In the 40th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Have You Seen Her” by The Chi-Lites.
The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez
is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. The records that grace Throwback Vibez
are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils
! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 40th edition of Throwback Vibez
(2022), we recollect and reflect on
“Have You Seen Her”, performed by
The Chi-Lites.
Theme & Lyrics 
“Well, I know I can’t hide from a memory / ‘Though day after day I’ve tried / I keep sayin’ she’ll be back / But today again, I lied.” Those spoken word lyrics performed by Eugene Record grace one of the greatest soul songs of all time,
“Have You Seen Her”.
The Chi-Lites were a highly successful soul collective formed in Chicago, Illinois that was able to land many hits including no. 1 hit
“Oh Girl” and the ‘chilly’ ballad,
“Coldest Days of My Life”. “Have You Seen Her,” like “Oh Girl,” was a pop hit, peaking at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The record originally appeared on the 1971 album,
(For God’s Sake) Give More Power to the People, though it’s more easily accessible on greatest hits compilations.
Those spoken word lyrics precede the main attraction:
“Oh, I see her face everywhere I go
On the street and even at the picture show
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?”
Basically, The Chi-Lites are searching for their exes, and lament the fact that she’s – they’re – no longer there and, apparently, aren’t coming back. To quote Anthony Hamilton,
“She’s Gone”. There’ll be no reconciliation despite the love pain experienced, sigh. “Why, oh why / Did she have to leave and go away,” they sing dramatically, continuing, “Ooh, oh, I’ve been used to having someone to lean on / And I’m lost, baby, I’m lost.” While there’s ample sadness (and falsetto) over the loss and expiration of love, that Eugene Record helmed backdrop is incredibly soulful – straight flames
! In addition to singing and producing, Eugene also penned the record alongside
Barbara Acklin. Fittingly, towards the end of this five-and-a-half-minute bop, there’s additional spoken word as Record continues reflecting on the loss.
“As another day comes to an end
I’m lookin’ for a letter or somethin’
Anything that she would send
With all the people I know
I’m still a lonely man
You know, it’s funny
But I thought I had her in the palm of my hand.”
Final Thoughts 
“Oh doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo / Have you seen her? Tell me, have you seen her?” #Classic and honestly, what else is there to say?
“Have You Seen Her” by
The Chi-Lites speaks for itself. This, folks, is what Throwback Vibez
is all about.
The Chi-Lites •
(For God’s Sake) Give More Power to the People •
Brunswick Record Corp. •
1971
The Chi-Lites, “Have You Seen Her”: Throwback Vibez 
No. 40 (2022) [
: Brent Faulkner, Brunswick Record Corp., Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay, Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash, The Musical Hype]