The Three Degrees – Maybe

The fact that I found mine at a local flea market, and the record looks like it has never been played in its life
Great, sound quality. All in all a must listen to.

Before they became the "Darlings" of "The Sound of Philadelphia", "The Three Degrees" ("Fayette Pinkney", "Sheila Ferguson" and Valerie Holiday") were trying to find their way....

Signed to "Roulette Records" and working with Producer "Richard Barrett" (also from "Philadelphia"), the "Degrees" recorded and released the album "Maybe"....This album was totally different from the Sultry Sleek Lush Soul sounds they would be known for ("The Sound of Philadelphia") ....

It starts with the majestic "Collage"...The song does display the Ladies Vocals very well, in fact, well enough to be the 1st Crown Jewel....

They took a stab at the "Sly Stone" tune "You're The One"....It has a more raw sound....It's not bad, but it's not all that either...

"Sugar On Sunday" is a little better.....This too, is not all that, but it does display their Vocals better, showing that they blended well...

Now I feel like the "Title Track" was an Ultimate Crown Jewel....It had "Valerie Holiday" giving a 3 minute Rap about a situation between Her and her Man, before the Ladies just get Raw into the track!!!!!

"You're The Fool" (the 3th Crown Jewel), also has the groups Vocals blended so well behind a very Soulful track....

I guess everybody and their Grandmamas Grandmas had to do their version of "McArthur Park"....I guess it is ok....The Vocals sound kinda muffled behind the Music, and Nature sounds (even though they sound well).....

Now, "Rosegarden" is the Funky 4th Crown Jewel...It has a more focus sound, with a nice Drum and Guitar track....

Now usually, I am not a fan of anyone who does "Stardust"!!!!! But, I have to say that "Sheila Ferguson" lays this one out, with the perfect blend of "Fayette" and "Valerie" in the background (which makes it an 5th Crown Jewel)!!!!!

"Lonely Town" is ok, but it sounds too "Broadway" to me....

The last song and Crown Jewel, "The Magic Door", is the perfect album closer (even though it's too short for me).....

I have to say that I never paid attention to this album (probably because I had no reason to in my head)....I am kinda regretting that decision now that I took a listen to it....You would have never got this out of me even 10 years ago, but as I always say, I have grown a little since then...

So, even if they never did another album for "Roulette", until they got to "Philadelphia International", this album is definitely worth the ears that you have to give!!!!!!!