Song #258 - "Want Ads" - The Honey Cone

Recorded - early 1971

Released - March 1971

#1 for week of June 12, 1971. 

     After Motown Records' premier songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland left the label in 1968, the trio formed Hot Wax Records. The label was still based out of Detroit Michigan, but was completely unaffiliated with Motown. In spite of this separation, many of the artists signed to Hot Wax had hits with some very Motown-soundalike songs. Case in point, "Want Ads" by The Honey Cone. 

     Formed in 1969 and fronted by lead singer Edna Wright, it's hard not to draw comparison's to Holland-Dozier-Holland's previous protege's, The Supremes. We have a vocal trio, who rely on outside songwriters, and who's music emulated the current R&B vocal bands of the day. While it wasn't their only single to reach a high position on the pop charts, "Want Ads" became their only #1. 

     Musically, the first sound that comes to mind upon hearing "Want Ads" is The Jackson 5. "Want Ads" is very similar to songs such as "I Want You Back" and "ABC". They are all in the same key and tempo, feature moments of the song where certain instruments drop out, and Edna Wright's vocal range is nearly identical to pre-pubescent Michael Jackson. 

     The lyrics, on the other hand, would never have been sung by The Jacksons. "Want Ads" metaphorically addresses searching for a new man in the guise of putting an ad out in the paper. If this was the 1960's, I could easily see this being a Supremes song as these themes were what Diana Ross and co usually sung about. 

     My main concern with "Want Ads" is that is offers nothing new to the table. The sound, lyrics, and overall tone have all been done before. This may not be The Honey Cone's only hit, but it's hard not to classify them as a one hit wonder nonetheless. Unless you offer something fresh, you're only hit may not be as well-remembered in later years.

Final Verdict - "Want Ads" is a rather derivative and tried and true single. With that being said, if you love the sound of The Jackson Five and The Supremes, you'll certainly dig "Want Ads". It's not original, but if you know what to expect, it's a song you'll certainly enjoy. 

 Coming Up Next - "It's Too Late" and "I Feel The Earth Move" by Carole King. 

            Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and I'm a want ad reader -