The Dramatics
The Dramatics are an American soul music vocal group that was formed in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan, initially known as The Dynamics. The original lineup consisted of members who were students at John J. Pershing High School and included founding members Larry Reed, Rob Davis, and Elbert "Al" Davis. The group initially struggled to find success, signing with Volt Records in 1969 but were dropped after their first single did not perform well.
The Dramatics found their breakthrough in the early 1970s with a series of hit records. They became particularly well-known for their singles such as "In the Rain," "Whatcha See is Whatcha Get," and "Hey You! Get Off My Mountain," which showcased their smooth vocal harmonies and emotive delivery. Their style effectively blended elements of soul and R&B, earning them a significant place in the genre during this time.
Throughout their three-decade career, The Dramatics have been celebrated for their live performances and continued relevance in the music industry. Despite facing personnel changes and challenges, the group maintained a dedicated fan base and enjoyed success with a variety of albums and singles, which often featured themes of love and relationships.
The Dramatics are regarded as one of the key figures in the Detroit soul scene, paralleling other legendary groups of the era. Their influence extended beyond their original hits, with many artists citing their work as inspiration for future generations in soul and R&B music. The continued recognition of their contributions to music is evidenced by their enduring popularity, especially in live performances and revival concerts.
In summary, The Dramatics have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American soul music, characterized by their rich vocal blends and emotive storytelling, representing a significant part of Detroit's musical heritage.
Joy Ride
Producer – Tony Hester
Written-By – T. Hester
3:05
A2 Richest Man Alive
Guitar – Dennis Coffey
Written-By – E. Robinson
2:50
A3 Stand Up And Move
Arranged By, Bass, Producer – L.J. Reynolds
Congas – Donnie Lewis, Lorenzo "Bag-Of-Tricks" Brown
Written-By – L. Reynolds
4:03
A4 Sing And Dance Your Troubles Away
Arranged By, Producer – Ron Banks
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano – William Wooten
Written-By – G. Glenn
3:15
A5 I Get Carried Away
Bass – Roderick "Peanut" Chandler
Producer – Jimmy Roach
Written-By – J. Roach
4:19
B1 Be My Girl
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano – Rod Lumpkin
Guitar – Ralph Armstrong
Producer – Michael Henderson
Written-By – M. Henderson
3:53
B2 After This Dance
Drums – Jerry Jones, Leslie Daniels
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano – Lester William, Rod Lumpkin
Guitar – Ralph Armstrong
Producer – Michael Henderson
Written-By – M. Henderson
4:20
B3 Say The Word
Drums – Jerry Jones, Leslie Daniels
Producer – Tony Hester
Written-By – T. Hester
4:08
B4 I Can't Get Over You
Alto Saxophone, Soloist [Saxophone] – Eli Fountaine
Written-By – E. McGhee, F. Fleshman, J. Brinson
3:48
B5 Sundown Is Coming (Hold Back The Night)
Arranged By – Don Davis
Bass – David Hood
Drums – Roger Hawkins
Electric Guitar – Jimmy Johnson
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano – Barry Beckett
Written-By – N. Toney
4:18
Label: ABC Records – ABCD-955
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
The Dramatics' 1976 album Joy Ride is a strong R&B/Soul effort, praised for its signature smooth vocals, tight harmonies, and blend of upbeat grooves with heartfelt ballads, featuring major hits like "Be My Girl," "Finger Fever," and the soulful ballad "I Can't Get Over You," though some reviewers note it leaned slightly more disco/funk and lacked the consistent standout magic of their earlier classics like "In the Rain". Expanded editions are highly valued for restoring the original tracklist, with fans loving tracks like "Shopping" and "Life of the Party," making it a beloved part of their extensive discography.
The album delivered three successful singles: the danceable "Finger Fever," the iconic "Be My Girl," and the powerful ballad "I Can't Get Over You". It continues the group's tradition of flawless lead vocals (Ron Banks, L.J. Reynolds) and layered background harmonies, and balances dance-floor-ready tracks with soulful, melancholic ballads, showing versatility.
L.J. Reynolds delivers breathtaking lead vocals, especially on the ballads, while the group's sleek harmonies are consistent throughout. Side one leans towards upbeat, dance-focused songs, while side two offers more ballad-heavy, mellow tracks.
Critical Reception: Generally positive, seen as a solid album, though some critics felt it was a step towards disco and less iconic than their 70s peaks.
Standout Tracks: "Be My Girl": A signature soulful ballad, produced by Michael Henderson; "Finger Fever": A gritty, multi-directional dance track; "I Can't Get Over You": A show-stopping ballad with an explosive performance from L.J. Reynolds; "Sundown Is Coming (Hold Back The Night)": A rock-influenced, memorable closer.
In essence, Joy Ride is a key album in The Dramatics' catalog, solidifying their R&B legacy with big hits and consistent quality, even as they navigated mid-70s musical trends. Reissues are popular, correcting original CD tracklist changes and adding bonus cuts, pleasing longtime fans.
The Dramatic Jackpot
Arranged By – Johnny Allen
Producer – Don Davis
Written-By – Tony Hester
3:49
A2 Good Things Don't Come Easy
Arranged By – Melvin Griffin, Rudy Robinson
Producer – Don Davis
Written-By – Gene Beene, Melvin Griffin
4:47
A3 Trying To Get Over Losing You
Arranged By – Paul Riser
Producer – Don Davis
Written-By – C.R. Cason
3:08
A4 I Cried All The Way Home
Arranged By – Paul Riser, Wade Marcus
Producer – Don Davis
Written-By, Producer – Tony Hester
4:20
A5 Never Let You Go
Arranged By – Johnny Allen, L.J. Reynolds
Producer – L.J. Reynolds
Written-By – L.J. Reynolds, Ron Banks, Willie Ford
3:54
B1 A Thousand Shades Of Blue
Arranged By – Paul Riser, Wade Marcus
Producer – Don Davis
Written-By – Tony Hester
3:55
B2 Me Myself And I
Arranged By – Paul Riser
Producer – Don Davis
Saxophone, Soloist – Eli Fountain
Written-By – C.R. Cason
3:37
B3 I Dig Your Music
Arranged By – Jimmy Roach
Producer – Don Davis
Written-By – Jimmy Roach
3:30
B4 Me And Mrs. Jones
Arranged By – Johnny Allen, L.J. Reynolds, Ron Banks
Producer – L.J. Reynolds, Ron Banks
Written-By – Cary Gilbert, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff
6:15
B5 How Do You Feel
Arranged By – Johnny Allen
Producer – Ron Banks
Written-By – Paul Clark, Ron Banks
4:05
Label: ABC Records – ABCD-867
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The Dramatic Jackpot (1975) by Ron Banks & The Dramatics is a well-regarded soul/R&B album, praised for its sophisticated 70s sound, tight harmonies, sweet arrangements, and strong vocals from Ron Banks and L.J. Reynolds, showcasing the group's evolving "Groovesville" sound beyond their earlier Stax work, with notable tracks like their cover of "Me and Mrs. Jones," making it a solid addition for classic soul fans despite maybe not reaching their biggest hits' fame.
A Masterpiece of '70s Soul described as one of the group's best albums, blending classic group soul with sophisticated arrangements. A departure from their Stax era, featuring tighter, sweeter arrangements with fantastic vocals cutting through.
Features lead vocals from Ron Banks and L.J. Reynolds. Includes their popular cover of Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones," which charted well. Peaked at #31 in the US and #9 on US R&B charts, showing solid commercial success.
Expect smooth ballads, funky soul, and sophisticated Philly-style sounds. A "satisfying collection" that showcases their talent and evolving musical direction in the mid-70s.
In essence, it's a rich, soulful collection that elevates The Dramatics' signature sound with polished arrangements and catchy melodies, making it a gem for soul and disco fans alike.