This review should be read in conjunction with my on-line interview with Martha Reeves of which a number of songs from these two albums are featured in conversation, and are a useful source of information for Motown enthusiasts. Furthermore at the bottom of this page you will find the link to the interview in question, as well as a link to some amazing footage of this great lady in action from the sixties.
 

‘Natural Resources’

These next two albums bring us up to the turn of the decade at a time when the whole emphasis of the Motown sound had changed from that of up-beat stompers, to a more laid back sound that had resulted in many acts on the label achieving chart success both here and in America. ‘Natural Resources’ was something of a flop a time and only during the 1980’s did interest begin to grown in it again after Motown fans discovered a couple of superb tracks within it, that had clearly been overlooked at the time.

Opening with a rendition of the Beatles song ‘Something’ that was hardly likely to set pulses racing, however, ‘Didn’t We’ was a gorgeous ballad far removed from the usual sound and after a cabaret influenced opening it soon settles into one of those ‘must hear again’ songs that displays the magnificent vocal range that Martha has. One of the highlight’s of this CD has to be ‘Love Guess Who’ which was issued on Gordy during the early seventies and has over the last few years become a much in demand mid-tempo dancer of the highest order. This particular song is discussed during my interview with Martha.

As with many of Martha’s back issues there are plenty of cover versions and the inclusion of Jackie De Shannon’s 1968 hit song ‘Put A Little Love In Your Heart’ is actually quite pleasant and near to the original, but it is the next track that will excite seasoned fans with ‘The Hurt Is Over’ a traditional style Motown dancer with just a hint of seventies thrown in for good measure. Martha had never sounded so good.

‘Sweet Darlin’ had always been a popular song and the arrangement around it had clearly infuenced ‘Won’t It Be So Wonderful’  as the two songs sound remarkably similar, and her gospel roots clearly are evident when you listen to either version of ‘People Get Ready’ (one is an alternative mix – included as a bonus). At a time when Motown fans are always on the look out for new product, updating worn out vinyl, or simply picking up albums they missed out on first time round, then this title will make a valuable contribution to anyone’s collection.

‘Black Magic’

The obvious attraction with this title is he inclusion of ‘No One There’ which sees Martha at her best with a song that has been a northern soul favourite for some time now (having been issued as a UK single back in 1973) and its inclusion on a Spectrum Connoisseurs CD last year no doubt helped to boost its popularity and overall sales.

‘Your Love Makes It Worthwhile’ is vocally very good but the overall feel of the song is too ‘lightweight’ with the loss of that heavy production associated with previous Motown releases lets the whole song down generally. More cover versions on this album too as she tackles the Jackson 5 hit ‘I Want You Back’ and ‘Tear It On Down’ and album track for Marvin Gaye, where the listener gets the impression that the latter was recorded as a jam session – nevertheless, its makes great listening.

‘Bless You’ a hit for the girls in 1971 is typical Motown/Pop at its most commercial and I remember only too well not only playing it to death at the time in the clubs I worked at, but also the amount of heavy radio plays it received which no doubt boosted its appeal. Whilst the majority of these 2 on 1’s concentrates on Martha, may I point the reader towards a particular track on this set where the Vandella’s provide an exceptional backing vocal, which for once, out strips the lead singer. Listen to ‘In And Out Of My Life’ to experience the fantastic contribution these girls made to the overall sound.

One more cover version of note in Dionne Warwick’s 1964 classic ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ which sees Martha follow the same course and arrangement of this great song which actually sits nicely alongside the rest of this set. The album sleeve is stunning and there is something for everyone within the grooves – recommended.

Rating 8/10

To check my interview on line – click here
To see Martha Reeves & the Vandellas in action – click here
Other Motown CD review from Martha – click here