Take Me Higher
Track Listings
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1. Take Me Higher
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2. If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right
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3. Voice of the Heart
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4. Let Somebody Know
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5. Keep It Right There
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6. Don't Stop
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7. Gone
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8. Only Love Can Conquer All
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9. I Never Loved a Man Before
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10. I Thought That We Were Still in Love
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11. I Will Survive
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Take Me Higher,Diana Ross,Motown / Pgd,Motown,Pop,R&B,Soul,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Urban
Take Me Higher
Average customer rating:
- Only Ms. Ross Can Conquer All!
- Diana Ross's 1995 studio entry - Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Pop & Jazz
- Her best album from the 90's
- ROSS IS STILL BOSS :PAST AND PRESENT
- DIANA ROSS' FINEST STUDIO OFFERING OF THE 90s
|
Take Me Higher
Diana Ross
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
Similar Items:
- Every Day Is a New Day
- The Force Behind the Power
- Red Hot Rhythm & Blues
- Workin' Overtime
- Blue
ASIN: B000001AAF
Release Date: 1995-09-26 |
Tracks:
- Take Me Higher
- If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right
- Voice Of The Heart
- Let Somebody Know
- Keep It Right There
- Don't Stop
- Gone
- Only Love Can Conquer All
- I Never Loved A Man Before
- I Thought That We Were Still In Love
- I Will Survive
Customer Reviews:
Only Ms. Ross Can Conquer All!.......2006-10-20
There's not alot I know about this album, except for like every album Diana Ross does, she poors her heart & soul out. "Take Me Higher" features jazz, urban funk, R&B, pop and love ballads. Since "Diana", she's been have some hits & misses, mostly misses with albums until this one, which mostly contains solid work, full of songs that compilment each other. It's a very overlooked and somewhat underrated album. "Swing It"; "Too Many Nights" and "I'm So Happy (To See You Again)" only appear on the European editions of the album. "Take Me Higher" made #10 on UK albums chart, #38 on USA Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and #114 on The Billboard 200. Singles released from the were: "Take Me Higher"; "I Will Survive"; "If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right"; "I'm Gone" and "Voice Of The Heart".
Diana Ross's 1995 studio entry - Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Pop & Jazz.......2006-05-24
In late 1995 soul music legend Diana Ross returned with her first studio project in over four years. Whilst not quite duplicating the commercial success she enjoyed in Britain with The Force Behind The Power (1991)album, it was still indeed an enduring success that rapidly swept into the U.K Top 10 Album Charts.
A series of producers are to be credited on the Take Me Higher album. These include Diana Ross herself, The Boom Brothers (a U.S Rap Group), Naranda Michael Walden (who also produced various work for another soul diva Whitney Houston), Rick Martinelli and Jon-John. Renowned producer Babyface puts his excellent production skills into full use on the more urban R&B/Hip Hop offerings (Swing It and Keep It Right There). Diana Ross obviously was wanting to hit the charts again as she once and reach that crucial younger generation that generally made up the bulk of record sales. Did she succeed? Well partially. The three singles extracted from this album sailed into the U.K Top 40 and enjoyed variable success across Europe (where she continues to be a mostly good seller).
The rip-roaring title track, Take Me Higher was inevitably lifted as the projects debut single. This fun, bouncy number was neatly blended into a striking transistion of Dance/R&B and Diana sounds utterly fantastic. The song is bursting out with energy and this proves to be the perfect vehicle for the modern-day Diana Ross sound. She had modernised her vocal approach and whilst not losing its original qualities, Diana does sound more hip and like a woman half her age (she was 51 when she recorded this album). I actually clearly remember seeing the video to this song continually played on MTV when I was 15 where my friends were also impressed with the song who previously hadn't taken much notice of her apart from whenever I played her (or rammed her down their throats as they used to say, ha. hey I was just trying to educate them about music).
Suddenly Diana Ross was hip and cool again and she successfully had re-invented herself. The accompanying video was also a dazzling affair. Many predicted this classic would go to No.1. Instead it struggled to No.32 on the U.K charts (America once again weren't interested in a new Diana Ross song) but soon after it became a popular club hit (and I loved dancing to it during my early clubbing days) and Take Me Higher is the one Diana Ross recording that i've heard sampled and re-mixed by so many different D.J's into House and Techno. Take Me Higher most certainly made an impact.
If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right was a much more urban R&B and exceedingly radio friendly number with its strong commercial vibe and contagious hooks. Nice musical arrangements here and Diana puts in a breathy, seamless vocal performance, oozing charisma and charm yet at the same time managing to sound sassy and sexy. When If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right was lifted as a single in the U.S however, it disppointingly failed to even crack the U.S Top 100 (from which she'd been absent since 1985).
This steadily leads into the aching, exotic ballad I Never Loved A Man Before which flows beautifully with divine Latin arrangements and Diana has ever proved herself the dynamic vocalist when tackling smooth, Soul-Jazz ballads such as I Never Loved A Man Before.
The album then abruptly swerves into the direction of the urban R&B market with the sublime, funky, grooving, Swing It which is just pure street! An edgy, effective Hip-Hop number where Dianas exuberant delivery oozes sensuality, sounding highly sexually charged at that.
Keep It Right There is simply beautifully mellow in its content. Spiralling rhythms and R&B flavoured arrangements give this late-night number an infectious feel. It is further ignited by Dianas ever-sensational vocal delivery.
Don't Stop is another track featuring Diana delivering a seductive, sexually charged performance and she is fantastic sounding in doing so. The beauty and soul in her voice oozes out on this urban number. Don't Stop also contains a very effective rap interlude from The Boom Brothers which gives this recording more range.
It's then an about turn and back into the ballads terriotry, mainly of the Adult Contemporary/soul variety. Her effective, razor-sharp delivery is stunningly beautiful on the fabulous and gloriously orchestrated I'm Gone. Diana is accompanied by sweeping strings and a gentle piano back drop which compliments her mesmerising and delicatley melting voal style. I'm Gone was lifted as a single in the U.K and jumped to No.36 (though deserved a much higher place). It was a perfect modern-day Diana Ross ballad.
Diana then proceeded to deliver a totally haunting, atmospheric, late-night Jazz number next with the startling, I Thought That We Were Still In Love which comes complete with an injection of Soul with a roaring saxphone played erratically throughout the recording which merley adds to the over-all dazzling effect.
You could argue that the ballads, Voice Of The Heart (a flop single in the U.S) and Only Love Can Conquer All are pure schmaltz but contrarily, Diana Ross is a singer who can lift considerably soppy ballads like these and make them inspirational and appealing to all age groups, any race, any gender, and that is what makes her such a special, unique talent. If I heard anyone else singing Voice Of The Heart, i'd probably run for cover with its sugary content but Diana delivers this in such a distinctive style that I find it hard to say anything bad about it. On the contrary people could also argue that both Voice Of The Heart and Only Love Can Conquer All are actually two very inspirational numbers. Either way I enjoy both of them and that really is purely down to Diana Ross!
Finally the Take Me Higher (1995) album is led to its grand finale and what a perfect way to end the album - a rip-roaring, modern dance version of Gloria Gaynors, I Will Survive. I Will Survive was something of a declaration to the critics that have snubbed her over the years and also something of an ode to her wide legion of gay male fans (which obviously includes myself) and the result was her biggest hit single in Britain in years with it quickly hitting No.14. I won't attempt to compare the Diana Ross version with Gloria Gaynors as there are such individual qualities of its own. Either way, Diana Ross certainly makes I Will Survive one of her own songs and its one she usually performs as a last number at her live concerts today.
Take Me Higher on the whole is a fantastic affair, bubbling in a mixture of styles with Soul/urban R&B/Dance & Jazz. The diverse range of sounds makes this one of the more spectacular latter-day studio albums in the Ross catologue. Sensational! So dim the lights, lie back with a nice bottle of red wine and enjoy the intoxicating sounds of Diana Ross.
Ian Phillips
September 2006
Her best album from the 90's.......2005-03-08
This album is pure delight. Three gems : the song «Take me higher» is what every dance song should be, «If you're not gonna love me right» is a down-tempo wonder and «I thought that we were still in love» is a poignant heartache tune. The album as a whole, showcasing every nuance of her so distintive voice, is pure emotion.
ROSS IS STILL BOSS :PAST AND PRESENT.......2004-02-20
I just recieved this cd, and I love the whole damn disc. I cannot imagine young girls like britney, j-lo, ect, recording contemporary music forty years from now. Miss Ross is the ultimate diva-no madonna,janet,whitney,mariah,no,no,no,no.BABS is the only true comparison-but she didn't have to overcome the race barrier. A barrier which is ever so present-even to the likes of ROSS. Take me higher, keep it right there, voice within your heart, I will survive--all excellent. A must buy for any r&b fan. If cher recorded this albulm it would be a smash hit-race matters-so does age. MISS ROSS IS STILL THE BOSS
DIANA ROSS' FINEST STUDIO OFFERING OF THE 90s.......2003-12-07
"Take Me Higher" is, in my humble opinion, Diana Ross' finest studio album from the 90s. This is a fine collection of songs that has a `grown-up' feel to it. After the runaway success of "The Force Behind the Power", Ms Ross opted for a more soulful slant with this album. Ross teamed up with some of the most influential R&B producers in the business - Nick Martinelli, Narada Michael Walden, Jon John and The Boom Bros. The result? A cracking selection of songs that proved that Ms Ross could still strut her stuff.
The UK and US album selections are different - The US version contains the Brenda Russell ballad "Let Somebody Know", whereas the UK version contains the funky little ditty, "Swing It". I'd recommend that US buyers buy the UK version on import - I'll explain why later on!
The album kicks off with the percussive, high N-R-G title track, "Take Me Higher", which is a brilliant. Listen out for Patti Austin's awesome backing vocals. "If You're Not Going To Love Me Right" is a laid back R&B groove.
It's the ballads that stand out on this album and the first is the gorgeous "I Never Loved a Man Before". It has a beautiful Spanish feel to it that provided the perfect backdrop for Diana's delicate, soothing vocals.
Then we come to the UK only track, "Swing It" which has to be one of the funkiest tracks that Diana's recorded. Why wasn't it released as a single? I played this in my car and a friend was shocked to discover it was Ms Ross!
"Keep It Right Here" is the outstanding R&B track. It's sultry, laid back and easy, as is "Don't Stop". They're the kind of tracks that you listen to in the summer while driving along with the top of your car down (for those convertible owners out there!).
We then come to a couple of stellar love songs - the beautiful "Gone" and the stunning "I Thought That Were Still In Love". The latter is one of the most beautiful ballads that Diana's recorded. It's right up there with "Theme From Mahogany" and "Touch Me In the Morning". Her crystal clear diction and phrasing are awesome. The music is like an intricate tapestry that unfolds, complete with a full sweeping orchestra. The sax solo is sassy and classy, and creates a smoky jazz café atmosphere.
There's only one track that I'm not keen on and that's "Voice of the Heart". It's one of those slushy `listen to your heart and it will guide you' songs that Diana seems to be susceptible to singing. There's one on every album, I suppose!
"Only Love Can Conquer All" is a superb ballad that deals with a sensitive issue. It opens with the line:
"They tell us it's better that people should stay with their own kind..."
There's nothing clichéd about this track - indeed, with mixed-raced kids (a melting pot of African American, half Jewish and half Norwegian) Diana surely knew what she was singing about. Her delivery here is full of conviction. This is like a modern day version of "Reach Out and Touch".
The album rounds off with "I Will Survive" - resurrected and revamped for the 90s, complete with a rousing, stomping chorus. Diana looks gorgeous in the video for this track!
So there you have it - a fine album that I'd recommend again and again. It was an instant hit in the UK, where it went straight into the Top Ten album charts, and spawned 3 Top 40 hits, and certified Gold. I'm not sure why it didn't do so well in the US, but it doesn't really matter, as the album speaks for itself.
Average customer rating:
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Sounds of the Eighties: 1985-1986
Various artists , Higher Love - Steve Winwood/ Head Over Heels - Tears For Fears/Obsession - Animotion/Lay Your Hands On Me - Thompson Twins/ The Search Is Over - Survivor/Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money [with Ronnie Spector , Harold Faltermeyer/ Amanda - Boston /There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) - Billy Ocean/Party All The Time - Eddie Murphy/Just A Gigolo-I Ain't Got Nobody - David Lee Roth/ Rhythm Of The Night - DeBarge/ Oh Sheila , and World/All I Need Is A Miracle - Mike + The Mechanics/Your Wildest Dreams - Moody Blues/Perfect Way - Scritti Politti/Throwing It All Away - Genesis/Cherish - Kool & The Gang
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000NI1ACQ |
Product Description
R988-12 (PolyGram Special Markets) - Sounds of the Eighties: 1985-1986 - Various Artists [1995] All tracks stereo. Higher Love - Steve Winwood/Head Over Heels - Tears For Fears/Obsession - Animotion/Lay Your Hands On Me - Thompson Twins/The Search Is Over - Survivor/Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money [with Ronnie Spector]/Axel F - Harold Faltermeyer/Amanda - Boston/There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) - Billy Ocean/Party All The Time - Eddie Murphy/Just A Gigolo-I Ain't Got Nobody - David Lee Roth/Rhythm Of The Night - DeBarge/Oh Sheila - Ready For The World/All I Need Is A Miracle - Mike + The Mechanics/Your Wildest Dreams - Moody Blues/Perfect Way - Scritti Politti/Throwing It All Away - Genesis/Cherish - Kool & The Gang
Average customer rating:
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Take Me Higher EP
Diana Ross
Manufacturer: Motown
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
General
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
Motown
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
General
| Soul
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000008PUQ
Release Date: 1995-09-05 |
Average customer rating:
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Take Me Higher
Diana Ross
Manufacturer: EMI
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
R&B
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B0007KWP2Y
Release Date: 2005-03-07 |
Tracks:
- Take Me Higher
- If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right
- Voice of the Heart
- Let Somebody Know
- Keep It Right There
- Don't Stop
- Gone
- Only Love Can Conquer All
- I Never Loved a Man Before
- I Thought That We Were Still in Love
- I Will Survive
Album Description
Reissue of Diana's classic 1995 CD and features 1 bonus track. EMI. 2005.
Customer Reviews:
ross takes us higher.......2005-03-25
this is a reissue of DIANA ROSS 95 classic cd TAKE ME HIGHER and is one of her best cds to come out since her solo days at motown in the 70s.During the 70s ROSS released a string of classic hit lp such as DIANA ROSS1970,SURRENDER1971,TOUCH ME IN THE MORNING 1973,DIANA ROSS 1976,BABY ITS ME 77,THE BOSS 79 AND DIANA 80.IN this cd you find find that this collection of songs lives up to her claSsic work from that time frame but yet it is new and fresh.Ross never sounded better and there is not one throw away track on this cd!one great song after another.some favorites are TAKE ME HIGHER , IF YOURE NOT GONNA LOVE ME RIGHT,IM GONE,VOICE OF THE HEART,LET SOMEBODY KNOW,KEEP IT RIGHT THERE,DONT STOP, ONLY LOVE CAN CONQUER ALL,NEVER LOVED A MAN,I THOUGHT WE WHERE STILL IN LOVE,I WILL SURVIVE.this cd has a bonus track but it is not listed but it could be the rare b side SWING IT.?IF you are a ross fan and do not have this cd ,this is a must have.one of her best along with THE FORCE BEHIND THE POWER.
Average customer rating:
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Take Me Higher
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
CDs $7 - $10
| Pop General
| Pop
| Today's Deals in Music
| Formats
| Music
ASIN: B00008XUT7
Release Date: 2003-11-04 |
Album Description
2003 debut single from up & coming Swedish alternative pop act. The title track is backed with two non-LP tracks, 'Magic Carpet' & 'Sweeter Than Sugar'. Plastic sleeve. Star Harbour.
Average customer rating:
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Take Me Higher
Manufacturer: Higher Ministry
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Gospel
| Christian & Gospel
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000CAE3QU
Release Date: 2003-07-01 |
Tracks:
- Take Me Higher
- He Shines
- Perfect Peace
- Name Above All
- Burn Your Fire
- A Friend Indeed
- Made It Home
- You Are My Life
- $5's $10's & $20's
- I've Made Up My Mind
- Forgive Me
- Left Behind
- Desire
Average customer rating:
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Take Me Higher Ep
Manufacturer: Bionic Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
Electronica
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000CAKQIE
Release Date: 2005-10-25 |
Average customer rating:
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Take Me Higher
Energy
Manufacturer: Bmg Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Soul
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B00000E9HZ
Release Date: 1996-07-16 |
![Take Me Higher [Import Bonus Tracks]](http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/2121T710AXL.jpg)
Average customer rating:
- GLORIOUS MASTERPIECE~BRAVO DIANA ROSS!!!
- Beautiful!
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Take Me Higher [Import Bonus Tracks]
Diana Ross
Manufacturer: Emi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Classic R&B
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
Motown
| R&B
| Styles
| Music
R&B
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00000G60U
Release Date: 1998-04-02 |
Tracks:
- Take Me Higher
- If You're Not Gonna Love
- I Never Loved A Man Befor
- Swing It
- Keep It Right There
- Don't Stop
- Gone
- I Thought You Were Still
- Voice Of The Heart
- Only Love Can Conquer All
- I Will Survive
- If We Hold On Together
Album Details
Japanese Re-release featuring a Bonus Track: If We Hold on Together.
Customer Reviews:
GLORIOUS MASTERPIECE~BRAVO DIANA ROSS!!!.......2006-11-26
Where was everyone when this extraordinary masterpiece was released...a new masterwork "I Love You" released recently has made me go back and explore past releases by this true American Classic and this "Take Me Higher" release is a winning collection of great songs, arrangements, and superb vocals by the legendary Diana Ross. Listening to the variety and high level of quality throughout it is shocking that this one was overlooked by both radio and the sadly commercial conscious only "Grammy Award" foundation...this tremendous musical treat should have been a huge success so don't miss out while this Import Edition is available if you love a great singer in peak form and the musicians are great and sound really inspired and these soulful performances will make anyone who has enjoyed Diana in the past fall in love all over again...this is a lost masterpiece for sure!!! Bravo to Diana Ross for this superb musical treasure made for true lovers of great music...gorgeous and soul-satisfying!
Beautiful!.......2002-05-28
EMI Music always seems to have a way of shining our diva through. More stronger than its American counterpart, this album takes Take Me Higher to a whole new level. Ms. Ross sounds fantastic and beautiful. Though this version excludes the lovely ballad, Let Somebody Know, it does justice with its replacement Swing It. An up tempo rap/hip-hop sort of track. The album includes the ballads I Thought That We Were Still In Love and Voice Of The Heart which Ms. Ross received numerous applauses for during her world tour 1995-1997 and several tv appearances. Also, here is her 3 big hits in the UK from this album; Take Me Higher, Gone, and I Will Survive which peaked at number 14. The cd is remarkable and the videos which were shown on MTV, VH1 and BET were also. Get it!
Average customer rating:
- Only Ms. Ross Can Conquer All!
- Diana Ross's 1995 studio entry - Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Pop & Jazz
- Her best album from the 90's
- ROSS IS STILL BOSS :PAST AND PRESENT
- DIANA ROSS' FINEST STUDIO OFFERING OF THE 90s
|
Take Me Higher
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
R&B
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
- Every Day Is a New Day
- The Force Behind the Power
- Red Hot Rhythm & Blues
- Workin' Overtime
- Blue
ASIN: B000024J7I
Release Date: 2005-05-17 |
Customer Reviews:
Only Ms. Ross Can Conquer All!.......2006-10-20
There's not alot I know about this album, except for like every album Diana Ross does, she poors her heart & soul out. "Take Me Higher" features jazz, urban funk, R&B, pop and love ballads. Since "Diana", she's been have some hits & misses, mostly misses with albums until this one, which mostly contains solid work, full of songs that compilment each other. It's a very overlooked and somewhat underrated album. "Swing It"; "Too Many Nights" and "I'm So Happy (To See You Again)" only appear on the European editions of the album. "Take Me Higher" made #10 on UK albums chart, #38 on USA Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and #114 on The Billboard 200. Singles released from the were: "Take Me Higher"; "I Will Survive"; "If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right"; "I'm Gone" and "Voice Of The Heart".
Diana Ross's 1995 studio entry - Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Pop & Jazz.......2006-05-24
In late 1995 soul music legend Diana Ross returned with her first studio project in over four years. Whilst not quite duplicating the commercial success she enjoyed in Britain with The Force Behind The Power (1991)album, it was still indeed an enduring success that rapidly swept into the U.K Top 10 Album Charts.
A series of producers are to be credited on the Take Me Higher album. These include Diana Ross herself, The Boom Brothers (a U.S Rap Group), Naranda Michael Walden (who also produced various work for another soul diva Whitney Houston), Rick Martinelli and Jon-John. Renowned producer Babyface puts his excellent production skills into full use on the more urban R&B/Hip Hop offerings (Swing It and Keep It Right There). Diana Ross obviously was wanting to hit the charts again as she once and reach that crucial younger generation that generally made up the bulk of record sales. Did she succeed? Well partially. The three singles extracted from this album sailed into the U.K Top 40 and enjoyed variable success across Europe (where she continues to be a mostly good seller).
The rip-roaring title track, Take Me Higher was inevitably lifted as the projects debut single. This fun, bouncy number was neatly blended into a striking transistion of Dance/R&B and Diana sounds utterly fantastic. The song is bursting out with energy and this proves to be the perfect vehicle for the modern-day Diana Ross sound. She had modernised her vocal approach and whilst not losing its original qualities, Diana does sound more hip and like a woman half her age (she was 51 when she recorded this album). I actually clearly remember seeing the video to this song continually played on MTV when I was 15 where my friends were also impressed with the song who previously hadn't taken much notice of her apart from whenever I played her (or rammed her down their throats as they used to say, ha. hey I was just trying to educate them about music).
Suddenly Diana Ross was hip and cool again and she successfully had re-invented herself. The accompanying video was also a dazzling affair. Many predicted this classic would go to No.1. Instead it struggled to No.32 on the U.K charts (America once again weren't interested in a new Diana Ross song) but soon after it became a popular club hit (and I loved dancing to it during my early clubbing days) and Take Me Higher is the one Diana Ross recording that i've heard sampled and re-mixed by so many different D.J's into House and Techno. Take Me Higher most certainly made an impact.
If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right was a much more urban R&B and exceedingly radio friendly number with its strong commercial vibe and contagious hooks. Nice musical arrangements here and Diana puts in a breathy, seamless vocal performance, oozing charisma and charm yet at the same time managing to sound sassy and sexy. When If You're Not Gonna Love Me Right was lifted as a single in the U.S however, it disppointingly failed to even crack the U.S Top 100 (from which she'd been absent since 1985).
This steadily leads into the aching, exotic ballad I Never Loved A Man Before which flows beautifully with divine Latin arrangements and Diana has ever proved herself the dynamic vocalist when tackling smooth, Soul-Jazz ballads such as I Never Loved A Man Before.
The album then abruptly swerves into the direction of the urban R&B market with the sublime, funky, grooving, Swing It which is just pure street! An edgy, effective Hip-Hop number where Dianas exuberant delivery oozes sensuality, sounding highly sexually charged at that.
Keep It Right There is simply beautifully mellow in its content. Spiralling rhythms and R&B flavoured arrangements give this late-night number an infectious feel. It is further ignited by Dianas ever-sensational vocal delivery.
Don't Stop is another track featuring Diana delivering a seductive, sexually charged performance and she is fantastic sounding in doing so. The beauty and soul in her voice oozes out on this urban number. Don't Stop also contains a very effective rap interlude from The Boom Brothers which gives this recording more range.
It's then an about turn and back into the ballads terriotry, mainly of the Adult Contemporary/soul variety. Her effective, razor-sharp delivery is stunningly beautiful on the fabulous and gloriously orchestrated I'm Gone. Diana is accompanied by sweeping strings and a gentle piano back drop which compliments her mesmerising and delicatley melting voal style. I'm Gone was lifted as a single in the U.K and jumped to No.36 (though deserved a much higher place). It was a perfect modern-day Diana Ross ballad.
Diana then proceeded to deliver a totally haunting, atmospheric, late-night Jazz number next with the startling, I Thought That We Were Still In Love which comes complete with an injection of Soul with a roaring saxphone played erratically throughout the recording which merley adds to the over-all dazzling effect.
You could argue that the ballads, Voice Of The Heart (a flop single in the U.S) and Only Love Can Conquer All are pure schmaltz but contrarily, Diana Ross is a singer who can lift considerably soppy ballads like these and make them inspirational and appealing to all age groups, any race, any gender, and that is what makes her such a special, unique talent. If I heard anyone else singing Voice Of The Heart, i'd probably run for cover with its sugary content but Diana delivers this in such a distinctive style that I find it hard to say anything bad about it. On the contrary people could also argue that both Voice Of The Heart and Only Love Can Conquer All are actually two very inspirational numbers. Either way I enjoy both of them and that really is purely down to Diana Ross!
Finally the Take Me Higher (1995) album is led to its grand finale and what a perfect way to end the album - a rip-roaring, modern dance version of Gloria Gaynors, I Will Survive. I Will Survive was something of a declaration to the critics that have snubbed her over the years and also something of an ode to her wide legion of gay male fans (which obviously includes myself) and the result was her biggest hit single in Britain in years with it quickly hitting No.14. I won't attempt to compare the Diana Ross version with Gloria Gaynors as there are such individual qualities of its own. Either way, Diana Ross certainly makes I Will Survive one of her own songs and its one she usually performs as a last number at her live concerts today.
Take Me Higher on the whole is a fantastic affair, bubbling in a mixture of styles with Soul/urban R&B/Dance & Jazz. The diverse range of sounds makes this one of the more spectacular latter-day studio albums in the Ross catologue. Sensational! So dim the lights, lie back with a nice bottle of red wine and enjoy the intoxicating sounds of Diana Ross.
Ian Phillips
September 2006
Her best album from the 90's.......2005-03-08
This album is pure delight. Three gems : the song «Take me higher» is what every dance song should be, «If you're not gonna love me right» is a down-tempo wonder and «I thought that we were still in love» is a poignant heartache tune. The album as a whole, showcasing every nuance of her so distintive voice, is pure emotion.
ROSS IS STILL BOSS :PAST AND PRESENT.......2004-02-20
I just recieved this cd, and I love the whole damn disc. I cannot imagine young girls like britney, j-lo, ect, recording contemporary music forty years from now. Miss Ross is the ultimate diva-no madonna,janet,whitney,mariah,no,no,no,no.BABS is the only true comparison-but she didn't have to overcome the race barrier. A barrier which is ever so present-even to the likes of ROSS. Take me higher, keep it right there, voice within your heart, I will survive--all excellent. A must buy for any r&b fan. If cher recorded this albulm it would be a smash hit-race matters-so does age. MISS ROSS IS STILL THE BOSS
DIANA ROSS' FINEST STUDIO OFFERING OF THE 90s.......2003-12-07
"Take Me Higher" is, in my humble opinion, Diana Ross' finest studio album from the 90s. This is a fine collection of songs that has a `grown-up' feel to it. After the runaway success of "The Force Behind the Power", Ms Ross opted for a more soulful slant with this album. Ross teamed up with some of the most influential R&B producers in the business - Nick Martinelli, Narada Michael Walden, Jon John and The Boom Bros. The result? A cracking selection of songs that proved that Ms Ross could still strut her stuff.
The UK and US album selections are different - The US version contains the Brenda Russell ballad "Let Somebody Know", whereas the UK version contains the funky little ditty, "Swing It". I'd recommend that US buyers buy the UK version on import - I'll explain why later on!
The album kicks off with the percussive, high N-R-G title track, "Take Me Higher", which is a brilliant. Listen out for Patti Austin's awesome backing vocals. "If You're Not Going To Love Me Right" is a laid back R&B groove.
It's the ballads that stand out on this album and the first is the gorgeous "I Never Loved a Man Before". It has a beautiful Spanish feel to it that provided the perfect backdrop for Diana's delicate, soothing vocals.
Then we come to the UK only track, "Swing It" which has to be one of the funkiest tracks that Diana's recorded. Why wasn't it released as a single? I played this in my car and a friend was shocked to discover it was Ms Ross!
"Keep It Right Here" is the outstanding R&B track. It's sultry, laid back and easy, as is "Don't Stop". They're the kind of tracks that you listen to in the summer while driving along with the top of your car down (for those convertible owners out there!).
We then come to a couple of stellar love songs - the beautiful "Gone" and the stunning "I Thought That Were Still In Love". The latter is one of the most beautiful ballads that Diana's recorded. It's right up there with "Theme From Mahogany" and "Touch Me In the Morning". Her crystal clear diction and phrasing are awesome. The music is like an intricate tapestry that unfolds, complete with a full sweeping orchestra. The sax solo is sassy and classy, and creates a smoky jazz café atmosphere.
There's only one track that I'm not keen on and that's "Voice of the Heart". It's one of those slushy `listen to your heart and it will guide you' songs that Diana seems to be susceptible to singing. There's one on every album, I suppose!
"Only Love Can Conquer All" is a superb ballad that deals with a sensitive issue. It opens with the line:
"They tell us it's better that people should stay with their own kind..."
There's nothing clichéd about this track - indeed, with mixed-raced kids (a melting pot of African American, half Jewish and half Norwegian) Diana surely knew what she was singing about. Her delivery here is full of conviction. This is like a modern day version of "Reach Out and Touch".
The album rounds off with "I Will Survive" - resurrected and revamped for the 90s, complete with a rousing, stomping chorus. Diana looks gorgeous in the video for this track!
So there you have it - a fine album that I'd recommend again and again. It was an instant hit in the UK, where it went straight into the Top Ten album charts, and spawned 3 Top 40 hits, and certified Gold. I'm not sure why it didn't do so well in the US, but it doesn't really matter, as the album speaks for itself.
R&B Music:
- The Best of Michael Jackson
- The Best of the Spinners
- The Devil Made Me Do It
- The Emancipation of Mimi [Limited Edition] [Import]
- The Score [Explicit Lyrics]
- The Sounds of Philadelphia
- The Stax Soul Brothers
- The Ultimate Collection
- Toni Braxton
- Trombipulation
R&B Music
r&b music
Recommended Music:
Lose No Time [CD-single]
The Romance of Spain
Traditional Jazz Favourites [Import]
Music CD: Mi Amigo Juan Gabriel
Totally Exploited/Live Lewd Lust [Live]
Tejano All Stars 1999
WholeHearted Hymns: Volume 1
Tchaikovsky: Orchestral Suite No. 3; Festival Coronation March
'Tis Sweet to Be Remembered: Complete Recordings 1951-1964 [Box set]
Sonora Poncena [Import]
The Doble Gigante: The Latin Jazz Sides [Import]
The Best of Jackie McLean [Import] [Limited Edition]
United People [Enhanced] [Import]
Skin Tight
Last Look