I never noticed the similarities to Issac Hayes “Shaft” until now. He’s right. The bass line, pace and full orchestra do create a sense of drama and tension. He was right to insist that the lead singer not ‘over-sing’ the lyrics. That level of banal delivery served almost like a narration, now detached after the passage of time.
That was the other house of funk, Staxx in Memphis had Issac Hayes and Otis Redding and Booker T. The Tops and Temptations got alot “funkier” and less girl friend love songs style.
I grew up in the 60s, I was driving to get lunch in college when I heard Otis died. Hit me hard.