This Is Your Life by The 5th Dimension

[BRONZE842]

I love the way Florence sang this song, smooth and mellow

[wkbbrat]

Thanx for adding this. Takes me back to my youth, and a time when not too many black folx were digging the 5th. Love Florence (the unsung voice of the group). This whole album was excellent. Great choice.

[dundeebebe]

My sis and i use to rewind the cassette over and over again.Just to enjoy this beautiful song.No stress

[TheTherese3]

Poor Florence shewing all us fawning,dreaming white guys away.

[thunder19581]

that's Florence hitting the high notes

[MsTexas73]

@thunder19581 That's Marilyn hitting the high notes in the background while Florence is singing lead vocals.

[thunder19581]

Florence was just as equally talented as Marilyn, if you listen to all of their music, many times one cannot tell who is leading......the voices harmonized SO perfectly. There has never been a group as fully talented as the Fifth Dimension.......and never will be. Too bad there had to be an end of their era.

[skaha77]

Such sweet sound.

[brandoncipelle]

WOW if only my generation could feel this much love and light. I knoiw we can i feel it deeply. 5th Dimension i should have heard you guys and gals sonner. MUCH LOVE LIGHT AND JOY .

[azcardzfan2005]

this is incredible, i never heard this before

[casey3234]

This song was never released as a single for airplay.

[casey3234]

Jean Carne has her own soulful syle but Marilyn and Florence have a more pop/jazz style/sound. It's like comparing apples to oranges. They are both good versions.

[MsTexas73]

@casey3234 I agree. I think that instead of people saying one version is better than another...they should just admit they prefer the "soul' versions. I like all the versions of this song that I've heard. Each one has something about it that moves me. This version...it's the COMPLETE package...Flo's leads (this song just fits her voice beautifully)...along with the wonderful hamronies in the background of the fellas with Marilyn's high notes (almost gospel like)...this song is a groove.

[gemmni1]

sorry but jean carne remake is 100 percent better and with soul

[ECBProductions]

One of their best songs that most have never heard!!! Great song, great harmony, great arrangement......Thank you 5th Dimension!!

[dogmeat445]

Music is just not made like this anymore!!!!Beautiful Woman and voice.Thank you for sharing this!!!!

[9ballguy]

Florence and Lamonte were here in Southwest Florida for an outdoor "Concert in the Park" with the Fifth a few years ago. They used our Realtor Board office as their dressing rooms and I met them. They are great people and Lamonte was very funny. Florence was sweet and still a great beauty. The crowd enjoyed their show and they very graciously met with fans afterward to talk and sign autographs.

[MsTexas73]

I still think it wa a mistake not releasing this as a single. It has the perfect formula for a hit. Great lyrics...great melody...wonderful lead vocals...and awesome background vocals. There's not one part of this song that is amiss. It should have been released as an A side.

[nurse4u1]

@MsTexas73

Hello. I'm now 54 and I can tell you that this was released as a single because I purchased it in the 1970's. It had a silver label. GREAT song!

[MsTexas73]

@nurse4u1 But it was a B side not an A side. So not marketed.

[TheSoulflower]

Noodleydoo: I agree, but I am glad to hear Ms. LaRue's voice solo

[gradualci]

mp3iffy is the best site to get this mp3. google mp3iffy.

[malibuk56]

I played this song more than any other track from the "Portrait" album when it came out. It's still one of my all time favorites

[JazzWithoutANet]

I am still helplessly in love with Florence LaRue....(sigh)

[chapmancalvin]

@JazzWithoutANet That girl was so fine! I had a crush on her back then when I was 6 yrs. old.

[stage7]

@JazzWithoutANet ....Of COURSE, she is Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! Had the chance to be onstage with her and socialize a bit at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame concerts!  That woman is AWESOME and can 'SING'!!!!!!! Such charisma too! Outstanding!

[9ballguy]

Great vocal by Florence with Marilyn heard distinctively in the backup vocals hitting those high notes!

[pookiechristopher]

Wasn't Eleanor Mills Stephanie Mills sister?

[MsTexas73]

I think she was her sister-in-law

[martinjp1958]

The intonation on 'everyone knows' is astonishing and very moving.

[dogmeat445]

OMG what a great voice!!! I just have to love this song.

[LadyPenny6]

One of Jimmy Webb's best songs. The only other version that I know of is by Thelma Houston, which is from her 1969 album 'Sunshower', produced, arranged and written by Webb.

[MsTexas73]

Check out the version by Norman Connors...sung by Eleanor Mills. It's nice too.

[LadyPenny6]

Thanks for the info.  The hunt begins!

[oneeyedstar]

Thelma's was glorious too as was the whole Sunshower album..

[9ballguy]

I would be reasonably sure that the record executives did not issue "Feelin Alright" as a single because Dave Mason had already had a big hit with it. Billy and the Fifth's version is fantastic though.

[MsTexas73]

I still think they should have released it.

[9ballguy]

The single releases from this album were: Puppet Man, Save the Country, One less Bell to Answer and the Medley

The Declaration, A Change is gonna come, People gotta be free.

[MsTexas73]

Thank you.

OK...I can get with OLB2A, Puppet Man, and even Save the COuntry as singles...BUT as much as I like the Medley...I think they should have released THIS song as a single...and Feelin' Alright.

[uKooKu]

Right. But they led with the latter, even performed it at the White House in front of Nixon and God, were greeted with stony applause (denial issues?), so "Puppet Man" came next, etc.

[MsTexas73]

Can someone tell me which songs form this album were released as singles?

[Branner]

This is a very difficult Webb song to sing--and Florence makes it her own.

[BRONZE842]

Forence has a beautiful voice. I love the way she leads on this song.

[StevesWifeCharlo]

Love this, reminds me of my Senior year in High School...in Chicago. Very timely, and still beautiful. Thanks for posting.

[taikotaro]

フローレンスさん今でも5ｔｈ　Dimensionとして活躍されているとのこと。がんばってく­ださい。遠い日本から応援しています。

あなたは素晴らしい歌手です。

[tsfonline]

beautiful girl....beautiful voice

[uKooKu]

does her PROUD. refreshing!!!

[MysticRubyFaerie]

Aw that makes my heart flutter.... *kisses under your eye*

[MysticRubyFaerie]

The last time you sent this to me was 5 months ago.... I forgotten all about it.... that's why I love that we can see all our several month old posts.... memories are always nice sharing them with someone special *sap alert!*

[MysticRubyFaerie]

haha You own this video look at all this posts by you spread over time! I love it!

Hi precious! :)

[9ballguy]

Great vocal by Florence and the back ups compliment the song beautifully. Listen to Marilyn hit those high notes!

[centralparocker]

Florence had an amazing voice, too.........Marilyn and Florence complemented each other so well.......what talent!

[uKooKu]

I agree. Their voices were like sweet and salt. Ever tried chocolate and hot buttered popcorn? That's Marilyn & Florence. Mmm-delicious.

[stage7]

@centralparocker .......Actually, I really think that it's Florence's Voice that GIVES the 5th Dimension its 'Sound' really! I Know all of the other voices play a part, but Florence's 'flavor' is what DOES it and the glue to it overall. Hers and Marilyn's Voice blend soooooo much it's like they are ONE, but they are different!!!!! The chemistry works soo well. And I Love everything that they do!

[redwalls76]

I just love this song. It should be included as one of the top 50 love songs. I first heard this song by Billy Paul when I about thirteen and also Johnny Mathis recoreded as well. I like Florence's version. She is a good singer

[Kyng32]

There is also the first version by Thelma Houston on her "Sunshower" album and Florence sort of follows the same melodic line

[fayedunawayfan]

That album by Thelma is a gem. Love it.

[Kyng32]

Thelma is a fantastic, from the gut singer along the lines of Gladys Knight and I love her. Her new album is a pure gem

[uKooKu]

Just curious: Did this Sunshower album also include Thelma Houston's version of "Save The Country"?

[SRUBill]

Often overshadowed by Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue certainly had her moments. LaRues performance as the lead vocal in this song was just magnificent.

[krim4142]

It does not get any than this: I must of played it at least 20 times to-day

[9ballguy]

I love the backup vocal harmonizing on this tune. Listen to Marilyn hitting those high notes!

[Blkaudioman1960]

This is an amazing version of this song. But please take a moment to listen to the version by Norman Connors with vocals by Eleanor Mills....You'll love it!

[MsTexas73]

BLKaudioman...yes I love NC's version with Eleanor Mills singing it. And now having heard this verison I can say that I truly enjoy listening to this one too. Florence does a fantastic job with it.

NOTE: Marilyn is so distinctive...even in the backgorund...you can just hear her so clearly.

I love this group.

[swt32567]

This is the best version of this song. Billy Paul released his version in 1972 & it was very good; but this version is the Masterpiece.The 5th Dimension & Friends of Distinction were the best mixed vocal four part harmony groups of the 60's & 70's. Both groups were hit machines in their heyday. Florence LaRue was not only a pretty face but;a talented vocalist. I miss the great music that The 5th Dimension once made.They were a tribute to great four part harmony.Style,Class, & Grace.

[musiclover59]

I agree with everything you say except Billy Paul's version is better -- a true masterpiece. Far more soulful and Billy's interpretation truly grasps the sweet sadness of the lyrics. The piano alone is utterly breathtaking!

[swt32567]

You know Musiclover59 I felt that way @ first. I do agree that Billy Paul's is more soulful & is too a masterpiece. I love both versions & I hope some one posts Billy's version. Most people don't know it but, THIS IS YOUR LIFE was Billy's first hit in the summer of 1972. ME & MRS.JONES was his second hit from his first album 360 DEGREES OF BILLY PAUL. I know they are both great versions but Florence LaRue's lead vocals just stole my heart.Much like a certain young lady did in'72.Alas,young love.

[musiclover59]

It's nice you appreciate Florence's great vocals. She may have been a bit over-shadowed by Marilyn McCoo, who, in my estimation has the finest pure voice in modern pop. However, Florence's unique voice was a wonderful counterpoint to hers and blended beautifully. As a matter of fact, one can say that about all of the voices in that group. There has never been an ensemble of five voices that has sounded better than the Fifth Dimension.

[Noodleydoo]

@musiclover59 I'm with you. I was feeling nostalgic yesterday and listened to the "Aquarius" album in my car and was dumb-founded at how great the vocals were--I had forgotten. All five voices were completely different, but meshed perfectly. Listen closely to "Don't 'cha Hear Me Calling to Ya" and you will grasp how great this group was, vocally. After 1971 they started to abandon that group sound, going more for solos, but I much preferred the complicated harmonies and shared leads.

[stage7]

@Noodleydoo Well.... 'I'm' with YOU here as well.... I MUCH loved and preferred their intricate vocal blendings especially!.....THIS GROUP IS PHENOMENAL!!!!!

[redwalls76]

I agrwwd with you as matter of fact I still have the 45 can you believe. But let me say Florence you do justice to this song. You are a singer. I just wish a good majority of todays female singers could like you.

[swt32567]

Musiclover59 I too felt that way until my cuz Gail hipped me to this version. I love them both really equally because as you said about Billy's piano it is breataking & his vocals came @ you from a man's point of view. I just wish someone would post Billy's version of THIS IS YOUR LIFE.Back in '72 when Billy released his version I really could identify with it because I had a relationship that crashed & burned & I would tell her to listen to the words closely. No matter what a great song!!!!!

[Branner]

A Jimmy Webb tune, by the way.

[Rena721]

They always seem to have such warm songs.....

[Noodleydoo]

I've met Florence dozens of times and I swear to god, Year after year, I expect her to age AT LEAST A LITTLE and she NEVER DOES. She looks almost exactly the way she did in 1969 and you can tell it's not because of plastic surgery because she doesn't have that fake look. She is just naturally very pretty and like Nona Hendryx, pictures and video do NOT do her justice.

[cecgroot]

Beautiful sung by a beautiful lady with a great voice