New Jersey vocal quintet, The Manhattans, scored their only US chart topper in 1976 with 'Kiss & Say Goodbye,' a sweetly sentimental romantic ballad featuring an opening monologue by the tune's deep-voiced songwriter, William 'Blue' Lovett. That song was the standout track on the group's self-titled 1976 Columbia album, which has now been reissued on a 2-CD set in tandem with the group's 1980 album, 'After Midnight.'

34 years down the line, 'Kiss & Say Goodbye,' with Gerald Alston's plaintive lead accompanied by smooth supporting background harmonies, still sounds great. The whole album, in fact, is a shining example of sleek, Philly-style soul (it was mostly produced by the legendary Philadelphia International arranger, Bobby Martin, with some tracks cut at Gamble & Huff's favourite recording location, Sigma Sound, in the heart of the 'City Of Brotherly Love').

Although ballads were undoubtedly the group's forte (and there are plenty of fine examples here) there are some strong uptempo numbers on the set: namely the breezy disco-tinged opener, 'Searching For Love,' and 'How Can Anything So Good Be So Bad For You' (an energetic Bert DeCoteaux-helmed tune). Also listen out for the group's take on Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Reasons.' Appended to the original album are three bonus cuts, including an excerpt from a radio interview with the group.

Four years later, in 1980, The Manhattans experienced another big US smash in the shape of the Top 5 hit, 'Shining Star,' from their album 'After Midnight.' Though it was recorded in Chicago – penned and produced by Leo Graham - some of the material was also cut in Philly with the MSFB member, Norman Harris, at the helm. For fans of sweet '70s harmony group soul, this superb 'twofer' is an absolute must-have.