“O-O I Love You” (1967) – The Dells * Written by Bobby Miller * Producer: Bobby Miller * 45: “O-O I Love You” / “There Is” * LP: There Is * Arranger: Charles Stepney * Label: Cadet * Charts: #61 (Billboard Hot 100); #22 (Billboard R&B)
In the late sixties, the Dells came into clearest focus when the Chicago doo wop vets updated two of their earlier hits, “Oh What a Night” (1956) and “Stay in My Corner” (1965), transforming them into showcases for the group’s pleading, seamless vocal interchanges against the starry, shimmering backdrop of Charles Stepney’s instrumental arrangements. Those two tracks, especially the full six minutes of “Stay in My Corner,” may be the ultimate Dells experiences, but an earlier one called “O-O I Love You” previews the highly-charged, emotionally drawn-out direction they were headed toward. When the hammy basso recitation by Chuck Barksdale begins (“and…uh…words are born”), you assign it to the throwback throwaway category. But then lead tenor Johnny Carter takes over and you lose yourself and drift off to the aching, majestic bridge. Lead baritone Marvin Junior then emerges with a burst of fireworks, setting up a final recitation by Barksdale, who now sounds entirely seductive. Junior and Carter then close things out with more dueling fireworks before fading into the silence of the stunned.