Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes* – Wake Up Everybody

Another example that reveals the innate ability of some Italian DJs (and the blindness of record companies). As soon as this album came out in autumn 1975 the DJs immediately chose the track 'Don't Leave Me This Way' as the best. Certainly others were just as good (like the title track) but that one hit the mark right away. The record was obviously an American import (very normal at the time, there were thousands of copies on sale) and Radio Milano International played it continuously making it a no. 1 in their chart. And the single 45 rpm didn't even exist! So much so that, the following year, when Thelma Houston's version came out, people already knew that song well, indeed some considered it a slightly inferior version. We already knew.

Album Revolution #4:

It was almost time, and everyone knew it....Even the success of "True Be True" couldn't derail the fact that "Teddy Pendergrass" was getting ready to go Solo, and it would eventually be a disaster for "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes"....But, before that happen, the group released "Wake Up Everybody"....

This wonderful wonderful, wonderful, Ultimate, Ultimate. Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate Crown Jewel, was my favorite, favorite, favorite album by them!!!!

The "Title Track" is the Ultimate call to action song.....The Lyrics and Music blended hand in hand....As powerful as it is, it is a shame that no one ever took it's advise!!!! The only thing that seemed a little off is that, it felt like a "Teddy Pendergrass" Solo Record...

"Keep On Lovin' You" is a very nice and Groovy joint, that highlights "Teddy's" Vocals to the tee....

"You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good" featuring "Sharon Paige", once again have "Harold", "Teddy" and "Sharon" trading Vocals on a beautiful sultry track.....

"Don't Leave Me This Way" is a perfect song for "Teddy's" Vocals.....I don't care what anyone says....I know that "Thelma Houston's" version was a World Wide #1 Hit, but this version is the BEST version!!!!!

"Tell The World How I Feel About 'Cha Baby" is another Groovy joint, that would light up the Dance Floor.....

"To Be Free To Be Who We Are" was one of those perfect songs to make the album flow (it is also self explanatory) .....

The closing track, "I'm Searching For A Love" featuring "Sharon Paige" singing Lead Vocals rounds out the album nicely, even though I never understood why it was on here.....

This is where "Teddy" took his exit...He would go on to become one of the most Dynamic entertainers of our time!!! But, once again, that spelled some doom for the group, even though "Harold" and "The Blue Notes" were able to survive....

Even though it was an end of an era (and their Album Revolution), "Wake Up Everybody" is a true treasure…

PS: 3/4/2024: Thank you, "pageonederful" for the info on "Sharon Paige"....That's why I LOVE this Music Community!!!!!!!!!

Anybody knows how this 180g reissue pressing sounds?
Thank you

Be aware that many copies of this album where the sleeve shows Quadraphonic, the record in the jacket is not. The album cover shows PZQ while the record label is just PZ and stereo.

I doubt this album is actually quadraphonic. Nothing on the record label says Quadraphonic or SQ. Yes, the sleeve says Quadraphonic, but the actual record has no markings. Most CBS quad albums have a Q in the catalog number. This one does not. The other quad listing for this album is PZQ 33808.

One of the most beautiful albums ever made (& Teddy Pendergrass at his best). A classic album magnificently executed vocally & technically. Five star Philly soul.

One of the sweetest Philly Soul album .

If you look for something that you will never get tired of it ..well this one will satisfy you .. if it's not a blast then it's a bless .

Collector's Item from Philadelphia International Records

My copy is a white label promo without timing strip but does have a gold stamp. Are the copies with the timing strip also white labels?

Probably the best HM&BN album out there in my opinion. Serious soul sounds here with smooth jams both up beat funky and laid back style. This album opened up an area of sound and continues to influence many artist today. This is an absolute must for your HM&BN collection if not your 70's soul collection.