Although self-titled, was actually the fourth long-player for the vocalists. The album would not only be the band's entree into the Top 100 album chart upon its release in 1970 -- peaking at Number 61 -- it would also sport five hit singles over the course of two years. The success came with a price, however, as the album would be among the final collaborative efforts between the original trio -- which consisted of brothers and , and -- and their mentor . In two unrelated and evolutionary incidents, would be replaced by . While -- who was just beginning to receive the international acclaim so deserving of his work -- would begin recording with , , and even established artists such as . All of the individual elements that helped create the distinctive "smooth grooves" sound synonymous with coalesce on this album with undeniable intensity. Indeed, the material has arguably never been stronger -- with nine of the album's ten tracks composed by either and/or . The performances are likewise ideally scored, incorporating string and brass sections without overpowering the vocal blend or seeming pretentious. Stylistically, the extroverted up-tempo arrangement on tracks such as the is equally as potent as the intimate Several sides on this disc are among the group's best-known works, as well as definitive entries into the distinct -brand music scene. The leadoff track, would not only become a staple of Top 40 and radio in 1970, but nearly two decades later inspired the 20-volume music compilation . Additional crossover / chart hits include: also includes several "sleeper" tracks that would remain somewhat obscured by the overwhelming strength of the rest of the album. It was not until the disc was issued on CD by in 2001 that -- a timeless showcase for the unmistakable, soaring falsetto of -- as well as the slinky syncopation of 's were rediscovered. Again, considering the power of the rest of the release, it is easy to see how they were relegated to becoming deep cuts. ~ Lindsay Planer