A Dramatic Experience

1973′s A Dramatic Experience seems to split the difference between a concept album dealing with the evils of drugs and polished, well-arranged ballads and dance tracks. Quiet as it was kept, this album has two different lineups and as William Howard and Elbert Wilkins departed, L.J. Reynolds and Lenny Mayes replaced them. The majority of the concept side of A Dramatic Experience is marred by a heavy hand. “The Devil Is Dope” has lead singer William “Wee Gee” Howard’s David Ruffin-derived vocals coming this close to parody. The slightly humorous “Jim, What’s Wrong With Him?” does attain the eerie nature of drug abuse and has powerful production values. “Beware of the Man (With the Candy in His Hand)” has its odd monster/pusher sentiment only redeemed by Tony Hester’s great and innovative production. The non-concept tracks work best here. “Now You’ve Got My Loving You” has a pitch-perfect falsetto vocal from Ron Banks and particularly strong harmony from the group. The romantic and melodic “Beautiful People” has lead vocals and from Banks, the newly arrived Reynolds, and great group chemistry. Songs featuring the Howard era group, the rock-based “Stand Up and Clap Your Hands” and “Hum a Song (From Your Heart)” close the effort. A Dramatic Experience isn’t ranked as a great concept effort, but the romantic ballads make this a necessity to lovers of ’70s R&B. – Jason Elias