Martha Reeves [Import]

Martha Reeves | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 24, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: See for Miles UK
• ASIN: B0000011C8
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #260,410 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Wild Night

2. You've Got Me for Company

3. Facsimile

4. Ain't That Peculiar

5. Dixie Highway

6. Power of Love

7. My Man

8. Sweet Misery

9. I've Got to Use My Imagination

10. Storm in My Mind

11. Many Rivers to Cross

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous Martha, January 23, 2000

By 

Timothy J. Slivinski - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martha Reeves (Audio CD)

Martha Reeves is the greatest vocalist to come out of the Motown records stable of stars; true, Diana Ross may have had more and bigger hits, but Martha Reeves was the soul of Motown. This CD, her first solo release in the mid-70's, is solid proof of Reeves' enormous talent. Every track shines, and her cover of Van Morrison's "Wild Night" should have been the biggest hit of that year. If you can sit still during this rousing version, you are better than I am. Unfortunately, this track was not promoted as a single. Other standouts on this collection are Martha's version of "Many Rivers to Cross", "I've Really Got to Use My Imagination" and "Dixie Highway." But in truth, there are NO weaknesses on this CD. It is unfortunate that Martha Reeves' solo career has not been bigger and more substantial, but anyone who appreciates true gut-level feeling in a vocalist, appreciates Martha's contributions to rock music. This CD, finally available in the US, should be in every serious rock music lover's collection.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars QUINTESSENTIAL MARTHA!, August 5, 1999

By 

A. M. Smith (RICHMOND, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Martha Reeves (Audio CD)

Today, Martha (even on dates where she has Vandellas with her) generally opens her show with "Wild Night," which never fails to get the audience going. This should say something about the durability of the material. There is honestly not one bad track in this collection. MCA certainly missed the boat by not promoting this one adequately. The material is varied but perfectly balanced, and Martha's born-again voice is smoother and has a wider range than on her Motown sides. These days, she seems to enjoy trilling up and down the scales to show it off, but on this collection she's more restrained and delivers just the right amount of belt. I have been listening to this one regularly since its original release, and am overjoyed that's it's available on CD. Too bad there's not a six- or seven-star option here. Worth every penny!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding, Overlooked Masterpiece, March 15, 2002

By 

Exguyparis "exguyparis" (Lansdowne, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martha Reeves (Audio CD)

This album has been a big part of my life since it was released in the early 1970's. I've never understood why this album did not make Martha Reeves have a post-Motown solo success. Producer Richard Perry's work has always impressed me. His work with the Pointer Sisters was stellar.

But the beauty of this album is the voice of Martha. She covers a surprising range of musical styles. The surprising opening is a very successful cover of Van Morrison's "Wild Night," with a funky, driving beat that will have you out of your seat and bopping. Next is a gorgeous ballad, the heart wrenching "You've Got Me for Company," which is one of the finest portraits of consuming love I've ever heard.

Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar" gets an interesting make-over, with a driving wall-of-sound brass accompaniment and Martha's punchy "woo-woo-woo's" that hammer the "you do me wrong" aspect of the song.

For me, the standout is "My Man," another gigantically powerful love ballad. This song catches me from the first stirring piano chords. I listen to this song constantly, and grow to love it more each time. Martha demonstrates what a true love song is supposed to do: portray the magnitude, pain, power, and glory of love.

"Storm in My Mind" a standout example of the best of Richard Perry's production, includes a powerful instrumental track, stellar background singing, and a powerful lead from Martha. The album concludes with "Many Rivers to Cross," a driving, moving gospel saga.

I was thrilled when this album finally came out on CD. Every song is wonderful-there are no "fillers." I urge you to but this; you will not be disappointed.