Band of Gold is the third studio album by Freda Payne. Her first for Invictus Records, it was released in 1970. The title track became an instant smash on the Pop charts in the US and the UK. Other hits included "Unhooked Generation" (released before "Band of Gold") and "Deeper and Deeper". The tenth track was written by Payne's younger sister, Scherrie Payne. Cover versions include Gary Puckett and the Union Gap's hit "This Girl Is a Woman Now" and Andy Williams' hit "Happy Heart".
The album peaked at No. 60 on the Billboard 200. "Band of Gold" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. It, and "Deeper and Deeper", have sold more than a million copies worldwide.
Critical reception AllMusic called the album "a masterpiece of epic proportions," writing that "the overall sonic tone of Band of Gold reflects [Payne's] producers' Motown history."
Track listing
Personnel Recorded at: Holland-Dozier-Holland Sound Studios, Inc. L.T. Horn – recording engineer Processed by: Syntrex William Weatherspoon – production supervision Bob Wortham – cover photography
Charts Album Chart (1970) PeakpositionUS Billboard 20060US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)17
Singles YearSingleChartPosition1970"Unhooked Generation"Black Singles431970"Band of Gold"Pop Singles31970"Band of Gold"Black Singles201970"Band of Gold"UK Singles Chart11970"Deeper and Deeper"Pop Singles241970"Deeper and Deeper"Black Singles91970"Deeper and Deeper"UK Singles Chart33
References