Everything Is Everything [Bonus Tracks]

by Diana Ross

Overview

Fresh from her career-defining role in the Supremes, Motown issued Diana Ross' Everything Is Everything in 1970, within months of her self-titled solo debut of earlier the same year. This time, veteran Motown multitasker Deke Richards was brought in with hopes of equaling the unqualified success that the staff team of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson had with Diana Ross -- particularly the songs "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Rather than drawing exclusively from their stable of in-house writers, Richards split the duties between himself and a variety of Hitsville U.S.A. stalwarts -- including Berry Gordy and Marvin Gaye -- as well as significant outside input from the likes of John Lennon-Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach-Hal David, and fellow Motor City soul stirrer Aretha Franklin. The upbeat opener, "My Place," swings steadily behind the frisky rhythm section -- replete with Jack Ashford's signature timekeeping on tambourine. Sprightly strings underscore Ross' similarly agile and inviting lead vocals. In deference to the pink glamour shot adorning the front, Ross reveals an earthier image on the funky "Ain't No Sad Song." It is a perfect example of producer Hal Davis' ability to capture the essence of the singer's sensuality, a feat he repeated to even greater effect a few years later on his production of the R&B/pop crossover chart-topper "Love Hangover." The infectiously cheery "Everything Is Everything" has the slightly quirky feel of a Laura Nyro composition, although it was actually written by a female friend of Berry Gordy. The Marvin Gaye-Anna Gaye co-penned "Baby It's Love" is one of several outstanding deep cuts flawlessly blending the unmistakably vintage Motown sound with a comparatively modern arrangement. The Beatles remakes show contrasting sides to Ross' talents: "Come Together" pulls no punches with an extended brassy and sassy reading, directly contrasted by the empathetic and heartfelt take of "The Long and Winding Road." Ross and Richards' sultry collaboration on Aretha Franklin's "I Love You (Call Me)" make for the finest contribution here from either participant. Although Everything Is Everything failed to exceed -- or even meet -- the chart achievements of its long-playing predecessor, many enthusiasts consider it to be a worthy companion. ~ Lindsay Planer

Product Details

Release Date:	05/29/2018
Label:	Culture Factory / L.M.L.R.
UPC:	3700477828226
Rank:	49985

Tracks

1. My Place
2. Ain't No Sad Song
3. Everything Is Everything
4. Baby It's Love
5. I'm Still Waiting
6. Doobedood'ndoobe, Doobedood'ndoobe, Doobedood'ndoo
7. Come Together
8. The Long and Winding Road
9. I Love You (Call Me)
10. How About You
11. (They Long to Be) Close to You [Extended Version]
12. Wish I Knew [Bonus Track]
13. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life [Bonus Track]
14. Something [Bonus Track]
15. Ain't No Sad Song [Alternate Lyrics] [Bonus Track]
16. Baby It's Love [Alternate Vocal] [Bonus Track]
17. Come Together [1982 "Revelations" Remix] [Bonus Track]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Diana Ross   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Chico Ross   Composer
George Harrison   Composer
Marilyn Bergman   Composer
John Lennon   Composer
Marvin Gaye   Composer
Jerry Marcellino   Composer
Michel Legrand   Composer
Mel Larson   Composer
Hal Davis   Composer
Anna Gordy Gaye   Composer
Alan Bergman   Composer
Burt Bacharach   Composer
Sandra Sanders   Composer
Margaret Gordy   Composer
David Van De Pitte   Composer
Hal David   Composer
Deke Richards   Composer
Aretha Franklin   Composer
Charles Laskey   Composer
Marget Gordy   Composer
Deke Richard   Composer
The Bear   Composer
David Joseph Pitte   Composer
Paul McCartney   Composer
Debbie Dean   Composer