For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, we will venture to the city of Brotherly Love and give some flowers to Major Harris and his solo debut, My Way. Harris had already made a name for himself, performing with groups such as the Charmers, The Teenagers, the Jarmels, and Nat Turner Rebellion. Later, he would find success as a member of The Delfonics.
Harris struck out on his own in 1975 with the single “Love Won’t Let Me Wait.” Written by Vinnie Barrett and Bobby Eli, the song is Philly soul at its finest. Harris sings sensually with the intensity of a grown man who has successfully set the mood for an evening of intense desire and passion with his partner. The lyrics depict a moment of connection and longing between Harris and his partner, complete with her love moans.
Harris masterfully weaves sensuality into his second single, “Loving You Is Mellow,” delving into the theme of love as a gentle and comforting experience. He beautifully captures the joy and tranquility that blossom from a deep emotional connection, vividly depicting love’s serene embrace and the peaceful delight it brings to our lives.
Harris also connects with the talented duo Melvin and Mervin Steals, better known as Mystro and Lyric, who crafted the timeless classic “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” for The Spinners. Their creativity shines through in the haunting ballad “Just a Thing That I Do,” as well as in the poignant compositions “Each Morning I Wake Up” and “After Loving You.” While “Each Morning I Wake Up” showcases vibrant flourishes of crossover gospel appeal, a style that Kirk Franklin would master and popularize two decades later, blending soulful melodies with uplifting messages.
Harris also offers two covers on the album: Blue Magic’s “Sideshow” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” In keeping with the norms of the time, he managed to make both songs his while still appealing to fans of the original versions.
Like many singers of the time, Harris’s solo debut was overshadowed by the massive lead single “Love Won’t Let Me Wait.” Nevertheless, this is a solid album of seventies soul bops.
Final Grade: B
My Way is available on all streaming platforms.
Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.
Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.
Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.