Search - Guys & Dolls :: Singles

Not essential, but very enjoyable

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 12/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This British group were a mixed harmony group, of which there were several in the early seventies. As far as I know, they didn't make much impact in America. However, they had two top five hits in Britain and were even more popular in Holland and Belgium.The group was originally made up of Martine Howard, Julie Forsyth (daughter of TV celebrity Bruce), Thereze Bazar, David Van Day, Dominic Grant and Paul Griggs. In 1977, Thereze and David left this group and became Dollar - a successful pop duo. They were not replaced - the group continued as a foursome. In 1981, Martine left and was replaced by Julie's sister Lana. Lana only stayed a year, when Rosie Hetherington replaced her. However, this compilation does not feature Rosie and it's not clear if they actually recorded anything with Rosie, although the group did not disband until 1985.Their first single, There's a whole lot of loving, was also their biggest British hit, reaching number 2. After a minor hit with Here I go again, they had their second and last big hit in Britain with a cover of You don't have to say you love me, previously a huge hit for Dusty Springfield. Both of these songs were top 10 hits in Holland and top 20 in Belgium. They also did a cover of You're my world, originally a British number one for Cilla Black (and a top 30 American hit for her). This did not chart at all in Britain, but was number one for over three months in both Holland and Belgium. It was to be the last single for the original line-up.Mamacita, the first single after Thereze and David left in 1977, was a top 10 hit in Holland and Belgium. Angel of the morning (another cover) was the next single and was top 20 in both countries. Both these singles were released in 1977. They had a few more hits in Holland and Belgium up to 1982 (when Broken dreams hit the top 20 in both countries) and even had another minor UK hit in 1978.This is a fine collection of their music. If you enjoy the music of the New Seekers (a British group who succeeded in America as well as Europe) then you should like Guys `n Dolls. Dollar fans may also want this collection, though Thereze and David did things a little differently as Dollar."