LOS ANGELES, CA- In what can be deemed a happy happenstance, Elemental Music is set to reissue some of the best music of all time with a new licensing deal with Motown. The campaign began on May 10, 2024, and over the next year, it will see the vinyl re-releases of 29 of the label’s most revered and respected albums from some of the greatest soul artists in their stable. This round includes “Cloud Nine” by The Temptations, “I Hear a Symphony” by The Supremes, and “Together” from Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells.

The Temptations’ “Cloud Nine” was the ninth album from this legendary group, originally released in 1969. It was the first full album featuring Dennis Edwards as lead singer after the 1968 firing of David Ruffin, re-establishing the quintet as a powerhouse for the label. It also marked the beginning of the group’s turn towards the new (at the time) psychedelic soul under the direction of producer Norman Whitfield. The tracks were laden with Latin percussion and a funkier, danceable vibe that would propel music into the 1970s.

Anchored by original members Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, and Paul Williams, the album reached number 4 on the US Billboard 200. The title track saw all five members trading vocals, reminiscent of their hit “Can’t Get Next to You,” which reached number 2 on the US R&B chart and number 6 on the US Pop chart. It also won Motown its first Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental. The album produced a second single, “Run Away Child, Running Wild,” which hit number 1 on the R&B singles chart. The nine-minute opus was dominated by long instrumentals, which were edited out for the single version.

The rest of the album seems to return to more familiar ground for the group, with songs like “Need Your Lovin’,” which I found to be a “walk in the park on a summer day” song. “Why Did She Leave Me (Why Did She Have to Go)” is reminiscent of their early hits, with the group backing Edwards’ lead vocal in their usual doo-wop flair. “Love is a Hurting Thing” features a vocal trade-off between Edwards, Kendricks, and Franklin, whose bassy voice is always a welcome treat whenever they gave him a lead.

However, I couldn’t fully get behind their version of Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” as it came off as dull compared to Marvin’s version. Despite this, the rest of the album is a signature timestamp of a legendary vocal group. Listening to it in its entirety, the evidence of their greatness is clear.

The Supremes released their eighth album, “I Hear A Symphony,” in 1966, already established as the top girl group of the era. The album peaked at number 8 and remained on the Billboard 200 for 55 weeks, hitting number one on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The group, comprised of the legendary Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard, were a mainstay in the Motown stable, having reached number one five times over the previous two years with hits like “Stop In The Name Of Love,” “Baby Love,” “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Come See About Me,” and “Back In My Arms Again.”

The title track, “I Hear a Symphony,” produced a sixth number one prior to the album’s release in 1965 and saw a second single in the decidedly darker “My World Is Empty Without You.” Both are stellar examples of The Supremes’ flair for crafting memorable songs. Some of the tracks contain sweeping orchestral arrangements, evident in the opening track, “Stranger in Paradise,” as well as “With A Song In My Heart,” “Wonderful, Wonderful,” and “Without a Song.” These songs evoke the ambiance of jazz clubs from the 1930s and ’40s.

The album includes covers of The Beatles’ “Yesterday” and the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody,” which, while not outshining the originals, fit well within the album’s overall flow. Their cover of “A Lover’s Concerto” stands out, capturing the joy of the original while putting their own unique stamp on it. “Any Girl In Love (Knows What I’m Going Through)” features Diana Ross’ newly recorded vocals over the unreleased Kim Weston track, with backing by the Andantes, preserving The Supremes’ signature sound.

“Together” by Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells is the only studio album pairing these two iconic artists. Released in 1964, the album came after Mary Wells had achieved success with “My Guy” and provided Marvin Gaye with his first credited charting album. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and produced two top-20 singles, “Once Upon A Time” and “What’s the Matter with You, Baby.” The album showcases their chemistry on a mix of standards and show tunes, aimed at expanding Gaye’s audience.

Their voices blend effortlessly, with Marvin’s smooth tenor complementing Wells’ sweet alto, creating a unique vocal harmony throughout the album. The title track, a cover of Connie Francis’ 1961 hit, retains a youthful exuberance, and both artists shine across the album’s selections. This collaboration hints at the kind of magic Marvin Gaye would later bring to his duets with Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross, and Kim Weston.

Overall, these re-releases are not just historical artifacts; they are vibrant pieces of musical history. For fans of the Motown sound, these albums offer a chance to experience the richness and depth of these classic recordings in their most authentic form. Vinyl captures the warmth and soul of the original performances, making these reissues a must-have for anyone who appreciates the legacy of Motown. Whether you’re revisiting these iconic albums or discovering them anew, they are a celebration of the enduring power and influence of Motown’s music.

You can visit the Elemental Records website by CLICKING THIS LINK.

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