The Picture Never Changes

Lamont Dozier and Brian and Eddie Holland made their mark as songwriters and producers. The trio's songs dominated the charts in the '60s, and all three are now members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Few know that all three began as singers. Lamont had recorded with the Romeos for Atco, then cut solo singles; Brian recorded "Shock" for a small Detroit label prior to Motown, and cut a single at Motown with Dozier; Eddie sang for United Artists and Motown before joining brother Brian and Lamont to form the blockbuster songwriting team. Most of the recordings by Holland-Dozier-Holland featured either Lamont Dozier or Brian Holland. Lamont led their most popular recording, "Why Can't We Be Lovers," a rambling, romantic number. Brian leads the compelling "Don't Leave Me Starving for Your Love," a pleader with the piano way up in the mix; "New Breed Kinda Woman" is possibly Lamont's most energetic lead, while "Super Woman, You Ain't No Ordinary Woman" follows the same road but misses the mark. "Slipping Away" is led by either Brian or Eddie and has a sleek groove. Fourteen tracks and all are interesting creations, some better than others, but no real dogs. Still, all except a few are rungs below their productions for artists like the Supremes, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Chairmen of the Board, etc. ~ Andrew Hamilton