The Hi-Fi Five: Leaning into the Classics

By Jacob Clavijo | Editor-in-Chief

After spinning some records at the Critograph’s Valentine’s Day event, I finally decided to switch out my stereo receiver from a Pioneer to an Emerson one that I had lying around my house for a long time. I am usually not the kind to brag about sound quality when it comes to vinyl, but this upgrade made a huge difference in the sound quality of my records. With my old receiver, I would get a lot of static sound from my records, which I just assumed happened because I buy old and used vinyl. In honor of this upgrade, here are some songs I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this past week. 

James & Bobby Purify, “I’m Your Puppet” (1967)

A classic soul song, this record caught my attention when I was shuffling through my collection in search of an upbeat song to counter the rainy weather this past weekend. The song is about a man falling deeply in love with a woman to the point where he is willing to do anything the woman asks, thus becoming her puppet. 

The Altons, “I Try, I Try” (2025)

The Altons released their newest album, Heartache in Room 14, on Valentine’s Day, and I have been waiting anxiously for its release over the past few months. The album includes some popular songs from their discography, such as “Over and Over,” but also plenty of new songs, such as “I Try, I Try.” This song blends jazz, funk, soul, and R&B styles to create a catchy love song. Bryan Ponce and Adriana Flores, the lead singers of the group, have such complementary vocal styles that it is nearly impossible to not be a fan of their music after hearing this record. 

10cc, “I’m Not in Love” (1975)

After switching receivers and noticing the upgraded sound quality, I actively sought out this record because I knew it would be a great listening experience–and I was not wrong. With its heavy use of background vocals, this song creates an ethereal feeling that lasts six minutes of the music. In my personal opinion, the record is best listened to in a dimly lit room during torrential rainfall.

Bloodstone, “Natural High” (1973)

Another classic soul record, “Natural High,” blends my two favorite things: powerful vocals and a poetic message about love. Led by the soulful falsetto vocalist of the group, Charles McCormick, this song highlights all the wonders of being madly in love with another person, so much so that it gives you a “natural high.”

Bobby Moore & The Rhythm Aces, “Searchin’ For My Love” (1966)

An upbeat soul song very similar to “I’m Your Puppet” by James & Bobby Purify, this record’s funk and soul comes mainly from the various instruments used throughout the song. Robert “Bobby” Moore founded the group while he was a member of the U.S. Army and includes members of the Fort Benning marching band, which explains the group’s heavy reliance on big band instruments. 

I hope you all enjoyed this week’s Hi-Fi Five. To see past selections, check out the Hi-Five Five playlist on Spotify.