I'm a Loser

by Doris Duke

Overview

I'm a Loser is the standout recording from Southern soul singer Doris Duke; problem is, it's nearly impossible to find. Originally released on the Canyon label in 1970, I'm a Loser found only intermittent life on small domestic and Japanese labels. For fans of the gritty soul style of early Millie Jackson and Denise La Salle recordings, this title is worth searching for. The 12 medium-tempo tracks were mostly penned by fellow Southern singer Gary "U.S." Bonds and producer Jerry Williams Jr. and are executed nicely by a crack Capricorn Studio band. There's nothing here on the level of Aretha Franklin's contemporary triumphs for Atlantic either in the quality of the vocals or material, but Duke's own gospel-imbued voice, with its slightly hoarse and urgent tone, finds its own niche. The lean, Stax-inspired numbers also are very decent and even contain Duke's big hit "To the Other Woman (I'm the Other Woman)." The fate of the love weary is the main subject matter here and all its attendant drama is not only captured well by Duke's pleading vocal delivery, but it is unobtrusively underscored by the minimal and tasteful string arrangements. I'm a Loser may be a somewhat obscure title, but it is one that would fit into any good soul collection. ~ Stephen Cook

Product Details

Release Date:	12/09/2021
Label:	Contempo / Good Time / Good Time Records
UPC:	0730167316811
Rank:	93371

Tracks

1. He's Gone
2. I Can't Do Without You
3. Feet Start Walking
4. Ghost of Myself
5. Your Best Friend
6. The Feeling Is Right
7. I Don't Care Anymore
8. Congratulations Baby
9. We're More Than Strangers
10. Divorce Decree
11. How Was I to Know You Cared
12. To the Other Woman (I'm the Other Woman)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Doris Duke   Primary Artist
Paul Hornsby   Organ,Piano
Johnny Sandlin   Drums
Jerry Williams, Jr.   Piano
Robert "Pops" Popwell   Bass
Jesse Carr   Guitar

Technical Credits

Joel Fine   Engineer
Gary Bonds   Composer
Maurice Gimbel   Composer
Jimmy Roach   Composer
Jackie DeShannon   Composer
Jimmy Webb   Composer
Gary "U.S." Bonds   Composer
Victor Drayton   Composer
Ronald Townsend   Composer
Richard Rome   String Arrangements
Jerry Williams, Jr.   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Jim Hawkins   Engineer
Doris Willingham   Composer
Jimmy Holiday   Composer
Richard Tee   Composer
Randy Myers   Composer
Yvonne Williams   Coordination
Mickey Buckins   Composer
Buddy Johnson   Composer
George Jackson   Composer
Dave Cooley   Mastering
Swamp Dogg   Liner Notes,Photo Courtesy
Dale Quillen   Composer
Larry Harrison   Composer
Demetriss Tapp   Composer
Robert Tubert   Composer
Reginald Turner   Composer
Geoff Crowe   Restoration
Willis Hogans, Jr.   Cover Photo