360 Degrees

The album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul is the third studio effort by soul singer Billy Paul. It was released in 1972 and it includes the Grammy Award-winning number 1 pop and soul single "Me and Mrs. Jones". The album blends soul, jazz, and Philadelphia funk with socially conscious themes and smooth, expressive vocals. It showcases lush orchestration, sophisticated arrangements, and Paul’s unique jazz-influenced singing style. The album is often regarded as a milestone album in Billy Paul’s career, full of gems that demonstrate Billy Paul's range as a vocalist and storyteller. While the album's hit single "Me and Mrs. Jones” is about love, the album itself is a bit more nuanced. It balances romantic ballads with political and spiritual reflections, making it a standout in the Philly soul movement and it contains songs that tackle both personal and social. "Am I Black Enough for You?" is a particularly significant track, not only because it addresses race relations but because it asks a broader question about how Black people are perceived within the larger culture.