The Dramatics have been delivering quality soul for over 40 years now and for the 1980s I have chosen this gem, their one and only set for the mighty Capitol label released in 1982. In fact, this remains my favourite album of theirs and oddly enough without the mighty L.J. Reynolds too. Ron Banks takes the lead on all tracks and if you are a fan of his “Truly Bad” album then you will also love this album. I love six cuts on here – near enough the whole album. Both down tempo and up tempo efforts work perfectly here and I draw upon both to recommend this as a real must-have for collectors. My first choice is the accusatory “Treat Me Right”, Ron laying the law down and the Philly-ish guitar and slap bass having their say too! The percussion and piano that allows “I Can't Stand It” to take flight almost falls into the stellar production style of the contemporary Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton work on “The Dude”: the horns particularly take centre stage. “She's My Kind Of Girl” is a typical Dramatics outing and is simply brilliant and flows into one of my favourite tracks of theirs. “I Don't Want To Lose Your Love” opens in a knee-trembling style with strings, timbales and piano and the harmonies are first-rate. This is soul for a summer's day. The following track is the real killer, though. The aforementioned is one of my favourites but this has to be my number one Dramatics cuts of all-time. “I Believe In You” is exquisite in every sense of the word. The brief, spoken introduction leads into a pounding beat, wistful flute, strings and some quirky 80s keys and the prominent strings and keys really was at the peak of what Capitol was releasing in the early 80s, and this is one song that I have never stopped playing. If only they would re-issue this album on CD or on iTunes I would be a very happy man! Capitol really was a classy label in the 1980s, and groups such as The Dramatics were very much at home here – if only for one album release! My final choice is the bright lights and party lights track “The Night Life” complete with keyboard wind effects, and I think you'll agree that this is yet another quality track from 1982. Fans of “This Love Is Real” will instantly slot into the rhythm here and should love the album, period. This is one of their least-known efforts and if you don't already own it then I suggest you get one ASAP!
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
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