Lamont Dozier - Working On You (1981/2021)

Working on You Review by Ed Hogan
Motown alumnus Lamont Dozier's most consistent and thoroughly charming album was his 1981 Columbia LP Working on You. The prolific singer/songwriter/producer wrote every song and performed all the lead and background vocals on the album. His only release for the label, Working on You spawned the perennial U.K. Northern soul/beach music favorite "Cool Me Out." Standout tracks are the longing-filled "Why (Ain't My Love Enough)," the shimmering, fluttering "(You Got Me) Wired Up," the lilting and optimistic "Starting Over (We've Made the Necessary Changes)," the warm and earnest title track, and the reggae-flavored "Chained (To Your Love)." The outstanding backing band includes the fresh keyboard work of John Barnes and Tony Palter. Amazing none of the singles ("Cool Me Out," "Too Little Too Long") or the album itself charted upon its original spring 1981 release. Pristinely recorded, Working on You cries out for a CD reissue with full liner notes. Until then good music lovers can enjoy the vinyl reissue of Working on You issued by Sony Music Entertainment during spring 2000.