The Spinners, Games People Play | Throwback Vibez

In the 64^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Games People Play” by The Spinners. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 64^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Games People Play”, performed by The Spinners. 

“Games people play / Night or day they’re just not matchin’ / What they should do / Keeps me feelin’ blue.” The Spinners were one of the best and successful soul groups of the 1970s.  Interestingly, the iconic collective had seven top-10 hits.  “Games People Play” was one of them, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and spending a total of 18 weeks on the charts.  Helping to craft the sophisticated Philly soul sound is the late, great producer, Thom Bell.  “Games People Play” commences with a distinct, unmistakable groove.  Furthermore, there is a superb string and horn arrangement, which falls in line with 1970s soul. In addition to the core rhythm section, the use of percussion is a marvelous musical touch. Also, shout out to Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, and Joseph B. Jefferson, who penned this masterpiece.  The harmonic scheme is incredibly notable, going beyond basic, tried and true chord changes

Sound and songwriting play a pivotal role.  So do the incredibly sophisticated, soulful vocals. In the hands of the late Bobby Smith, Pervis Jackson, and Evette Benton, nothing sounds forced – it feels organic. All three vocalists contrast yet complement each other.  Smith serves up a sweet tenor, while Jackson delivers a robust bass. As for Benton, she adds a glorious, feminine touch.  The vocal arrangement is nothing short of stupendous.  As far as the most memorably part of this gargantuan soul joint, it’s the chorus, one of the most memorable by The Spinners (“Been down too long / Right, wrong, they just can’t stop it / Spendin’ all day / Thinking just of you”).  “Games People Play” is indeed the ‘pick of the litter’ from the collective’s 1975 album, Pick of the Litter.

The Spinners • Pick of the Litter • Atlantic • 1975

The Spinners, “Games People Play”: Throwback Vibez No. 64 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]