Reach Out
Artist: The Four Tops
Community Score: 6.30

Though it's one of the best Four Tops records of the '60s, Reach Out still feels weighted down by a few vain attempts at adult pop crossover. It certainly starts out right, with the glorious "Reach out, I'll Be There," the group's second pop/R&B chart-topper. After a faithful cover of the Left Banke's "Walk Away Renee," though, listeners are... Read More

The Marvelettes' Greatest Hits
Artist: The Marvelettes
Greatest Hits - MOTOWN
Artist: Martha & the Vandellas

Released at the height of Martha & the Vandellas' success, this 12-song compilation assembles most of the group's hit singles from their first three years as a recording act. It's difficult to criticize a collection that gets such soaring numbers as "You've Been in Love Too Long," "Dancing in the Street," "Nowhere to Run," "Live Wire," "Wild... Read More

Motown Superstars Series, Vol. 8
Artist: Jimmy Ruffin

An excellent coupling of David and Jimmy Ruffin's individual solo highlights. A couple of cuts from their unheralded LP together are also included, making this a well-rounded package. Two obscurities from each spice this skimpy but tight compilation: David Ruffin's dramatic, aching "Just Let Me Hold You For a Night," and Jimmy Ruffin's... Read More

With a Lot o' Soul
Artist: The Temptations
Community Score: 10.00

This was the Temptations' seventh hit album in a row, released as Gordy 922 in July of 1967. It shows them -- and the Motown Sound -- moving in a more modern direction. Sporting the hits "(I Know) I'm Losing You" and "All I Need," it also features some first-rate vocal exchanges between Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin on "You're My Everything."... Read More

Gettin' Ready
Artist: The Temptations
Community Score: 10.00

The Temps' 1966 album sported not only two of their biggest hits (Smokey Robinson's "Get Ready" and Holland and Whitfield's "Ain't Too Proud To Beg"), but also moved the group from Smokey producing the group over to Norman Whitfield. In addition to the original 12 track lineup (all in original stereo except for "Say You," preserved off the... Read More

The Marvelettes
Artist: The Marvelettes

Perhaps the best studio album the Marvelettes ever recorded. The spotlight was shared between Horton and Young, and one can attest to the differences in their styles (Horton was earthier, Young the more pop-oriented). In addition to their classic hit "The Hunter Gets Captured By the Game" and what is the best version of the Van McCoy warhorse... Read More