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No Fear Here

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NO FEAR HERE
Susaye Greene
Dollface Music

By: Rick A. Bueche

Though absent from the music industry stateside for over 20 years, Susaye Greene has made a rousing return to her art with a collection of 12 songs that showcase one of the most underrated voices in music today.

Having worked with the likes of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, Susaye is best remembered as being the "last Supreme:" In 1976 she replaced Cindy Birdsong to become the final woman to be inducted into the world-famous Supremes. The Diana Ross-less trio had been stagnant for years, but with the addition of Susaye the trio made a heralded comeback on the pop and soul charts that year with the hit single "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking, " from one of the groups biggest selling lps sans Ross, "High Energy." Though never issued as a single, Susaye gave an acclaimed vocal on the title track which became an instant disco hit of the day. Although it seemed The Supremes were on a comeback, internal pressures and mismanagement caused the group to disband a year later. Susaye has since released one album for Motown and has written tracks for singers like Wonder and Michael Jackson since.

Coaxed from retirement by the ever-loyal fans of the Supremes, Susaye Greene, through the numbers submitted on this CD, has lost none of the vocal power and range she revealed while performing in the group. In fact, time and inactivity seems to have only strengthened the singers instrument. She still possesses a five octave range with warm and rich tones on all vocal levels. The songstress maintains an amazing ability to zoom through the zenith of the musical scales from the deep lows to piercing highs in a milli-second. It can be said that listening to Susaye Greene is as much instruction as it is pleasure.

Most notably, Miss Greene delivers a contemporary offering in her middle years of life without embarrassing herself and her audience by attempting rap or offensive lyrics in an effort to compete with younger vocalists. Other artists of her genre have made ill-fated comeback attempts in that area with laughable results. She remains true to her art and virtually seduces her listener with sheer vocal perfection. Like Marvin Gaye, she layers her own vocals to where each song becomes a small production of its own.

Many of the tracks can be described simply as..."smooth." Though she is delightfully funky with the house-sounding "Bewitched (By Your Love)," Susaye is at her best with the mellow, champagne-sipping romance of tunes such as "Queen of Fates" and "Unbelievable". A unique interpretation of "Bali Ha'i" further enhances the versatility of the CD.

Clearly the standout cut is a duet with Kenny Ladiende, "Be The One." Sparsely arranged and beautifully executed in harmony, this track would be embraced by Adult Contemporary radio to easily crossover to pop and soul listeners. Likewise, "Letting You Go," if given dance floor exposure, could find audiences beyond that. The singer is playful on some of the intros to her tunes, but attentive to each detail of the composition. There are no electronic gimmicks here...simply pure music appreciation.

Currently planning a U.S. tour, it can be hoped that this fine collection finds wider distribution to secure the audience, and thus the success it deserves. This is a singer whose talents transcended the confines of a group dynamic, and if not renowned for hit recordings, is at least deserving of movie soundtrack and tv theme-song exposure. Ironically, while some former Supremes are mud-wrestling to recapture past glories surrounding the name, Miss Greene makes little reference to her past associations and clearly looks forward with, indeed, "No Fear Here."

The CD is an artistic triumph. It deserves to be a commercial one as well.

"No Fear Here" is available through amazon.com

On this musical journey, Susaye takes us on a thrilling ride through many different genres. We have the rap, we have the soul, we have the pop, and we have the alternative! We even get a Broadway tune on this one!!!! Susaye's multi-octave voice glides effortlessly through one song after another. The only complaint I have is that twelve songs was not enough to satisfy my insatiable musical appetite!

Recently, I read the review of the album known as "No Fear Here" by musician Susaye Greene. The review was by Andrew, and it was quite negative. This person said that "Susaye's high pitched voice was annoying" and that she relied upon synthesizers too heavily.
This person couldn't have been listening to the same album as I. I mean, I thought it to be quite the refreshing change in flavor for the music of its genre. Now, I'm only 18. I've never liked what everyone else has liked. Susaye's debut album stood out, however, even in my collection. Of course, this hadn't surprised me, since Susaye had collaborated with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Quincey Jones, and the post-Diana Supremes, of course (whom I personally prefer, since Diana wasn't my style, anyway.) One of the things that annoys me is how a Supremes fan won't get behind Susaye just because he's loyal to Diana. But those who listen can tell that Susaye is trying to be herself and do something new, as an entity separate from the Supremes. Some of the tracks that really stood out, for me, including "End Of Days" had the kind of sound that would put Missy Elliot to shame. "Ha Ha Hey" is another, which is a groundbreaking alternative tune brimming with social commentary.
Now, the lyrics in the last track "Unbelievable" were a little bit mushy and corny, especially the speech at the very end; that's my only criticism. Also, "No Fear" is a bit obsessive on the love scenario. Still, Susaye's optimism is pretty admirable, especially in today's music, what with the Limp Bizkits and Korns of the world.
And Andrew!!! how could you say Miss Greene's artwork was bad. She looked cool enough to hang with Neo and Morpheus in some of those pictures (she's obviously a big Matrix fan) and the glamorous pic with the leopard hat would get props from Marilyn Monroe, the queen of glamor.
So, all of you skeptics, please give her a chance. You won't regret it.

I've bought several of these cds and have distributed them to my friends. Word of mouth is so important these days with the situation regarding bootlegs sold on the streets and everybody copying everybody's recordings.This is a diva who should be signed to a major label .Susaye has an amazing range and an inimitable sound. She truly warms my heart and it truly does me good to know she is still making records in this fickle music bizness.I'm being rushed right now but I had to cease the oportunity to write about this little dynamo. There is nothing in the record stores for me as I peruse. I'm so glad I found this hidden treasure on line. I really think she's one of the greats like a CISSY HOUSTON MARTHA WASH or MARTHA REEVES ..of what legends are made....loved it

The Last Supreme Susaye Greene finally releases a solo CD and it is excellent. From the start with "End Of Days" to the end, this Cd spotlights her strong voice and amazing octave range. It takes mucho talent to turn a Brodaway ballad like "Bali Hai" into a funky, danceable tune. Her octave range is like Minnie Ripperton but less tea kettle sounding than Mariah Carey's. The danceable "Bewitched" is outstanding as is the charmer "Laugh Till You Cry". I recommend this CD heartily. Susaye also co-wrote the songs and she is an accomplished songwriter("Free" by Deniece Williams and "Can't Help It" by Michael Jackson). This former Supreme exhibits no fear and a great amount of vocal talent. I recommend the CD as very listenable and enjoyable.

I love the Supremes "Mary Scherrie and Susaye", so I was so happy to get this cd sent to Australia....but alas it just sounds very dated...what a shame..... far to much reliance on electronics...where are the live real musicians that would have taken this release up to anotherlevel way beyond where it is now, so that it be considered a great release. Good to say u have it in your collection BUT.....!!!!!!!

Im so sorry to have to say what I have said cause I think this lady has a great voice.

This CD is worth it just for this song alone...but you're lucky...this CD is worth EVERY song on it. Susaye, you've really done it, I love this CD! If you are reading this review do yourself a favor and buy this music. You will not be disappointed!

I have been a fan of the Supremes since the early 60's, and am a huge fan today. There is too much "Diana, Supremes" bashing that is going on that I think frankly, is totally out of control! All of the these girls are "Diva's" in their own right. Although Diana Ross got more credit for the success of the group, I feel that it was a collaborated effort on all the girls part made the group what they were. Even if Diana had stayed, they had to make some changes, so Diana left. When Jean Terrell took over as lead of the group, the Supremes came into their own and the music was fun and great to dance to. Sheree Payne was a huge force to be reconned with when Jean left, so was Linda, and Susaye Greene. Susaye has a great voice and a sense of style, but as a member of "The Supremes" the group started to loose steam. The Legacy of the Supremes will never die. They simply branched off and did their own thing in Europe, billed as (FLOS), "The Former Ladies of The Supremes". I bought Susaye Greene's CD, and I thought it was refreshing and totally, "Susaye". This CD is money well spent. It's just another link to the greatness of the group called "The Supremes,ultimate, and final." Jonnathan. Hey, if you can do better, then let's see what you can do!

Well, I have to say that I have waited a long, long time for this album to be released. Susaye Greene has an amazing history as an accomplished singer/songwriter/entrepreneur/author but in recent years has been somewhat hidden away. I first came to admire her voice when she was recruited as the last Supreme, replacing Cindy Birdsong in 1976 until the group disbanded in 1977. Make no mistake, Susaye Greene is no frothy, lightweight singer often associated with the Supremes. She has an incredible vocal range, soaring high and swooping low. Another gift Susaye has is that she has written the majority of the material on this album. I may be biased but I don't think there is a weak track on 'No Fear Here'. She sends shivers down my spine with every note and always has done. I would have purchased this album simply for the track 'Ha Ha Hey (Laugh Till You Cry). It is sublime. Where Susaye got the inspiration from to write this masterpiece I can't imagine. If only this track (among others) had the push it deserves, instead of the mindless, clinical Pop Idol rubbish that abounds these days sadly. Maybe Susaye is right when she says in the track 'End of Days', 'Gone Too Long...some people dissed me. You know you loved me. You know you missed me'. Yes, many people missed her. But here she is in all her glory, with a voice sweeter than ever. There's even a version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'South Pacific'! In fact there's something for everyone here. Go on, give it a try. If you're anything like me and appreciate talent and a voice from heaven, then there's No Fear Here. I just hope I don't have to wait so long for the next project.

I am saddened by a FEW things about this set (and some of the reviews!) I have had this cd set for quite some time, and prayed for great things to happen because of it. It is MUCH TOO LARGE to be handled any less than with utmost of importance to the music industry! Miss Greene is One of THE FORCES TO BE RECKONED WITH in music bar NONE! And I am GRATEFUL that she has come from the school of 'SUPREME' and has been polished up in her remarkability as an artist! The abilities and the creative forces of talent in this woman are indescribable and fanTAStically so! Not to mention the MUSIC! <grin>I think "End Of Days" is my favorite....IF I can even SAY that! But because of what I Know...., this woman is in "TOUCH" with the facts that time is short, and there is NO time for FOOLISHNESS anyMORE!! And is on her MUSICAL 'represent'!IF you the reader be any power that 'be', THIS is a project WELL WORTH YOUR INTEREST and PROMOTION by ANY means. It is NOT EVER too late to pick up THIS project! IF you are a music fan at ALL, I would advise THIS platter. You will....you WILL be "BEWITCHED" by every moment, every note, every ........... sound!