The Dramatics, Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 73rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” by The Dramatics.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 73rd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2023), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”, performed by 🎙 The Dramatics. 

via GIPHY

Did you know, “Some people are made of plastic / And you know, some people are made of wood”? According to Detroit-based R&B collective 🎙 The Dramatics, that is the case! Furthermore, on 🎵 “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”, the fourth track from their 1972 album, also titled, 💿 Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get, “Some people have hearts of stone / Some people (Some people) / Are up to no good.” Valid points made on this gem, which peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. Even though “some people” are suspect, The Dramatics ensure you – her – are aware “I’m for real!”  

“Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” marked the first of two top-ten hits by The Dramatics, with the second being the higher charting, 🎵 “In The Rain” – debate which one is THE crowning achievement among yourselves! “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” features an epic, soulful groove. Beyond the groove, the production is electrifying with its blend of the rhythm section firing on all cylinders, winds (horns, flutes, oboe), and of course, picturesque strings.  The vocals are marvelous vocals with the collective doing a fabulous job splitting lead vocal duties and providing welcome contrast.  The centerpiece, undoubtedly, is the incredibly catchy choruswhich ranks among the crème de la crème of the 1970s: 

“Whatcha see (Whatcha see) 

Is whatcha get (Is whatcha get) 

Whatcha see (Whatcha see) 

Is whatcha get (Is what you get) 

I said, what you see (Whatcha see) 

Is whatcha get now, baby (Is what you get) 

And the real thing (The real thing) 

Is the best thing yet (The best thing yet).”  

The Dramatics gives us sheer authenticity on 🎵 “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”.  This is once in a lifetime music baby!  

via GIPHY

🎙 The Dramatics • 💿 Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get • 🏷 Concord Music Group, Inc. • 🗓 1971 

The Dramatics, “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 73 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Concord Music Group, Inc.; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]