Search - Mary Wells :: Very Best of

Mary Wells' very last recordings

James E. Williams (jewilliams2@juno | 09/05/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"British producer Ian Levine signed Mary Wells to his Motorcity label as one of the first in 1987, and the material on this album was recorded in the period 1987-90. Mary Wells would never record again. She died from throat cancer 1992. This re-issue opens with a remake of "My Guy" which is uptempo and fresh and in fact the best of the re-recordings as f.ex. the duet with Frankie Gaye (Marvin's brother) "Once Upon A Time" is very cheapsounding and not standing the test of time. The original material varies somewhat in quality too - "Walk The City Streets" is far too racy to do her much justice, "You're The Answer To My Dreams" is a much better dance track as is "Stop Before It's Too Late". The slower "Hold On A Little Longer" and the title track of the original 1990 album "Keeping My Mind On Love" is sultry and delightful. All in all, it's worth a buy and on this collection you'll find all the 12" versions included. (Søren Jensen)"

UNDISCOVERED SOULFUL MASTERPIECE~BRAVO MARY!!!

Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 05/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How this great masterpiece slipped through the cracks is beyond me...a classic production with Mary Wells at her soulful and sultry peak! Motorcity Records produced great classic 60's Motown acts with apparently no promotion or no support from radio and this is sad as these were great moments in music that should have been heard...Kim, Mary, Supremes, etc. in sublime settings! Many Motown artists have continued to do classic work after Motown but without support from radio...radio seldom appreciates real talent like it did back in the great muscial sixties when it had a much broader approach.

Mary Wells built Motown but did the unforgivable and left the label and was black-balled from the airwaves which was a too big of a price to pay...Mary continued to turn out classics after Motown but nobody would play her...this was strange and sad as she built Motown in the early days...the first Motown Female Superstar who was like a black exotic Peggy Lee who continued to do great and awesome things long after Motown...this is proof!!!! Listen to this superb collection that was recorded late in Mary Wells all too short life and witness a Superstar who was still at an incredible peak. This is a collection of classics that is a must for all who love great Diva's who are at the top of their game...Ms. Wells always was and this collection is a MUST HAVE!!! The original release "Keeping My Mind On Love" has a few second market copies available and if you love the classic legendary soul singers do not miss this one and grab it fast!!! Bravo MS. MARY WELLS for being one of the finest ever...you were the ultimate and we miss you!!! God bless Mary Wells"