"Motownphilly" is a song by American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men, released in April 1991 by Motown as the first single from their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony (1991). Co-written and produced by Dallas Austin, the song was a success, peaking at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. Michael Bivins, who co-wrote the song, provides a guest rap during the bridge. The song's title is a portmanteau of two of the group's main musical influences: 1960s Motown and 1970s Philly soul.
The accompanying music video for the song was filmed in various locations in the group's hometown of Philadelphia. Two new jack swing groups, Another Bad Creation and Bell Biv DeVoe, are mentioned in the first verse. They appear briefly in the video, as does Sudden Impact, a short-lived R&B group organized by Bivins. Additionally, Questlove appears briefly as a drummer, due to his previous relationship with the group from high school. The end of the song features the words "ABC BBD" standing for Another Bad Creation and Bell Biv Devoe respectively.
Critical reception
Dele Fadele from NME wrote, "Floating on a cloud through the chequered history of soul, yet inherently modern, Boyz II Men are plotting the new musical map. From Detroit to Philadelphia, this is East Coast style and sass in abundance, mixing and matching MFSB strings, House synth-bass, raps and the ghost of several songs rolled into one. Somewhere in the ever-shifting mix you learn their tale and, if I were Bell Biv DeVoe, I'd prepare to be usurped."[2]
Track listings
US vinyl, 12-inch
A1: "Motownphilly" (12-inch version) – 4:47
A2: "Motownphilly" (LP version) – 3:52
B: "Motownphilly" (instrumental) – 5:50
US CD maxi
"Motownphilly" (12-inch version Edit) – 4:47
"Motownphilly" (LP version) – 3:52
"Motownphilly" (quiet storm) – 4:06
"Motownphilly" (12-inch A) – 5:50
"Motownphilly" (12-inch dub) – 4:08
UK vinyl, 7-inch
A: "Motownphilly" (7-inch radio version) – 3:50
B: "Motownphilly" (Philly instrumental) – 3:50
UK vinyl, 12-inch
A: "Motownphilly" (12-inch extended club mix) – 5:35
^ abcPitchfork Staff (September 27, 2022). "The 250 Best Songs of the 1990s". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 21, 2022. ...the track, which features classic soul harmonies over a new jack swing beat, as well as a totally gratuitous doo-wop showcase at the end.
