Released: January 23, 1967
Runtime: 31:28
After the ho-hum I Hear A Symphony and positively disappointing The Supremes A’ Go-Go, the Supremes return to glory with this splendid release.
I mean it’s a breath of fresh fucking air.
As the title implies every song was written by at least one member of the Holland-Dozier-Holland triumvirate. Sadly, this would also be the last proper Supremes album with them at the helm… and with the Supremes as the Supremes.
Soon H-D-H would leave Motown in a dispute over royalties.
The Surpemes would soon be rebranded as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Florence Ballard fired and replaced with Cindy Birdsong, and Birdsong and Mary Wilson would be totally shooed out of the studio as Ross recorded “Supremes” songs with the Andantes.
FUN FACT: The Supremes and Aretha Franklin were the only Black artists to release #1 pop songs in 1967. Yikes.
Despite a million people covering this song (and they’ve all ruined it) never settle for anything less than the original “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”, which was deservedly #1 on the pop and R&B singles charts.
There’s even an alternate version that didn’t see the light of day for like 50 years that just screams, “Hey cats and kittens, disco is on the horizon!”
“You're Gone But Always in My Heart” is a slow-burning brooding ballad while “Love Is Here and Now You're Gone” was another #1 hit. “Now You’re Gone” was recorded in Los Angeles without the Funk Brothers, so it doesn’t quite hit like most Supremes hits, but itd the orchestration is still delightfully sweeping. I’ve never fully liked Ross’s breathy spoken asides, but I do love when the orchestra instantly breaks back in. So I guess it works in the end.
“I Wanna Mother You, Smother You With Love” is perfectly serviceable fluff.
“I Guess I'll Always Love You” and “I’ll Turn To Stone” are a step above fluff. “It’s the Same Old Song” is not. Weakest song on the album and sounds like it belongs on The Supremes A’ Go-Go.
“Going Down for the Third Time” could have been the album’s third A-side. It’s another Supremes jewel that rarely gets included on anthologies. Pity, cuz the backing vocals swooning “Saaaaave me, save me, save me” always puts a smile on my face. As does the rollicking piano that sounds like it’s pounding out an S.O.S.
“Love Is In Hearts” is more serviceable fluff. As is their cover of “(Love Is Like A) Heatwave”. It ain’t bad, but it’s really tame, especially when you remember how much ass Martha & the Vandellas kicked on the original, you really have no use for this one.
“Remove This Doubt” is some Gothic pop. Is that a thing? I dunno. It should be. Maybe it’s just emo pop.
Okay, maybe “There's No Stopping Us Now” shoulda been the third (or maybe fourth!) A-side from this LP. It definitely wouldn’t have gone to #1. I peg it as a solid Top 40 hit. Most groups would have loved that action. Not the Supremes. Only top 10s, number ones preferred.
SONG SCORES
SIDE 1
You Keep Me Hangin’ On: 10/10
You're Gone But Always in My Heart: 7/10
Love Is Here and Now You're Gone: 8/10
I Wanna Mother You, Smother You With Love: 6/10
I Guess I'll Always Love You: 6.5/10
I’ll Turn To Stone: 8/10
SIDE 2
It’s the Same Old Song: 4/10
Going Down for the Third Time: 8/10
Love Is In Hearts: 6/10
Remove This Doubt: 5/10
There's No Stopping Us Now: 8/10
(Love Is Like A) Heatwave: 5/10
ALBUM GRADE: B
Like I mentioned up top, a delightful return to form for the Supremes. Two smash #1s, some very good songs, and the rest is serviceable material with no embarrassments. You can put this on and rest assured you will not be clamoring for any skip buttons.