of
soul music, a delicious blend of subtle strings, punchy brass, and crystal harmonies from the group, with
Samuel "Little Sonny" Brown's strong lead keeping it all together. The follow-up (and their only other Top 40 hit),
"(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game," was a
novelty, but a good one, as were the
R&B hits
"A Love That's Real" and
"(Win, Place or Show) She's a Winner." At 20 tracks,
Cowboys to Girls: The Best of the Intruders has room for all
the Intruders' hits, including a few engaging latter-day entries like 1969's
"Sad Girl" and 1970's
"When We Get Married" (the latter during
Bobby Starr's brief tenure at the head of the group).
~John Bush, All Music Guide
;)
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