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.