Search - Various Artists :: Motown Gospel 1

Early 70s Motown Sound--a gem for collectors and believers

Craig A. Buxton | Midlothian, Virginia | 04/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fascinating compilation originally titled "Rock Gospel--The Key to the Kingdom." Collectors were paying up to $70 for the album until it came out on CD. Bobby Taylor has to be one of Motown's most underrated vocalists; "Sinner Man" is a terrific "better watch out" number, otherwise available only on Ashford & Simpson's "Greatest Hits" CD; the Supremes cut features Jean Terrell on lead; yes, that's the same "Bat Out of Hell" Meatloaf on "...Heavy as Jesus." The Marvin Gaye track is from his classic "What's Going On," and the closing track, though a bit overdone, sounds sincere: Gladys really wails on this one. I was thrilled to find this by accident and consider it worth every cent."