AT THEIR PRIME
Kent Browning | SPRINGFIELD, OHIO United States | 09/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hailed as one of the greatest ensemble groups in R&B history THE SWEET INSPIRATIONS (CISSY HOUSTON, ESTELLE BROWN, MYRNA SMITH, AND SYLVIA SHEMWELL) were not as big as they should have been in terms of popularity. Compared to album sales for MARTHA AND THE VANDELLAS, THE SUPREMES or THE RONNETTES they were not at the top. But with one listen you become aware that they were by far more talented and polished. The main reason could be that ATLANTIC records employed them as session vocalists for every big act or solo performer at that time. If one markets their album really well maybe they are not available to perform on everyone else's record? (Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Esther Phillips, Wilson Pickett)Be that as it may that didnt stop them from releasing some stellar soul music. This release just issued on cd in 2002 catches a gospel and pop/r&b recording. On the gospel set(SONGS OF FAITH AND INSPIRATION)Cissy Houston (mother of WHITNEY) writes half of the tunes. The hand clapping, toe tapping "Looking on the brightside" is pure traditional gospel and inspiring. Estelle takes the lead on the accapella "He'll fight". A true testament of THE SWEET's vocal power and harmony. Other standouts are "The 23rd psalm" and Cissy's solo reading of "Pilgrim of Sorrow". The second part of the cd brings you to the pop/r&b side with "WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE". The title track is slammed from beginning to end with the vocal power and mesmorizing harmonies this group can provide. One of the best versions of the great song ever! Their version of "Alfie" clearly overshadows Dionne Warwick's version. The whole release is consistent with first class production and special readings of classics by THE BEE GEES ("To love somebody") and even OTIS REDDING ("Thats how strong my love is"). The original "You really didnt mean it" is pure soul balladry as Cissy again takes lead on a song about a love that wasnt meant to be. One of soul music's institutional groups deserves better recognition then they got when they were together. A great pairing of two good releases. Pick it up and enjoy. There is so much to savor!"
Great
Kent Browning | 04/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this 2 cd combo was awesome. On every song they harmonize extremely well. I really enjoyed the gospel set because on the group efforts (there are two solos (What a Friend and Pilgrims of Sorrow) by Cissy Houston and I think Swing Low is completely sung by Myrna Smith) their sound is so rich and full, they sound more like a choir than 4 singers. The songs are really interesting and really inspiring. What the world Needs Now is awesome, too. The group's version of Alfie is fantastic and so is just about every other song on the cd."
Track Listings (22) - Disc #1