Delegation - The Promise Of Love (Expanded Edition) (1977/2017)

Digitally remastered and expanded 40th Anniversary edition. UK R&B/Soul group Delegation released their debut LP The Promise of Love in 1977 on State Records, two years in to a recording and performing career that continues to this day. The Promise Of Love features the original line-up of Ricky Bailey, Len Coley and Roddy Harris and was produced by Ken Gold who, along with Mick Denne wrote the majority of the songs, fresh from their breakthrough success with The Real Thing's "You To Me Are Everything." Gold was instrumental in championing Delegation and secured the deal with State. With an alternative version issued for the US market, this release sees the original UK album making it's CD debut with bonus tracks from the US release as well as their early non-album singles issued on State. The first single from The Promise Of Love, released in '76 was the album's opener and title track, backed with the non-album track 'It Only Happens' - previously recorded by Aretha Franklin and Jackie Wilson. However, despite critical acclaim the single peaked outside the Top 50. Gold and Denne's smooth soul/pop sound, allied with lead singer Ricky Bailey's rich and soulful interpretations took their next two singles in to the UK Top 50 with 'Where Is The Love (We Used to Know)' (#22) and 'You've Been Doing Me Wrong' (#49).