A great leap forward for the 5th Dimension – a record that seems to have better vocals than any of their previous efforts – a strongly soulful quality that moves past just pop, and which hits even deeper territory than before! Jimmy Webb's not in the lineup this time around, but Bones Howe is still fully in charge of the sound – producing and doing part of the arrangements, alongside help from Ray Pohlman, Bob Alcivar, and Bill Holman. Instrumentation's got a dreamy, late 60s LA mode – studio, but plenty darn groovy – thanks to performances from Hal Blaine, Larry Bunker, Tommy Tedesco, and Jimmy Rowles. Titles include the group's hit version of "Stoned Soul Picnic" – plus "California Soul", "Bobbie's Blues", "It's A Great Life", "Sweet Blindness", "Broken Wing Bird", "Good News", and "The Eleventh Song (What A Groovy Day)". CD also includes a previously unissued version of "East Of Java"! CD

Al's first major label record – cut when he was an emerging soul jazz vocalist, but before he'd gone totally over the top in super-slick hit mode. The album's got a good 70s LA jazzy backing, with guests like Dave Grusin, Arthur Adams, and Larry Bunker keeping the music moving at a nice pace. Includes the title cut "We Got By", plus "Sweet Potatoe Pie", "Spirit", "Susan's Song", and "Alladin's Lamp". LP, Vinyl record album