Search - Diana Ross :: Voice of Love

A Valentine for Ross Fans

Todd J. Brandt | New York, NY United States | 04/12/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As Diana Ross has often stated, her mission in life is "Spreadin' love!". Her delicate, melting voice is particularly at home on ballads, and "Voice of Love" collects some of her best. The classic tearjerker, "Touch Me in the Morning," is probably one of Ross' most overlooked performances. The arrangement builds beautifully in tempo and excitement, and Ross' matches it note for note. Her poignant version of Ashford & Simpson's "You're All I Need to Get By" (an album track from her 1970 debut) is a surprising but welcome choice. The elegance of the song's rhythm and arrangement is perfect for Ross. Also from the "good old days" are "I'm Still Waiting," one of Ross' most beloved overseas hits (and another fine, dramatic reading); and "You Are Everything," Ross and Marvin Gaye's excellent cover of the Stylistics' tune. The 1980's are poorly represented by the doo-wop ditty "So Close" and the almost-unlistenable "I Am Me." Neither are technically ballads or love songs, making their inclusion even more puzzling. Substantially better is Ross' heartfelt take on Bob Dylan's "Forever Young," while her hit, "Missing You," is an excellent, award-worthy performance. Moving into the 1990's, Ross continues to weave elegant pop melodies; "Your Love" and "If We Hold on Together" are strong power ballads, while "Gone" takes a more subtle approach. "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" threatens to be overwhelmed by its (over)production, but the lyrics remain affecting. Of the 3 new songs included, the choir-backed "In the Ones You Love" is a memorably robust performance by Ross; her cover of Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone" and the self-penned "I Hear the Voice of Love" are mild diversions. With a few notable exceptions, this is as good an example as any of Ross' abilities as a song stylist."

VOICE OF SOUL AND ELEGANCE!

ianphillips@uk.dreamcast.com | BOLTON, LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND | 08/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A collection of timeless, classy love songs handpicked by Diana Ross herself. The albums obvious choices include the classic duet with Marvin Gaye, YOU ARE EVERYTHING as well as TOUCH ME IN THE MORNING (one of her greatest recordings to date), IT'S MY TURN, I'M STILL WAITING, WHEN YOU TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME, whilst also giving a welcome surprise airing to lesser known material such as a track she had written herself with Janie Bradford in the early 60's, I AM ME (which eventually was recorded for 1982's SILK ELECTRIC album), YOU'RE ALL I NEED TO GET BY (DIANA ROSS 1970), FOREVER YOUNG (SWEPT AWAY 1984) and YOUR LOVE (ONE WOMAN-THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION 1993) which was a top 20 success in the U.K in 1994. This features some of Ross' most unique and memroable recordings which include the three previously unreleased songs, IN THE ONES YOU LOVE, YOU ARE NOT ALONE and VOICE OF LOVE. A thoroughly excellent compilation which is most defintley worth having. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!"

Touchy Collection.

ianphillips@uk.dreamcast.com | 07/17/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's simply another marvelous collection of love songs. It Includes, "Touch me in the morning", "It's my Turn", "Forever Young" and more hits. The Three last tracks are beautifully sang. "In the ones you love" & "You are not alone" are tracks worth listening to. Enjoy it!"