Search - Mary Wells :: In And Out Of Love

Miss Mary's Post-Disco Love Suite Issued for the 1st Time on

S. Sarabia | Portland, ME, USA | 03/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've ever heard the first single, "Gigolo," let it suffice to say that it's no wonder it's the last track on this magnificent album. The BEST is ALWAYS saved for LAST! After almost thirty years since its release, Miss Mary finally sees the light of CD format for what could quite possibly have been the most exciting recording of her entire career. The songs seem to follow an order which unfolds into a romantic suite or dream even. She either realizes the brotha's a gigolo, or she's in the deepest, sweetest dream of gettin' down with him on the dancefloor while she's asleep. The remastering here is impeccable and the music straddles the fence between Motown (her original label) and that smooth, soulful Leon Ware kind of vibe. It's early 80's R&B, Post-Disco at its very best and I remember falling in love with "Gigolo" when I was in high school in 1981 when it was first released. The booklet which accompanies the CD is an extensive essay written by David Cole of The Basement Magazine and two very rare 12" versions are added for good measure, one being that of "Gigolo," which on the CD is even longer than the one I've got on wax! This version clocks in at 7:23! My wax version was only 5:28; the other, "These Arms," which almost feels like an updated version of her very own, "My Guy," which made her famous to begin with! You're in for a real treat here, all you Old School R&B fans! I stand behind this one 100%. You will NOT be let down! The compact disc itself reveals the original Epic label! It's beauty to behold, so dim the lights and let Miss Mary take you for a ride in and out of love."

Soulful & magnificent...Bravo Mary Wells!

Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 03/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazingly this incredibly great collection of soulful performances from Mary Wells arranged to perfection from the early eighties didn't put her back on top where she belonged in spite of the magnificent stunner "Gigolo" going to #1 nationally on the dance charts...for some lame reason Top 40 radio kept a totally inane ban on Mary Wells after she left Motown that lasted to the end of her life. Mary Wells struggled giving her all in great concert performances on the oldies circuit for years and listening to this solid gold collection of sublime performances it is obvious this legendary lady should have had a number of Top Forty hits & Grammy Award for "In And Out Of Love" which is her greatest recording achievement. Opening with the sensuous "These Arms", this soulful gem sounds like a chart-topping smash yet radio never gave this engrossing & infectious single airplay so the tremendous lp "In And Out Of Love" didn't have a chance...thirty years later this extraordinary masterpiece is finally released on compact disc and those who love great singer collections are going to love this awesome collection that will give hours of complete listening pleasure yet be amazed this glorious gem slipped through the cracks & didn't give Mary the acclaim & success she so richly deserved..bless you Mary Wells and you are missed!"

The Queen is Back!!

codykid | Philadelphia, PA | 05/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Industry insiders were excited to welcome Miss Wells, the original Queen of Motown back to vinyl when this LP "In and Out of Love" was released in 1981. Now we are fortunate to have this great album on CD for the first time. Including her smash disco hit "Gigolo" (produced by Fonce & Larry Mizell), which Record World compared to Dee Dee Sharp Gamble's "Breaking and Entering" at the time. We are fortunate to get "Gigolo" and "These Arms" in the 12" versions. "Gigolo" could be placed in any club today and become a hit. This album has something for everyone and Mary is in fine voice. More 1980's dance with "Let Mix It Up" and "Indian Giver", as well as well as what should have been the second single "I'm Changing My Ways". Sensuous soul with "These Arms", "(Will You Still Love Me) Share My Love", "You Make Me Feel So Good Inside" and "Spend the Night with Me". Epic records' promotion did not do justice to this classic by the original Queen of Motown. Check it out."