(October 10, 2020) I will confess that from the time I was a young child, I gravitated to the music of The Chi-Lites. Through the 70s, Marshall Thompson, Eugene Record, Craedel Jones, and Squirrel Lester delivered a brand of soul music that alternated between strong social statements and sweet, vulnerable love songs, and they did them all so well. I was hooked for life.
One of the Chi-Lites’ consistent musical themes was peace (including their big hit “There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table)”), and that comes through again in their first new release in several years. “Peace” was written by New Jersey producer Guy Daniel Vasola (billed here as The GDVO) as a plea for unity in a world in crisis. And Vasola brought in reggae singer Denroy Morgan and the Chi-Lites (featuring the sole remaining original member, Marshall Thompson) to give voice to it.
“Peace” fits the message of classic social justice songs, and also includes a strong musical soundtrack, with a steady groove and expressive horns. And of course, the Chi-Lites’ harmonies lift it to the heavens.
It’s great to hear one of our favorite groups again, and the song feels right for our times. Check out “Peace” below, and tell us what you think.
By Chris Rizik
The GDVO feat. The Chi-Lites and Denroy Morgan
“Peace”