First Choice - Greatest Hits [Capitol] (CD)

All Music Guide

One of the many first-class RB groups that came out of Philadelphia in the 1970s, First Choice had no problem making the transition from Philly soul to Philly disco/soul. If the Three Degrees were the city's version of the Supremes, First Choice was closer in spirit to Martha the Vandellas. This rewarding two-set shows that the soul-to-disco transition was a pretty smooth one for the exuberant divas and illustrates the impact Philly's prolific scene had on disco's development. Indeed, syncopated gems like "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" and "Smarty Pants" preceded the disco era by a few years, and helped pave the way for its creation. Meanwhile, such captivating disco-era hits as "Doctor Love," "Indian Giver" and "Hold Your Horses" prove that First Choice never forgot its soul and gospel roots. For fans of the Philly sound, First Choice's Greatest Hits is essential listening.

- Alex Henderson, All Music Guide