Ashford & Simpson - Is It Still Good To Ya (Expanded Version) (1978)

Having written many popular numbers for various artists over the years, the dynamic duo retain that same tradition for this project. The first release from this album was the midtempo "It Just Seems to Hang On." While each verse is conveyed in a soft texture, the chorus jumps with excitement and intrigue, as does the vamp. Prior to this album, the husband-and-wife team had just one prior R&B Top Ten hit ("Don't Cost You Nothing," number ten in 1978).This song had a stronger impact; it stayed on the charts for 17 weeks. But more importantly, it held the number two position on the Billboard R&B charts for five consecutive weeks. The title track was the follow-up single. With its mesmerizing intonation, Ashford & Simpson intensely deliver this classic R&B ballad with all the right ingredients. In spite of the beauty of the song, it only peaked at #12 on the charts in as many weeks. The final release was "Flashback." Not nearly as inviting as its predecessors, this disco number peaked at number 70 after five weeks on the charts. Other notables are "Ain't It a Shame," "Get Up and Do Something," and "As Long As It Holds You."