The Norvells - Without You

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?

Artist: The Norvells
Album: Without You

Funk / Soul

Soul

Rating: 4.0

Review
About Album
Download
Tracks
Video
Images
Catalog Numbers
Labels
Listen online
Formats
Companies
Credits
Notes
Barcodes
About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: the-norvells-without-you.zip

MP3 size: 7.8 mb
FLAC size: 100.6 mb

Download

Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Why Do You Want To Make Me Sad	2:47
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

Role	Company
Published By	Nicolet Publ. Co.

Credits

Role	Credit
Arranged By	Richard Pegue
Producer	Richard Pegue
Written-By	Richard 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

doo-wop.blogg.org

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

danielleguimaraesleite

2025-03-13

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!