Originally formed in an Ohio high school in the late '50s, The O'Jays went through several name and personnel changes before linking up with legendary producers/songwriters Gamble & Huff and hitting the big time in 1972 with the breakout smash singles "Back Stabbers" and "Love Train." They'd go on to release several huge signature hits throughout the decade ("For the Love of Money," "I Love Music," etc.) and have continued to record and perform well into the millennium. Super Bad was released in 1971, just before The O'Jays' crossover moment, and it's not nearly as well known as it should be. Thick and sweet soul dominates every track, whether it's the guitar- and strings-driven "Crossroads of Life," the falsetto ballad "Peace," the rollicking love jam "Just to Be with You Girl," or the triumphant closer "Never Gonna Say Goodbye"; just about everything here is outstanding. A rediscovered gem from a truly iconic vocal group.