Editing The OJays (section)

== Philadelphia International Success ==

The O'Jays' first album for Philadelphia International, "Back Stabbers" (1972), established them as major stars. The title track, with its urgent warning about betrayal and its irresistible groove, reached number one on the R&B charts and crossed over to pop audiences. The album demonstrated that Gamble and Huff's approach—combining lush orchestration with socially aware lyrics—could achieve commercial success while maintaining artistic integrity.<ref name="brown"/>

"Love Train" (1973) became their signature song, its message of global unity and brotherhood resonating with audiences during a period of political turmoil and social change. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an anthem that would be revived repeatedly in subsequent decades. Its combination of optimistic lyrics with an irresistible groove demonstrated the O'Jays' ability to deliver serious messages in commercially accessible packages.<ref name="jackson"/>

Subsequent hits including "Put Your Hands Together," "For the Love of Money," and "Give the People What They Want" continued the group's success through the mid-1970s. "For the Love of Money," with its distinctive bass line and commentary on materialism, became perhaps their most sampled recording, its groove recycled by hip-hop producers and television programs (most notably as "The Apprentice" theme). These recordings demonstrated consistent quality while addressing themes—economic inequality, social justice, universal love—that distinguished Philadelphia soul from more conventional R&B.<ref name="brown"/>