From the Vault...

06/07/2009
#1154

info
Mary Wells
"The Ultimate Collection"


© Motown Records

Year of Release: 1998
Rating:

track listing
  • Bye Bye Baby
  • I Don't Want To
    Take A Chance
  • Strange Love
  • The One Who
    Really Loves You
  • You Beat Me To The Punch
  • Old Love (Let's Try Again)
  • Two Lovers
  • Operator
  • Laughing Boy
  • Two Wrongs Don't
    Make A Right
  • Goodbye And Good Luck
  • Your Old Stand By
  • What Love Has
    Joined Together
  • You Lost The Sweetest Boy
  • What's Easy For Two
    Is So Hard For One
  • My Guy
  • Oh Little Boy
    (What Did You
    Do To Me)
  • Once Upon A Time
  • What's The Matter
    With You Baby
  • Whisper You Love Me Boy
  • I'll Be Available
  • When I'm Gone
  • Use Your Head
  • Never Never Leave Me
  • Dear Lover

  • WSVNRadio Archives
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    Mary Wells related sites:
    Mary Wells Website
    Wikipedia
    Previous Review: #1153
    The Gentrys--Keep On Dancing
    Next Review: #1155
    Silkk The Shocker--Made Man
    Mary Wells
    "The Ultimate Collection"



    Mary Wells was best known for the Smokey Robinson written song, "My Guy," a song that would reach the top of the charts in 1964. The Ultimate Collection chronicles her Motown career. Unfortunately, I cannot recall a lot of the songs from this collection, as the only two that ring memory bells for me is her #1 hit mentioned (which was the #1 song when I was born), and "You Beat Me To The Punch." Some few songs vaugely ring the memory bells, but not as many.


    Covering her Motown years from 1961-1965, she would become the first female star of Motown. She would leave the label, despite contract negotiations with Motown owner Barry Gordy. Soon afterwards, Diana Ross & The Supremes would become the top female act from Motown.


    Throughout this 25-song collection, it is truly obvious how Mary Wells was truly a superstar. Easy comparisons to the music of Smokey Robinson (as most of the songs were written/co-written by him), Diana Ross & The Supremes. A more heavy R&B sound on most of her early recordings, as well as Pop-sounding, as heard from The Supremes. A few duets are also featured here, with Marvin Gaye.


    All in all, The Ultimate Collection of Mary Welles is a great introduction to her music. Despite leaving Motown, she didn't accomplish the same popularity for other record labels. Sadly, she passed away of throat cancer in 1992. (She had battled other health disorders throughout her life.) Mary Wells has left behind a great collection of music, and was considered the first queen of Motown. "My Guy" will always be her best remembered hit, and for those who remembered, other songs as well.


    © WSVNRadio.net. All rights reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of Motown Records and is used for reference purposes only.


    Previous Review: #1153
    The Gentrys--Keep On Dancing
    Next Review: #1155
    Silkk The Shocker--Made Man