:: Various Artists - Motown 50

Various Artists

Motown isn’t just a music genre. It represents a quintessential period in American history when music transcended racial tensions, and a new found sound emerged that pioneered the way for contemporary artists. And the legacy that remains: A distinct Motown Sound that’s still celebrated today. To commemorate this exceptional movement - and in honour of their 50th birthday - Motown Records has released Motown 50. What’s more, the tracks on this 3-disc compilation album were chosen by the public, via a global poll. So who’s featured on Motown 50? Well according to die-hard Motown fans, Motown 50 fails to live up to its hype. Those avid followers of old-school soul music are suggesting that some very significant tracks were left off the list, tracks like ‘(I Can’t Help Myself) Sugar Pie Honey Bunch’ from the Four Tops and The Miracles’ ‘You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me’. But the important thing is that all of the Greats are there, and if you’re Generation Y and just like to appreciate soul music from those most famous for pioneering it (perhaps a little shallow), then this album is for you. The songs are ordered in those who that got the most votes, and the winner, it would seem, is Stevie Wonder at Number One with ‘Superstitious’. The Temptations, The Supremes and Jackson 5 also feature heavily on the first disc. It’s all the favourites, from a very young Michael Jackson belting out ‘ABC’ alongside his brothers, to the sweet sounds of ‘Baby Love’ from The Supremes. There’s definitely going to be one song you’ll know all the words to. Disc two and three takes you on a similar journey with a few lesser known legends of the time, like Thelma Houston with ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ and The Marvelettes ‘Please Mr. Postman’. So despite what the experts say, Motown 50 is an album that can be considered a good round up of all the Motown classics. And I can always make time to listen to the sweet soprano of Diana Ross, or the genius that is Stevie Wonder, however old – or young- I am.