The Norvells - Without You

jessicapierre

Review by Jessica Pierre

Album Review: "Without You" by The Norvells The Norvells’ Without You is a soulful gem that captures the raw essence of funk-infused soul music. Hailing from the US, this album—released under Janis Records and Penny Record Co.—is a testament to Pat James' creative genius, who wore multiple hats as the writer, producer, and arranger. It’s not groundbreaking in its innovation, but it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it thrives on authenticity and emotion, qualities that resonate deeply with listeners. Two standout tracks, “Without You” and “Why Do You Want To Make Me Sad,” are where the album truly shines. In “Without You,” the vocals feel like they’re reaching straight into your chest, pulling at something you didn’t know was there. The melody builds gently, almost shyly, before exploding into a chorus that feels both cathartic and haunting. It’s one of those songs you find yourself humming hours later, even if you’re not quite sure why. Meanwhile, “Why Do You Want To Make Me Sad” takes a slightly different route. Its groove-heavy bassline lays down a foundation so smooth it could make your morning coffee jealous. Paired with lyrics dripping in melancholy yet delivered with an understated confidence, this track sticks because it tells a story without over-explaining. You don’t just hear it—you feel it. And isn’t that what soul music is supposed to do? What makes Without You memorable isn’t flashy production or gimmicky trends; it’s the way each song seems to breathe. Sure, some transitions between tracks might feel a tad uneven, but that imperfection adds charm. It’s clear that Pat James poured his heart into every note, and while it may not reinvent the wheel, it doesn’t have to. Sometimes, good music just needs to speak honestly. In a world obsessed with chart-topping hits and viral moments, albums like Without You remind us of simpler times—when soul wasn’t about perfection but connection. Honestly, after listening to this record, I kinda wished I had a vinyl player just to spin it again properly. Who knew nostalgia could sound so fresh?

Download The Norvells - Without You
Artist: The Norvells
Album: Without You
Rating: 4.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: the-norvells-without-you.zip
  • MP3 size: 7.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 100.6 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Why Do You Want To Make Me Sad2:47
Without You

Video

The Norvells Why Do You Want To Make Me Sad
The Norvells Without You
The Norvells - Why Do You Want To Make Me Sad
THE NORVELLS - WHY DO YOU WANT TO MAKE ME SAD

Images

ladda ner album The Norvells - Without You
last ned album The Norvells - Without You

Catalog Numbers

  • P-107
  • J-6366

Labels

  • Penny Record Co.
  • Janis Records

Listen online

  • lytte på nettet
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • online anhören
  • lyssna på nätet
  • online luisteren
  • ouvir online
  • écouter en ligne
  • ascolta in linea
  • escuchar en línea

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 45 RPM
  • 7"
  • Promo

Companies

RoleCompany
Published ByNicolet Publ. Co.

Credits

RoleCredit
Arranged ByRichard Pegue
ProducerRichard Pegue
Written-ByRichard Pegue

Notes

single sided DJ copy

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout: (A side): PEN-107-A
  • Matrix / Runout (A side): PEN-107-A
  • Matrix / Runout (B side): PEN-107-B
  • Rights Society: BMI

About The Norvells

US vocal group from Chicago, IL. Members: Richard Slaughter (Lead), Billy Smith (Tenor), Richard Pegue (Baritone), Claude Dee-Dee Wyatt (Tenor), Victor Trice (Bass), Toya Perry

Name Vars

  • Norvells

Members

  • Richard Pegue

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The Norvells' album *Without You* is a hidden gem in the world of funk and soul. Every track on it, including "Why Do You Want To Make Me Sad," was written, produced, and arranged by Pat James. Talk about a one-person powerhouse! It’s like James poured his entire soul into this project. The album came out on two labels, Janis Records and Penny Record Co., which ties it to a rich history of independent music in the US. Not many people know about it today, but it’s the kind of record that makes you appreciate how much effort went into crafting soulful sounds back then.

Comments

marrieleriche67
2025-03-17
Here's their story: http://doo-wop.blogg.org/the-norvells-a135689326
nicoherrmann
2025-03-17
Tune!!
cebikide
2025-03-16
My brother Victor Trice was one of the original Norvells, he and another Chicago DJ Richard Steele....the both of them graduated high school a year ahead of Richard Pegue; they both joined the military after high school so they never got to record. The lead singer on this track is Richard Pegue, founding member and songwriter who also became a local DJ, most remembered as long time DJ on WJPC....Johnson Publishing Company's radio station
lilik110586setiono
2025-03-15
yet another fine sound...
crewerrorloe
2025-03-15
Great 1968 soul ballad.
muzofilia
2025-03-14
Wow....I had no idea Richard Pegue actually produced and performed some of "THE BEST MUSIC OF MY LIFE" Richard was (along with Herb Kent) the best dusty R&B DJ''s Chicago ever had.
valadona
2025-03-14
My brother Victor Trice was one of the original Norvells (bass singer). He and Chicago DJ Richard Steele graduated high school a year ahead of founding member Richard Pegue and joined the military and never got the chance to get recorded.
mitcharf
2025-03-13
Superb Kerry, hope yer well kid....ktf
great post!! 5***** from me. this is the type of record that would have broken big in pittsburgh. sad that penny had such a small distribution. many of their releases barely got past gary, ind. but i love this!!
thubatran0909
2025-03-13
great vocal performance. great sound...
baronia
2025-03-13
Another I've not played out for years or even heard played out for years. I'm not sure, but I don't think it's ever been well-known? Great upload, Kerry!
jonathanpool260118
2025-03-12
Superb.
printfatigue
2025-03-12
love this track ... well up my soul street
mrnbristow
2025-03-11
Can't remember how long it is since i heard this,too long thats for sure ! KTF
domereby
2025-03-10
????????