376. The Temptations: “Just Let Me Know”
The phrase “hidden gem” is overused, not least by me, but it certainly applies here. (7)
Tag Archives: Motown
375. The Temptations: “The Way You Do The Things You Do”
A new start for everyone involved, a major step forward for the Motown Sound, and a damned fine pop record in its own right. Super. (8)
374. Gene Henslee: “Beautiful Women”
The narrator just comes across as such a buffoon that it’s hard to warm to this, even as unintentional comedy. (1)
373. Gene Henslee: “Shambles”
Clocks in shy of two and a half minutes’ duration having had nowhere near the emotional impact it was looking for. A pity – this could really have been half-decent, too. (3)
372. Martha & the Vandellas: “Old Love (Let’s Try It Again)”
Still not a great song by any means, but this is just about the best version of it that exists, and that counts for something. (6)
371. Martha & the Vandellas: “Live Wire”
Not as good as Heat Wave, then, but – surprisingly – on balance a better, more vibrant and more exciting record than Quicksand.
370. Little Stevie Wonder: “Thank You (For Loving Me All The Way)”
The lyrical “twist ending” makes this a lot less fun; still listenable and everything, but somehow it all now seems so much sappier, so much less interesting. (4)
369. Little Stevie Wonder: “Castles In The Sand”
If you were to suggest this was a piece of throwaway novelty fluff there’s not much I could say in its defence, but nonetheless I think when it’s over, the good just about outweighs the bad. (5)
368. Patrice Holloway: “(He Is) The Boy Of My Dreams”
It’s not a bad little song, but it’s so badly performed that it’s actually painful to listen to in places, and that all comes down to the vocalist. Sorry, Patrice. (2)
367. Patrice Holloway: “Stevie”
Ultimately a weak record which is all the more frustrating because it could have been genuinely superb. A pity. (4)
366. Eddie Holland: “Leaving Here”
A fine little record, blessed with a great band performance and considerably more spiky and energetic than might have been expected, but it’s hard not to wonder whether this could have been even better if someone else had sung it. (7)
Motown Junkies 