“Am I the Same Girl” by Barbara Acklin

​I loved the Ramsey Lewis Trio’s version of "The ‘In’ Crowd" as a kid and wore out grooves in the vinyl from overplaying that song and album. I was particularly drawn to the rhythm section of Holt and Young’s lighthearted and soulful performances. They of course scored their own hits with "Wack-Wack" and “Soulful Strut,” but before the latter was released it was originally recorded in 1968 as “Am I the Same Girl,” and featured the vocals of Barbara Acklin.

Written by Acklin’s husband Eugene Record and Sonny Sanders, this version was shelved in favor of the instrumental. It would prove to be a smart business move by producer Carl Davis and Brunswick Records. Eventually this song was released, but it never did as well as the instrumental. I still think it’s an underrated gem and a heartfelt, if not notable, performance by Acklin.