Another timely CD release aimed at the Motown connoisseur and follower of the very early sound of Motown from the first lady of Hitsville Mable John, who having never achieved the major success of other divas at Hitsville such as the late Mary Wells for example did nevertheless show much promise as a potential big name but for one reason or another it was not to be. Mable had the majority of her releases written by Berry & Gwen Gordy as opposed to HDH who certainly put the likes of the Supremes/Martha & the Vandella's/Four Tops etc on the road to success. I guess she would have been a massive star with the right songs at the right time as she had all the magical ingredients needed to have been amongst the best.

The opening song 'Who Wouldn't Love A Man Like That' is featured on this CD twice - first as the original version from 1960 and then it was re-recorded three years later and was a much more polished affair and notably produced by HDH and co-produced by non other than Stevie Wonder, whereas the original was produced by Berry Gordy. Maybe this is why Berry finally relegated himself to running the company and employed the right song writers to take over. Check out Joe Hunters amazing piano intro on this song.

'Looking For A Man' is the first indication on this disc of the Motown sound we all love and could have been a hit for Mary Wells this chirpy foot tapper is a very strong contender for being one of the best commercially sounding tracks on this set. Mable teams up with Singin' Sammy Ward on the upbeat 'I'm Yours Your Mine' a much heavier arrangement than her other songs and a formulae that was to work wonders for Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye in 1964 - of particular note the drum beat was much heavier on this recording and was a sign of things to come.

It is well known that Berry Gordy utilised some of the artists on the label to provide backing vocals on songs for other artists you'll find a stellar performance from non other than the Supremes on 'I'm Finally Through With You' where on close inspection they have used a similar backing vocal to Marvin Gaye's 'Stubborn Kinda Fellow' to complement what is great song full of commercial promise which sadly failed to materialise into a hit song.

Examination of the track 'Say You'll Never Let Me Go' released as a 'B' side finds a gorgeous gospel flavoured ballad featuring the Temptations on backing which would have made a perfect addition to the film 'Dirty Dancing' The disc closes with the HDH written 'Meet Me Halfway' which whilst being unreleased at the time could have been a single release and rates as good as anything else out at that time.

Mable John looks back on her time at Motown with no bitterness at her failure to hit the big time, but with appreciation and fondness at being there at the beginning of the dream. This CD will give you an insight into the immense talent she had at that time and is a timely reminder of a talent lost.

Let's put that right and give the lady some deserved recognition for a great job done.

Rating 8/10