A huge late-'70s hit for the Brothers Johnson, "Strawberry Letter 23" started life as a track from the author's (Shuggie Otis) 1971 Freedom Flight album. Although the Brothers' version is excellent, this early, self-produced version is superior. A combination of whimsical, psychedelic, and orchestrated soul music, it paved the way for many artists, namely Prince. In fact, the entire affair sounds like an outtake from the Purple One's Around the World in a Day. A true period piece and masterpiece.