Search - Supremes :: Stoned Love / Nathan Jones

Jean Terrell Leads Supremes Through Early 1970s Set

10/25/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although the packaging is misleading (the cover sports a photo of the original Supremes, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross) this set is unmistakably Supreme. Vocals here are by the post-Ross team of Jean Terrell, Mary Wilson, Cindy Birdsong, and Lynda Lawrence (who stood in for Birdsong from 1972-73). As is always indicative of the Supremes, the vocal harmonies and the material herein is outstanding, showcasing the group's evolution beyond what had become Diana Ross' overwhelming shadow. Included are the single hits "Stoned Love" from the ground-breaking Supremes album "New Ways But Love Stays" (1970) and "Nathan Jones" from the elegantly produced and performed "Touch" (1971). Miss Terrell does an outstanding job on Joni Mitchell's "All I Want" and the group lays down a rousing fun "call-and-response" cover of "Tossin' and Turnin' " which was once part of their electrically charged live act. Unfortunately, Motown has not released every Supremes album onto CD. This one (courtesy of Essex Entertainment and Polygram Special Markets) pulls together the majority of songs from the final Jean Terrell-led Supremes project, which was entitled "The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb" (1973). Although not a commercial success at the time, the album was critically acclaimed and became a favorite among fans who now herald it with nearly cult-like status. If you want to treat your ears, this is definitely worth adding to your collection."

Still Supreme after All these Years

09/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of musical beauties proves once again that Diana Ross was not the key to the Supremes' success. These ladies never received the publicity and recognition that they earned. Mr. Gordy had to work very hard to make sure that The "New" Supremes did not outshine Ms. Ross. But you just can't keep a good group down! Although most of the albums recorded by these ladies made it to CD, there are still a few that need to be released ("Arranged by Jimmy Webb", "The Supremes", "Mary, Scherrie and Susaye", "High Energy" and two of the three featuring the Four Tops, "Dynamite" and "Return of the Magnificent 7"). And a never-before-released collection must be in the vaults ready to be released. Let's hope."

EXCELLENT EARLY 70'S SUPREMES PRIMER

VINCENT P TARSITANO | PORT ORANGE, FL USA | 03/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some of the reviews for this set are quite emotion-charged, with opinions that have nothing to do with the music featured. That's really unfortunate, as this is an above-average collection, available at a very low price, and is an excellent primer of the Jean Terrell-led 70's Supremes music.



Regarding the misleading cover photo: true, the group pictured is not the group performing the music, except for original Supreme Mary Wilson. It clearly didn't make sense to put this picture on the cover. BUT, anyone familiar with the Supremes' music who would pick up this album and review the titles listed would likely realize that these are not Diana Ross-led tunes.



The fact that six of the tunes featured here are from the critically acclaimed, but poorly selling, Jimmy Webb-produced album from 1972 makes this set very attractive, as that album had many stunning musical moments, many of which are captured here. That album has not been available on cd until 2006, and even then, only in a three cd special/limited collection of '70's Supremes material [on the Hip-O-Select label]. The tune "5:30 Plane" is spectacular, and worth the price of the set all by itself. The big 60's hit "Tossin' and Turnin'" is given a rousing rock and soul treatment, with very powerful, and fun lead and backing vocals, as is Joni Mitchell's "All I Want," also covered here. The arrangement and vocals on "Silent Voices" and "Paradise" are extremely beautiful. The piano and strings especially so. This Jimmy Webb album was a tour-de-force for Ms. Terrell, in particular.



Regarding the shortened version of "Stoned Love," a big top ten pop hit [and #1 r&b charter], featured here, well, I am not happy about that either, but [most of] the other songs and performances more than compensate.



The fact that all of the tunes are led by the incredibly gifted Jean Terrell also gives the set a more cohesive feel.



All of the performances are excellent, and all of the songs are strongly above-average. "Time and Love" is my least favorite in this set, as the arrangement, in my opinion, is a bit too straight-ahead pop for Ms. Terrell's voice. This track was originally intended for Diana Ross. [Ms. Terrell simply added her lead voice to the track, which already had non-Supremes backing vocals.]



HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the song selection and strong performances, for the budget price, and for the Jimmy Webb-produced tunes."