Angel is the ninth studio album by the Ohio Players, and the sixth album recorded for Mercury. The band grew from seven to eight members with the addition of Clarence "Chet" Willis on rhythm guitar.
Three singles were released in support of the album: "Body Vibes," "O-H-I-O," and "Merry Go Round." "O-H-I-O" would prove to be a concert favorite, with the band and crowd chanting in unison the letters.
Critical reception
The New York Times deemed the album "a basic kind of rambling funk."
Track listing All tracks composed by Billy Beck, James "Diamond" Williams, Marshall "Rock" Jones, Marvin "Merv" Pierce, Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks, Clarence Satchell and Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner. "Angel" (7:28) "Merry-Go-Round" (4:15) "Glad to Know You're Mine" (3:49) "Don't Fight My Love" (4:13) "Body Vibes" (7:10) "Can You Still Love Me?" (4:50) "O-H-I-O" (3:07) "Faith" (5:30)
Personnel Billy Beck - grand piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Hohner Clavinet, RMI electric piano, ARP Odyssey synthesizer, ARP string ensemble, Hammond B-3 organ, percussion, and vocals James "Diamond" Williams - drums, congas, cowbells, temple blocks, percussion, and vocals Marshall "Rock" Jones - electric bass Marvin "Merv" Pierce - trumpets Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks - trumpets Clarence "Satch" Satchell - flute, alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, percussion, and vocals Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner - guitars and vocals Clarence "Chet" Willis - rhythm guitar and vocals
Charts Chart (1977)PeakU.S. Billboard Top LPs41U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs9
Singles Year Single Peak chart positions US USR&B1977 "Body Vibes" — 19 "O-H-I-O" 45 9 "Merry Go Round" — 77
References
External links Angel at Discogs