The O’Jays, “Back Stabbers” | Throwback Vibez

On the 21^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2021), we recollect and reflect on “Back Stabbers” by the iconic soul collective, The O’Jays.   

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he 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! On the 21^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2021), we recollect and reflect on “Back Stabbers”, performed by the iconic soul collective, The O’Jays.

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Theme & Lyrics  

“What they do? / They smilin’ in your face / All the time, they want to take your place / The back stabbers (Back stabbers).” The O’Jays are responsible for one of the greatest, most memorable soul records of all time: “Back Stabbers”! This minor-key gem appears as the second track on Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, and William Powell’s 1972 album, also titled, Back Stabbers.  “Back Stabbers” was written by Gene McFadden, John Whitehead, and Leon Huff.  It was produced by Huff alongside his legendary partner, Kenneth Gamble.  Worth noting, “Smiling Faces Sometimes” (as originally performed by The Temptations) inspires “Back Stabbers.”  WhoSampled lists it as a sample.

Here’s the deal with “Back Stabbers.”  The songwriting, vocals, and the music itself are all equally brilliant.  Thematically, The O’Jays warn the guys to “Beware” because “Somebody’s out to get your lady,” and “It’s a few of your buddies, they sure look shady.” Woo! That leads into the infectious chorus of this chart-topping R&B single excerpted above. Worth noting, “Back Stabbers” peaked at no. 3 on the pop charts.  As for the vocals, they are high-flying, infused with soul.  As is the case with so many of the soul artists of old, you buy what they are selling – it’s all about authenticity, particularly on the colorful line, “I wish they’d take some of these knives out my back!”

The final piece of the throwback glory is the instrumental, which is simply to die for.  It all starts with that dramatic piano – gotta heart that tremolo! It’s not merely the piano though. We get that full-fledged, glorious Philly sound! That sound is comprised of lush, dramatic strings, punchy horns, a kick-ass drum groove, and of course guitar and bass, which cook throughout.

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Final Thoughts  

Despite being the title track from Back Stabbers, “Back Stabbers” played second fiddle to The O’Jay’s crowning achievement, “Love Train”, which topped both the R&B and pop charts for good reason.  That said, “Back Stabbers” still ‘kicks a$$ and takes names,’ sounding incredibly refreshing as it pushes 50 years old.

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The O’Jays • Back Stabbers • Epic • 1972
The O’Jays, “Back Stabbers”: Throwback Vibez No. 21 [: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro,  Epic, The Musical Hype]

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