Originally Posted by
supremester
I don't count that one-off, tepid, quickie album filler attempt as anything more than what it is. Had HDH taken their original track to DMF and put time and effort into the session for single release, I think it would have gone #1. Assuming it was in the new HDH Ross key, that is. Like all singers, Martha's voice is an acquired taste. I think it held her back. I was always a huge Martha fan, but when the strength of an act is measured by, in order, album sales, ticket sales THEN single sales ......you can see the issue. Matha never had a hit album, Watchout! was the biggest non-hits package and did only marginally well. The follow up, with Honey Chile, had dismal results - much like their Live album. Heat Wave and Dance Party were weak, while Sugar n Spice and Natural Rescouces didn't even chart. Meanwhile, WDOLG, on the strength of one single, took off instantly and Liverpool was scheduled, recorded and released in 7 weeks because of that instant success. The public liked Diana's voice. I'm not saying anyone is better, just who liked what. I admit Motown mangled Dance Party HORRIBLY, and Martha has a huge legitimate gripe there, but still, in hindsight, the general public never signed on as much and I think Diana Ross would have hit bigger with it. In fact, I have even pondered whether Nowhere To Run might have hit bigger with DMF. I know that's sacrilege, but it's such a strong track that I often wonder why it didn't chart higher. so naturally I think that Diana would have hit bigger with it, except I'm not convinced of that......just wondering. Gladys, Wanda, Kim????? Or am I just too impressed with the track and aren't being objective about it's bigger potential? Ditto Bless You & Black Magic. When those came out, I said to myself, "Myself, Martha is BACK.........FINALLY." And............nada. Please don't say lack of promotion because while you may be right about some of her Motown stuff, MCA was working her album to death and couldn't get a thing off it.
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