Search - Diana Ross :: Diana Ross

A Multi-Faceted Gem

Steven Haarala | Mandeville, LA USA | 04/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1970, there weren't many stars bigger than Diana Ross. I remember how excited I was to get her debut solo album, and the crown jewel for me was the long (6:17) version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". (Believe me, if you have heard only the shorter version played on most radio stations, then you ain't heard nothin'!) Recently I got rid of my turntable, and, to make a long story short, I bought this CD to replace my old LP. I was also attracted by the fact that the CD is digitally remastered. So, was it worth it? God, yes. The sound is definitely improved. "Reach Out And Touch" enfolds me with welcoming warmth, and "Ain't No Mountain" is positively celestial. The other 9 tracks of the first 11 complete what was on the original LP. These tracks show that the talented people involved in putting together this album gave their star a slick, classy environment in which to express her new solo self. Then there are 8 bonus tracks, recorded at the same time but not included on the original LP. Not too much new is revealed in 12 thru 15, which are alternate versions of 4 of the original 11, except that "Something On My Mind" is live, and "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You" does vary enough from the original to be enjoyably different. The next 2 tracks, "Time & Love" and "Stoney End", were written and recorded by the legendary Laura Nyro, and were also recorded by Barbra Streisand. "Stoney End" was a big hit for Barbra, but Diana's version is closer to Laura's - lighter and less dramatic. I doubt that these songs would have been a good course for Diana to emphasize in her career (which, apparently, she knew), but, again, it is enjoyable to hear her singing these tunes very different from what we are used to hearing from her. The last 2 tracks, "The Interim" and "Love's Lines, Angles & Rhymes", are more abstract, and somber in mood, and they are quite beautiful. The latter became a hit for The Fifth Dimension. So, to sum it all up, I think any fan of Diana's would like the improved sound and varying styles found on this CD, a document of what she was contemplating to present to the world as a solo artist."

DIANA ROSS IS SUPREME

supremes fan | 06/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Diana Ross' first solo attempt in 1970 "Diana Ross" (later re-released as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough") was, and is still today a success. In my opinion, it is one of her greater albums. Besides her two greatest hits "Reach Out & Touch Somebody's Hand" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", there are a great many engaging and loveable tracks. My personal favorite is her rendition of The Velvelettes' 1965 minor hit "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You". She also re-recorded a track that she had done on the "Love Child" album in 1968, entitled "Keep An Eye". Interestingly enough, both versions were recorded by Diana Ross & The Andantes. But either way, it is still a great song. Another one of my favorites from this album is "Now That There's You". Here she pulls out all the stops and shouts her testification to her man. My final favorite is "Time & Love" which interestingly enough was recorded by the "New Supremes" in 1971 for their album "Touch". Even more interestingly, they both used the exact same pre-recorded music track. The only difference is, Jean sang lead on the Supremes' version which was released, and Diana Ross sang the lead on her version which was not released until now. Either way, this is definitely a personal best for Miss Ross, and I urge you to buy it. After all, with the way merchandise goes, it might not be here the next time you decide to give it a try."