Search - The Supremes :: Sing Country Western & Pop

CLASSIC AND RARE EARLY SUPREMES!

VINCENT P TARSITANO | PORT ORANGE, FL USA | 08/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many would dismiss this album as unimportant and unimpressive. In my opinion, that would be a mistake.



Although very likely recorded in 1963, it was not released until 1965, when a total of 5 studio albums by the Supremes were available. This album's release was a clear effort to expand the group's appeal even further, and to make product available for a public that was hungry for more by the Supremes. In my opinion, it is a mistake to overlook this effort, for several reasons.



Back in 1963, before the "Motown Sound" hit its stride, and before the Supremes had their first #1 single, one could expect almost any kind of sound to come out of Motown. Within the Supremes, it also meant that one was likely to hear more than one lead singer per album, or per tune, for that matter. With a title like THE SUPREMES SING COUNTRY, WESTERN & POP, one would expect a good bit of variety. And that's exactly what you get here...with plenty of pleasant Supreme surprises.



Overall, there's a fresh, experimental nature to this album, as well. Producer Clarence Paul (Stevie Wonder, among others) loved all 3 of The Supremes' voices, and gave each a shot at singing leads here. Especially beautiful is Mary Wilson's smoky alto on "Sunset." Florence Ballard is very soulful on her verse of "It Makes No Difference Now," [VERY rare because it's the only recorded tune on which all 3 original Supremes get a lead verse!]. Of course, there's plenty of fresh, early Diana Ross here, as well. There is obviously very little of the "classic" Motown sound here..."Baby Doll," comes closest. The tempo of "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" is unlike any other arrangement you've ever heard, and is quite fun, featuring strong harmony singing.



This album is a minor treasure and is essential for a chance to hear the budding and developing sound of some of the greatest song stylists of the sixties, as well as one of the rare opportunities to hear the Supreme voices of Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard sharing some leads."

Purchased for one song but enjoy them all.

Rockin' Robert | Pittsburgh, PA | 03/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD for the song "My Heart Can't Take it No More" which was a minor hit in the Pittsburgh area. I was surprised at how much I enjoy the entire CD."

STILL A THRILL

Patrick J. Ryan | 01/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If only for the harmonies, this album is very enjoyable.

I first experienced it in 1965 when I was just becoming aware of

The Supremes. For quality and variety the album is right up

there with "More Hits by The Supremes." The true, and sort of

improvised, country sounds are evenly laid out and very listenable,

one album cut to another. The youthful yet mature and convincing approach of the group is felt in each performance. Having lost the album several times over the past 40+ years of moving around the country, I always feel the need to replace it. It reminds me of a more innocent time before anything negative about the group was brought to light. On the album each member is working toward one end, pure listening enjoyment (theirs and mine). And that's all I want to remember of this group, the pure joy The Supremes brought to the music at the very start, that early "Sound of Young America" -- what a legacy for all involved, listeners included. "The Supremes Sing Country, Western, and Pop" -- in my book, a definite part of that legacy. This is an album they could play at my funeral, it's been that much a part of my life. Interesting to note: It was actually recorded in 1963, and Mary Wilson, not Florence Ballard, took the lead on "Sunset," a very bluesy, torchy ballad that blends so well into the Country format. Some might say the album attempted to imitate the Ray Charles crossover into country music, but to my ear it is quite original onto itself, again if just for the sake of the harmonies. - Pat Ryan of San Diego -"