Love Child

by The Supremes

Overview

Through 1964 to 1967 the Supremes were Motown's biggest act. Singles like "Where Did Our Love Go," "Back in My Arms Again," and "You Keep Me Hanging On" defined the label's pop prowess and the quirky appeal of talented lead singer Diana Ross. By 1968, the group not only lost member Florence Ballard, but also Holland-Dozier-Holland who had written and produced all of their big singles. Cindy Birdsong joins Mary Wilson and Ross for this 1968 effort and the group name was officially changed. Although it's always fun to hear Ross and the Supremes, the most interesting thing about this effort is its production. With a lack of consistently great songs, Love Child had to rely on hooks, choruses, and production values rather than magical songs. The well-produced and controversial title track proved how good Ross is with melodrama. "How Long Has That Evening Train Been Gone" has a great bassline from James Jamerson and Ross oddly having a lot of fun with her supposedly dire romantic prospects. The warm cover of Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers' classic "Does Your Mamma Know About Me" sticks close to the original with good results. Ashford and Simpson offer two of their early tracks, the album's first single "Some Things You Never Get Used To," and the graceful "You Ain't Livin' Until You're Lovin'." For the most part, Love Child's tracks seem to run together but this offers the late-'60s Motown sound without gimmicks and is more than recommended. ~ Jason Elias

Product Details

Release Date:	09/13/2024
Label:	Motown
UPC:	8435395504291
Rank:	57500

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Diana Ross & the Supremes   Primary Artist
The Supremes   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Sidney Barnes   Composer
Susanna Hoffs   Composer
Berry Gordy, Jr.   Composer
Ivy Jo Hunter   Composer
Janie Bradford   Composer
Debbie Dean   Composer
Valerie Simpson   Composer
R. Dean Taylor   Composer
Tommy Chong   Composer
George Clinton   Composer
Gwen Fuqua   Composer
Anna Gordy Gaye   Composer
Harvey Fuqua   Composer
Dan Navarro   Composer
Henry Cosby   Composer
Eric Lowen   Composer
Deke Richards   Composer
Johnny Bristol   Composer
Smokey Robinson   Composer
Allen Story   Composer
Pam Sawyer   Composer
Pamela Sawyer   Composer
Rose Marie McCoy   Composer
Nickolas Ashford   Composer
Tom Baird   Composer
George Gordy   Composer
R.M. McCoy   Composer
J. Bradford   Composer
Joanne Jackson   Composer
Dennis Lussier   Composer
The Clan   Producer
Frank Wilson   Composer
Gwen Gordy   Composer
George Beauchamp   Composer
Gwen Gordy Fuqua   Composer
Renee Tener   Composer
Thomas B. Kin Chong   Composer