Freda Payne was a onetime flagship of
Invictus, the label established by
Motown mutineers
Holland-Dozier-Holland. Though she only made three albums with the former Detroit hit machine, it was through the first two singles both artist and label became instantly known. Parting with
Motown proved the right decision for
HDH in their search for more creative recognition. Through
Payne's
"Unhooked Generation" and
" "Band of Gold" they nurtured a newfound
soul style. Combining the infectious rhythmic base of their earlier efforts with
the Supremes and
the Four Tops,
HDH ventured into a more
funk-oriented approach, with a little less emphasis on the familiar orchestration.
Payne's debut album may have been a standout. By the time
Reaching Out was released,
Holland-Dozier-Holland seemed to have focused their attention elsewhere. They only took writing credits for three compositions, leaving the bulk to
Smith and co-producer
Dunbar and some ill-advised cover versions. A little less attention to the packaging would have been at its place; not even a bikini-clad
Payne can make up for a tragic misstep like treating listeners to her version of
"If You Go Away." Her voice remains sensual throughout the album; however, it never comes close to the spine tickling capacities of the debut. Also,
Reaching Out is heavily in need of more playful album tracks like
"The Easiest Way to Fall" or
"Love on Borrowed Time" from her debut album. Only in one instance does
Payne revitalize the memory of earlier hits: the darkly grooving
"Mother Misery's Favourite Child" reflects the way she had with domestic drama. Though it can't be all blamed on
Payne; if only
HDH and
Dunbar had supplied her with some of the quality stuff they took to the
Honey Cone. ~ Quint Kik
