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The Friends of Distinction: "Let Yourself Go", "We Got A Good Thing Goin'"
From: Highly Distinct [RCA, 1969]

Highly Distinct is the kind of record people forget they own, because its sound is familiar to the lump of L.A. soul groups in the late-60s. The Friends of Distinction hit their high-notes and have vocal hops that at times sound like a choir section. "Let Yourself Go" and "We Got a Good Thing Goin'" are written by former Emotion, Sheila Hutchinson. Her carefree lyrics on "Let Yourself Go" make for a groovy soul ballad that suits this vocal quartet.

The album credits list Willie Hutch arranging vocals for both tracks, which explains why the vocal precision is flawless. On "We Got a Good Thing Goin'" Jessica Cleaves and Barbra Jean Love keep the song's pep up over an orchestra arrangement that demands high vocal kicks. Harry Elston and Floyd Bulter hold their own on these demanding productions with subtle exchanges, and bass vocals that fill those high kicks. At times, The Friends of Distinction sound theatrical and overly produced, but that works in favor the a gender-mixed quartet.

"Grazing in the Grass" is another song (undoubtedly their staple single) to checkout by this mildly successful quartet.