Originally signed to Philly Groove Records via a production contract with Norman Harris, the group came with Harris when he signed onboard the newly formed Salsoul. Most of Harris' work would be issued on the Gold Mind subsidiary of Salsoul - First Choice were no exception. The bulk of the group's offerings came from the stable of Baker/Harris/Young, but other producers and mixers would feature prominently, such as Tee Scott and Tom Moulton (whose mix of "Dr. Love" is the all-time favorite of Salsoul Label head Ken Cayre). "Let No Man Put Asunder" would not reach it's penultimate destination in every urban DJ's front crate until Shep Pettibone re-worked it inthe early 1980's. The group had recorded a Southern Soul styled version of Al Green's "Love and Happiness" for their sole Philly Groove album, where it sat alongside the major hit "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" and the minor hit "Smarty Pants". Salsould would eventually re-mix and re-issue all three tracks in various incarnations, leading to the misconception that they were vintage Salsoul cuts. In fact, they were vintage Baker/Harris/Young productions that preceded Salsoul and were acquire by the label after the fact.
Lead vocalist Rochelle Fleming enjoys a reputation as one of the legendary disco divas, and still lends vocals to the occassional one-off house track, such as Tom De Novy's "Summer Love".
First Choice was an American girl group vocal music trio from Philadelphia. The group produced the disco hits "Armed and Extremely Dangerous", "The Player", "Love Thang", "Let No Man Put Asunder" and "Dr. Love".
Career
Fleming was the main vocalist. The group was originally known as the Debronettes.
Philadelphia DJ Georgie Woods introduced the trio to Norman Harris, guitarist with MFSB, to produce their debut single, "This Is The House Where Love Died". Although it sold poorly, the record led to a recording contract with the Philly Groove record label, and the release of Armed and Extremely Dangerous. Also produced by Harris, the song was a hit first in the UK, where it reached the Top 20 in the UK Singles Chart on Bell Records.
U.S. success followed and the later singles, "Smarty Pants" and "The Player," sold equally well.[citation needed] While producer Harris was associated with numerous hits during the disco boom of the late 1970s, the only later chart entry for First Choice was "Dr. Love," and, in 1984, the group split up.
In 1983, however, the group's 1977 album cut "Let No Man Put Asunder" was remixed by Shep Pettibone and Frankie Knuckles for club play, and became a staple for urban DJs and a classic for listeners. The centerpiece vocals and bass riff of the song were among the most sampled expressions of the emerging Chicago house music scene in the 1980s. Steve "Silk" Hurley used this bass line in his 1987 song "Jack Your Body," which went on to become the first house record to top the UK charts.
In 1987, Fleming re-formed the group with her cousin Laconya Fleming, and Lawrence Cottel, to record Love Itch (Prelude Records). In the same year, a reissue of "Let No Man Put Asunder" was a dancefloor hit in the UK.[citation needed]
Over the years, the group has seen some new success, as many of their songs have been remixed and re-released. Larry Levan remixed its "Double Cross" (Gold Mind, 1979) track, plus Tee Scott's first studio mix was "Love Thang" (1979)). It was also remixed by Tony Humphries in 1993 for the Salsoul remix project, two albums released on Double J Records. First Choice benefitted somewhat when Rhino Records put its Armed and Extremely Dangerous into the Soul Hits of the 70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind series, and also when the Salsoul catalog was digitally remastered and released in the 1990s.
Fleming has also provided guest vocals for the occasional house music release over the years.
Love Thang
First Choice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a love thang, yeah
Said it ain't no game
Ooh
It's a love thang, yeah
Don't say you love me
If it's not true
I'm stuck on you baby
It's just about to drive me crazy
The way you do
The things you do
I hope that this will never end
Boy, I couldn't stand being just your friend
This ain't no game
What it is
Ooh, it's a love thang
Yeah, it's a love thang
Said it ain't no game
What it is
Ooh, it's a love thang
Yeah, it's a love thang
When you run your fingers
All through my hair
I lose control
But boy, I don't care
I'm glad to know
That you feel the same way too
'Cause darling, I think the world of you
I hope that this will never end
'Cause boy, I couldn't stand being just your friend
Oh no
This ain't no game
What it is
Ooh, it's a love thang
Yeah, it's a love thang
Said it ain't no game
What it is
Ooh, it's a love thang
Yeah, it's a love thang
You treat me right
I'll be true to you
You treat me right
I'm yours tonight
You treat me right
I'll be true to you
You treat me right
I'm yours tonight
You treat me right
I'll be true to you
You treat me right
I'm yours tonight
First Choice's Love Thang has a theme of romantic love where the singer is expressing her feelings to the man she loves. The song emphasizes that the love they share is not a game but a serious matter of the heart. She cautions him not to say he loves her if it's not true, as she can't stand lies. She's been drawn to him, and his actions towards her are driving her crazy. Though she hopes that their love never ends and she couldn't stand being just his friend.
The chorus "This ain't no game, what it is, ooh, it's a love thang, yeah, it's a love thang" reinforces that their relationship is based on love, not a mere game. The lyrics emphasize that even the slightest actions, like the man running his fingers through her hair, make her lose control, and she's glad he feels the same way too. The song ends with the woman letting the man know that if he treats her right, she will be true to him and be his for the night.
Line by Line Meaning
This ain't no game
This relationship is not just something to pass the time or play around with
It's a love thang, yeah
It's a serious and real love connection
Said it ain't no game
Reiterating that this relationship is not a game
Ooh
An expression of feeling caught up in the moment
Don't say you love me
Don't use those powerful words unless you really mean them
If it's not true
Only say 'I love you' if it's genuine
'Cause darling, I can't stand no lie
Being honest in love is crucial as falsehoods will not be tolerated
I'm stuck on you baby
I'm completely devoted to you
It's just about to drive me crazy
Being in love with you is causing me to feel overwhelmed with emotions
The way you do
The actions you take are having a significant impact on me
The things you do
Your particular actions and behaviors in our relationship are powerful
I hope that this will never end
I want to be with you forever
Boy, I couldn't stand being just your friend
I need and want a more intimate and committed relationship with you
When you run your fingers
As you physically touch me in a compassionate way
All through my hair
In my hair in particular
I lose control
I become overwhelmed with emotions and desire for you
But boy, I don't care
Despite those emotions, I still want to be with you
I'm glad to know
I'm thrilled to find out
That you feel the same way too
I'm happy to learn that you also have romantic feelings for me
'Cause darling, I think the world of you
You mean everything to me
You treat me right
If you are kind and considerate to me
I'll be true to you
I'll remain faithful and committed to you
You treat me right
If you continue to treat me kindly and respectfully
I'm yours tonight
I'm devoted to you tonight and always if that treatment persists
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MCKINLEY JACKSON, MELVIN STEALS, MERVIN STEALS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind