Cheatin' songs have been a staple of R&B music for as long as R&B has been in existence.  There's no hiding place for the fools who fall in love (except maybe motel rooms).

And some of the greatest songs of all time in this genre are on this collection:  Jackie Wilson's "Doggin' Around," James Carr's "Dark End of the Street," and of course Little Johnny Taylor's "Everybody Knows About My Good Thing."  (And a good thing it is!)

Two of my favorites are here, and they almost seem to define the spirit of these romantic, albeit sordid, such things.  

Formed in Harlem, the Main Ingredient were led by the exquisitely soulful Cuba Gooding (the father of the well-known actor), and his sweet-toned spoken intro sets the tone for the slick soothing arrangements that hold together the early '70s hit, "Everybody Plays the Fool."  This is one of the finest soul harmony recordings from an era full of 'em, and one of the ultimate summertime radio hits to boot.

And then there's the king of all cheatin' song, Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones," which was the first #1 single for Gamble-Huff's Phil. Int. label.  The dynamics of Paul's vocal style are perfect for this sensual number, a soulful ballad about an extramarital affair, its emotional resonance captured by the romantic yearnings in Paul's seemingly improvised vocals.

This steamy volume is a part of the essential Roots of Rhythm series, available only at PopKrazy .