LP – 180g Black Vinyl. Sleeve notes by John Ridley. The 5 Royales were the most enduring and influential of all the 1950s proto-soul groups. In a very crowded market, their success was remarkable. The Royales were the first African American group to introduce gospel based vocal styles into the rhythm and blues format. This gave an intensity to their recordings and live performances that no other combo could get near, thanks to the passion and power that lead singer Johnny Tanner generated. Furthermore, the group possessed in Lowman Pauling a songwriter of genius and a guitarist, who invented an exciting style of playing that linked stinging solos with rhythmic accompaniment. The Harbingers Of Soul is a mouth-watering overview featuring the best of the King era and the most soulful sides from their stay at Home Of The Blues. Tracklist: A1 ThinkA2 Messin\’ UpA3 Dedicated To The One I LoveA4 Tell The TruthA5 It Hurts InsideA6 When I Get Like ThisA7 Good Lookin\’ WomanA8 Say It B1 Don\’t Let It Be In VainB2 I\’m With YouB3 Show MeB4 I Got To KnowB5 Much In NeedB6 Catch That TeardropB7 What\’s In The HeartB8 Get Something Out Of It