Though the Supremes are acknowledged as having some of the best singles from the 1960s, it is oftentimes overlooked that Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross had albums that not only defined an era, but will continue to stand the test of time.
More Hits by the Supremes was the third of five albums released by the trio in 1965 and is one of the greatest albums ever, period. The 12 songs - clocking about 33 minutes - were written by Brian Holland-Lamont Dozier-Eddie Holland, with the music performed by The Funk Brothers.
The album features two number one singles - what could be called the trio's signature song - Stop! In the Name of Love and Back in My Arms Again, along with a single that peaked at number two, Nothing But Heartaches. The B-sides - I'm In Love Again, Whisper You Love Me Boy and He Holds His Own, respectively, demonstrates the quality of the chart-toppers, since they could have been strong singles.
The gamut of emotions when falling in love are timeless in Honey Boy and Who Could Ever Doubt My Love, the latter being so underrated due to the quality of cuts on the album.
Released in January 1967, The Supremes Sing Holland-Dozier-Holland, is an equally solid release, with two number one singles - You Keep Me Hangin' On & Love is Here and Now You're Gone - in a 12-song album whose running time is about 32 minutes.
There are covers of four H-D-H hits for other Motown artists - I Guess I'll Always Love You, It's the Same Old Song, I'll Turn to Stone and (Love is Like a) Heat Wave - but the Supremes add their own spark to these classic songs. The roller-coaster emotions of love are felt in I Wanna Mother You, Smother You with Love & Remove This Doubt.
The albums are on one slick-looking CD, the cover is a great photo of the trio, with the the dual CD jewel case having sleeves with the original album art. The historical significance of the albums cannot be stated strongly enough.