Diana Ross

Diana Ross's first solo album was a revelation when it was released in 1970. Picking up where she left off with the Supremes, Ross expanded the borders of soul with a collection of fantastic arrangements and a flat-out superior vocal talent, not to mention a batch of excellent songs. When "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" kicks in, her voice borders on the supernatural.

In a way, this is nothing more than the classy pop package it (and Ross) seems to be. But
that is currently a rare commodity. Almost all of the competition is either in decline (Aretha
Franklin, Dionne Warwicke), a rut (Gladys Knight, Barbra Streisand) or both (Bette Midler).
Because she recognizes her limitations and unfailingly presents herself with taste and
control, Diana Ross is the greatest continuing force in the past decade of popula... More >

This is a generally catchy album by the sad standards she's settled for, but beyond Ashford & Simpson's gorgeous, mournful "Ain't Nothin' but a Maybe" and the seven intoxicating minutes of "Love Hangover" it's often catchy-annoying rather than catchy-compelling or at least catchy-fun. Major offenders: "Theme From Mahogany," the boop-nostalgia "Smile," and its clone, "Kiss Me Now," which captures her at her archest. (Catalogue number: M6-861.) (Grade - B-)