"Motown Ballads" featuring Marvin Gaye...
Great Ballads of Motown
Music released from the famed Motown label has enthused music lovers like myself for well over 50 years now! I am privileged to have had happenstances of wooing females with the silky smooth rhythms that came from the sounds of Motown! Groups like The Temptations, The Four Tops, although not featured in this spread, have influenced my manhood and spirituality! As I write this header it's probable that somewhere in the world a seed is being conceived off the soulful ballads of Motown! These records chosen have a vicinity in my heart that will forever remain! If you enjoy these selections as much as I do then consider yourself a binary advocate of passionate melodies! Let the ballads begin...
Brenda Holloway
"Every Little Bit Hurts"
Released in 1964, the record peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Undoubtedly one of my favorite Motown ballads!
Hailing from the Watts section of Los Angeles, Brenda Holloway at age 17 was Motown's first West Coast signing.
Smokey Robinson
"The Agony and the Ecstacy"
1975 single from the highly acclaimed album "A Quiet Storm". His voice sounds as gentle as the breeze that concludes this record!
Smokey Robinson has been dubbed "The King of Motown". And rightfully so!
Stevie Wonder
"Superwomen(Where Were You When I Needed You)"
1972 single from "Music on My Mind". In my opinion this is the best recording period during Stevie's illustrious career(72-76). His string of albums throughout this span can only be matched by a few!
In 2008, Billboard magazine released a list of Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists with Wonder at number five.
The Jackson 5
"I Found A Girl"
When I first heard this record, I reminisced about the times I'd shared these heartfelt words with my own mother! One of my favorite numbers by The Jacksons!
The Jackson 5 were one of very few in recording history to have their first four major label singles ("I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There") reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Marvin Gaye
"If I Should Die Tonight"
I love Marvin for his soulfulness and sultry lyrics! There's a short list of singers who's voices embrace my vitality! I could imagine surrendering these sanctifying words to my future bride to be!
In 2008, The Rolling Stone magazine ranked Marvin Gaye at number 6 on its list of the Greatest Singers of All Time, and ranked at number 18 on 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
The Commodores
"Zoom"
With so many beautiful ballads, it's hard to chose just one by The Commodores. Released in 1977, "Zoom" was never issued as a commercial single but stands as one of their most well known and renowned tunes!
The Commodores have sold over 75 million records worldwide! What a feat!
The Dynamic Superiors
"Shoe Shoe Shine"
Watching this performance makes me ask the question, "what the hell happened to r&b?" Although I can't remember when a shoe shine used to cost a dime, I can remember when recording artists use to perform with the same style and grace as The Dynamic Superiors did in this Soul Train episode!
The Dynamic Superiors are a group representing Washington D.C., my birthplace!
