Wenn man sich wie Mitch Ryder nicht mit Philly Soul beschäftigt, weiß man natürlich nicht, dass diese Musik sehr wohl künstlerische Tiefe hatte und sich auch als eine politische Musik verstand, dass sie eine „message music“ war. Dazu zwei Würdigungen von Leuten, die wirklich Ahnung von Soul haben:
Curtis Mayfield:
„I have the greatest admiration für Gamble and Huff. These were young, proud black men who had the ability to recognize the powers that be, and the knowledge, as songwriters and producers, to weave it into a hook. I respected them for the way they loved music and for sharing that love with artists.
Bobby Womack:
„What a great, great feeling they had for lyrics and vocals and hooks. They related to people. Identified with their problems. These cats were into music on a deep, spiritual level. They understood what the singer goes through to get inside the song. And these musicians! Lord, don’t get met started!“
--