The First Family of Soul: The Best of The Five Stairsteps

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The First Family of Soul: The Best of The Five Stairsteps album cover
Album Information

Total Tracks: 17   Total Length: 45:42

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Chicago's Own

nessapat

As a former Chicagoan, I can remember watching my cousin and her friends singing 'Don't Waste Your Time,' in front of a wall mirror and trying not to step on each others parts. Always looked forward to hearing their songs. It wasn't until I played the samples that I realized I actually remember the words to some of the songs. This collection of music definitely brings back memories.

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Before the Jacksons

SoulStranger

Before the Jacksons there was the Five Stairsteps, a Chicago family act that for the longest time never seemed to break out of the local,highly competitive Chicago soul scene - this despite having the legendary Curtis Mayfield and a producer and songwriter. Eventually they left Chicago and Mayfield and finally scored a #1 pop hit with "Ooh Child"--then vanished into history when the Jackson 5 stole their thunder. Great pop-soul from the late 60s.

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They Say All Music Guide

Though fans of the Jackson 5 or the Staple Singers would love arguing the claim of the title, the Five Stairsteps recorded some solid Windy City soul during the late ’60s and early ’70s, just a small step below the level of the Chi-Lites or the Impressions (whose Curtis Mayfield signed the group to his Windy C label and produced much of their material). Since their only well-known hit, “O-o-h Child,” was also one of their last, it’s appropriately relegated to the end of this collection, though neophytes may find it a difficult chore waiting 16 tracks to get to it. Easing the way are a pair of early Mayfield gems — “You Waited Too Long” and “Danger! She’s a Stranger” — both superb examples of yearning, baroque soul. “Playgirl’s Love” would’ve been a perfect fit on an Impressions LP, while a cover of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles’ “Ooo Baby Baby” proved a splendid choice of material. Though hit-seekers may prefer the Greatest Hits or Encore Collection sets, fans of the breezy Chicago sound or smooth supper-club soul will find much on this Buddha compilation to love. – John Bush

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