This is the group that features the falsetto
Damon Harris. As a member of
the Temptations from 1971-75,
Harris' airy yet earthy falsetto powered such classics including "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and the drug epic "Hurry Tomorrow." After his stint with the group,
Harris rejoined his childhood group. The production here is reminiscent of his then-W.M.O.T. labelmates
Blue Magic, and is produced by Bobby Eli. Impact finds
Harris' vocals getting warmer gives his fans a chance to hear him in a fresher context. This group also had a raspy vocalist reminiscent of
David Ruffin, who provided a good juxtaposition to
Harris. The first track and single, "Happy Man," is prime, rough-edged Philly disco and shows great chemistry between the group. While they no doubt had the goods, Impact is unfortunately a victim of a Philly lyrical mill that was running itself in the ground by the time this was released. But there are still gems here. Eli and Vinnie Barnett's "Man and Woman" is a classic sounding ballad with another fulfilling vocal from
Harris as well as great harmony from the rest of the group. The last track, the bittersweet and mid-tempo "It Only Happens in the Movies," is reminiscent of
Mighty Love-era
Spinners and certainly was strong enough to be released as a single. Impact displays the vocal gifts of
Harris as well as the Philly sound and both facts make this a must for fans. ~ Jason Elias