The Stylistics Return with a New Sound
After nearly two decades, soul stars The Stylistics are back with a new 21-track record that explores elements of pop and country music. The veteran band, composed of original members Airrion Love, Herb Murrell, and Jason Sharp, has taken a bold step in their latest project, "Falling in Love With My Girl," set to be released on February 24.
A New Sound, New Collaborations
The album features collaborations with renowned artists such as Shania Twain, Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, Gene Simmons of KISS, Bill Champlin of Chicago, and R&B and funk band Tower of Power, among others. Love admits that even with their long history, the band was nervous about experimenting with new sounds.
"We have kind of an already set and established sound and we didn’t want to go too far off the beaten path. We figured what worked will continue to work and we didn’t want to lose our core audience. But we decided to take a chance on this project," Love said.
The Stylistics’ Evolution
Formed in Philadelphia in 1968, the group is known for their smooth R&B hits like "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)," "You Are Everything," and "You Make Me Feel Brand New." Despite their long hiatus, the band members are still passionate about music and are excited to share their new sound with fans.
"We’re still here and we’re still able to learn and grow and I think it was time for a little change," Love said during a phone interview from Japan, where the band was performing their annual New Year’s Eve show.
New Songs and Collaborations
The first single, "Yes, I Will," featuring Shania Twain, will be released on February 14. Love is thrilled about the country-infused track, which marks a departure from their traditional R&B style.
"I love the song with us and Shania Twain. I think that puts us in a different genre that we’ve never tried and we’ll see what happens with that," he said.
Another standout track is "Don’t Leave Me Here," featuring Gene Simmons and Tower of Power. Love praises the song’s horn section, which adds a new dimension to their music.
The Wiltern Show
The Stylistics will be performing at The Wiltern on January 11, prior to the album’s release. While the band plans to perform some new songs, they will also play their classic hits to ensure longtime fans are satisfied.
"Sure we’re going to push this album but our show can’t consist of all new material," Love said.
Event Details
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, January 11
- Where: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
- Tickets: $63-$219
- Information: wiltern.com
FAQs
Q: What can fans expect from the new album, "Falling in Love With My Girl"?
A: The album features 21 tracks, including collaborations with renowned artists, and explores elements of pop and country music.
Q: How does the new sound differ from The Stylistics’ previous work?
A: The band has experimented with new genres, such as country, and incorporated different styles, like horn sections, to create a fresh sound.
Q: Will the show at The Wiltern feature only new material or a mix of old and new songs?
A: The show will include a mix of new and classic songs, ensuring fans will enjoy a mix of old and new music.
Q: How do the band members feel about the new direction?
A: The band members are excited to share their new sound with fans and are confident that the change will be well-received.
