Motown Chartbusters: Volume 5

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Smokey Robinson & the Miracles - The Tears Of A Clown 1970

The Tears Of A Clown needs no real introduction, does it? One of Motown's biggest hits ever. Actually dating from 1967, quite why it was not immediately singled out as a potential hit defies belief. That is not a feeling in retrospect, either, I’m sure that the track would stand out whether you knew it had been a hit or not. It is also worth stating that the sound on the song is one of the best I have heard it (the introduction is often notoriously a bit dodgy, sound-wise). 

Edwin Starr - War 1970

One of my favourite Motown numbers of all time here. Edwin's rousing condemnation of War needs no introduction other than a firm "good God y'all!!". It is one of those that needs no accompanying review, really.

The Jackson 5 - The Love You Save 1970

Three killer hits in a row now for The Jackson 5. After I Want You Back and ABC, The Love You Save is another deliciously vibrant number with 11 year-old Michael totally owning it. From its very first vibrant introductory notes I am hooked and so were many others it would seem, as it was hugely successful.

The Temptations - Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) 1970

Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) is a milestone Motown single, catching the concerned zeitgeist of 1970 - and particularly within black America - perfectly. There was a lot to be concerned about and this punchy, confrontational song lists the problems one by one. It is a masterpiece of rhythmic cynicism. Building on the psychedelic soul sound from the previous eighteen months, Norman Whitfield and the Temptations truly let it all out here. Wonderful. A true Motown protest classic. The Undisputed Truth and Edwin Starr both recorded it as well but neither match this definitive version.

The Four Tops - It's All In The Game 1970

The evocative slow burning, soulful and melodic It's All In The Game has always been a favourite of mine. Proper early seventies melodic Motown soul. Ballads like this were tailor-made for The Four Tops.

Stevie Wonder - Heaven Help Us All 1970

Heaven Help Us All showed that social conscience coming through for probably the most palpable way on any of his songs thus far. It is a soulful, at times gospelly warning of the perils of guns, street crime, poverty and war. It is melodic and uplifting, musically which adds extra poignancy due to its sombre subject matter. It was the most hard-hitting, portentous number he had recorded. It also became a hit single. From its first notes, you feel this is a song worth listening to. "Heaven help the black man if he struggles one more day....". Stevie had never been so "conscious".

Jimmy Ruffin - It's Wonderful (To Be Loved By You) 1970

The Northern Soul-ish It's Wonderful (To Be Loved By You) was another hit single from Jimmy Ruffin that needs no real introduction. Songs like this are just timeless. I can't get enough of them. The same applies to I'll Say Forever My Love, which also has an addictive, hooky refrain, as so many of his hits did. Man, that deep bassline too. It was only released as a single in the UK, not in the US. Ruffin had a big fanbase in the UK, actually, and he moved here at this period.

Diana Ross - Ain't No Mountain High Enough 1970

Despite it being a cover, Ross takes Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's Ain't No Mountain High Enough and truly makes it her own, so much so that it has long been the definitive version of the song. It is included here in its abridged version, however, not in its full, six minute glory. It's the long version all the way for me.

Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours 1970

Another huge, charismatic hit from Stevie. That distinctive "guitar" sound actually from a sitar tuned like a guitar. The song is an uptempo groover that doesn't let up from start to finish. On it, Stevie plays a fair bit himself, setting the tone for subsequent recordings. He was really starting to let his multi-talent come to the fore now. Listening to this collection, although there are so many good songs present, when one like this arrives you instantly pick up on its quality and you realise just why it was a huge hit, don't you?

The Supremes - Stoned Love 1970

Now, talking of Motown classics, what about the next track, Stoned Love, a song that had short and long versions - the latter featuring its little played slow tempo vocal intro. I have to admit to preferring the barnstorming, concise and totally glorious single version, however, which is the one we get here. Anyway, it soon kicks into a glorious thumping Motown beat. Possibly the best track The Supremes, in this incarnation, ever recorded. The vocals, the backing, everything about it is superb. Rightfully, it was a huge hit. The long version also contains extended saxophone in the middle too. It was initially written as Stone Love, but a 'd' was added for some reason, which consequently made people think those nice Supremes spent their time taking drugs and lovin' hard. Actually, it was about the power of spiritual love.

Marvin Gaye - Abraham, Martin & John 1969

The definitive version of this incredibly moving tribute song, it was a hit in the UK in 1969. I have been reduced to tears listening to it on several occasions in my life. Enough said. 

The Four Tops - Still Water (Love) 1970

There were two Still Water songs on each side of a 45 rpm single. Both are fine ones. Both of them are effortlessly glorious and laid-back, the former being the slightly more warm and tastefully catchy, hence its 'a' side status. I just love that lovely, floaty groove that Still Water (Love) rides on. Still Water (Peace) is essentially a slowed-down version of the 'a' side, with some spoken vocals added. As usual, The Four Tops' quality was all over these two tracks. I love the sound on both.

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Forget Me Not 1968

Forget Me Not was a song about a loved one leaving for Vietnam that I have known and loved for years now, since I first heard it on this very Motown Chartbusters compilation in the seventies. Martha's heartbreakingly-emotive vocal makes it such a wonderful song.

The Spinners - It's A Shame 1970

G. C. Cameron leads The Spinners on the catchy and successful It's A Shame. The Spinners were definitely one of Motown's underrated outfits. That guitar intro on show here is simply superb. Love it.

The Jackson 5 - I'll Be There 1970

The Jackson 5's first single release ballad. I'll Be There is possibly The Jackson 5's finest ever song. It is just the definitive Motown soul ballad. Michael's vocal is sumptuous. This single was a transitional one between the bubblegum, pre-teen pop of the first three 45s to a group wanting to be taken seriously as a credible soul group. The bit where Michael sings "just look over your shoulders honey -ooooh!" is simply wonderful, as too is that distinctive, instantly recognisable keyboard intro. All the members contribute to what is a perfect number and Michael sings as if he is an experienced old veteran in the game of love, not a mere kid. Who can't love it, I ask you?

Jimmy Ruffin - I'll Say Forever My Love 1968

I'll Say Forever My Love has a hooky, catchy and highly singable refrain but it probably the lesser of Ruffin's great run of singles from this period. Only just, though. It's still a seriously good song. I love everything Jimmy Ruffin did, so I'm bound to say that.

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