The Mighty Mighty Dells
View on Discogs
Album Summary
By 1974, The Dells had already proven themselves one of the most durable and soulful vocal groups to ever step up to a microphone, and 'The Mighty Mighty Dells' — released on Cadet, the Chicago-based subsidiary of Chess Records — found the group still very much in their creative prime. With the core lineup of Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, Marvin Junior, Mickey McGill, Johnny Carter, and Johnny Funches bringing their trademark blend of deep-voiced gravitas and honey-smooth harmonies, the album leaned into the lush, orchestrated soul sound that Cadet had been cultivating throughout the early seventies, giving these Chicago legends a rich, warm backdrop worthy of their considerable talents.
Reception
- The album did not produce a landmark crossover chart moment, but it was warmly received within the soul and R&B community, where The Dells had long held a devoted and loyal following.
- Critics and fans alike recognized the album as a steady, quality entry in the group's extensive catalog, valued more for its consistent vocal craftsmanship than for any single breakout hit.
- The group's ability to blend tender balladry with harder-edged soul — evident across tracks like 'Bring Back The Love Of Yesterday' and 'Nothing Can Stop Me' — reinforced their reputation as seasoned professionals who never phoned in a performance.
Significance
- The Dells represented a remarkable thread of continuity in Black American music, and 'The Mighty Mighty Dells' stands as evidence that the group's vocal chemistry remained potent well into the soul and funk era of the mid-seventies.
- Released on Cadet at a time when the label's identity was evolving, the album reflects the broader transition in Chicago soul — bridging the orchestrated sweetness of the late sixties with the earthier, rhythm-forward energy that defined the decade's middle years.
- With six vocalists whose individual voices were each distinctive yet locked together like something hand-carved, The Dells offered a model of group harmony that stood apart from the increasingly production-driven pop soul of the era.
Samples
- "Nothing Can Stop Me" — sampled in hip-hop productions, drawing on the track's driving, assertive energy and the group's commanding vocal delivery.
Tracklist
-
A1 Bring Back The Love Of Yesterday 162
3:15
-
A2 Sweeter As The Days Go By 127
4:24
-
A3 Bonified Fool —
3:02
-
A4 Since I've Been In Love —
3:05
-
A5 Learning To Love You Was Easy (It's So Hard Trying To Get Over You) —
3:50
-
B1 The Way We Were —
3:43
-
B2 Be For Real With Me 103
2:55
-
B3 Nothing Can Stop Me —
4:30
-
B4 That Special Someone —
3:45
-
B5 If You Really Love Your Girl (Show Her) —
3:46
Artist Details
The Dells were a soulful American vocal group whose smooth harmonies and deep grooves carried the spirit of classic soul into the disco era, recording for 20th Century Fox Records with a sound that was equal parts heart and heat. Built around the rich vocal blend of Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, Marvin Junior, Mickey McGill, Johnny Carter, and Johnny Funches, this Chicago-rooted ensemble brought a seasoned elegance to the soul and disco styles that defined their work. Their music stood as a testament to the enduring power of group harmony, proving that true soul doesn't chase trends — it transcends them.
