(March 24, 2025) The legendary original lead singer of the Stylistics, Russell Thompkins Jr., has been making great strides recently in his career as a solo artist. Last year, he gave soul music lovers the Preston Glass produced album, “Riding Solo” – which reunited Russell with longtime colleagues such as songwriter Vinnie Barrett (of “Sideshow” and “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” fame).
This month, indie label Forevermore Music issues from their vaults, The Lost Love Song” long player. An effort Russell recorded in 1997, the Rochester/Henrietta NY-based record company feared the session was forever lost due to the limitations of digital technology during the late 1990’s. As time went by and advancements in digital recording came to light, the Forevermore execs were able to resurrect the eleven-song album and thus release the effort.
The tune being reviewed here, “Crazy Love,” reflects the R&B/Pop sounds from that time period. The groove is smooth and slow, with the piano and synths driving the music along with jazz guitar flourishes reminiscent of the work by departed Philly MSFB member Roland Chambers. Russell’s trademark silky voice lifts the melody, lyrics calling for a celebration of love, being “forever in your arms, forever in your heart.” Sax solo is gentle and in the pocket, as the backing vocals compliment Thompkins’ lead vocals.
“Crazy Love” wouldn’t have had a problem finding a home on R&B radio, had it been released thirty years ago. Nonetheless, any rare and previously unreleased works from one of music’s most distinctive voices is forever welcome. Great to hear this from Mr. Thompkins. Memo to Forevermore Music from this longtime former Rochesterian – what else do y’all have in those vaults?
By Kevin Goins
