Betcha by golly wow - The Stylistics

'Betcha by golly, wow' is a song written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, originally titled 'Keep growing strong' and recorded by Connie Stevens under the Bell label in 1970. The composition later became a hit when it was released by the Philadelphia soul group the Stylistics in 1972 under its better known title. It was the third track from the Stylistics' 1971 debut self-titled album; released as a single in 1972, it reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.

In 1996, Prince recorded another version of the song, which leaned a lot on the Stylistics' version. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7065
Found: Record fair, Den Bosch, 11 November 2023
Tracks: 'Betcha by golly wow' / 'Ebony eyes'

You make me feel brand new - The Stylistics

'You make me feel brand new' was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed. It became a hit for the Philadelphia soul groep The Stylistics in 1974. It reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK singles chart. In the Netherlands, it reached number 12.

The track appeared on the Stylistics' 1973 album, 'Rockin' roll baby', as well as their 1974 album, 'Let's put it all together'. It has been covered in jazz and pop circles, including a soulful version by Simply Red in 2003.

My collection: 7" single no. 2895
Found: Beanos, East Croydon, London, October 29, 1997
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'You make me feel brand new' / 'Only for the children'

Can't give you anything (but my love) - The Stylistics

'Can't give you anything (but my love)' was a UK number 1 hit in August 1975 for three weeks by The Stylistics. After splitting from record producer Thom Bell in 1974, songwriters/producers Hugo & Luigi and George David Weiss took over, with arrangements by Van McCoy. Although the split with Bell proved disastrous in the US, The Stylistics continued to be popular in the UK and this was their first and only UK number 1 single.

In 2006, it was used as the base for a Japanese advertisement campaign by Gatsby, to launch their new male hair styling product, 'Moving Rubber'. The campaign was successful due to the tune and that the commercial featured one of Japan's most popular celebrities, Takuya Kimura, of the pop group, SMAP.

My collection: 7" single no. 2806
Found: Record fair, January 25, 1997
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Can't give you anything (but my love)' / 'I'd rather be hurt by you (than be loved by somebody else)'