The Stylistics, People Make The World Go Round | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 6^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “People Make The World Go Round” 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 that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 6^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2023), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “People Make The World Go Round”, performed by 🎙 The Stylistics. 

“But that’s what makes the world go round / The ups and downs, a carousel.” True, 🎙 The Stylistics – you’ve got a legitimate point on 🎵 “People Make The World Go Round”. “People Make The World Go Round” appears as the seventh track on the epic 💿 The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album.  As great as this record is, The Stylistics was a stacked album, featuring bigger, more renowned hits.  Even so, this gem that highlights a turbulent world – “Buses on strike want a raise in fare / So they can help pollute the air” – impacted the pop charts, peaking at no. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

🎼 ✍ Thom Bell ( R.I.P. ) and 🎼 ✍ Linda Creed are responsible for composing this utterly terrific gem (Bell also produces). Musically, it is impressive from the start. First, there is an enigmatic introduction which sets the tone for the record.  Soon enough, electric keys establish a groove, with a hi-hat heavy groove delivered by the drums later.  Of course, the orchestration is breathtaking as well.  The listener is spoiled with tremendous ear candy: ripe falsetto lead vocals by 🎙 Russell Thompkins, Jr., strings, horns, and a tight rhythm section.  Honestly, what isn’t there to love about this late single from The Stylistics?

🎙 The Stylistics • 💿 The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album • 🏷 Amherst • 🗓 1971

The Stylistics, “People Make The World Go Round”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 6 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Amherst; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via Pixabay]