Natural High

Released in 1973, Natural High is the commercial and creative zenith of Bloodstone, a group that successfully transitioned from a doo-wop vocal quintet to a self-contained funk-rock band. Recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles and Decca Studios in London, the album benefits from high-end production that emphasizes their 'soul-rock' hybridity. The title track became their signature hit, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later gaining a second life through its inclusion in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown. Beyond the hits, the album is notable for its ambitious arrangements, such as the nearly ten-minute cover of 'Little Green Apples' and the 'Damn That Rock 'n' Roll' medley, which pays homage to their early influences. It solidified their status as icons of the 'Lowrider Soul' subculture, where their blend of romanticism and instrumental prowess found a permanent home.