Diana Ross
'Diana Ross'
Universal/Motown
Released in the UK on 5th April 2002

After enjoying ten years non stop major chart success as lead singer of the Supremes, Diana Ross was clearly the queen of Motown. Gordy had big plans to make a solo star out of Diana and in the years to come Ross was to take lead roles in a number of movies which did well to boost her as a solo artist. Already a fully established superstar the fact is she couldn't fail, and the issue of this album in 1970 was the starting point of another stage in her recording career which to date has spanned almost forty years and created tens of millions of record sales world wide.

This CD not only contains the whole original album but boasts a considerable amount of bonus tracks which will give it a much welcomed boost at the record stores. The obvious hits on this first solo album are here in their full glory from 'Reach Out and Touch' and Ashford & Simpson's 'Your All I Need' (which as a hit for Marvin & Tammi two years earlier) and her million selling 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' (again previously issued by Marvin & Tammi in 1967). I particularly like her version of the Velvelettes song 'These Things Will Keep Me Loving You' which keeps close to the original and would be a major collectors item had the arrangement had a heavier feel to it, as opposed to it's 'lightweight' 70's feel to it.

'Something On My Mind' highlights Ross at her irresistible best with this gentle mid tempo masterpiece written by Nick Ashford. This whole album benefits from a wonderful production that was more polished than that of the company's output during the previous decade which not only gave Diana a new sound, but a far wider commercial appeal amongst the record buying public. Gone was the girlie group sound of the sixties - Diana Ross had grown up and her new style was devastating and the fans loved every minute of it, and supported it with healthy record sales. It was if she had been a solo star for years.

Whilst her former singing partners the Supremes were still clocking up hits in their own right it was Diana who stole the limelight and songs like 'I Wouldn't Change The Man He Is' a song recorded by Blinky Williams three years earlier, had failed to sell well originally and was Diana's turn to deliver a better version even though it was to remain an album only track - she didn't disappoint. 'Where There Was Darkness' is another powerful vocal performance from Diana and a beautiful arrangement too. Gone was the heavy drum beat of the sixties and in was the orchestration and arrangement talents of Ashford & Simpson whose work for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell had proved a winner during their period 1967-1969.

As with almost all everything issued by Motown these days we have the bonus cuts to tickle the taste buds. Some of these tracks will mean more to some that others as on previous titles on the label I have struggled to spot any material differences on tracks that are deemed to be 'alternative takes'. This CD includes four unreleased tracks from the Bones Howe sessions with 'Time and Love' 'Stoney End' 'The Interim' 'Loves Lines Angles and Rhymes'

Finally, a very rare unreleased live recording of 'Something On My Mind' from Diana's debut solo tour - absolute amazing!!!!!!

If you are a Motown collector looking for something special - from a very special lady - then this will make a superb addition to any collection.

Essential release.

Rating 9/10