π― On Target by The Jones Girls: 80s πΆ Soul Excellence with Bonus Tracks
Originally released in 1983, On Target is the π― fourth album by the legendary π female trio The Jones Girls, whose sublime ππ½ππΎ harmonies left a mark on the golden age of R&B/Soul.
π― On Target by The Jones Girls: 80s πΆ Soul Excellence with Bonus Tracks
Originally released in 1983, On Target is the π― fourth album by the legendary π female trio The Jones Girls, whose sublime ππ½ππΎ harmonies left a mark on the golden age of R&B/Soul.
πΏ In 2014, the Bonus Track Version reissue enriched this classic with extended club cuts and instrumentals, offering a full dive into their unique sound: syncopated groove π₯, sophisticated arrangements π»π·, and pure emotion β€οΈ.
ποΈ Background: From β¨ Detroit to Chart Success
π©πΎβπ€ Shirley, Brenda & Valorie began as background vocalists before signing with Philadelphia International Records in 1979. They aligned disco-soul hits and touching π΅ ballads.
On Target embraces contemporary 80s R&B with early drum machines π₯ and lush string sections π», while staying true to the Philly Sound.
π Original Tracklist (1983)
π€ Letβs Hit It (Dialogue) (0:10)
Playful spoken intro sets a warm, sisterly tone.π― On Target (4:53)
Mid-tempo groove with π bass riff, πΆ light electronic drums, and tight vocal harmonies. Strings and horns enrich the mood.π 2 Win U Back (4:57)
Uplifting ballad with synths and early house beat πΊ. Jazzy electric piano and sax break π·.πΆπΎ Baby Iβm Yours (4:15)
Classic soul slow jam. Soft vocals, acoustic πΉ, string layers, and gospel πΌπ½ background.πͺ Knockinβ (5:04)
Funk-soul jam. Wah-wah πΈ, slap bass πΈ, live drums, and brass stabs πΊ in a dancefloor-ready format.π I Can Make a Difference (4:23)
Hopeful mid-tempo anthem with Rhodes πΉ, warm bass, and a powerful chorus.π€·π½ββοΈ What a Fool (5:44)
Introspective ballad with complex jazz-pop harmonies. Features piano πΉ, vibes πΌ, and trumpet solos πΊ.π€ Curious (5:00)
Latin percussion πͺ, funky guitar riffs πΈ, syncopated rhythm. Lyrics explore new love with charm.π©π½ Iβm a Woman Here (4:12)
Reggae-soul blend π―π², soft feminist anthem. Caribbean rhythm meets classic R&B harmony.π On Target (Reprise) (1:00)
Instrumental outro recalls the main theme, leading into bonus mixes.
π½ Bonus Tracks (2014): Extended πΆ + Instrumentals ποΈ
π― On Target (12β³ Version) (6:57)
Longer intro, brass breakdowns πΊ, orchestral finale π»βideal for DJ sets π§.π 2 Win U Back (12β³ Version) (7:28)
Extra instrumental sections, deeper groove πΊ, long Rhodes break πΉ.π― On Target (Instrumental) (6:13)
Perfect for mashups πβhighlighting basslines, drums π₯ and strings π».
ποΈ Production ποΈ & Direction πΆ
Produced by legends π΅ Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, recorded at Sigma Sound Studios ποΈ in Philly.
The 2014 remaster (EchoSound):
ποΈ Cleaned analog tapes
βοΈ Rebalanced bass & snare
π Light compression to preserve dynamics
β‘οΈ Result: warm, modern sound respecting the Philly legacy ποΈ.
π Legacy & Influence π
π§ Sampled by Nu-Disco revivalists (2010s)
ποΈ Boogie/Electro-soul DJs love the long mixes
π€ New-gen R&B singers see them as harmony icons π
π» On Target on Funky Pearls Radio?
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A/B duality: radio edits ποΈ & extended cuts ποΈ
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High-quality production: analog & orchestral πΌ β
Style diversity: from slow jam β€οΈ to reggae-soul π―π² β
Philly heritage: essential in R&B history π β
Empowerment: strong πͺπΎ, positive messaging
β¨ Whether you're a soul historian, DJ, or vinyl junkie π΅πΏβOn Target hits the mark.