V1 Motown [Enhanced]

There definitely is a focus on three artists on this particular album - Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross & The Supremes. Yes there are nice remakes of "Since I Lost My Baby" by the Temptations, "You are Everything" by the Stylelistics and "How Sweet It is" by James Taylor. The remaining 11 songs all have the the Gaye, Wonder, and Supremes connection. There are three ways I could second guess this - 1) The Selection of the 14 songs could have been second guessed. If there was to be an influence on Gaye, Wonder, and the Supremes - perhaps some other songs like "I'll Be Doggone", "Sir Duke", and "The Happening" could have been included; 2) Include other artists such as The Four Tops, Billy Preston, The Isley Brothers, and Commodores. I would have also liked more songs by the Tempatations; 3) In general, the other problem is that the emphasis on the "Motown" music seems to be from the earlier days and there isn't much material included from the later days (such as including some Lionel Richie stuff). However the collection is what it is.

This album has had some good commercial success. This album wasn't getting much airplay, but this album did receive a boost when two of the songs were featured on an MCI television commercial - the remake of Gaye's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing". Some may criticize McDonald for selling out with the commercials - but in general there has been a bias on commercial radio against getting airplay of new material from 70s and 80s artists. As a result - I applaud McDonald's efforts. It got a lot of folks interested in this new album as well as introduced a lot of new fans to Michael McDonald.

I really like the intro that McDonald does on "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". There are some great harmonies on this song as well. The background vocals also add a nice effect on "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing". The MCI songs are two highlights of the album, but there are others as well. The remake of The Supremes' "Reflections" has some classic McDonald crooning combined with a gospel choir background. "Reflections" is my all-time favorite Motown song and McDonald's version - while very different, does not disappoint. Three other excellent remakes are contributed by Stevie Wonder. In "Signed, Sealed, Delivered - I'm Yours" and "I Believe". , McDonald brings a energy and passion that show his talent as a vocalist as well as why he was an excellent choice for doing this album. The background vocals in "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" also add a great effect. As for "I Believe", I do think that McDonald's version is better. A third Wonder remake "Too High" is the last song on the collection. The McDonald remake brings more of a Jazz element than the original and I feel it also is pulled off well. Finally on "You are Everything", Michael McDonald keeps all the passion of the original song - another solid remake.

The collection leads off with "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". I've never been a fan of this Marvin Gaye classic. I wasn't thrilled it was included on the collection and I don't think McDonald adds much to change my personal opinion. I do think than fans of this song will be happy with it. It is also worth noting that McDonald's wife Amy provides vocals on the Gaye remake of "Distant Lover" - this is another solid remake that is included. There is a great saxaphone on this collection.

Remake albums don't often include the lyrics. In the liner notes, Michael McDonald mentions how the lyrics were able to be reproduced with permission. The songwriters are listed for the songs, but I would have also included the original artists. I'm not sure if this album is going to satisfy the pure Motown fan, but I think Michael McDonald fans will be thrilled with this - as well as those fans who enjoy a good Motown tune. I do highly recommend this album.