The beloved Philadelphia soul group The Stylistics is making waves with the announcement of their new studio album, titled Falling in Love With My Girl, set to release on February 21, 2025. This album marks their first new offering since 2008, and it promises to be packed with excitement, featuring collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Fans can look forward to the first single titled "Yes, I Will," which will premiere on February 14, 2025, featuring the iconic Shania Twain. The track is just one of 21 featured on the album, which also includes collaborations with legendary artists like Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones, Gene Simmons of Kiss, and members of the R&B and funk band Tower of Power.
The Stylistics, known for their smooth R&B hits including “You Are Everything” and “Betcha by Golly, Wow,” have been making music for nearly 60 years. Airrion Love, one of the original members, expressed both excitement and nerves about this new musical direction during a recent interview. "We didn’t want to lose our core audience but decided to take a chance on this project," said Love, highlighting their desire to evolve artistically.
Although they have established their own signature sound over the decades, this new album steers the group toward incorporating elements of pop and even country, which has left members feeling apprehensive. Love admitted, "It doesn’t feel like it’s been two decades since our last release. We’ve slowed down a bit, but reality hits when fans tell us stories about how our music affected their lives," evoking laughter and fond memories.
The complete track listing for the album includes titles like “Falling in Love With My Girl” featuring Justin Hawkins and “Don’t Leave Me Here” with Gene Simmons and Tower of Power, along with others, setting the stage for what's expected to be a delightful musical experience.
Regarding the collaboration with Twain, Love noted, "When we heard there might be a chance to do something with her, we said, 'Hell yeah!'" Twain herself was thrilled about the collaboration, describing the song as special and expressing her excitement for it to be featured on The Stylistics' album. "It’s exciting and feels like it turned out great!"
The Stylistics will be bringing their new music to their live performances, including their upcoming show at The Wiltern on January 11, 2025. Love has assured fans, though, not to worry about losing the classic Stylistics sound: "Our show can’t consist of all new material; we still need to give our longtime fans what they love.”
With detailed planning and a mix of old and new material, The Stylistics plan to present a performance that's sure to delight both classic fans and those curious about their new direction.
Despite the new musical elements, Love assures loyal fans, “Sure, we’re going to push this album, but our legacy remains. We’ve had such great hits, and we'll always bring some of those favorites back to the setlist.”
It's evident this legendary group isn’t just resting on its past laurels but is determined to find their place within today's music scene. "We’re still here and still able to learn and grow," Love exclaimed, emphasizing the group's enthusiasm to adapt and explore different genres.
Indeed, from chart-topping ballads to their newest explorations of sound, The Stylistics remain committed to their craft. Standing strong after nearly 60 years, this album and their tour represent not just another chapter but potentially new beginnings for the iconic Philadelphia group.
Fans of The Stylistics will not want to miss the chance to experience their live performance on January 11, promising not only nostalgic hits but also the fresh sound shaping their next legacy.
With their innovative spirit and collaboration-driven approach, The Stylistics are poised to enchant audiences once again, proving they are more than just legendary; they are eternally relevant.