Search - Honey Cone :: Soulful Sugar

Honey Cone Complete

James E. Bagley | Sanatoga, PA USA | 04/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Holland Dozier Holland left Motown in the late '60s and started their Invictus/Hot Wax labels, they wanted a girl group in their stable to continue the legacy they started with the Supremes. They approached Edna Wright (sister of Darlene Love) about forming a group and she put together Honey Cone with fellow session singers Shellie Clark and Carolyn Willis. The Cone's early feminist singles "Girls It Ain't Easy" and "While You're Out Looking For Sugar" were hits in 1970 on the r & b charts only. The following year, however, they exploded on the pop and r & b charts with the Jackson Five knockoff "Want Ads" followed by the similar sounding "Stick Up" (about a man who stole a woman's love and knocked her up!) and the latin-flavored "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show (arriba!)."In 1972, the Honey Cone's chart placements dropped, but not because of a reduction in quality. "The Day I Found Myself" is a touching ballad that shows Edna Wright could caress a slow song as effectively as she belted out all of those up-tempo hits. It's follow-up "Sittin' On A Time Bomb (Waitin' For The Hurt To Come)" was the artistic apex for the group. From Wright's opening wail of "Mercy!", a desperate mood is established that builds to a frantically, feverish climax. I find "Sittin' On A Time Bomb" quite cathartic and feel it should be required listening for all people going through a rough relationship. That it only reached # 99 on the pop charts is a crime!By 1973, the Cone weren't even denting the charts anymore, although the urgent single "If I Can't Fly" definitely ranks among their best recordings. At this time, Invictus/Hot Wax was collapsing, promotional support wasn't forthcoming, and not surprisingly, Honey Cone disbanded. A big shame, as they were one of the most potent female groups ever.This two-disc import set collects all of the Honey Cone's recordings for Hot Wax. It clearly reveals that they were far more than a singles group, with strong album tracks galore. In particular, the hypocrite-challenging "Sunday Morning People" and the anguish-filled "I Lost My Rainbow" (by the end of the recording you'll be wanting to help Edna find that rainbow STAT!). If you can't afford this set, then at least get the single disc Greatest Hits. Everybody needs a little HONEY in their lives!"

Just as the title states

Curmudgeon | West Australia | 01/31/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You'd have to be a real fan of early 70s pop soul to stomach much of this 45 track collection, but then again, that's exactly who this collection is aimed at. In truth there's more sugar than soul to be found in this collection, as Honey Cone were unashamedly commercial; as such, a lot of the material sounds formulaic, but the best of it, such as "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show" (parts 1 & 2, just like the original 7" but sequenced like an extended mix) and "Stick-Up", is good pop worthy of repeated listenings. Extensive liner notes, interviews and photos make the package thorough and very collectable."

I'd give it Six stars

Andre M. | Mt. Pleasant, SC United States | 08/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Honey Cone was among one of the greatest of many underrated soul groups of the late 60s-early 70s. This set shows that they had a lot of talent that most people missed out on. Their hits "Want Ads," "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show," and "Stick Up" that most people who listened to th eradio in 1971 recall, are all here. But these are their complete recordings. We hear the breathtaking gospelish "Who's It Gonna Be," along with "All The King's Men" "How Does it Feel," "Feeling's Gone," as well as brilliant alternative versions of "Ace In The Hole' and "The Day I Found Myself." These girls would have given the Supremes the run for the money if given the right chance and I strongly recommend this for some amazing underrated moments in the history of Soul music. Edna Wright's voice in particular is truly a gift from God."