332. LaBrenda Ben: “Just Be Yourself”
A slow-to-midtempo MOR ballad, very listenable, even sumptuous in places; smooth without being too processed or sickly. (6)
Tag Archives: Motown
331. The Morrocco Muzik Makers: “Pig Knuckles”
All in all, a very pleasant surprise. I won’t say this is as good as the A-side is poor, because for that to be true this would have to be one of the greatest records in Motown history, but I will say it’s both highly listenable and a huge improvement. (6)
330. The Morrocco Muzik Makers: “Back To School Again”
Embarrassingly poor, this would have been beneath Motown’s standards in 1959. By 1963, there’s just no excuse for this sort of nonsense to have ever found its way in front of Quality Control at all. That it was passed for release beggars belief. (1)
329. The Velvelettes: “That’s The Reason Why”
They still weren’t the finished article quite yet, but the two sides of this record amount to a fine début, and this B-side is just a whole lot of fun, such that it’s hard to pick too many holes in it. (7)
328. The Velvelettes: “There He Goes”
A fine calling card, and a lovely little introduction to one of the most criminally-underrated of all Motown groups. (7)
327. The Miracles: “Whatever Makes You Happy”
It’s a testament to the strength of Smokey’s songwriting, and the excellent vocal he turns in here, that even a “Miracles by the numbers” job like this is still better than some groups’ best efforts. (5)
326. The Miracles: “Mickey’s Monkey”
Oh yeah, they all knew this was some infectious junk alright. Damn it, Smokey, you know I can’t stay mad at you – you’ll always get me in the end. (6)
325. The Gospel Stars: “Have You Any Time For Jesus”
Much more conventional than the A-side, but not really any less effective for it, this is mainly a showcase for Ms Gooch’s formidable voice; it’s a good, strong gospel workout, nothing more and nothing less. (5)
324. The Gospel Stars: “Give God A Chance”
Impressively ambitious, if not necessarily something you’d come back to over and over again, this was a high note upon which to end Motown’s first flirtation with the gospel market. (5)
323. Martha & the Vandellas: “A Love Like Yours (Don’t Come Knocking Everyday)”
A neat little jewel in its way, oddly affecting and eminently likeable, a snapshot of a group who knew they were good but didn’t yet know they were famous. (7)
322. Martha & the Vandellas: “Heat Wave”
A remarkable record, and one of the best singles Motown ever released. (10)
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