Going Back To Detroit

Released in 1967 on Musicor Records, 'Going Back To Detroit' represents a fascinating stylistic pivot for The Platters. By the late 60s, the group had undergone significant lineup changes, with Sonny Turner having replaced Tony Williams as the lead tenor. This album sees the group fully embracing the 'Detroit Sound' (Motown-style soul) to remain relevant in a changing musical landscape. Produced during a period when the group was recording for Musicor, the tracks move away from the lush, slow-tempo orchestral ballads of 'Only You' toward uptempo, rhythm-heavy arrangements. The title track and 'Shing-A-Ling-A-Loo' are quintessential examples of Northern Soul, featuring the driving percussion and melodic basslines typical of the era's dance-floor fillers. Critically, it is viewed as a successful adaptation, showcasing the group's ability to apply their world-class harmonic blend to a more aggressive, soulful context.