CD-Charts Position 71
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Psychedelic Shack & All Directions

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: The Temptations

Release Date October 23, 2000
The Temptations had moved their sound from typical Motown fare, usually written and produced by Smokey Robinson, to a Funk based sound with Norman Whitfield in the producers chair. Starting with the Cloud Nine album, and continuing with Puzzle People (also available as a twoferone), they had mined the seam opened up by Sly Stone on Dance to the Music.

Where David Ruffin had been perfect for those Smokey tunes, Dennis Edwards, his replacement, superbly fronted the new Funk sound. On "Psychedelic Shack" there was a nod to the past, "It's Summer", although other than this the Tempts allow writer Barrett Strong and producer Norman Whitfield to move them well away from their past successes. "Take a Stroll..." features a spacey Eddie ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 72
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The Definitive Sound of Atlantic Soul

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Various Artists

Release Date September 20, 1999
Atlantic were into what was then called 'R&B' very early, much earlier than that other great publisher of soul, Motown.

Their artist rosta & style of music was much broader than Motown's though they never quite got the star rating of the motor city label.

The Atlantic sound was less commercial, more 'earthy' & a bit closer to the streets than Motown as most of these tracks show.

Best tracks? Almost impossible to say but personal favourites include:

The first 12 songs, mostly released on the Stax label, set a standard that even Motown might struggle to beat!

There are classics here like the Coasters "Yakety Yak" complete with King Curtis sax, great Aretha standards like "Respect", ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 73
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Essential Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Tammi Terrell

Release Date July 09, 2001
We have been seduced and captivated by the sensational duets by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye. Sadly, Tammi by herself does not live up to the magic of those. A pleasant album, but with nothing outstanding and marred by her tendency to slide around the true note, rather than hitting it. An album best left for the devotee.

CD-Charts Position 74
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Motown Chartbusters Volume 6

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Various Artists

Release Date November 10, 1997
This one was released at the end of 1971, and just missed the No 1 album slot.

It opens with 'I'm Still Waiting' from Diana Ross, a British No 1. When I hear it start, I can still feel my sun-burned back from that August. This was the start of Diana Ross becoming more popular here than in her native US. When they released it there, it stalled at #63 pop and #40 R&B. She also has another big hit on here 'Remember Me'. Her old group The Supremes were still doing well in the UK. Their exciting three part harmony lead on 'Nathan Jones' made our top 5, and I'm sorry , but to my ears it knocks spots off Bananarama's weedy cover. The girls also teamed up with The Four Tops for a fun but worthy verson of 'River Deep Mountain High'.

The ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 75
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The Supreme

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Florence Ballard

Release Date April 16, 2001
While still at school, Florence impressed the Detroit locals, sometimes singing solo and sometimes with the Primes (an all-boys group that later became the Temptations). Florence was advised to form an all-girl group, which she did. Originally called the Primettes, it featured Florence as lead singer with Diana Ross and Mary Wilson among the three other singers. The fourth member (Betty McGlown) left and was replaced by Barbara Martin but when Barbara left, the group became a trio. The Primettes recorded one single for a small label but one side featured Diana as lead singer and the other side featured Mary as lead singer. The single flopped.

Eventually, the trio signed for Motown and became the Supremes. With Florence restored as lead singer, they ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 76
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Blue

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Diana Ross

Release Date July 03, 2006
Life is full of surprises, especially when rare gems such as "Blue" are discovered in those vast vaults at Motown. If it wasn't for Shelly Berger - one of Diana's managers at the company - the album may not have seen the light of day.

From a historical point of view, "Blue" is fascinating; like the "Lady Sings the Blues" soundtrack, many of the musicians played for the real Lady Day herself, Billie Holiday. The exquisite arrangements are courtesy of Gil Askey, who also produced the album.

Diana's nuanced vocal delivery is stunning. It was as if she had been transported back in time to a bygone era of those decadent supper parties of the 40's. Diana's sense of timing - and sense of `knowing' - places her comfortably among the likes of Lady ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 77
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Everything Is Everything

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Diana Ross

Release Date June 30, 2008
Motown writer and producer Deke Richards who played a major role in the Supremes "Love Child" single and album was as he put it, "given the keys to the Rolls Royce of Motown." Along with Hal Davis and Berry Gordy, they masterminded Diana Ross' second solo album originally released in 1970, and only now available in North America in an expanded compact disc format. Worth the wait? You bet!
In the liner notes, Richards recalled Gordy wanting "something different out on Diana yesterday" and although "Everything Is Everything" is somewhat heavy with cover tunes, Ross finds nooks and crannies in familiar songs to weave her magic.
Diana Ross was in her vocal prime at the time of this recording and standout tracks include the Anna Gaye and Marvin Gaye composition ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 78
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Stevie Wonder's Greatest Hits Volume 2

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Stevie Wonder

Release Date October 12, 1998
Another collection of Stevie Wonder's earler songs which never fail to impress. Although the tracklist is somewhat short, this album contains a few of the many Stevie Wonder classics, including the beautiful 'My Cherie Amour' and the uplifting 'For Once In My Life', a version which is yet to be bettered by those who choose to cover it. This CD is short enough for any occasion where you need a quick blast of Stevie Wonder magic to brighten up the day - turn it on, crank up that volume and listen to one of the most amazing voices ever to have been laid down on vinyl!!!

CD-Charts Position 79
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Bridget Jones's Diary 2

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: Ost.

Release Date March 11, 2002
I was glad to see they'd added the original "Someone Like You" and also "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" because, to me, those songs ARE Bridget Jones. The thing I wish they'd put on here (even though it doesn't feature in the film) is "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel, to fit in with Darcy loving Bridget "Just as she is". That said, the songs on this CD are fantastic and generally fit in with the theme of the film, so fans of the film, or fans of MUSIC should pretty much love it.

CD-Charts Position 80
Average Rating:

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Essential

CD-Charts > Music > Motown
by: The Contours

Release Date February 28, 2000
The Contours had a second lease of life in the 80s when they were seen in Dirty Dancing the Concert Tour doing an extended version of Do you love me-their biggest hit from 1962.
Liverpool groups took notice including one called Faron's Flamingoes who covered the song on the same label which had the license to TM product-Oriole.
And the story goes that Brian Poole in conversation with the same wrote down the words from his record,recorded the song and topped the charts with it!
Hard to believe but it sounds like an urban myth to me.Why copy the words the sheet music was only a few pence.
This was the guy whose group the Tremeloes had been favored by Decca over the Beatles and needed a hit as their singles up to then had flopped.
Its not very good-in fact ... Read More: