The
Supremes
'This Is The Story'
The 70's Albums Vol. 1 - 1970-1973
The Jean Terrell Years
Release date: 5th March 2007
1970 saw a significant change in Motown history. The 1960's which had
seen the company rise to that of one of the most successful black owned
corporation's in US history, had come to an end with the whole emphasis
of pop music becoming more 'sweeter' with a lighter feel than those
four on four drum beats so associated with black music. The hit singles
and albums that Motown had scored with during the sixties were
unquestionably second to none and the envy of every other record
company worldwide - but a new sound had been born back as far as 1968.
In 1969 Diana Ross had announced her intention to leave the most
successful girl group in the world for a solo career and their final
single 'Someday We'll Be Together' paid testament to a glittering
career.
Many though that with the departure of Ms Ross the Supremes would fade
into obscurity without their leading lady - not so as she was replaced
by one Jean Terrell who had been chosen in preference to Syreeta Wright
and the late Tammi Terrell (no relation) who had recorded duets with
Marvin Gaye since 1967 and also as a solo artist as far back as 1965.
To say that Jean Terrell was the perfect replacement is an
understatement to say the least and it wasn't long before the hit
machine cranked itself into top gear again and almost carried on where
it had left off in the late sixties. Diana Ross' own solo career was
building but the new look Supremes were on a mission to be bigger and
better than they had ever been before.
Jean was introduced to the world in Las Vegas in 1970 by Diana Ross
towards the end of their now famous farewell performance and rest as
they say is history. Their first single 'Up The Ladder To The Roof'
released in February 1970 co written and produced by Motown producer
Frank Wilson who would be responsible for many other Supremes hits
during this period as well as that of former Temptation front man Eddie
Kendricks. The single was a resounding success and whilst Jean's vocal
style took a little getting used to after everyone being so used to Ms
Ross it wasn't long before everyone had taken her into their hearts and
one could argue the point that nothing had changed.
The first LP 'Right On' from which the aforementioned single was lifted
only had one other tune assigned as a '45' namely the catchy dancer
'Everybody's Got The Right To Love' in the summer of 1970 scoring on
the pop and R& B charts and both singles getting a UK release.
Whilst there were only two singles culled from the album closer
inspection reveals a number of cracking tunes especially 'Wait A Minute
Before You Leave Me' which is equally as good as anything else on this
LP and although originally recorded in 1969 and re-recorded in early
1970 producer Al Kent helped deliver one hell of a tune.
Northern soul fans soon picked up on 'You Move Me' a song again
produced by Ric Tic artist Al Kent and the groove is simply
irresistible and anyone who had any doubts about Jean Terrell's prowess
as the new lead of the Supremes were quickly dissolved as she delivers
the ultimate performance. Other strong songs from 'Right On' include
the heavily produced 'Take A Closer Look At Me' with Stevie Wonder's
producer Hank Cosby at the helm. Rising to #25 on the pop charts it was
a resounding success for Motown and with the Funk Brothers still
breathing life into the backing tracks and the likes of H.B.
Barnum/Paul Riser/Wade Marcus/David Van dePitte as arrangers it really
couldn't have had a better start.
Hungry for further success the production team were soon onto another
winning LP with the release of 'New Ways, But Love Stays' issued at the
back end of the year which surprisingly only produced one single - but
- what a song 'Stoned Love' was to be the girls biggest tune of the
day. Arranged by David Van DePitte and co written by Frank Wilson' took
the world by storm upon release and saw the girls performing the song
on US Soul Train amongst other US TV shows and the single was a massive
success here too in the UK peaking at #3 where it remains to this day
as one of the best songs to emerge out of Hitsville.
For the first time during this new line up the girls deliver some
pleasant cover versions of standards including the Beatles' 'Come
Together' and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and 'Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him
Goodbye' a song that seen popular chart success here in the UK for the
group Steam. This powerhouse dance tune could easily have been lifted
as a '45' and no doubt would have scored heavily for the girls, but its
the interested ballad 'Is There A Place' (in his heart for me) that
attracted my attention during this review. Recorded in the summer of
1969 at Golden World and originally assigned to David Ruffin, and then
again to Blinky Williams before being eventually given to the girls
where Jean added her vocals the following year - this is what good soul
music is about!
The next LP in the summer of 1971 entitled 'Touch' spawned two singles
including the fantastic psychedelic 'Nathan Jones' reaching #5 here in
the UK although the atmospheric and moody 'This Is The Story' is well
worthy of your attention. This LP finds an assortment of writers and
produces namely Leonard Caston (also for Eddie Kendricks) Pam Sawyer,
Billy Page, Gloria Jones and of course producer Frank Wilson. I
particularly loved the bouncy 'Time And Love' which brings out the best
of Jean's vocal ability and does equal justice to the other two girls
on this their rendition of Laura Nyro's great song. Check out the
gorgeous 'Have I Lost You' and listen to the Funk Brothers on fire in
the background.'Touch' the title track is an attempt at covering
Streisand to excellent effect and lovely to see the inclusion of Mary
Wilson along with Jean sharing lead vocals. The LP closes with the
gentle 'It's So Hard For Me To Say Goodbye' a song which ex Temptation
Eddie kendrick's recorded as a single during the early seventies.
Whilst not enjoying the same commercial success as their previous
albums it was nevertheless a potent reminder that the Supremes with
Jean Terrell were here to stay.
Between 1971 - 1972 the girls recorded nineteen tracks for use on two
LP's but the project was canned and these songs were kept under lock
and key for over thirty years until now with the unreleased songs being
known as the 'Promises Kept' sessions and here they are for your
listening pleasure. I have to say I didn't go overboard with all of
them especially a bland remake of Lennon & McCartney's 'Eleanor
Rigby' regardless of the fact that it was produced by the great Bobby
Taylor. What IS very special is the uplifting modern soul tune 'I Ain't
Got The Love Of The One I Love' to see what a fantastic job the girls
deliver on this great song (full marks to co-producer Henry Cosby) Have
a listen to a sample of this now! 'Can't Get You Out Of My Mind' brings
into play two very well known and respected songwriters and artists in
Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson whose work for Marvin & Tammi
alone speaks volumes. On this song the girls are again on fire and the
orchestration and arrangement is first class and is worth the purchase
of this CD alone. So good is this song I've added this as an audio
sample too.! When you get this far you quickly realise that Jean
Terrell was unquestionably the RIGHT choice for taking on Diana Ross'
role.
Out of the eight studio LP's recorded by the girls with Jean Terrell
three of them were with stablemates the Four Tops where the girls had
enjoyed some commercial success and this time they take on the Tops'
hit single 'Still Water' featuring mary Wilson on lead vocals with
Bobby Taylor as producer. Mary Wilson had at long last been recognised
for her contribution to the Supremes sound and as a capable vocalist in
her own right. 'Chained To Yesterday' is much more than just an album
track and what a fantastic version of this song that northern soul fans
will drool over. Produced by the Clan (Frank Wilson/Deke Richards/R.
Dean Taylor) a fantastic example of early seventies Motown dance.
Next up we find another LP from 1972 'Floy Joy' which the company
appears to have thrown everything at making it a hit. The product is
excellent but there again when you have the Funk Brothers credited on
the sleeve, Paul Riser as arranger and Berry Gordy himself as executive
producer you just know your in for a treat. The two main hit singles
lifted from this LP is the aforementioned title song and 'Automatically
Sunshine' although I immediately picked up on the opening track 'Your
Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love' and couldn't for the life of me place who
was singing the other version in my collection (I think it was Kim
Weston) These girls could turn on the sex when they wanted to and Mary
Wilson must take credit and personal pride for her sensual performance
on the Smokey Robinson song 'A Heart Like Mine' which when played in
the right environment will tug a few heart strings beleive me!.
Finally, and I am not going into detail here but you will also find the
complete album on the Supremes produced and arranged by Jimmy Webb plus
two bonus tracks 'Love Train' and 'Bad Weather'.
Universal Music must take credit for putting together the most
fantastic package any Motown fan could wish for.
To buy this wonderful musical legacy please click on the picture at the
top of this page.
Here are some fantastic streaming videos of the girls in action;
Stoned Love
Floy Joy
Bad Weather
Here are some stunning audio selections too;
I Ain't Got The Love Of
The One I Love
Chained To Yesterday
Can't Get You Out of
My Mind
Take A Look Inside
Rating 11/10
Enjoy.