 |  | 5 stars for content, 2 for execution |  |
For years now, Universal has been cranking out basic, mid-priced compilation CD's of artists in their huge catalog of labels. In many cases, these CD's have been welcomed as they have provided overview collections for some artists that have not been collected before or are an improvement, sonically and/or content-wise, over existing product. However, with the myriad of CD's available for supergroups such as the Supremes, there really is no need for this collection but here it is anyway. If by some chance a music fan does not already own a Supremes collection, this would be a decent sampling but unfortunately, the sound quality here leaves a lot to be desired. So while it's hard to dispute getting all number one tunes with one number two side, this CD falls on its face when it comes to how it performs. Much of the early Motown stuff is muddy-sounding and when mastered for lp the high end was pumped up to compensate for the warming effect of going to vinyl. However, use these masters for CD and without the smoothing out effect of vinyl, these sound terribly shrill and harsh. Two of the tracks here, "Baby Love" and "Come See About Me" are particularly difficult to listen to for this reason. Since stereo versions are available on other Supremes' CD's there is little reason to purchase this only to get sound that is inferior to that which can be obtained elsewhere. With their monumental charting success, a second Millennium collection volume was necessary to merely skim off the Supreme's biggest hits and that companion volume to this one is a bit better technically. Nonetheless, neither of these collections offer anything new and are actually a step down. Better Supremes collections are easily found elsewhere and are preferable to these Millennium pieces.
May 24, 2004My first Supremes collection purchase on CD. It lacks the warm, full richness I've associated with vinyl.
Deep bass and sharp handclaps but the midrange isn't there.
Is it a bad mixing job or have I just become used to what I hear on the radio?
Compare the snare drum on Phil Collins version of You Can't Hurry Love to the snare drum on this mix.
I know, this isn't about drums but it's difficult to express audio impressions with written words.
I feel the reproduction quality (remix?) of this collection is substandard.
I'm looking for an enjoyable Supremes collection and this isn't it.
January 16, 2004I am annoyed with the amount of collections put on Diana Ross and the Supremes. What about the "great underrated" artists like Thelma Houston, "one hit wonder" I think not! Diana Ross is a fine artist but she isn't this great "diva" that she wants everybody to think she is. think about it
April 18, 2003The 20th Century Masters collections are infamous for leaving off hits when it comes to many artists. However, this one is pretty well done and put together. Of course, the Supremes had a ton of hits so not everyone of their big songs are here *although a majority are.* Every song on here is instantly recognizable. Everyone knows "Stop In the Name of Love," "Baby Love," and "Where Did Our Love Go." My personal favorite is the great closing track "Someday We'll Be Together." My only complaint is the omission of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me." That's probably my favorite song by them and it would've made a good addition. Oh, well.
The Supremes were definitely THE girl supergroup. They paved the way for others such as Destinys Child, Expose, and En Vogue. Very few artists have as many hits to back them up as them. February 5, 2003
This was the first Supremes CD I purchased in wanting to hear the "Motown Sound" that I hear on my neighboring oldies station. A substantial amount of the songs on this particular CD are composed by the legendary team of Holland, Dozier, Holland and our carefully crafted to perfection. Hits like `Baby Love', `I Hear a Symphony' and `Where did our Love Go' should forever remain on our radio dials and music shelves as representatives of what was once called soul music. If you would like to experience the disciplined sound that put the Motor City on the map and which put together the mold for all other girl groups to pursue. Buy this CD as a starting point. You will not be disappointed.
May 31, 2002More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(12 reviews)
