An easy Google search will tell you all about Faith, Hope and Charity. As the proteges of Van McCoy, one of the greatest soul and disco music producers of all time (sadly departed from a heart attack in 1979), they released four albums. The second, a self titled lp had a big hit: "To Each His Own", which crossed over to pop and would also become a big club hit. Brenda, Destry and Albert made up the group and were a great example of mid 70's enthusiasm with a dolloping of strings and soulful vocals. To see this album released on cd is a thrill.It opens with "Life Goes On", the title track which has a moody intro that Van called a "live spiral", which features as the intro/outro to several of it's tracks. The track is a life affirming tune which acknowledges that life can be a bitch, but...yeah life goes on. "Gradually" is up next and is as sweet a soul disco tune as one could ever hope for, full of Van's trademark string flourishes and lots of "oohs"...very soulful. "I Want A Man" is one of the slower tunes on here, and it's nice. Nothing mindblowing, but a pleasant tune. "Positive Thinking" which would have ended side one of the lp, is another example of Van's insistence on positive vibes and messages, and it's a beauty , and also lyrically. It's the next track that probably made this lp the most noticeable: "You're My Peace Of Mind" is stunning, full of rhythm, great vocals, instrumentation, it's a disco classic that deserved much higher than it's paltry R & B placing (83). "Cherish/Monday Monday" follows and it is a beauty. Although at first dubious about a cover version, this one is so drenched in strings and gorgeous harmonies, one cannot help but be hooked on it. The horns, the strings, it's a stunner. "You've Gotta Tell Her", a ballad-esque number follows and it's alright. Nothing mind blowing but nice enough. Albert Bailey takes the lead on "Just Wanted To Say I Love You", an upbeat soul number that is pretty cool. And finally, 'A Time For Celebration" which featured the Choice Four ("Come Down To Earth") ends the original lp, celebrating the American Bicentennial (200 yrs in 1976), and although as Vince Aletti wrote in his fabulous disco bible "The DIsco Files", is patriotic, it's a song that sticks in my head and the vocals and strings add up to a groovy number...almost Brady Bunch happy. It hit no.14 on the Disco Singles in America. None of the singles or album made it to the pop listings.Bonus tracks:These are essential for this release. David Todd, a dj remixed four of the tunes from here a few months after this came out, which didn't really affect sales, despite their high quality. The extra percussion and piano breakdowns on "Gradually", "Positive THinking" and "You're my Peace.." are stunning. The running times are extensive though not as long as the company that put it out stated (Real Gone Music), but these are mild indiscretions compared to the beauty of what we are dished up. David Nathan, esteemed soul editor wrote the liner notes and they are accurate and interesting. The original cover is retained. This disc is a must for any fan of Van McCoy, sweet 70s soul and disco and one can only hope the label will reissue Van's own disco era works ("Rhythms of the World", "Disco Baby", Disco Kid", etc!)