Released in time for Valentine’s Day this is a collection of nineteen of the label’s most famous ballads. No surprises here as the compilation kicks off with Marvin Gaye’s 1974 classic love song ‘Let’s Get It On’ (check out the deluxe re-issue of the album) before moving onto a selection of tried and tested classics.

There is nothing wrong with these songs other than the fact that they have all appeared on compilations over the years and it may well be, that you will have the majority on other albums. Marvin also turns up with the late Tammi Terrell on their 1968 Ashford & Simpson composition ‘Your All I Need To Get By’ and with Diana Ross on ‘You Are Everything’ Whilst there could have been dozens of tracks from the Temptations repertoire, Universal have plumped for the 1971 smash ‘Just My Imagination’ which whilst being possibly their biggest hit, was certainly for many, not their best. ‘Heavenly’ would have made a good alternative choice.

The legendary Jimmy Ruffin who often gets overlooked is featured here with two of his most memorable hits in ‘I’ll Say Forever My Love’ and ‘What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted’ from 1966, and three years later saw Stevie Wonder top the charts with his gorgeous song ‘My Cherie Amour’ which for me has to be one of the best love songs of all time.

Three songs from Michael Jackson include ‘I’ll Be There’ & ‘Got To Be There’ but the real winner amongst them has to be ‘One Day In Your Life’ which rates as one of his best ever from an era when MJ was MJ.

I’m surprised at the choice of the Four Tops in ‘It’s All In The Game’ whereas ‘Still Waters’ or ‘Ask The Lonely’ would have had the same commercial effect yet at the same time removing the predictable tag from this compilation, and Gladys Knight delivers her huge hit ‘Help Me Make It Throught The Night’. The rest of this CD is made up of hits from Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores, Billy Preston’s number one with Syreeta, and ‘Tracks Of My Tears’ from Smokey.

Nothing new here but an attractive package (and price) for those discovering Motown for the first time, otherwise I suspect that 99% of existing fans will give it a miss.

Rating 5/10
Price £6.99 in the UK