Search - Various Artists :: Now That's What I Call Motown

MOST OF MOTOWN

nonix5 | Livermore, Ca | 02/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is great. All the tunes I remember well from my past. Everyone I've played it for also agrees."

Classic Motown

Edgar Olivares | New York City, NY USA | 01/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For anyone who loves oldies, this serves as a perfect introduction to one of music's most popular labels. Starting with Barrett Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)" released under Berry Gordy's Tamla label in 1960, it proceeds in chronological order covering two decades. Most of the major artists are represented here, some more than once. The only flaw with this album is that some artists like Eddie Kendricks, Thelma Houston, and Rare Earth aren't here and the collection only goes up to 1981, so artists like Dazz Band, De Barge, Boyz II Men and Lionel Richie's solo career aren't here (maybe they'll be a vol. 2...).



I'd stop short of calling this essential since there are other Motown compilations already out there. But with Hitsville USA celebrating fifty years, there's something for everyone. This is definitely a collection worth checking out. If you want some incentive, the disc features bonus access to video, audio and podcasts.



TT 78:21

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Music so good I'm still "dancing in the streets"

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 02/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now That's What I Call Motown may not have every last huge Motown hit; but it sure is a wonderful single CD compilation! The quality of the sound is excellent and I like the artwork even if it is standard for this CD series. We really get a lot here; and any Motown fan will probably want this for their music collection. This is also a great place to start for people just getting into that classic Motown sound.



"Money (That's What I Want)" gets things a rockin' and a rollin' as Barrett Strong and his crew really make this sound so good! "Money (That's What I Want)" is an excellent tune that creates a strong start for the CD and that's grand. Listen also for "Shop Around" by the wonderful Miracles; The Miracles perform this perfectly and I'm lovin' every minute of it! "Dancing In The Street" was another instant by Martha & The Vandellas who proved their talent was far above just average, too!



"Stop! In The Name Of Love" is another classic, beautiful love song by The Supremes; The Supremes perform this with panache and I always like to hear them sing this song. Look also for The Four Tops to easily ace "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch);" "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" was a huge hit for The Four Tops and it earned them the fame they so richly deserved. "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" is easily a major highlight of this album. In addition, "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" are two of Marvin Gaye's best masterpieces; and just one listen will tell you why these songs are so immortal.



"I Want You Back" is performed by a rather young Michael Jackson when he and their family act was called The Jackson Five; Michael sings this effortlessly--he had the ability to carry the group even as a very young child and this impresses me greatly. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" is definitely one of my very favorite hits on this entire album; Stevie Wonder makes this an unforgettable ballad that both sweet and rockin' at the same time and that's awesome. "What's Going On" again showcases the great natural talent of the late Marvin Gaye; and then we get "Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)" performed by Gladys Knight & The Pips. Gladys Knight & The Pips turned out many hits while they were together; but "Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)" is easily one of their very best successes ever.



"Brick House" by The Commodores has a great beat to it; and listen also for "Upside Down" which was a more recent hit for Diana Ross. The album ends very well with Rick James performing "Super Freak." "Super Freak" is very cool and it leaves me wanting more!



If you like this album, check out other Motown CDs available for sale on this website. This CD amply proves that the artists at Motown were a powerful, creative force that remains so relevant to our music even today. I highly recommend this album.

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