"Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" (The Dramatics)

Originally hailing from Detroit, The Dramatics had been around since 1964 but didn't see any real success until they signed with Memphis-based Stax/Volt Records.  It was there that they were paired with writer/producer and fellow Detroiter, Tony Hester, who helped them craft their very first hit, "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" from the 1971 album of the same name.
Now, considering what else was going on in the world of R&B/soul at the time—Marvin Gaye getting political, Curtis Mayfield delving deeper into social ills, Stevie Wonder gaining artistic autonomy from the Motown machine, Sly Stone crafting a whole new brand of black pride-influenced hard funk, etc.—"Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" seems kind of lightweight by comparison.
But just because it doesn't deliver a punch when it comes to social/political commentary, that doesn't mean it isn't a great song; it just means the song is less about the "message" and more about pure groove.
Actually, there are a number of reasons why this is a 70s R&B classic.  
For one, it's Hester's songwriting/Johnny Allen's arrangement—the smooth blend of Latin-tinged polyrhythms, sweet orchestral strings, and bright horn blasts.  
It's also the group's impassioned tag-team vocals on the verses and note-perfect, five-part harmonies on the choruses.  
But, most of all, it's that fuzz-tone lead guitar, pile driving that four-note riff into your head for nearly four soulful minutes.