Motown Years [Import]

Product Description
2003 compilation from the acclaimed jazz/pop vocalist features 48 tracks, remastered from the original Motown master tapes, including 5 non-LP singles, 'Slender Thread', 'I Wonder Why (Nobody Loves Me)', 'I've Been Blessed', 'Thank You Love', & 'Anyone Here Going My Way', along with 8 previously unreleased tracks, 'My Cup Runneth Over', 'Ask The Lonely', 'Oh How Happy', 'It's All In The Game', 'A Time For Love', 'Little Green Apples', 'A Place In The Sun', & 'The Love Line'. The set is rounded out by material from the albums, 'The Prime Of My Life (1965), 'My Way' (1966), 'For Love Of Ivy' a.k.a. 'Gentle On My Mind' (1969). Includes 12-page booklet with photos & liner notes. Universal.

Motown Years,Billy Eckstine,Universal/Motown,Jazz Vocals,R&B/Soul

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Average customer rating: I grew up with this CD... Motown - The Sound Of Young America Motown Worth It The Best of the Best of Motown Perfect! Motown will forever stand!

Motown: The Classic Years Various Artists Manufacturer: Utv Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Girl Groups | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Incredible Soul Collection #1's (Eco-Friendly Packaging) Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 The Motown Story, Vol. 1: The Sixties Standing in the Shadows of Motown ASIN: B00004WJHT Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

1. Money (That's What I Want) - Barrett Strong
2. Shop Around - The Miracles
3. Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes
4. Do You Love Me - The Contours
5. You Beat Me To The Punch - Mary Wells
6. Fingertips Pt. 2 - Little Stevie Wonder
7. (Love Is Like A) Heatwave - Martha & The Vandellas
8. My Guy - Mary Wells
9. Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes
10. Dancing In The Street - Martha & The Vandellas
11. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - Marvin Gaye
12. My Girl - The Temptations
13. Shotgun - Jr. Walker & The All Stars
14. Stop! In The Name Of Love - The Supremes
15. I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - Four Tops
16. The Tracks Of My Tears - The Miracles
17. Uptight (Everything's Alright) - Stevie Wonder
18. Going To A Go-Go - The Miracles
19. Ain't Too Proud To Beg - The Temptations
20. What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted - Jimmy Ruffin

Tracks:

1. You Can't Hurry Love - The Supremes
2. Reach Out I'll Be There - Four Tops
3. Jimmy Mack - Martha & The Vandellas
4. Your Precious Love - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
5. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Gladys Knight And The Pips
6. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
7. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me) - David Ruffin
8. I Can't Get Next To You - The Temptations
9. I Want You Back - The Jackson 5
10. Someday We'll Be Together - Diana Ross & The Supremes
11. Up The Ladder To The Roof - The Supremes
12. Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) - The Temptations
13. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder
14. It's A Shame - The Spinners
15. War - Edwin Starr
16. The Tears Of A Clown - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
17. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
18. Smiling Faces Sometimes - The Undisputed Truth
19. Papa Was A Rolling Stone - The Temptations
20. Neither One Of Us - Gladys Knight And The Pips

Amazon.com

No one can lay claim to the development of urban music like Motown can. From Marvin Gaye to Diana Ross and the Supremes to the Jackson 5, Berry Gordy and crew sifted through the finest singers, hooked them up with the slickest songwriters, and ushered them into the studio--while simultaneously bringing in a new era in music. On Motown: The Classic Years, that foresight and talent is showcased in 40 lovingly selected all-time hits from 1960 to 1972. Whether you're looking for an introduction to R&B or just a flawless mix of great songs, pick up this double disc. Not only will you find classics such as the Supremes' "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "The Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, but there are also some interesting juxtapositions, such as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Gladys Knight and the Pips in succession with the same song sung (even more famously) by Gaye. Best of all are the liner notes: in a few sentences, the story behind each song is given, as well as its date of release and its peak position on the charts. Urban Music 101, indeed. --Heidi Sherman

Customer Reviews:

I grew up with this CD..........2006-07-26

I'm not anywhere near old enough to remember hearing any of these songs when they first came out. To compensate, my parents bought Motown: the Classic Years. Forty classic soul cuts by The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, etc. You'd be hard-pressed to find a bad song on this, after all it's got Money (That's What I Want), Fingertips pt. 2, Shop Around, My Girl, Stop! In the Name of Love, Heat Wave, Shotgun, The Tracks of My Tears, Ain't too Proud to Beg, You Can't Hurry Love, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Reach Out (I'll Be There), Someday We'll Be Together, Jimmy Mack, War, The Tears of a Clown, What's Goin' On and my favorite Soul song, Papa Was a Rollin' Stone. Yes, some key songs were waltzed over - I'd make a case for Standing in the Shadows of Love, Cloud Nine and I Second That Emotion - this is a damned fine CD and one that belongs in your collection, no matter what you listen to, whether it's rock, jazz, blues, (c)rap...

Motown - The Sound Of Young America.......2006-06-19

Between 1961 - 1972, Motown Records boasted several of the most remarkable productions in the history of music. Based in Detroit, the label gradually grew to become more than just a record label, hosting a string of legends that remain unparalled. Berry Gordy wanted to establish his roster of all-black Soul/R&B artists to have music that would cross-over onto the mainstream charts (the more profitable white market) whilst firmly retaining their black roots. And it worked. There is an injection of pop in most of these soulful numbers that are also coated with a commercial R&B sound. From Diana Ross to Marvin Gaye to The Four Tops to Stevie Wonder, the lists of legends goes on and on.

This compilation, approriatley titled The Classic Years, features a wealth of Motown's landmark recordings. Motown's first release was the bluesey, Money (That's What I Want) by Barret Strong,a song that echoes the perils of ghetto life. The infectious Shop Around features a very young Smokey Robinson, giving an enthusiastic performance. Smokey Robinson would perharps be one of Motown's most gifted songwriters and was even described by Bob Dylan as "being the greatest love poet alive".

Please Mr. Postman was sung by Motown's premier female group, The Marvelettes who take the honourerd credit for delivering Motown its first U.S chart topper. The sound of young America was well underway and soon Diana Ross And The Supremes, The Four Tops, The TempTations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves And The Vandellas etc would be registeing hits on the charts as regularly as clockwork.

Do You Love Me was sung by the fabulous, yet highly underated group, The Contours, who bought a more Rock&Roll feel to their work where as the fabulous sounds of little Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica on the masterpiece, FingerTips (Part 2), makes you appreciate the sheer genius of his work.

Martha Reeves And The Vandellas enjoyed a successful run of hits from the mid 60's to around the dawn of the 70's with titles such as the sparse, well-crafted Pop tune, HeatWave and the joyous Dancing In The Street. Their acheivements were perharps overshadowed by the enormous blockbuster success of Diana Ross And The Supremes who pumped out three no.1 hits in a row in 1964. Some of their greatest hits are here such as Where Did Our Love Go, Stop! In The Name Of Love and their touching swan song, Someday We'll Be Together but more soulful offerings such as Love Child, I'm Living In Shame, Reflections, My World Is Empty Without You and Love Is Like An Itching in My Heart, are curiously left out as these are just some of their most spectacular and exciting recordings.

Another one of Motown's more overlooked acts was the fantastic Junior Walker & The All Stars, where they bought a touch of Jazz & Blues to their mainstream R&B sound. Shotgun is sensational, featuring an effective saxophone interlude played throughout the classic whilst Motown's first solo female singer Mary Wells is featured with her only major cross-Atlantic hit, My Guy.

The Four Tops were consistently excellent throughout their time with Motown and Levi Stubb's rocketing vocals were completley astounding. Again some odd choices left out of this set such as the chilling 7 Rooms Of Gloom (one of their most compelling and exciting numbers) and the unforgetable Bernadette, but it is compensated for the inclusion of the startling Reach out I'll Be There which is nothing short of stunning. There is such passion and feeling in Levi's voice and his explosive delivery is magical.

Its interesting to hear Gladys Knight And The Pips version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine, which she certainly delivers with fire and a certain sassiness though Marvin Gaye's version remains first choice. Marvin Gaye was one of the most definitive artists at Motown (along with Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson) with his creative and highly original songwriting talents that became more indepth in the 1970's, with his songs offering social commentary and profound political statements such as on classics like What's Going On that is deservedly included on this compilation.

Two of The TempTations greatest ever recording are included here with the rip-roaring Ball Of Confusion which also saw them experimenting in new sounds and styles, exploring social and political issues whilst their are undertones of hot, pulsating funk on the classic Papa Was A Rollin' Stone.

The Jackson 5's first major hit, I Want You Back, slightly loses the traditional Motown sound sounding too much like out and out pop, whilst Edwin Starr's phenomenal classic, War is positivley timeless. The upbeat Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) by Stevie Wonder, the glorious The Tears Of A Clown, It's A Shame by The Detroit Spinners and Jimmy Mack by Martha Reeves And The Vandellas are just some of the other highlights included here.

There is strangley nothing from Diana Ross' solo career who churned out a string of hot Soul/R&B classics in the early 70's with such acclaimed titles as Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Touch Me In The Morning and Remember Me but The Supremes first track without Diana is included which was the sparse and infectious, Up The Ladder To The Roof which featured the line-up of Jean Terrell as Diana's replacement for lead singer and Mary Wilson (who remained with the group through to the bitter end) and Cindy Birdsong as backing vocalists.

Following Motowns headquarters move from Detroit to L.A. in the early seventies, the golden and distinct Motown sound ceased to exist as encapsulated on this album. Still the magic wasn't over and whilst some of the acts graually faded from view, artists like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder continued to have blockbuster success with their singles and albums. Its the 1960's that Motown will always be remembered for. Motown stands as a landmark in the history of black music and also plays an important part in the history of Pop music in the twentieth century. Never again has there been a record label that managed to capture such an exciting and distinct sound with a series of different artists. Superb compilation, delivered by some of the most unique talents of that era!


Ian Phillips

Motown Worth It.......2005-08-31

My order was excellent. I received it very fast. Quality was just excellent. Cd was in perfect condition and the music just excellent. I would recommend it for anyone who likes motown or just plain out like the oldies.

The Best of the Best of Motown.......2003-09-06

As a former native Detroiter who grew up with this music (and has a considerable vinyl Motown collection), I was looking for a good classic collection to take along with me to listen to in the car, in the office, etc. This is one of the best brief (2 CD -40 song) Motown collection that I've seen.

True, it is primarily a condesation of the more comprehensive Hitsville 1959-1971 collection. But in one respect it is definitely better, and that is regarding the Supremes. The Hitsville collection inexplicably omits their signature hits Where Did Our Love Go and Stop! In the Name of Love, as well as their swan song Someday We'll Be Together, all of which are on this collection. This collection also keeps the maximum number of songs per act to five, which enables it to include great hit songs by lesser known groups such as the Undisputed Truth and the Contours.

Above all, this is the Best of the Best of Motown (16 of these songs were No. 1 Pop Hits, only one song - Money - did not make the Top 20), and that is very good indeed.

Perfect! Motown will forever stand!.......2003-06-27

To me, Motown is the greatest record company ever. I have never seen a record label produce so many hits in history. This is feel-good music that will keep you dancing, make you sing along, and make you want to crank the sound up. The sound is not bad at all, it is excellent. If the Hitsville U.S.A. box sets are too complex and you're just going for the basics, this is perfect for you. I love every song on here. I might have substituted Gladys Knight and the Pips' "Neither One Of Us" with their other hit "Midnight Train to Georgia." "Motown-The Classic Years" is a definitive collection of Motown hits you can't do without.

Average customer rating: love to boogie Not as good as Volumes 1 & 2, but better than Volumes 4-7 Get Down Tonight They Call It Boogie Fever Admirable Collection of Disco

The Disco Years, Vol. 3: Boogie Fever Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Disco | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music 1970s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1970-1979 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Disco Years, Vol. 1: Turn the Beat Around The Disco Years, Vol. 2: On the Beat The Disco Years, Vol. 4: Lost in Music The Disco Years, Vol. 5: Must Be the Music Disco Nights, Vol. 6: #1 Disco Hits ASIN: B0000032DE Release Date: 1992-05-12

Tracks:

1. Rock The Boat - The Hues Corporation
2. Get Down Tonight - KC And The Sunshine Band
3. Boogie Fever - The Sylvers
4. Doctor's Orders - Carol Douglas
5. I Love The Nightlife (Disco 'Round) - Alicia Bridges
6. Get Off - Foxy
7. Macho Man - Village People
8. Young Hearts Run Free - Candi Staton
9. Dancing Machine - The Jackson 5
10. Love Machine, Pt. 1 - The Miracles
11. Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango
12. Dance (Disco Heat) - Sylvester
13. Hot Shot - Karen Young
14. Le Freak - Chic
15. We Are Family - Sister Sledge
16. The Glow Of Love - Change
17. Knock On Wood - Amii Stewart
18. Bad Girls - Donna Summer

Album Description

Chronicling the much-beloved/maligned genre from its rise in the mid-'70s to the early 80s, this seven-volume series features all of disco's greatest artists, biggest chart hits, and most important underground club smashes. Guaranteed to make you get up and boogie!

Customer Reviews:

love to boogie.......2005-08-02

this cd is very good. this cd makes me want to BOOGIE. this cd is a wise investment.

Not as good as Volumes 1 & 2, but better than Volumes 4-7.......2005-04-05

Rhino had so much success with Volumes 1 & 2 of this series that they issued 4 more volumes in 1992. In my previous reviews for CD's in this series, I mentioned some disco songs that I wished had made it on previous volumes. The same holds true for these subsequent volumes. Most of the songs here are all great songs, but many of them I already had on the individual artists greatest hits compilations.

The 5 Star songs included here are:
1. Rock the Boat - The Hues Corporation (the first official disco record)
2. Get Down Tonight - KC & the Sunshine Band
3. I Love the Nightlife (Disco 'Round) - Alicia Bridges
4. Get Off - Foxy (the liner notes call this song annoying, but I love it and I also love this groups other hit from 1979, "Hot Number")
5. Macho Man - The Village People
6. Young Hearts Run Free - Candi Staton
7. Le Freak - Chic
8. We are Family - Sister Sledge
9. The Glow of Love - Change (featuring Luther Vandross on vocals)
10. Knock on Wood - Amii Stewart
11. Bad Girls - Donna Summer

The 3 Star songs(OK, but not great) included here are:
1. Boogie Fever - The Sylvers
2. Doctors Orders - Carol Douglas
3. Dancing Machine - Jackson 5
4. Love Machine - The Miracles
5. Dance (Disco Heat) - Sylvester
6. Hot Shot - Karen Young

The 1 Star song that could have been left off all together as far as I am concerned:
Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango

11 great songs, 6 good songs, and 1 dud is not bad for a compilation CD. Believe me, some of the later volumes get worse than this one. Recommended.

Get Down Tonight.......2004-05-16

Get Down Tonight, Get Off and Soul Makossa. I love all these songs. They stand the test of time. Donna Summer, Village People and Sylvester. The very best from the disco era. This is a must have collection for any true dance/ disco fan.

They Call It Boogie Fever.......1999-10-02

Again, Rhino dishes up more good disco from the 70's. Highlights include the favorites "Rock the Boat", "Get DOwn Tonight", "We Are Family" and "Bad Girls", as well as the not-as-often-encountered "Soul Makossa" and the rather mature (for disco anyway) "Young Hearts Run Free". A few of the tracks simply never did it for me - "Dancing Machine" sounds like a parody, and the liner notes don't lie when they call "Get Off" possibly one of the most annoying disco songs ever. In all, another good collection for you if you "want some ack-SHAWN."

Admirable Collection of Disco.......1998-07-01

Despite a few oddities, the bulk of this CD is disco and pop hits from 1974 - 80. It's not as comprehensive as volume one, but it does boast all-original versions and great sound.

Average customer rating: An imperfect but must-have collection for Wonder Years fans Essential Wonder Years Don't be fooled by 5 CD Box Set NOSTALGIC HEAVEN Wow, man. I'm back in the 70's!

Music From The Wonder Years: 5 Disc Set (1983-93 Television Series) Various Artists Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Bubblegum | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Bargain Box Sets | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: The Wonder Years (1988-93 Television Series) ASIN: B000001VWQ Release Date: 1994-03-08

Tracks:

1. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - Marvin Gaye
2. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
3. You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
4. Like To Get To Know You - Spanky And Our Girl
5. My Girl - The Temptations
6. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
7. A Groovy Kind Of Love - Mind Benders
8. Love Is Blue - Paul Mauriat
9. I Wonder What She's Doing Tonite - Boyce & Hart
10. Someday We'll Be Together - Diana Ross & The Supremes

Tracks:

1. United We Stand - Brotherhood Of Man
2. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
3. Catch The Wind - Donovan
4. We Can Fly - The Cowsills
5. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
6. Tequila - The Champs
7. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
8. Wipeout - The Surfaris
9. Hoochie Coochie Man - Muddy Waters
10. With A Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker

Tracks:

1. Winchester Cathedral - The New Vaudeville Band
2. Never On Sunday - Chordettes
3. Judy In Disguise - John Fred And His Playboy Band
4. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
5. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye - Steam
6. Wake Up Little Susie - The Everly Brothers
7. War - Edwin Starr
8. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
9. Hair - The Cowsills
10. Summertime Blues - Blue Cheer

Tracks:

1. ABC - The Jackson 5
2. It's My Party - Leslie Gore
3. Sky Pilot - Eric Burdon & The Animals
4. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
5. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters
6. (Let Me Tell You About) The Birds And The Bees - Jewel Akens
7. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
8. Takin' Care Of Business - Bachman-Turner Overdrive
9. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross & The Supremes
10. If I Didn't Care - Ink Spots

Tracks:

1. Happy Together - The Turtles
2. Little Green Apples - Roger Miller
3. The Tears Of A Clown - Smokey Robinson And The Miracles
4. Sealed With A Kiss - Bryan Hyland
5. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
6. The Tracks Of My Tears - Smokey Robinson And The Miracles
7. Walk Away Renee - Four Tops
8. The Morning After - Maureen McGovern
9. Original Music From The Wonder Years - Music From The Wonder Years
10. Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon) - The Moody Blues

Customer Reviews:

An imperfect but must-have collection for Wonder Years fans.......2003-09-28

This 5-CD collection of songs from The Wonder Years and the era in which the show was based is a must-have for devoted Wonder Years fans. It is easy to find fault with some of the tracks collected here, and some of the show's most important, memorable music is absent, yet this collection does bring back vivid memories of the good times spent with Kevin, Paul, and Winnie while continuing to touch hearts with some of its more impressive offerings. You get 50 songs in all, 10 of which are exquisite Snuffy Walden compositions written specifically for the show - these tracks, much more than the top 40 type songs making up the remainder of the album, are the real magic key to some of the best of times from The Wonder Years. Among the most notable tracks to be found in this collection are My Girl by the Temptations, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by the Platters, Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Someday We'll Be Together by Diana Ross & the Supremes, The Tears of a Clown and The Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and With a Little Help From My Friends and You are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker. An eclectic mix of contemporary songs rounds out the remainder of the musical selections, and these can be hit or miss at times.

All Wonder Years fans could write volumes asking why certain songs were not included on these albums. My own list of the tracks that should be here but are not would begin with In My Life by Judy Collins, When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge, I'm a Believer by The Monkees, Tell It Like It Is by Aaron Neville, and There's a Kind of Hush by Herman and the Hermits. Episode 37, "St. Valentine's Massacre," is in my opinion the most important episode in the show's five-year run, yet two critical songs (Jimmy Ruffin's What Becomes of the Broken Hearted and the Marvin Gaye-Tammi Terrell duet You're All I Need to Get By) from that greatest of episodes are not here, and that's a shame. I could go on and on, as could any fan. In the end, though, we must feel blessed by what we have rather than moan about what we lack, and there truly are some great classic songs in this set that will have extra special meaning to those who considered The Wonder Years as not only a favorite television series but a part of our very lives.

Essential Wonder Years.......2002-02-13

Even if you've never seen The Wonder Years, then these CD's are worth it for the music, from the tingling MY GIRL from The Temptations to the origional music there is something for everybody. Anybody over 35/40 will enjoy the classics of the era. If you've followed the TV series then you can almost see the scenes played out whilst listening to the music. There are some great songs missing like Percy Sledge - When a man loves a woman and Bob Segar - We've got tonight.
Buy this and you won't be dissapointed

Don't be fooled by 5 CD Box Set.......2002-01-15

Don't be fooled by the advertised 5 disc box set. Each disc contains an average of 29 minutes of music. This "Box Set" could have easily been condensed to 2 discs. There are repeated selections of "Original Music From The Wonder Years" throughout all five discs. The same "Original Music" is on every disc!

While the song list is impressive and welcomed, the recording quality is poor. It sounds like the label, "LaserLight Digital", did this "on the cheap." Some of the songs sound like they were transfered from a used LP, with pops & scratches. I was astounded at how poorly this set sounded.

I liked "The Wonder Years" and hoped that this soundtrack would reflect the quality of the show. The song selection did. However, as with the poor reviews concerning the quality of the DVD & VHS copies of the show (also produced by LaserLight Digital), the public is being short-changed with this collection.

For those wanting a similar collection of songs from the same time period, I would recommend the soundtrack to "Forrest Gump."

NOSTALGIC HEAVEN.......2001-11-10

This was the one show on TV,in Ireland, in recent years that my wife, sons,daughters & I would watch as family. I being a child of the 60's could connect with the story line and needless to say the music was magic. However until I heard these CD's I had overlooked the 'Snuffy' Walden instrumental music ,which I now realise is so thematic and is very memorable. The other issue here was that Kevin was so like my youngest son and we could identify a local girl with Winnie. He was teased something terrible about this and still likes to think of himself as Kevin -whenever the reruns are on TV . As he turns 21 in a few weeks I will no doubt slip in some of the WY music to his party list !
A real memory spinner for people who enjoyed the little bit of weekly escapism that (was) is the WY's.

Wow, man. I'm back in the 70's!.......2001-04-21

Oh my... that really took me back to my youth. I loved it so much. Every day, when I'm working in my shed, I listen to that CD and think a little about all those years I've left behind. I really do miss them. Times have changed since I was a young wee gal, they've changed alot. I'm sure everyone would agree that a chance to have your youth back is a chance to take! Buy this CD, and you'll go back thirty years!

Average customer rating: Billy Eckstine ...Motown Years You Just Can't Go Wrong With Mr. B.!!! Very interesting 'anthology' FINALLY!!! Magnificent Legacy -- Poor Digital Remastering

Motown Years Billy Eckstine Manufacturer: Universal/Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Motown Collection The Collection The Motown Collection Motown Anthology Motown Anthology ASIN: B000063E3R Release Date: 2004-01-19

Tracks:

1. The Prime Of My Life
2. Maybe Today
3. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
4. As Long As She Needs Me
5. Down To Earth
6. Feeling Good
7. Had You Been Around
8. Love Is Gone
9. Just Loving You
10. Climb Ev'ry Mountain
11. Fantasy
12. This Is All I Ask
13. A Warmer World
14. I Did It All For You
15. My Way
16. And There You Were
17. I Wish You Were Here
18. The Answer Is Love
19. A Man Needs A Woman
20. Quiet Room
21. Lost In The Stars
22. I'll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her
23. Talk To Me
24. Once In A Lifetime
25. For Love Of Ivy
26. Time After Time
27. Gentle On My Mind
28. Together Til The End Of Time
29. I'll Be Here With You
30. Nothin But Trouble
31. A Women
32. I Need A Dream
33. The More I See You
34. Good Morning Heartache
35. You Better Believe It
36. Slender Thread
37. I Wonder Why (Nobody Loves Me)
38. I've Been Pissed
39. Thank You Love
40. Anyone Here Going My Way
41. My Cup Runneth Over
42. Ask The Lonely
43. Oh How Happy
44. It's All In The Game
45. A Time For Love
46. Little Green Apples
47. A Place In The Sun
48. The Love Line

Album Description

2003 compilation from the acclaimed jazz/pop vocalist features 48 tracks, remastered from the original Motown master tapes, including 5 non-LP singles, 'Slender Thread', 'I Wonder Why (Nobody Loves Me)', 'I've Been Blessed', 'Thank You Love', & 'Anyone Here Going My Way', along with 8 previously unreleased tracks, 'My Cup Runneth Over', 'Ask The Lonely', 'Oh How Happy', 'It's All In The Game', 'A Time For Love', 'Little Green Apples', 'A Place In The Sun', & 'The Love Line'. The set is rounded out by material from the albums, 'The Prime Of My Life (1965), 'My Way' (1966), 'For Love Of Ivy' a.k.a. 'Gentle On My Mind' (1969). Includes 12-page booklet with photos & liner notes. Universal.

Album Details

Billy Eckstine Became One of the Most Distinctive of all Ballad Singers, a Pivotal Figure in the History of Jazz and the Very First Black Singer to Achieve Lasting Success in Mainstream Pop. After a Fruitful Career in Jazz Bands, Championing the Likes of Sarah Vaughan and Charlie Parker, Billy Opted for a Solo Career in the Early 1940's with a Signing to Mgm in 1947. This Spawned his Incredibly Successful Jazz Career, Including Much Wonderful Duet Work with Sarah Vaughan for which the Pair Became Renowned, which Spanned Through to the Mid 1960's Where his Association with Motown Began. Eckstine was Signed by a Berry Gordy Keen to Expand his Empire Into the Lucrative Mor Market, Billy's Unique Ballad Style Being Perfect for this Repertoire, and Many Single Releases plus Three Albums were to Follow. 'the Motown Years' features all Material from all Three Albums 'the Prime of My Life', 'my Way' and 'gentle on My Mind' , plus all the Singles, B-sides and Eight Bonus Previously Unreleased Cuts.

Customer Reviews:

Billy Eckstine ...Motown Years.......2006-11-03

I love Billy Eckstine music and this CD set is one of the best. Prime of my Life is my all time favorite.

You Just Can't Go Wrong With Mr. B.!!! .......2006-08-25

Some things work together, some thing don't! Which is what happened here....During the years Billy Eckstine was with Motown, they (Motown) was having some of their biggest hits in the history of the company! Great for Motown, Bad for Billy Eckstine. Although he did recorded 3 Excellent album for the company....Motown just didn't know what to do with him. Now if you want to surprise someone who into Billy Eckstine THIS is the one! Wonderful Strings, Top Notch Arrangements, Etc., Of the Unreleased Tracks, Let's just say they several of them just wouldn't have fit in the "Original" Albums because they did try to push the "Motown Sound" on Mr. B., but it wasn't working, but they are very interesting to hear where they (Motown) was trying to take Billy Eckstine. Overall Find it! Buy it!

Very interesting 'anthology'.......2006-01-25

This is a very interesting collection. It is so chock a block full of cuts that I consider it an anthology. It traces every date of all the previously unavailable songs, the singles and the previously unreleased cuts. It also has a lot of detail about who produced each song and the date of the release of the original albums as well as who wrote each and every song.

But, to the music. The album 'Prime of my life' is essentially vintage eckstine, though the low end is a bit stronger. The lyrics are a bit different to what he'd usually sing. My Way really shows a new influence in his music. The foreground has beautiful strings and the background has a rich, often exotic beat. There are also some big ballads to accompany these soughts of songs. I wasn't happy about 'Lost in the stars' for lyrical reasons. Those two albums comprise disc one. I would say they are very pleasant albums which are nice to listen to. His voice is fine, too.

The last album for Motown, 'For Love of Ivy' features characteristically rich Eckstine ballad sprinkled with more Motown-ish ballads and a few more sultry numbers. One, 'Nothing but trouble' is a sultry blues/swing number which was written by Eckstine Himself, while he cowrote the boistrous 'You better believe it' which has a lyrical theme along the lines of Bob Dylan's 'Like A Rolling Stone' only not as obtuse. It's a very interesting lyric, there's a line about how the engagement ring is the only thing about 'her' that's got class. I definitely like 'For Love of Ivy' the best. The second disc is supplemented with terrific bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are, bar a few big ballads, punchy little motown pop gems. I definitely dig 'The love line'. You'll have trouble getting it out of your head. Other catchy gems include 'My Cup Runneth Over', 'A Place in the sun' and 'Oh how happy. There's are all previously unreleased tracks, but I think those four songs are probably the ebst sandidates for a possible charting hit, though I doubt anything would have charted; charts generally ignore artists who have been around for a while. And everyone was heels over head about psychedelia at the time. The non-lp singles are also pretty cool. 'Slender Thread' is a very sophisticated tune, featuring a harpsichord. The lyric is a strange one that could be interpreted as a suicide. Another interesting track is 'Little Green apples', which is probably only second to 'Love Line' For catchiness but the lyric may be seen as blasphemous. A matter of interpretation. There are also some Four Tops sounding numbers in these singles/previously unreleased songs.

This is a very interesting documentation of Billy Eckstine's Motown era, one of the reasons it's so interesting is because it gives an insight into how an older act was dealing with new musical scenes that were now rendering him 'yesterday's music', as well as dealing with a new label. Throughout these discs you can hear songs were an attempt is made to update his sound, as well as old-date newer styles, in his way. This makes for some original tracks. There is also plenty of vintage-type material that will please the Mr.B fan. Thanks for Reading, from Brendan.

PS: Favourite tracks include: 'For love of Ivy', 'Love Line', 'Good morning heartache', 'A Woman', 'Oh how happy', 'My cup Runneth Over'.

FINALLY!!!.......2004-08-15

I KNEW the Motown sessions would NEVER be available on CD. Just KNEW it.

Here they are.

If I had one complaint....the low end is a little hot...but, hey...turn the bass down.

Magnificent Legacy -- Poor Digital Remastering.......2004-02-02

I have been waiting since the early 1990's for Motown to release its collection of Billy Eckstine's mid-1960's sessions with the fabled Detroit label. The two-CD package includes all three of Eckstine's Motown albums (The Prime of My Life, My Way, For Love of Ivy), all of his single releases for the label not included on the albums, and a handful of never-before-released tracks. The CD producer maintains that this represents the complete set of Billy Eckstine recordings at Motown from 1964-1969. The songs are magnificent in orchestration, and "Mr. B," in his 50's, has the mellow, clear, and strong voice that distinguished his legendary recordings from the 1940's. The repertoire includes standards, show tunes, Motown gems arranged for Eckstine's special treatment, and some of the sappy lounge songs popular during the middle 1960's. It is a unique and essential part of the Motown legacy, a historical artifact of value...the great "Mr. B" of the 1940's giving his imprimatur to Berry Gordy's dream of a "raceless" music at Motown during the 1960's.

These songs were recorded at the Motown studios during the era that produced the great Detroit classics such as "My Girl," "You Can't Hurry Love," "Reach Out I'll Be There," "The Tears of a Clown," and the lengedary Rodgers and Hart collection by The Supremes. Even on the rudimentary "white border" CD's Motown rushed to market in the middle 1980's, the music generated at Hitsville, U.S.A.'s Studio A and at the Greystone Ballroom during these years is remastered with full stereophonic separation, great clarity of horns and strings, and solid, reverberating percussion and bass. I find it hard to believe that the 48 Billy Eckstine master tapes in the Motown vaults deteriorated to the point that these characteristics were lost by the time they were digitally remastered. The regrettable outcome is that the "Billy Eckstine The Motown Years" CD set is a poorly remastered product...flat, poor stereophonic separation, garbled dissonance between vocals and orchestration on some tracks, and a general lack of clarity. The producer writes in the liner notes that there is a "flutter" in one of the tracks which existed on the original vinyl records and was traced back to the master tapes. However, he offers no explanation as to why much of the remainder of the collection, even when played on a $1,000 + stereo system, sounds as if it were being played on a middle-1960's $19.95 plastic, one-speaker phonograph designed for children.

So Motown and "Mr. B" fans, yes, buy this collection because it is the only way we will have access to this rich, important, and unique Motown legacy. Enjoy what it is, what it contains, and what it represents, and endure the poor engineering with a shrug and a sigh. After all, Universal Music's remastering operation in New York City in the 2000's isn't Motown's Studio A at Hitsville, U.S.A. during the 1960's. Many of us believe that one can only find the magic of Motown at 2648 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit 8, Mich., where it lingers still.

Average customer rating: This is the real deal classic

Soul Train: The Dance Years 1971 Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Soul Train: The Dance Years 1972 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1975 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1973 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1978 Billboard Hot Soul Hits: 1971 ASIN: B00004SWEU Release Date: 2000-05-23

Tracks:

1. Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight
2. Treat Her Like A Lady - Cornelius Brothers/Sister Rose
3. Never Can Say Goodbye - The Jackson 5
4. Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
5. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) - The Temptations
6. She's Not Just Another Woman - The 8th Day
7. Want Ads - The Honey Cone
8. Thin Line Between Love & Hate - The Persuaders
9. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
10. Respect Yourself - The Staple Singers
11. Groove Me - King Floyd
12. Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get - Dramatics
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Aretha Franklin
14. Have You Seen Her - Chi-Lites

Customer Reviews:

This is the real deal.......2004-10-18

There is a lost goodie in here by Bell and James not to mention the 1979 theme song of the World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates.

classic.......2000-06-22

a gathering of great songs and singers.this is music at its best.

Average customer rating: It's always better the second time around!

Soul Train: The Dance Years 1970 Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Soul Train: The Dance Years 1971 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1973 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1972 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1978 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1979 ASIN: B00004SWET Release Date: 2000-05-23

Tracks:

1. ABC - The Jackson 5
2. Turn Back The Hands Of Time - Tyrone Davis
3. Give Me Just A Little More Time - Chairmen Of The Board
4. Band Of Gold - Freda Payne
5. Rainy Night In Georgia - Brook Benton
6. Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) - The Temptations
7. Spill The Wine - Eric Brudon/War
8. Super Bad (Part 1 & Part 2) - James Brown
9. War - Edwin Starr
10. Somebody's Been Sleeping - 100 Proof Aged In Soul
11. Love On A Two-Way Street - The Moments
12. The Tears Of A Clown - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
13. O-o-h Child - The 5 Stairstep
14. Westbound #9 - The Flaming Ember

Customer Reviews:

It's always better the second time around!.......2000-07-09

Listening to this CD brought back all of the best memories from a time when the grooves were jumping, the bass was thumping, and everyone could get out and dance to their hearts content. This CD is one of the best compilations of R&B anywhere, with unbelievable sound quality on some of the best classics around. Frankly I don't remember these songs sounding this good back in 1970! Every track is a genuine hit, from start to finish, making this CD arguably the best of the best from 1970. To listen to these great artists at their prime is a delightful treat that just can't be duplicated. No R&B collection would be complete without these timeless gems that shine as brightly today as they did 30 years ago. This CD is a remarkable part of an extraordinary soul train collection. The only thing better than owning this CD is owning the entire collection. My advice: buy it now and share it with someone you love tonight!

Average customer rating:

Soul Train: The Dance Years 1973 Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Soul Train: The Dance Years 1972 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1971 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1975 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1978 Soul Train: The Dance Years 1977 ASIN: B00004U00Z Release Date: 2000-07-18

Tracks:

1. Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye
2. Pillow Talk - Sylvia
3. Keep On Truckin' (Part 1) - Eddie Kendricks
4. Could Be I'm Falling In Love - Spinners
5. Break Up To Make Up - The Stylistics
6. The Cisco Kid - War
7. Superfly - Curtis Mayfield
8. Natural High - Bloodstone
9. If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) - The Staple Singers
10. Why Can't We Live Together - Timmy Thomas
11. I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby - Barry White
12. Right Place Wrong Time - Dr. John
13. Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do) - Aretha Franklin
14. MIdnight Train To Georgia - Gladys Knight & The Pips

Average customer rating: An Excellent Motown Overview

The Motown Story: First 25 Years Various Artists Manufacturer: Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1970s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1970-1979 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music ASIN: B000008IOC Release Date: 1990-10-25

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Motown Overview.......2003-08-10

After reading Berry Gordy's auto biography-"To Be Loved"-I pulled this Motown compilation out-and thoughly enjoyed the choices that make up this CD. (I have the original 5 LP record collection as well)

The between track narrative soundbites give this collection a slight documentary feel-not just songs slapped together.
I am by no means a Motown scholar-but I also suggest the books, Call Her Miss Ross and Dreamgirls which deal specifically with The Supremes. The Motown 25 Video is interesting if you can find it-with a young Michael Jackson stealing the show with Billy Jean.

Another reason for getting this-is to hear the Funk Brothers who backed up the singers on the majority of hits. Bassist, (Igor); James Jamerson, guitarist Robert White, drummer Benny Benjamin, B-3 organist 'chunk of funk', Earl Van Dyke which can be seen in the execellent DVD -Standing in the Shadows of Motown.
HDH (Holland, Dozier Holland) contributed to many Motown hits-but the writing ideas came from many different workers of song, in the Motown assembly line.

There are hundreds of other Motown songs worth listening to, but this will show what Motown could put out, at full operating strength. If you were around in the '60's-you know the impact of these songs on AM radio. The Sound of Young Amercia; Ford Mustangs and dancing in the streets!

Average customer rating: Driving Music For the Mind

This Twisted Road Manufacturer: Sub-Dude Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAD94W Release Date: 2001-07-24

Customer Reviews:

Driving Music For the Mind.......2006-08-29

'Sensitive Songwriting' is Severin Browne's niche....
Every track on 'This Twisted Road' elicits a different set of emotions out of its' listener.....
Right away he warns you that nothing's as it seems.....
....& this time, he's showing off his talent with a strong, 'Thinking Mans'- Delivery' style...
You'll definitely notice the strong likeness to Kenny Loggins in his title cut....
You also get a taste of Severin from the past in 'Sweet,Stupid Dreams' a song he wrote in 1978...
All in All.... 'This Twisted Road' is a strong set of hooks delivered to you through a relaxed, reflective, mystical standpoint....
The hooks get in-and stay in.....
......An easy thing to do...for a Teacher of Music, and Songwriting.

Average customer rating: CD1 is jam packed with the best from their solo years A testament to their greatness 2 Thumbs Up! Temptin' , One by One! Simply marvelous......

One by One: The Best of Their Solo Years The Temptations Manufacturer: Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Great David Ruffin: The Motown Solo Albums, Vol. 2 Get Ready: Definitive Performances 1965-1972 [DVD] - The Temptations ASIN: B000001AAN Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

1. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
2. I've Lost Everything I've Ever Loved
3. I'm So Glad I Fell For You
4. Which Way To My Baby
5. The Double Cross
6. It's So Hard For Me To Say Good-Bye
7. This Used To Be The Home Of Johnnie Mae
8. Can I
9. If You Let Me
10. Girl You Need A Change Of Mind
11. Date With The Rain
12. Eddie's Love
13. Feel Like Givin' Up
14. Once You Had A Heart
15. I Miss You
16. Common Man
17. Darling Come Back Home
18. Keep On Truckin'
19. Tell Her Love Has Felt The Need

Tracks:

1. Boogie Down
2. Shoeshine Boy
3. Happy
4. Get The Cream Off The Top
5. Walk Away From Love
6. Heavy Love
7. Statue Of A Fool
8. He's A Friend
9. When The Lights Come Down On Love
10. Everything's Coming Up Love
11. Just Let Me Hold You For A Night
12. You're My Peace Of Mind
13. Don't Look Any Further
14. (You're My) Aphrodisiac
15. Coolin' Out
16. Soulmate

Customer Reviews:

CD1 is jam packed with the best from their solo years.......2003-05-13

Unlike most groups perhaps, the Temptations were gifted with such an abundance of vocal talent that solid solo careers ought to have emerged for their individual members after they departed the group. Some succeeded better than others and those that didn't failed for reasons that had more to do with business politics, poor timing or plain bad luck than anything else.

Paul Williams, who sang lead on many of the Temptations' earliest recordings, suffered the same fate as Florence Ballard of the Supremes. He found himself increasingly sidelined after the alternating lead voices of Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin became synonymous with the sound of the Temptations following a long run of hits that stretched through nearly the end of the 60s decade. A tragedy....as Paul's was the all-time voice of heartache. The desperation of "Feel Like Giving Up" is so intense it hurts. "Once You Had A Heart" is another quality song, sung with great passion and feeling. Had he not met his tragic end so early in his career, we would surely have more than these two gems to remember him by.

David Ruffins, whose gruff and gritty tenor defined those mid-60s smashes, never attained the heights of stardom as a solo artiste after he left the group in 1968. Despite being remembered mainly for his first and only sizeable 60s hit, "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)", his best solo recordings during this period weren't singles but album tracks. "Double Cross" is gorgeous, truly sublime. So are "I Miss You" (better than Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' version) and "Common Man". These three tracks are vintage Ruffin. Though he had another major hit in the 70s with "Walk Away From Love" and some others, David's later recordings weren't all that compelling. Like much of Motown's 70s output, they lacked distinction. As if to adapt to the changing musical climate, you even hear Philly influences creeping in. Just listen to the shuffling beat and orchestral flourishes on "Walk Away From Love".

But it is Eddie Kendricks, whose famous falsetto graced so many Temptations hits, who is best represented and comes off best on this 2CD set. Eddie had arguably the most successful solo career of them all with two monster smashes "Keep On Trucking" and "Boogie Down" tucked under his belt, but like David Ruffin, these weren't the best things Eddie did with Motown. Opening with his debut single, the gloriously soulful and funky ballad "It's So Hard For Me To Say Goodbye" (covered by the Jean Terrell-led Supremes on their "Touch" album), the brace of seven tracks that sit at the heart of CD1 represents for me the best of Eddie's solo recordings as well as a purple patch of uninterrupted bliss on this 2CD set. These songs and Eddie's performance are just incredible. Listen to his underated natural tenor on the stunningly beautiful "This Used To Be The Home Of Johnnie Mae" or on "Can I", the tenderest of ballads which midway changes tempo and develops into something completely unexpected. "If You Let Me" is another delightful midtempo number that paves the way for "Girl You Need A Change of Mind", surely the funkiest and toughest dance track on the right side of disco to have been recorded.....and if by then you still need reminding of Eddie's legacy, buried right at the end of CD1 is another highlight. Eddie's heavenly falsetto on the opening line of "Tell Her Love Has Felt The Need" gave me instant goosebumps and an intimation of what the voice of angels must sound like. Sadly, nothing on CD2 by Eddie comes remotely close to the quality of material on CD1. "Shoeshine Boy" may be a big hit but it's pedestrian.

Unfortunately for Dennis Edwards, whose powerful and gritty voice defined the sound of the Temptations' late 60s hits from their psychedelic era, by the time he left the group, the music scene had changed inexorably and there was little about Motown that was Motown, so his solo contributions on this collection are largely unmemorable. It's not his fault, just simply a case of bad timing.

"One By One" is a "must have" for all fans of the Temptations and their lead vocalists. CD1 is absolutely essential. Alone, it is worth the price of the 2CD set. Packed to the brim with Grade A material, I would argue that CD1 is all that fans would ever need. CD2, containing mostly music from an era when Motown no longer reined supreme, pales so badly it can't help but affect the overall rating of the product. Buy it anyway for CD1 !

A testament to their greatness.......2003-01-25

Let's face facts...the best vocalists the Temptations ever had were David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams and Dennis Edwards, and the songs that they recorded with the group are timeless classics. I doubt if anyone could dispute this. But what about on their own as soloists? Well, ONE BY ONE give us more proof that these guys could still bring the house down without being Temptations.

Eddie Kendricks was by far the most successful, and this 2 CD set is dominated by both his hits and popular cuts from his albums. From him we have the unedited version of his gorgeous jazz-influenced ballad "Can I"; the isolating sadness of "This Used To Be the Home Of Johnnie Mae"; the breakup tune "Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need", the Christian-themed dance hit "He's A Friend", one of the pioneering records of the disco movement, "Girl You Need A Change Of Mind", the lively dance track "Date With the Rain" and the reggae-tinged, feel-goodness of "Eddie's Love", the last three being from Eddie's sophomore LP, the excellent PEOPLE...HOLD ON, which in my opinion is the tightest soul album ever recorded. The extended versions of his two biggest hits, "Keep On Truckin'" and "Boogie Down" are also included. His work is well represented here, although there were several other songs that should have also been added.

David Ruffin, one of the most electrifying talents ever in the Motown stable, was not so consistent as a soloist...his debut album, MY WHOLE WORLD ENDED, was a big seller in 1969. But afterward he struggled for six years, mostly recording material that really was not worthy of his talents until he blew up again in 1975 with a Van McCoy-produced tune, the exquisite "Walk Away From Love". Still, though, this collection does feature some real gems, like "The Double Cross", "Common Man", "Heavy Love", "Everything's Coming Up Love", "Just Let Me Hold You For A Night" and "Statue of A Fool". His version of Gamble and Huff's "I Miss You" kind of pales in comparison to the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' rendition, but he gives it a good effort.

What saddens me the most about the Paul Williams' songs "Feel Like Givin' Up" and "Once You Had a Heart" is the promise that was lost when Paul died in 1973. We can only wonder what would have happened in his career had he lived and these songs were released then. It's plain to see that this man was remarkably talented. But if you can put aside the sense of loss for a few minutes when you listen to his contribution to this CD, you will see and hear that Paul had one of the most soulful and heartfelt voices ever. By the way, "Feel Like Givin' Up" was written and produced by none other than Paul's best friend, Eddie Kendricks!

Dennis Edwards really didn't come into his own until the 1980s, but when he did, he set the music world on its ear, with the much sampled R&B classic "Don't Look Any Further" (1984). Prior to then, Dennis was in and out of the Temptations: his first solo single, "Which Way To My Baby" (1967) was never released and it wasn't until the mid '70s that Dennis became a soloist again with another unreleased single, "When The Lights Come Down On Love". Also featuring Dennis on lead vocals is a haunting, bluesy ballad that was originally slated for the Temptations' 1975 album A SONG FOR YOU, but was pulled at the last minute: "Soulmate".

So there you have it. These guys were the greatest of all the Temptations! David, Eddie and Paul are gone, but in this collection, their memories burn bright!

2 Thumbs Up!.......2002-01-15

This 2 cd set is wonderful. It makes you want to love The Tempts more, it shows they had a voice of their own, and they could do good on their own. A lot of these songs on this cd should of been released they could of been hits, like I Feel Like Givin' Up and Once You Had A Heart- by Paul Williams, Paul Williams really sounded soulful. A lot of David Ruffin's and Dennis Edwards songs were not released but sounds great and they sound so soulful. Eddie Kendricks probably was the most successful solo artist, all of his songs were released. But this is a most for Tempts fans who want to know what the former Tempts had to offer outside The Temptations. Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and David Ruffin probably was more successful then The Temptations in the 70s.

Temptin' , One by One!.......2000-04-07

This two CD package was heaven sent when released a couple years ago. I do think, however, that Motown has many many unreleased gems that could have been included here and are not. Case in point, Paul's magnificent "Last One Out" (w/ the Tempts) which appears on the '99 release "Lost and Found, You've Got to Earn It" would fit here nicely. Or Dennis' "What Become Of the Brokenhearted". But what is here is great and representative of what made/makes Paul, Eddie, David and Dennis great vocalists and not just great Temptations group members. Great songs "Soul Mate", "Johnnie Mae", "Statute of a Fool", "Don't Look Any Further", "Can I" "Once You Had A Heart" the list goes on and on. A 3rd CD could have been added easily for me. I guess like James Brown, "I'm a Greedy Man".

Simply marvelous.............1999-09-30

though they needed more songs by Paul Williams. They only had two on this CD. I've always loved his voice. But the CD is great, lots of great stuff from the late great David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. "Can I" by Kendricks "I Miss You", sang by Ruffin are probably the best songs on this duo CD. And of course Dennis Edwards sounded wonderful as always.

Christian Music:

1. My Country/That Old Feeling [Import]
2. Nights [Import]
3. Old Loves Die Hard [Import]
4. Other Side [Import]
5. Over the Edge
6. Peace Be Still [Import]
7. Pick Up the Pieces & Other Hits
8. praises
9. Radio Gold, Vol. 3
10. Respect

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