Philly Soul

The song “Break Up to Make Up” was written by Thom Bell, Linda Creed, and Kenneth Gamble.  It was a single as well as a cut on Round 2, the 1972 album from The Stylistics. The song went to #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Chart. It also went to #34 in the U.K. The recording sold more than one million copies and earned an RIAA gold record. Ah, the sounds of Philadelphia soul!

The Stylistics formed in Philadelphia, PA, in 1968 from two groups, The Percussions and The Monarchs. Russell Thompkins Jr., James Smith, and Airrion Love came from the Monarchs, and James Dunn and Herbie Murrell came from the Percussions. Their hits were mostly ballads, featuring Thompkins’  falsetto and great harmony and arrangements. They were especially big during the early 1970s, with songs such as “Stop, Look, Listen,” “Betcha by Golly, Wow,” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Personnel has changed over the years, and they continue to tour and perform.

Here are the lyrics to “Break Up to Make Up” by The Stylistics:

“Tell me what’s wrong with you now, tell me why I
Never seem to make you happy though heaven knows I try
What does it take to please you? Tell me just how
I can satisfy you woman, you’re drivin’ me wild

Break up to make up, that’s all we do
First you love me then you hate me, that’s a game for fools
Break up to make up, that’s all we do
First you love me then you hate me, that’s a game for fools

When I come home from workin’, you’re on the phone
Talkin’ about how bad I treat you, now tell me I’m wrong
You say, it’s me who argues, I’ll say, it’s you
We have got to get together or baby, we’re through

Break up to make up, that’s all we do
First you love me then you hate me, that’s a game for fools
Break up to make up, that’s all we do
Yeah, first you love me then you hate me, that’s a game for fools

Break up to make up, that’s all we do
Yeah, first you love me then you hate me, that’s a game for fools
Break up to make up, that’s all we do
First you love me then you hate me, that’s a game for fools”

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed “Break Up to Make Up” by The Stylistics.