Four Tops – Four Tops
debut album in it’s original, and far superior, mono version
The thing that I’m learning from this Motown Sound Collection that Elemental Music continues to produce is…Motown albums were great.
I know, that might sound odd. But, there seems to have been this myth that Motown only cranked out great SINGLES, while their albums were mostly fluff. This is, as it turns out, completely UNTRUE.
One fine example is the debut album from the Four Tops. Released in January of 1965, it’s a solid listen from start to finish. Elemental Music has reissued this album in it’s rare, mono version, and it sounds fantastic (the much more common stereo mix lacks punch).
The album leads off with the quartet’s debut hit single, “Baby I Need Your Lovin” (apparently, a favorite of Paul McCartney, according to the back cover liner notes). Like most of their hits, it was written by the songwriting powerhouse of Holland-Dozier-Holland, with lead vocals by Levi Stubbs. Their second single, “Without the One You Love (Life’s Not Worthwhile),” was less successful, failing to reach the Top 40; it’s still a decent song, though.
The group came back strong for their third release. “Ask the Lonely” booms out of the speakers in this mono mix, with jangling guitars and pounding drums, featuring an impassioned, pleading vocal from Stubbs.
The b-sides of all three singles are here too. Of the trio, “Love Has Gone” is the best, the clever bassline is way up in this mono mix. “Your Love is Amazing” sounds closer to the Marvelettes than the Tops, while “Sad Souvenirs” hints at the Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and “Don’t Turn Away” has the same vibe as “The In Crowd.” The moody “Tea House in China Town” and the excellent ballad, “Left With a Broken Heart” are two more surprises.
The Four Tops would score many more hits, but this debut was a fine start.
Marvin Gaye – When I’m Alone I Cry
Marvin – the balladeer
Marvin Gaye really wanted to be a jazz singer. For his third album, When I’m Alone I Cry, Motown assembled 10 pop & jazz standards of the supper club variety and had Gaye croon over top. The results certainly show off another side of the singer. Yet, this really isn’t his forte.’ Not to say this is bad – it’s just that Marvin Gaye was much better as a soul singer – he just hadn’t completely figured that out yet.
“You’ve Changed” and “I’ll Be Around” were both from Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin, and it’s interesting to hear Gaye work on his vibrato. The lonesome trumpet used throughout here reminds me of those insanely popular Jackie Gleason albums like For Lovers Only – you can hear it especially on “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” “I Was Telling Her About You” is an example of Gaye trying too hard – he ends up over singing.
He does better with Tony Bennett’s “Because of You,” letting the song come to him, he seems more relaxed. Same goes for “If My Heart Could Sing,” and “I Wonder” is especially good – but it’s an R&B song. It’s when he tries too hard to be something he’s not – like on “When I’m Alone I Cry,” that he misses the mark.
When I’m Alone I Cry, with the lush background, makes for great dinner music. We’re certainly glad that Gaye chose another path after this album. In the end, it was an interesting diversion.
Eddie Kendricks – People…Hold On
The second album from the Temps’ most successful solo artist
By 1972, Eddie Kendricks may have started to second guess leaving the Temptations. His first album, All By Myself, was only a moderate success, and yielded no hits. Same goes for the followup, People…Hold On. Yet, there’s hints of greatness ahead.
The record leads with the very catchy “If You Let Me,” featuring a slinky guitar lick, horns and an excellent chorus – how this wasn’t a bigger hit is anyone’s guess. “Let Me Run Into Your Lonely Heart” is heavy funk, while “Day By Day” is a servicable, midtempo ballad. “Girl You Need a Change of Mind” has an extended instrumental jam at the end – apparently, this was one of the very first disco tracks.
“Someday We’ll Have a Better World,” recorded over 50 years ago, is as relevant today as it was back then. “My People…Hold On” is very moving: African beats, chanting, it comes off as a prayer more than a song.
“Date With the Rain” is fantastic – funky groove, echoed vocals and horns – honestly, this one should’ve been longer. “Eddie’s Love” has a rock groove to it.
People…Hold On is a surprisingly solid listen throughout. It’s Kendricks’ versatility as a singer that elevates everything. And, persistence would soon pay off with his next album, Eddie Kendricks, and it’s #1 single, “Keep on Truckin,” but that’s a story for another time. —Tony Peters