MOTOWN HISTORY: The All-Time Top 10 Most Important MOTOWN Albums.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE ALL-TIME TOP 10

MOST ESSENTIAL

MOTOWN
ALBUMS

10

ACOUSTIC SOUL

India.Arie 2001

Motown entered the new decade with additions to its roster that would ensure the label remained relevant on the current music landscape. India.Arie helped usher in the neo-soul trend that still resonates to this day with her stunning debut album 'Acoustic Soul'. Many of its tracks are empowering. The album sold well and gained a slew of Grammy Award nominations.

 

9

MUSIC OF MY MIND

Stevie Wonder 1972

'Music of my Mind' marked a major watershed in Stevie Wonder's career. Little Stevie Wonder had grown up into a gifted adult musician and this album reflected his progression. The songs dealt with maturer themes, often with darker lyrics. This album's crowning moment is the heartbreaking epic "Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)". At the time, the superstar had negotiated a new and very lucrative contract with Motown. Wonder had better albums in store, but the radical shift began with 'Music of my Mind'.

 

8

BLACK REIGN

Queen Latifah 1993

Hip hop was initially dominated by male acts, often spouting misogynistic and homophobic lyrics. The genre was then transformed with the arrival of rappers such as Queen Latifah. 'Black Reign' marked her move to Motown. The album helped widen Queen Latifah's fan base. It was one of Motown's most daring releases, with its explicit lyrics and unflinching themes. The album also hinted at Latifah's versatility. Her talent would soon extend beyond the confines of hip hop, but not before leaving her mark in that genre.

 

7

STREET SONGS

Rick James 1981

Rick James' fusion of R&B and funk was distinctive enough to get its own name: 'punk funk'. Along with the powerful beat, James' tracks on 'Street Songs' are raw and on target. Soon after its release, the album made James one of the key exponents of 80s funk. His influence can be heard on subsequent recordings by Cameo and Prince.

 

6

TALKING BOOK

Stevie Wonder 1972

In the 1970s, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye spearheaded Motown's shift in emphasis from hit singles to albums and social commentary. The former released a slew of key albums that continue to be critically revered. 'Talking Book' saw Wonder raise the bar established by his 'Music of my Mind' album earlier that same year. This new LP featured the US #1 singles "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" and "Superstition".

 

5

YOU'RE ALL I NEED

Marvin Gaye & 
Tammi Terrell 1968

There have been countless duet albums recorded by several recording acts. 'You're All I Need' is one of the best. This album brings together 2 of Motown's finest vocalists: Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The former was the ambassador of cool for the label; while the latter never evolved into a star in her own right. Nevertheless, together Gaye and Terrell have left the planet a rich legacy of outstanding collaborations. This was the duo's 2nd album. It was packed with the unforgettable title track and the timeless "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing". There are other worthy treasures on the album.
 

4

FULFILLINGNESS' FIRST FINALE

Stevie Wonder 1974

Building on the strength of his 'Innervisions' album the previous year, Wonder continued the refinement of his skills as singer, songwriter, producer and musician on 'Fulfillingness' First Finale'. On this fine new set, he applies his abundant talents to a range of styles and moods. Gospel, funk, soul and reggae are represented on the various tracks.
 

3

DIANA

Diana Ross 1980

When Motown allowed its artists creative freedom, they often came up with the goods. Diana Ross had pushed to gain the role of lead singer while a member of The Supremes in the early 1960s. She launched a solo career after departing the trio in 1969. During the Seventies, she scored hits in her own right and starred in some Motown films. As that decade was nearing its end,  Ross' career was losing momentum. Everything changed when she teamed up with writer / producers Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. The 2 guys from funk band Chic created an album with material designed specifically for Ross. Most tracks reflected where she was at or the direction she was heading in. 'Diana' became her biggest commercial success at the time. It featured some of Ross' funkiest songs, including the thrilling global smash "Upside Down". 

2

SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE

Stevie Wonder 1976

After recording some of the most revered albums of all time in the early 1970s, Wonder unleashed his most ambitious and greatest LP in 1976. 'Songs In The Key Of Life' was a double album that included a bonus EP. This was a masterwork from the legendary Motown artist. It has had a massive influence on R&B and its sub-genres ever since.
 

1

WHAT'S GOING ON

Marvin Gaye 1971

Some recordings change the rules. Gaye's 'What's Going On' can certainly claim that accomplishment. Its influence on R&B continues to this day; with an impact reaching beyond across the rock and pop music soundscape. Gaye's vision transformed Motown's love man into social commentator. His usual upbeat and positive material gave way to songs dealing with civil rights, environmental issues and other social woes. It is important to bear in mind that the album was created despite protestation from label boss Berry Gordy. Gaye persisted and never wavered from his initial vision. He was an artist with an irrepressible need to express himself. The end product is still arguably the most significant soul album ever recorded.