Motown Chartbusters, Vol. 12

• Artist: Various Artists
• Release Date: September 04, 2001
• Total Time: 69:10
• Type: Collection (various artists)
• Genre: Rhythm & Blues

Review

The Vol. 12 installment in the Motown Chartbusters series revisits some the best Motown had on offer as the strong era of 1970s soul gave way to the 1980s' penchant for a more elastically synthetic groove. And, of course, the label's roster was there, not only to keep the vibe flowing in traditional style, but also to maintain its forward momentum. The usual cast of characters makes a return here with a chronologically cohesive set. The Commodores are the glue that holds the set together across three strong inclusions, "Lady (You Bring Me Up)," "Oh No," and "Why You Wanna Try Me." The latter, of course, was the group's last hit single with Lionel Richie, before he left the band for his own solo career -- and that transition is represented here with the inclusion of "Endless Love," 1981's hot number one hit, the Richie/Diana Ross duet that marked the singer's first solo single. The spectacular Ross isn't left by the wayside either, across her own club staple "I'm Coming Out," plus "Tenderness" and the theme song to the 1980 film of the same name, "It's My Turn." Rounding out the compilation are Michael Jackson's "We're Almost There" and "One Day in Your Life," plus one from brother Jermaine, 1982's "Paradise in Your Eyes," leaving punk-funker Rick James to punch up the vibe with his huge hit, "Super Freak, Pt. 1." And, of course, no Chartbusters set would be complete without the lovely Syreeta, here with "I Must Be in Love." Showing remarkable attention to time and place as compared to other volumes in the series, Motown Chartbusters, Vol. 12 seems to have finally gotten it right, seeding the set with songs to create a snapshot of early '80s Motown. A nice budget comp to wrap up loose ends. ~ Amy Hanson, Rovi

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