The Stylistics, Betcha By Golly, Wow | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 177th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Betcha By Golly, Wow” by The Stylistics.   

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 they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 177^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Betcha By Golly, Wow” performed by The Stylistics.

“There’s a spark of magic in your eyes / Candyland appears each time you smile.” The Stylistics delivered one of soul’s greatest songs with “Betcha By Golly, Wow”. “Betcha By Golly, Wow” is the third track from the iconic soul collective’s gold-certified debut album, The Stylistics, released in 1971. A fun fact about “Betcha By Golly, Wow” is that it was originally named “Keep Growing Strong”. Furthermore, it was originally performed by Connie Stevens. Still, the hit version belongs to The Stylistics. Both songs were penned by late, great Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Thom Bell (1941 – 2022) and Linda Creed (1948 – 1986). Bell also provides a gorgeous, lush arrangement and production.  Notably, “Betcha,” which peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 was certified gold by the RIAA.

Russell Thompkins, Jr., the voice of the collective (literally) delivers a mean falsetto – among the most rich and ripe you’ve ever heard. Even as Thompkins, Jr. ‘gives his all’ on vocals, he easily sings. The songwriting is superb. “If I could I’d catch a falling star / To shine on you so I’ll know where you are,” he sings in the second verse, adding “[I’d] Order rainbows in your favorite shade / To show I love you / Thinking of you.” The verses are marvelous, as is the pre-chorus (“You’re a genie in disguise /… Full of wonder and surprise / And”), but the section to beat is the chorus in all its tuneful and unforgettable glory:

“Betcha by golly, wow
You’re the one that I’ve been waiting for forever
And ever will my love for you
Keep growing strong
Keep growing strong.”

“Betcha By Golly, Wow” is the sugar honey iced tea of soul songs – the crème de la crème.  Many musicians have covered this timeless classic including the late, great Prince (1958 – 2016) in his 1996, album, Emancipation.

The Stylistics // The Stylistics // Amherst // 1971

The Stylistics, Betcha By Golly, Wow: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 177 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amherst; OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]