They had their first U.S. hit in 1971 with "You're a Big Girl Now". Signing to Avco Records, The Stylistics began working with producer Thom Bell, who had already produced a catalogue of hits for The Delfonics, and songwriter Linda Creed. Bell imported the sweet soul techniques he had perfected with The Delfonics, and his arrangements worked perfectly with Thompkins' falsetto. The bittersweet lyrics from Creed were a key factor in creating hugely memorable music.
Their hits, distilled from three albums, from this period included "Betcha by Golly, Wow", "I'm Stone in Love with You", "You Make Me Feel Brand New" featuring a double lead with Love, "Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart" and "You Are Everything". "You Make Me Feel Brand New" was the group's biggest U.S. hit, holding at #2 for two weeks in the spring of 1974, and was one of five U.S. gold singles the Stylistics collected. The Stylistics' smooth sound also found an easier path onto adult contemporary airwaves than other soul artists, and the group made Billboard magazine's Easy Listening singles chart twelve times from 1971 to 1976, with three entries, "Betcha By Golly, Wow," "You Make Me Feel Brand New," and "You'll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart)" reaching the Top 10.
The group split with Thom Bell in 1974, and the split proved devastating commercially to the group's success in the USA. Just as with The Delfonics, The Stylistics were to some extent a vehicle for Bell's own creativity. They struggled hard to find producers who could come up with the right material, and partnerships with Hugo & Luigi and Van McCoy were notably less successful. They left Avco for H&L Records and the Stylistics' popularity rapidly declined in the U.S., though their British popularity continued for the rest of the 1970s.
In 1980, James Dunn departed due to health problems, and James Smith left shortly thereafter. The group continued, recruiting new member Raymond Johnson, and releasing the album Some Things Never Change, in 1985. Johnson departed shortly afterward, leaving the group a trio. Love, Murrell, and Thompkins continued to tour until 2000, when original lead Thompkins left. Love and Murrell brought in two new members, Harold "Eban" Brown, formerly of the Delfonics, as lead ( who sounds amazingly like a young Russell Thompkins), and tenor Van Fields. The present group is featured live on the DVD's "The Stylistics Live at the Convention Center" (2006), as well as along with other artists of the '70's on the DVD "The Big Show."
In 2004, Russell Thompkins, Jr. started a new group, the New Stylistics, with the returning Raymond Johnson, James Ranton, and Jonathan Buckson. They are featured on the DVD "Old School Soul Party Live!," which was part of the PBS "My Music" series.
The Stylistics' catalog of hits have been mined frequently by other artists in recent years. Notable examples include "Betcha By Golly, Wow" covered by Prince, "You Are Everything" remade by Vanessa Williams, and "You Make Me Feel Brand New" redone by Boyz ll Men Roberta Flack and Simply Red. Mary J. Blige also used the chief line from the chorus of "You Are Everything" ("You are everything, and everything is you") in her 1997 hit "Everything." In 2006, Letoya Luckett used a similar sample to the background track of "You Are Everything" for the music to her hit single "Torn."
First Impressions
The Stylistics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I remember saying that first impressions are everlasting
First impressions are misleading
That's what they say
Sweet affections should grow slowly
And steady and deeper every day
I should take the time to know you better
Don't know who you really are
But here we are
Magic moments don't come easy
I could be wrong
But this feeling keeps on flowin'
And growin' and comin' on real strong
Though I don't know who you really are
Tonight I got to feel my arms around you
Maybe reaching for a star
But here we are
Got to go with first impression
First impressions can sometimes lead to love
Well, junior how about it once again
For the guys and the band the Style Orchestra
Got to go with first impression
First impressions can sometimes lead to love
Lead to love
The first verse of The Stylistics's song First Impressions opens with an honest confession of how the singer felt the moment they first laid eyes on someone. The opening line, "You know when I first laid eyes on you," reveals how the singer's eyes were opened to a new, exciting world. The singer continues to express how first impressions are crucial and can sometimes last a lifetime. However, there's an echoing sentiment throughout the song that these first impressions could also be misleading.
The second verse appeals to the idea that true romance lies in finding life-long companionship where sweet affections take time to grow slowly and steadily every day. However, despite this, the singer finds themselves longing to be with the person who has captured their heart. The verse concludes with the singer acknowledging that they do not know the person well enough, but the possibility of love is there.
The chorus "Got to go with first impression, first impressions can sometimes lead to love," reinforces that the singer believes in the power of first impressions, even though they may not always be a true representation of someone's character. It's a hopeful declaration that love may come out of that initial spark that was lit in the first instance of meeting someone.
Line by Line Meaning
You know when I first laid eyes on you
From the moment I set my eyes on you, I knew it was significant.
I remember saying that first impressions are everlasting
The first impression I had of you was so powerful, I knew it would stay with me forever.
First impressions are misleading
Many times, our initial impressions of someone are not entirely accurate.
That's what they say
That's the common belief among many people.
Sweet affections should grow slowly
Developing romantic feelings for someone should take time and should not be rushed.
And steady and deeper every day
The growth of these affections should be constant and gradually increase with each passing day.
And I may be reachin' for a star
I might be reaching for something that's seemingly unattainable or way out of my league.
I should take the time to know you better
I need to spend more time with you to get to know the real you.
Don't know who you really are
I realize I don't know the real you yet, but I'm willing to find out.
But here we are
Despite not knowing each other well, we're here in this moment together.
Magic moments don't come easy
Meaningful and memorable moments are difficult to come by.
I could be wrong
It's possible that I might be mistaken, but I have a feeling that I'm not.
But this feeling keeps on flowin'
This feeling I have for you just keeps growing stronger and stronger.
And growin' and comin' on real strong
My feelings for you are rapidly growing and intensifying.
Tonight I got to feel my arms around you
Tonight, I got to hold you close, which made this moment even more perfect and unforgettable.
Maybe reaching for a star
Even though I might be hoping for something nearly impossible, I'm willing to try anyway.
Got to go with first impression
It's often wise to trust your gut instinct and initial reaction to someone or something.
First impressions can sometimes lead to love
It's possible for first impressions to eventually turn into a deep and meaningful love.
Well, junior how about it once again
Asking for a repeat performance and to play the song again with the same energy and enthusiasm.
For the guys and the band the Style Orchestra
A shoutout to the band members who are known as the Style Orchestra.
Lead to love
First impressions could ultimately lead to a profound and long-lasting love.
Contributed by Mia O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@cbentley2102
This song speaks to my soul.....MAGIC MOMENTS for real...thank you STYLISTICS!!!!
@antoinettebulatao2299
This is a rare but a true classic by the Stylistics. Very nice song. The words are great. ❤ I love it.
@daltmonts8401
Magníficos...Talentosos...
@laerciolima4813
Nossa época, era um mundo de magia.
@sauquoit13456
On this day in 1978 {August 22nd} the Stylistics performed "First Impressions" on the nationally syndicated weekday-afternoon television program, 'The Mike Douglas Show'...
At the time the song was at position #24 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, the following week it would peak at #22 {for 1 week}...
Between 1971 and 1992 the Philadelphia quintet* had thirty two records on the Hot Soul Singles chart, thirteen made the Top 10 with their biggest hit being "Betcha By Golly, Wow", it peaked at #2 {for two weeks} in 1972, and for the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "In The Rain" by the Dramatics...
Russell Allen Thompkins Jr., the falsetto voiced lead singer of the group, celebrated his 68th birthday five months ago on March 21st, 2019...
*Even though the above photo shows only four, there were five members in the group; Russell Thompkins Jr., Herb Murrell, Airrion Love, James Smith, and James Dunn...
@nancywood9531
The reason there was just 4 was because James Dunn quit in 78 leaving it 4 guys. Then James Smith also dropped out in 79 leaving just 3. That's when Raymond Johnson who had been guitarist with the group stepped up to take their place Making it 4 again. He stayed for 8 years and quit . It was just a trio until 1999 when Russell also left..along with most all of band choreographer and music director.... Raymond sings now for last 20 years with Russell Thompkins Jr and New Stylistics...the band and Kenny T the music/ stage director.
@vivianporter1303
This song evokes memories ❤
@barrys4922
Haas TV-One done an "Unsung" on these dudes? If not, they should. What a terrific song. Thanks for posting.
@josepedroza2106
Jose pedroza
@TheOctober63
Another favorite of this group