Motown Two - Dark Publications

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•	Motown
•	The Ultimate Collection
•	Soul Speak
•	Blue Obsession
•	Our Kind of Soul

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Blue-eyed soul crooner Michael McDonald gave his career a much-needed shot in the arm with 2003's Motown, a commercially well-received collection that matched the one-time Doobie Brother and '80s solo star's rich vocals with songs from Hitsville's peak. One year later, McDonald again delves into the Motown bag to come up with another 14 selections from such giants as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson. McDonald is a distinctive enough vocalist to bring something to these classics, as tough as that task is. Unfortunately, the uninspired production and stilted musicianship keeps the likes of "I Was Made to Love Her," "Tracks of My Tears," and Nowhere to Run" from being anything more than dubious offerings to McDonald partisans. Motown became a hit factory as much on the strength of its foot soldiers as it did its commanding stars, but producer Simon Cline employs thin and lethargic backing tracks where some of the most inspired pop playing in history once stood. Return to the Motown source to hear inspired pop soul music. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews: Read 66 more reviews...

3 out of 5 stars

Sadly, a disappointment November 6, 2004
18 out of 32 found this review helpful

Offering an opinion about music is rather subjective. Just because you like or dislike something doesn't mean it's bad or good. It's just your opinion. Still, there are some basic parameters and guidelines. We know when something is mediocre and when it is superb.

When I think of Motown I think of soul, R&B, and funk wrapped up in an emotional response to the music. Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On" can make you sad while "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" might make you want to move. What Motown is definitely not is bland. It is not elevator music. It is something that you remember - both the words and the beat.

Ever since I heard the Doobie Brothers hit "What A Fool Believes" I have been a fan of McDonald's work.

McDonald has always had a limited vocal range. And that's OK. He was still able to put his signature and frequent melancholy tone to everything he touched. Some of his best music was boosted by good rhythms and unique sound - such as "Minute By Minute," "You Belong to Me," "It Keeps You Running" and his singles "Hey Girl," "Our Love," and many many others. Some of his best music has come from his work with R&B singers such as with Patti LaBelle on "On My Own" and James Ingram on "Yah Mo B There."

With these thoughts in mind, despite having listened and liked almost every McDonald song ever recorded, I have to give "Motown Two" a thumbs down.

As others have noted, most of the tracks here are flat, flat, flat. The background vocals and rhythms are mundane and uninteresting. The effect is so bad that Cyndi Lauper's version of "What's Going On" is a million times better than what we get here. "Mercy Mercy Me" is a bit better, but not enough. The only glimpse at greatness here is when McDonald is rescued by Toni Braxton on "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)." Without her the song probably would have been as flat as all the rest.

If you're a fan of McDonald you'll likely want this album. For others this album will likely be a frustrating experience.

5 out of 5 stars

One Of The Few Sequels To Outdo The Original October 27, 2004
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

Before the first Motown album, Michael McDonald had continued to tour while also working as a songwriter/recording artist after parting ways with Warner/Reprise in the mid nineties. He released a strong album, Blue Obsession, via an independent company that had little chance of being heard by those outside of McDonald's fanbase. Then McDonald's Comet came streaking back into the national consciousness in 2003 via the one-two punch of the Motown album/MCI commercial combo... He was finally able to make the most of an opportunity that presented itself to him. The moons had aligned in his galaxy. The project was a perfect fit for McDonald's type of voice and singing style. The people who purchased it dug it... A LOT.

After the album became the most successful of his solo career, the pressure was ON... What would the music buying public want next from McDonald now that they "found" him again? The choice was obvious, but maybe not the most artistic. When a singer/songwriter is painted into this kind of corner, the challenge becomes clear-- If all they want is another Motown album, make a BETTER Motown album.

He did it.

This new album surpasses the original on almost every level. The production is warmer, the song selection has more edge and McDonald is now at home with the material versus being an enthusiastic visitor for the first one.

There's not a stinker in the bunch. One highlight amongst the highlights is a smoothed out/quiet storm version of the Smokey Robinson classic "Tracks Of My Tears". The arrangers take a little license with the verse chords to great effect, tweaking this already fantastic song into a fresh, original new groove. The same could be said for the subtle Latin samba vibe laid into Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me" and "After The Dance". Keeping the soul flowing is the little known Stevie Wonder composition "Tuesday Heartbreak" (It was the flipside to the 45 single "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life"... I was ten!... Old enough to remember). This collection of tracks takes you from the well known thru the lost and found treasures of the Motown catalog, all performed with the grace of a real music business survivor who's also a huge fan of the Hitsville era.

Michael McDonald's distinctive vocals reveal a true passion for the material. He's not only nailing songs that are hard to sing, but he's also bringing his own style to compositions that the original writers couldn't help but respect.

5 out of 5 stars

Motown 2...better than the 1st !!!! October 28, 2004
12 out of 15 found this review helpful

I was reading some of the reviews and have to agree with them...this album is soo much better than the first. The arrangements differ from the originals - which is what I like anyway. Mike's first Motown album covers were just too close to the sound of the originals, but not this one. For example, he adds a latin feel to Marvin's,"After the dance" and it comes off great. I stand behind my comments that between Michael Mcdonald and Daryl Hall...I don't think there are any better soul singers out there now. Is it me, or has the two of them only gotten better with age? Wow...Michael's rendition of "Tears of a clown" is moving and one of the best songs on the album. Of course, my favorite is the classic, "Stop, Look, Listen to your heart" (which originally was a Philly soul song and not Motown) However, neither was his rendition of "You are everything" (another Philly soul classic), but wow..Michael's duet with Toni Braxton is just awesome.
It is so so so so refreshing to hear good music. I felt like I was abandoned on an island somewhere- forced to listen to what the "media machine" and Mtv say is "IT" or "HOT". I don't think either of them would know "IT" or "HOT" if it came up and bit them on the....well, you know. For example, how can Justin Timberlake beat out Michael Mcdonald for "Best male vocalist"..it just is inconceivable !!! Justin sounds like a watered down Michael Jackson (and do we need another one). Michael can sing cirlces around him, not too mention I wanted to laugh when J.T. got on the keys to play the same 3 chords over and over again (wow, I learned to do that when I was 10 Justin!)Michael just goes up there and puts J.T. to shame...what happened Grammy people????????? or should I say MTV. I hope that everyone gets the chance to buy this album (and Hall and Oates)....you will not be dissapointed !! send a message to the music industry that we know great music...so stop putting out sub par music (that all the music and singers sound alike)and stop adding your controlling 2 cents to music. I promise that you will not be disapointed with this album (it is just awesome) and pick up Hall and Oates too :) I

2 out of 5 stars

Singer Great, Production Sucks October 30, 2004
8 out of 16 found this review helpful

Dont get me wrong. I LOVE Michael Mcdonald. He has an amazing voice. But unfortunately, his voice is the only good thing about this album.

Whoever produced this record should be not ever allowed in a recording studio again. Ever. He took a great singer and fantastic songs and saddled them with the "whitest" most "elevator music" production ever heard in years. Every attempt at "hip" tracks sounds like something done in the 80's. The background vocals are a farce. Each song without fail is ruined by the production.

Some smart record exec should take Mcdonals vocals and remix them with a new producer into tracks worthy of his voice. Until that happens, until they release a remix album, dont waste your hard earned money on this.

Just my 2 cents.

5 out of 5 stars

Motown 2 October 31, 2004
8 out of 12 found this review helpful

After the phenomenal and deserved success of grammy nominated Motown 1 - comes Motown 2 with an another superb selection of classics and rarely heard songs.

From the opening bars of You're All I Need To Get By you know that you are in for another real treat with a great balance of songs which also has several guests performing - including Stevie Wonder playing harmonica on his very own composition I Was Made To Love Her - A duet with Toni Braxton on Stop, Look ,Listen (To Your Heart) - The Legendary Billy Preston playing on several tracks including the footstompin singalong Nowhere To Run - I defy anyone not to move a muscle and stand still when this song is played - Reach Out I'll Be There and Baby I Need Your Lovin' the Four Tops classics which will have you singing them in your head all day after you heard them - and then their are the Marvin Gaye classics After the Dance and What's Goin' On - which incidentally is a live Michael McDonald concert favourite and the lesser known Baby I'm For Real which will have everyone wondering where has this song been all these years? - I'm sure Marvin is looking down with a nod of approval and smiling warmly with appreciation - and finally how many of you have heard Tuesday Heartbreak from the Stevie Wonder album Talking Book? - When you hear this song you'll be wondering how many more Motown classics are out in their vaults and still waiting to be heard.

If you liked Motown 1 - with those soaring passionate powerful vocals and the trademark screams then you will love Motown 2

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