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Hidden Glories

05/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Diana Ross left the Supremes, the decision at Motown was to place the big money behind her career because that was needed to launch a lead singer into a solo act. The Supremes did get loving care from the company and a great producer in Frank Wilson, but Miss Ross got the special covers for singles and big promotion. The Supremes nevertheless continued to chart with their singles and issue outstanding albums. In fact, their music after Ross was much more sophisticated, provocative and envelope-pushing. Here is some of the best of it, with outstanding lead vocals by the exemplary Jean Terrell, dynamic Sherrie Payne and satin-voiced Mary Wilson. All the post-Ross albums were outstanding but most suffered from strange titling, stranger packaging and little promotion. (There also is an unreleased album, "Promises Kept," with a fantastic single, "Heart Beats," and several unreleased live albums.) These are still-exciting recordings. You'll enjoy them! As for Miss Ross, she still is going strong with her new album her finest work ever, and Mary Wilson is still out there touring, looking glorious and singing better than ever. The Supremes, even apart, are still Supreme."

Ross-less Supremes Still Reign Supreme

10/21/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Few people are aware that when Diana Ross said farewell to the Supremes January 14, 1970, that the group continued to have hit-making success. In fact, their first recording without Miss Ross, "Up the Ladder to the Roof" actually charted higher (#10 pop) than Ross' first solo recording of "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand" (#20 pop)! Anchored by founding member Mary Wilson after Ross' departure, this set includes "Ladder" along with several other top 20 hits such as "Nathan Jones," "Stoned Love," "Floy Joy," and "Everybody's Got the Right to Love." As a bonus we are treated to solo recordings by Ross' lead replacements, Jean Terrell and Scherrie Payne, who led the group from 1970-1973 and 1973-1977 respectively. Mary Wilson's sultry voice is also featured on several group leads. Nearly every single release is included here along with some rare album cuts and alternate takes of some songs. In addition, the liner notes provide lead-singer information for every tune. This is a worthy addition to any Motown collection."

Still Supreme!

robert mofford | Vancouver, Canada | 12/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A common myth is that the Supremes withered and quickly died after Diana Ross' departure. Not true! If this CD is anything to go by, they hadn't even hit their stride musically with Ross. Quite simply each track here is as good as, if not better than the last. Jean Terrell was no Diana Ross Xerox copy. Her high, sweet voice could have been the ticket to many more chart-topping success for the group, had Motown not decided to abandon ship and let the group self-destruct. One thing the group never lacked was talent. Aside from Jean Terrell, original member Mary Wilson had successfully begun her metamorphosis from "the sexy one" to a powerful, accomplished singer in her own right. The dynamic Scherrie Payne came along later in the game, and it can be argued that the final assortment of her, Wilson, and Susaye Greene was both the most visually and musically exciting the group had ever known, but by then it was too little too late. If you've never heard Payne before then the last 2 tracks will be a treat. Why the recording industry hasn't done more with this brilliant lady will forever remain a mystery. She could have easily had, and maybe even surpassed Diana Ross' own success.
On background here, we have the always dependable Cindy Birdsong, Lynda Laurence and Susaye Greene, all talents which deserved more recognition than they eventually got.
It can be argued that Motown shot itself and the public in the foot by ignoring the group from 1970 on. Maybe-just don't do yourself the same injustice. This CD is dynamite, and I can't recommend it highly enough!"