Now That's What I Call Motown

7 Ratings: 2.0

2009 audio CD release

This special installment from the hugely successful Now... series of compilation albums, is released to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of one of the greatest record labels in music history. Now That's What I Call Motown presents 25 of the most beloved … see full wiki

Tags: Music, Albums, Oldies, Soul, Motown

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For the uninitiated, a fabulous introduction to the Motown Sound.

Jan 15, 2009

by drifter51
posted in Music Matters

Rating:

I'm sure that many younger people wonder what the fuss was all about. A half century ago, a young Detroit entreprenour named Berry Gordy Jr. decided that he was going to start his own record company. His idea was a simple one really. He was going to make records with black artists that appealed to the largest segment of the record buying public which in those days was suburban white teenagers. His formula worked to perfection. So much so that 50 years later the Motown Sound is still a significant force in American popular music. So now in 2009 Universal/Motown presents a great single disc collection dubbed "Now That's What I Call Motown". Whether you are a younger music fan looking to explore the genre or an older person seeking a great disc to pop into the CD player in your car this 25 track single disc extravaganza certainly fills the bill.
As you might expect you will hear samples of just about all of Motown's legendary groups. Among the earliest hits on the label was the Miracles 1961 smash recording of "Shop Around". Later that same year the Marvelettes climbed all the way to the top of the charts with "Please Mr. Postman". A few years later Martha and the Vandellas had a major hit with "Dancing In The Street" while the Temptations were riding high with one Motown's all-time favorites "My Girl". Even though that tune has been played to death over the past four decades it still sounds mighty good to me! All of these are included here. One of my all-time favorite groups is the Four Tops. Their biggest hit "I Can't Help Myself" also appears here. I was also pleased to see that the Jackson 5's debut single "I Want You Back" is here as well. What a fabulous record!
While most folks remember Motown's groups the label also produced some fabulous recordings by solo artists over the years. Stevie Wonder immediately comes to mind. Enjoy once again his 1970 smash "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and well as Edwin Starr's powerful protest song "War" which climbed all the way to #1 that same year. You will also find hits by Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Diana Ross and Rick James in this collection.
Whenever a record company attempts to release a disc of this type there is always criticism. People moan and groan and lament that some of their favorite tunes were not included. But take "Now That's What I Call Motown" for what it is. This is attempt to present a broad overview of the music offered by the label over several decades. I think the label did a pretty decent job with this one. Highly recommended!