Share Gloria's Love
Dexter | Scotland | 04/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is said that all good things come to those who wait. Well today the waiting was finally over with the arrival of Gloria Jones album `Share My Love' which has been released on CD for the first time.
This is one of my top two favourite Motown albums from the 1970's and I'm thrilled that it's now been recognised for the classic that it is. There is a beautiful 16 page booklet filled with interesting stories about Gloria's life and the making of the album courtesy of her son Rolan and renowned music writer A. Scott Galloway plus many lovely photographs. The music transcends its era and is as relevant today as it was back in 1973. Gloria is of course not just a singer but a great song writer too and has had a hand in writing nine of the ten tracks. She has a real earthy quality to her voice and tears up both ballads and up-tempo numbers in equal measure. There's the funky `Tin Can People' and the Spanish tinged `Oh Baby' that will have your toes tapping and hands clapping. `Old Love, New Love' is a beautiful inspirational ballad and only those with a heart of stone would fail to be moved by `Try Love'. This CD release includes a bonus track not included on the vinyl album which is Gloria's original demo of `If I Were Your Woman'. This song was of course a massive US hit for Gladys Knight & The Pips.
I have loved this album for many years as it's been a constant source of comfort and inspiration. It's sad that it was not a commercial success but over the years it has become a cult soul classic. I'm delighted that I can now hear `Share My Love' in all its re-mastered glory thanks to Paul Williams and Reel Music. I'm sure that Gloria will now gain many more fans.
"
Try Gloria!!
B. Scott | New York, NY United States | 08/21/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I heard about Gloria Jones through a conversation I had with someone about Gloria Lynne, so I decided to find out who Miss Gloria Jones was..... and boy am I gald I did!!!! Gloria Jones recorded on the Motown label and showed great promise, however her decision to leave for Europe may have prevented her from giving the album the promotion it needed in order for her to receive the recognition she most undoubtedly deserves. Not only is Gloria a great singer, but a gifted songwriter as well, which is how she started with Motown.
The album opens with the funky, classical/R&B fusion song entitled "Share My Love," which was covered 4 years later by white rock band Rare Earth. "Why Can't You Be Mine" is a funky pop song with a reggae beat, which is followed by the soulful song "Try Love", one of my favorites. "Tin Can People," a hard rock influenced song, shows the diversity within her repetoire. "Oh Baby" has a rock and Spanish soul sound, and the only song on the album that she did not have a hand in writing. "Old Love, New Love" is a great bittersweet soul ballard and is also a favorite of mine. The song "So Tired (Of The Way You're Treating Me)" reminds me of the type of funk/soul/rock tunes LaBelle later came out with in the late 70's. This just shows you how much Gloria was way ahead of her time. "Baby Don'tch Know (I'm Bleeding For You)" was influenced by Gloria's travels to England and again shows her ability to take life experiences and set it to music. "What Did I Do To Lose You" is a heartfelt soul ballard and is definitely my #1 favorite on the album. She closes with her demo of "If I were Your Woman," which she wrote for Gladys Knight, which we all know became a mega hit. Gloria's approach demonstrates her ability to combine classical and gospel, and I'd be hard pressed to say whose version I prefer because she really sings her heart out.
This is a great album, and comes with a very informative 16 page booklet. "Share My Love " has become a cult soul classic. It is one of those rare, hidden gems that someone has to tell you about. So now that you know a little bit about Gloria Jones, why not add it to your collection? You'll be soulfully surprised."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1