What are your favorite Motown Album Covers?

[Motown Eddie]

What are your favorite Motown Album Covers?
Motown's album cover art are haven't been discussed enough and I feel that they did some very good ones. Here's some of my favorites-

1. The Temptations-
Meet The Temptations
Temptin' Temptations
Gettin' Ready
2. The Supremes-
Where Did Our Love Go
More Hits by The Supremes
I Hear A Symphony
Supremes A Go-Go
Greatest Hits [[Vol. 1)
3. Smokey Robinson & the Miracles-
Hi! We're The Miracles
Cookin' With The Miracles
Going To A Go-Go
Time Out with Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
4. Marvin Gaye-
Moods of Marvin Gaye
M.P.G.
What's Going On
Let's Get It On
5. Stevie Wonder-
Music Of My Mind
Talking Book
Innervisions
In Square Circle
6. The Marvelettes-
The Marvelettes
Sophisticated Soul
7. Jr. Walker & the All-Stars-
Home Cookin'
8. Brenda Holloway-
Every Little Bit Hurts
9. Four Tops-
Four Tops Second Album
Still Waters Run Deep
10. Martha & the Vandellas-
Watchout!

[kenneth]

From reviewing your favorites, Motown Eddie, looks like you like the classic "portrait" type covers, although "Still Waters Run Deep" and a few others don't fit that category.

I do like the more "artsy" covers, and consider "Still Waters" one of those, definitely. My all time favorite is "Return of the Marvelettes".
I love the whole concept and execution of the girls riding in on horseback and think it was executed beautifully. The art director for that cover, as well as many others from that era, was someone named Ken Kim.

In addition, I love the "Undisputed Truth" [[first album), the Marvelettes "In Full Bloom" [[also credited to Ken Kim, I believe), Jr. Walker's "A Gasss...", and the Temptations' "Sky's the Limit."

Fun topic!

[lakeside]

http://covers1.img-themusic-world.info/000/17/17473.jpg

[lakeside]

http://www.stonewallvets.org/images/songs_7/Martha-Reeves_Vandellas_Black-Magic.jpg

[marv2]

Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" cover painting by Ernie Barnes.

[phil]

The Artistry Of Brenda Holloway

https://img.discogs.com/y-zz2cNJn5VfCbjdgy9UI2-PaJs=/fit-in/500x493/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[90)/discogs-images/R-7190766-1435767549-2717.jpeg.jpg

[kenneth]

Great idea, lakeside, to post the covers.

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[Circa 1824]

Love Child LP by Diana Ross and the Andantes

[kenneth]

Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" cover painting by Ernie Barnes.

Marv2's pick:

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[sophisticated_soul]

. .
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[roger]

13014

The music isn't too bad either!! :)

[lakeside]

http://classic.motown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/watchout-martha-and-vandellas.jpg

[Ngroove]

http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0003/811/MI0003811478.jpg?partner=allrovi.comhttp://images.eil.com/large_image/DIANA_ROSS_%26_THE_SUPREMES_DIANA%2BROSS%2B%26%2BT HE%2BSUPREMES%2BJOIN%2BTHE%2BTEMPTATIONS-452366.jpg

[luke]

Supremes sing HDH

[McMotown]

Tammi Terrell - Irresistable

[bradsupremes]

One of my favorites!
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[Luciano]

I have a lot but i will start with The Miracles

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[masterblaster]

I always liked the Jr Walker album cover for " Peace and Understanding". Very arty.
https://soulfuldetroit.com/webkit-fake-url://42b2bd9e-c740-4a98-8256-b0ae8465886d/imagejpeg

[Luciano]

The Contours:

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[Luciano]

The Supremes:

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[Luciano]

The Originals:

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[Luciano]

The Four Tops:

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[TomatoTom123]

Ohhh, GREAT question, Eddie! I have never really thought about this... well, consciously, anyway!!! I'll have a think and get back to you. Great choices by the way, everybody. :)

[TomatoTom123]

Hmm...

The Temptations' Psychedelic Shack is colourful and vibrant and I like it!

The Undisputed Truth's Cosmic Truth is a funkaay cover to match the funkaay music...!

I also like the semi-cartoon image of Stevie on his 1980 album Hotter Than July... great

[sansradio]

I used to gaze at this one in wonder as a little tyke:

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[sansradio]

My all-time favorite.

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[Ozmo]

http://covers1.img-themusic-world.info/000/17/17473.jpg
While I love this photograph of the Supremes, I always thought that it was a strange choice for their album cover as it seems at odds with the musical content, which was predominately aimed at the dancefloor. I have sometimes wondered whether this had an effect on sales as the casual record buyer at the time may have got the impression that the album was more laidback/MOR than it actually was!

A few albums which I thought perfectly illustrated the musical content were:

Sophisticated Soul - The Marvelettes
What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
Floy Joy - The Supremes
The Bitch Is Black - Yvonne Fair

[marv2]

I always thought this was a great cover:

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[lakeside]

http://www.vinylbeat.com/images/gallery/Motown/Motown607-MaryWells.jpg

[lakeside]

http://www.vinylbeat.com/images/gallery/Motown/Motown621-Supremes.jpg

[kenneth]

http://www.vinylbeat.com/images/gallery/Motown/Motown607-MaryWells.jpg


What I love about this one is how the cover fits the song...that indeed the two lovers are one and the same. Clever and fitting!

[huntergettingcaptured]

Love Child LP by Diana Ross and the Andantes I tried not to, but I laughed VERY hard and very LOUD at that.

[huntergettingcaptured]

13034

I'm in the States, so we didn't get this release here, but when I "discovered" it on ebay, I had to get it. Such a classy portrait of the ladies.

[luke]

In the 70s I wasn't sure if that was Cindy on the cover of The Supremes. Just her profile initially threw me and she hadn't been on the Floy Joy album cover.

[huntergettingcaptured]

http://www.vinylbeat.com/images/gallery/Motown/Motown621-Supremes.jpg

One of those covers that I would study over and over. I love the simple elegance of it. The use of light and shadow. Simple smiles, very natural expressions. I was always drawn in by how Florence was positioned in the composition and her quiet elegance, Mary's friendly smile, and a rare instance of Diana just being Diana with a welcome smile.

[huntergettingcaptured]

13038

This one is as perfect an album cover as you could get. The title works two ways- it works in the hit song's title and also incorporates the The Temptations into the title at once. Not, "The Temptations"... "Wish It Would Rain", but the title is as if to say The Temptations are actively wishing for rain. Black and White, matches the feeling of the desert scene which in itself is a witty visual pun on the title.

I love that the cover is rather stoic and stark, moody; until you discover David Ruffin's having a laugh in the background! Just enough to add just the right amount of humor.

[kenneth]

In the 70s I wasn't sure if that was Cindy on the cover of The Supremes. Just her profile initially threw me and she hadn't been on the Floy Joy album cover.

I knew it was Cindy on the front cover, but I always thought the trio on the back was a different lineup. I wasn't aware back then of who was who really [[of course I knew Diana and Mary). But in the back cover photo, to me, Cindy is hardly recognizable. She's so distinctive looking, especially around the eyes, but I don't know what they did to that photo. To me, it hardly looks like her.

[soulster]

https://fanart.tv/fanart/music/cba9cec2-be8d-41bd-91b4-a1cd7de39b0c/albumcover/street-songs-4f2c3dd0d812f.jpg

[soulster]

https://fanart.tv/fanart/music/1ee18fb3-18a6-4c7f-8ba0-bc41cdd0462e/albumcover/talking-book-4f67063fd5b24.jpg

[Luciano]

The Temptations:

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[reese]

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This one is as perfect an album cover as you could get. The title works two ways- it works in the hit song's title and also incorporates the The Temptations into the title at once. Not, "The Temptations"... "Wish It Would Rain", but the title is as if to say The Temptations are actively wishing for rain. Black and White, matches the feeling of the desert scene which in itself is a witty visual pun on the title.

I love that the cover is rather stoic and stark, moody; until you discover David Ruffin's having a laugh in the background! Just enough to add just the right amount of humor.

This photo was taken from an appearance the guys did on LAUGH-IN. In the original photo, there is an anonymous guy sitting up near the back but his image was taken out for the album cover.

[RanRan79]

Here are a couple of mine:
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[woodward]

My two favorites:

1. Here Comes the Judge - Shorty Long
2. I'll Pick a Rose for My Rose - Marv Johnson [[UK version only)

I often wonder how they manipulated the cover of Shorty's album.

[arr&bee]

This is always fun...temptin temptations..temptations sing smokey..gettin ready..temptations live[1966]..reunion..solid rock..the miracles greatest hits from the beginning..four in blue..going to a go-go..make it happen..mickey's monkey..meet the supremes..supremes a go-go..the original spinners..the marvelettes[pink album]..sophisticated soul..four tops on top..marvin gaye[here my dear]..what's goin on..marvin and his girlfriends..eddie kendricks[all by myself]..eddie kendricks.

[Luciano]

Syreeta:

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[Luciano]

Stoney and Meatloaf:

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[Luciano]

Shorty Long:

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[Luciano]

Gladys Knight & the Pips:

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[Luciano]

David Ruffin:

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With Jimmy Ruffin:
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[marv2]

Marv2's pick:

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Thank you Kenneth!

[marv2]

Luciano, yes! That Gladys Knight & the Pips cover for "Ovation" is one of my favorites too.

[marv2]

and of course.........

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[lockhartgary]

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I love the color scheme and design.

[lockhartgary]

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Love the vibrant color and close shot. And for an early Motown album to have a non-generic photo is also nice.

[captainjames]

My favorite Motown album cover - I got chills when I purchased it and I still get chills when I play it. Mr. Gordy was definitely a visionary.13068

[marv2]

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I love the color scheme and design.

I would bet money that the artist the did the Supremes Sing Rodgers and Hart also did this cover.

[kenneth]

Thank you Kenneth!

'course...!

[kenneth]

13067

Love the vibrant color and close shot. And for an early Motown album to have a non-generic photo is also nice.

I love the "old Hollywood" look of this photo cover. Very mannered, trying for old school elegance. Doesn't quite make it - the ultra close up would have benefited from a little air brushing especially on Marvin's forehead which seems like it had broken out - but the innocence and the way it was obviously taken to put him in the pantheon with Sinatra and Nat King Cole is wonderful. I didn't used to care for the album. I still think Marvin was a little too "green" for the standards at the time, but I have grown to be very fond of the album.

A great choice, lockhartgary!

[kenneth]

I think this cover really achieved what they were trying for with "Soulful Moods." It's artistic, and well, moody and definitely looks like it was aimed at a more adult audience. And it's a great album, too. In just that brief time between his 1st and 3rd albums, I think Marvin really achieved what he wanted to with this one.

I think it compares in design to Sinatra's 50's albums, such as "No One Cares." Same intensity, same feel, I think.

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[sansradio]

I think this cover really achieved what they were trying for with "Soulful Moods." It's artistic, and well, moody and definitely looks like it was aimed at a more adult audience. And it's a great album, too. In just that brief time between his 1st and 3rd albums, I think Marvin really achieved what he wanted to with this one.

I think it compares in design to Sinatra's 50's albums, such as "No One Cares." Same intensity, same feel, I think.

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Ahhh, yes. Very "...Wee Small Hours..."; I love it.

[kenneth]

Ahhh, yes. Very "...Wee Small Hours..."; I love it.

How right you are! I had forgotten about that one!

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[lockhartgary]

What was it with sadness, moodiness and cigarettes??

[TomatoTom123]

The Temptations' Psychedelic Shack is colourful and vibrant and I like it!

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The Undisputed Truth's Cosmic Truth is a funkaay cover to match the funkaay music...!

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I also like the semi-cartoon image of Stevie on his 1980 album Hotter Than July... great

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[Luciano]

Jimmy Ruffin:

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[Luciano]

Valerie Simpson:

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[Luciano]

Eddie Kendricks:

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[Luciano]

Barbara McNair:

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[Luciano]

The Miracles with Billy Griffin:

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[Luciano]

The Marvelettes:

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[Luciano]

Jr. Walker & The All Stars:

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[marv2]

I always liked this album cover:

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[huntergettingcaptured]

This photo was taken from an appearance the guys did on LAUGH-IN. In the original photo, there is an anonymous guy sitting up near the back but his image was taken out for the album cover.

Thanks for that information!

[phil]

The Marvellous Marvelettes :

http://www.popsike.com/pix/20100722/130412879004.jpg

[lakeside]

http://soulfuldetroit.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1859&d=1289436848

[marv2]

http://soulfuldetroit.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1859&d=1289436848

Yes! I was hoping someone would post this cover. It was one of their best!

[Luciano]

I always liked this album cover:

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I agree Marv. I should have added this to my list for The Miracles.

[marv2]

I agree Marv. I should have added this to my list for The Miracles.

You notice Pete Moore is missing? He was in the service a the time of this album as well as their Christmas album later that year. Look at how young they all look!

[Luciano]

You notice Pete Moore is missing? He was in the service a the time of this album as well as their Christmas album later that year. Look at how young they all look!

Yes, I did notice. I like that they are all wearing gold except Marv Tarplin has a black jacket on. It goes well with the title. I believe they used a picture from this session for the cover of a Smokey Robinson and the Miracles Gold collection.

[vgalindo]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boss_[[Diana_Ross_album)#/media/File%3ADiana-boss.jpg

[brandosoul]

Couple of my favorites:

https://img.discogs.com/YxY5bUQaMHZDIZWcjMf5sgRdrg4=/fit-in/600x590/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[90)/discogs-images/R-998756-1182441259.jpeg.jpg

http://pitchfork-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/content/quiets.jpg

http://images.eil.com/large_image/STEVIE_WONDER_FULFILLINGNESS%2BFIRST%2BFINALE%2B-%2BSAMPLE-453356.jpg

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1201/2914/products/17605_full_600x600.jpg?v=1482255435

https://img.discogs.com/XAOYMGjM-wPhnBp20Rz9htOOQlc=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[90)/discogs-images/R-443628-1245491109.jpeg.jpg

https://i.scdn.co/image/83f94624515f0bb222e19a861787f9cd059dfaa1

https://img.discogs.com/O7Xpydn5mayRb3eREPoqjMr7BNg=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[90)/discogs-images/R-452557-1248203131.jpeg.jpg

https://beatopolis.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/i-want-you-marvin-gaye.png

https://images.genius.com/238d8db5113ac84f339874bb9da3f0f6.1000x1000x1.jpg

https://i.genius.com/e938ad5979b9a8ff8fa6d2b000354b81fa173fd3?url=http% 3A%2F%2Fwww.danophonics.com%2Fimages%2FDeBarge%252 0-%2520In%2520A%2520Special%2520Way.jpeg

[lakeside]

https://img.discogs.com/vznN-48IJbZvK0cIecvqUOt4fwM=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc[[):format[[jpeg):mode_rgb[[):qualit y[[40)/discogs-images/R-2898633-1469971351-7818.jpeg.jpg

[kenneth]

You notice Pete Moore is missing? He was in the service a the time of this album as well as their Christmas album later that year. Look at how young they all look!

As I recall, the notes even mention that on the back of the album. It's nice that they paid tribute to him to explain his absence while in the service.

[marv2]

As I recall, the notes even mention that on the back of the album. It's nice that they paid tribute to him to explain his absence while in the service.

It was nice. The Miracles were a truly close knit group of friends. They never tried to replace a member with a look alike in hopes that the public would not notice. They also acknowledged each group member.

[kenneth]

It was nice. The Miracles were a truly close knit group of friends. They tried to replace a member with a look alike in hopes that the public would not notice. They also acknowledged each group member.

You mean Billy Griffin? He had a great voice but if anything he sounded too much like Smokey. With the Supremes, and even the Temps, with Jean and Dennis, they had their own styles and I doubt anyone ever confused their vocals with those whom they replaced. I think Damon Harris, like Griffin, sounded too much like Eddie to be distinctive as well though he too had a great voice.

[rovereab]

I've always loved this cover

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[marv2]

You mean Billy Griffin? He had a great voice but if anything he sounded too much like Smokey. With the Supremes, and even the Temps, with Jean and Dennis, they had their own styles and I doubt anyone ever confused their vocals with those whom they replaced. I think Damon Harris, like Griffin, sounded too much like Eddie to be distinctive as well though he too had a great voice.

I meant to say they never tried to replace with a look alike.....

[kenneth]

I meant to say they never tried to replace with a look alike.....

I see. I'm curious, though. What do you think about the issue I brought up? Do you think Griffin and Harris were good choices for the Miracles and the Temps? Like I said, vocally they were outstanding but I think not distinctive enough to differentiate them from Smokey and Eddie. I'd like to know your opinion.

[daviddh]

i liked the supremes sing rogers and hart lp covert art
and the original 1967 hits lp but wished the great artwork was bigger
touch / love child / supremes

[marv2]

I see. I'm curious, though. What do you think about the issue I brought up? Do you think Griffin and Harris were good choices for the Miracles and the Temps? Like I said, vocally they were outstanding but I think not distinctive enough to differentiate them from Smokey and Eddie. I'd like to know your opinion.


I thought they were great choices. Both were good singers and could approximate the sound of the individuals they were replacing. Both grew up in Baltimore idolizing the groups they joined at Motown. I thought Damon was a bit too young for the Tempts at first, but he hung in there and did a fine job. Billy does not really sound like Smokey to me per se. His tone is higher and more varied than Smokey's. I have to give them both credit as I do Jean Terrell for stepping into already World famous groups and scoring major million sellers once they joined!

[marv2]

i liked the supremes sing rogers and hart lp covert art
and the original 1967 hits lp but wished the great artwork was bigger
touch / love child / supremes

Motown should have produced and sold posters of the artwork to the Greatest Hit's album cover.

[kenneth]

I thought they were great choices. Both were good singers and could approximate the sound of the individuals they were replacing. Both grew up in Baltimore idolizing the groups they joined at Motown. I thought Damon was a bit too young for the Tempts at first, but he hung in there and did a fine job. Billy does not really sound like Smokey to me per se. His tone is higher and more varied than Smokey's. I have to give them both credit as I do Jean Terrell for stepping into already World famous groups and scoring major million sellers once they joined!

Thanks for the opinion. I agree; Griffin does have a different tone and maybe even a better voice technically than Smokey. I bought a few of his solo albums recently though I haven't played them a lot yet. I do love the way his voice soars on "What is a Heart Good For," which I think is my favorite track of him with the Miracles.

[jim aka jtigre99]

I always liked The Jackson 5 Third Album and Diana Ross' solo debut LP as very inventive. Mary, Scherrie & Susaye by the Supremes was easily the most beautiful and eye catching.

[marv2]

Thanks for the opinion. I agree; Griffin does have a different tone and maybe even a better voice technically than Smokey. I bought a few of his solo albums recently though I haven't played them a lot yet. I do love the way his voice soars on "What is a Heart Good For," which I think is my favorite track of him with the Miracles.

Oh he knocked us out when we first heard "What Is A Heart Good For". He is nice guy also and rather humble considering his accomplishments.

[marv2]

I have seen the photo used here many times, but has anyone ever seen this album before?

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[Levi Stubbs Tears]

brandosoul posted half before - but the reason this is one of my favourites was the full fold-out ;)

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[kenneth]

I have seen the photo used here many times, but has anyone ever seen this album before?

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Yes. I have this album. It's a UK issue.

[TomBairdFan]

I'm a big fan of any Curtis McNair 'classic Motown' album covers [[Black Magic, Portrait Of The Originals, Strung Out etc.), but they're maybe not exactly award-worthy. Junior Walker's 'Shotgun' album cover on the other hand is a winner for me. While the original cover design is credited to Bernard Yeszin, that image of the 'notes-as-colors' emanating from the horn is very clever, although there is no artist credit. The sax image is unfortunately overwhelmed by the ''should I get my eyes checked?'' main Shotgun graphic! Still, it's one of Motown's most visually impactful album covers. The 2001 Universal CD re-issue made a nice feature of the sax artwork on not only the back of the case and the insert, but there's even a textured finish of the sax on the disc itself - all to enhance the listening experience of a physical product. Ain't That The Truth!

[marv2]

Yes. I have this album. It's a UK issue.

I see. Thank you. Does your copy also have the standard Motown logo in the upper right corner?

[kenneth]

I see. Thank you. Does your copy also have the standard Motown logo in the upper right corner?

Hmmm...not sure. You mean instead of "Tamla Motown?" I'll have to see if I can find it. I purchased it not that long ago but my collection these days is pretty scattered, so not sure I can put my finger on it. But I'll try.

Interestingly, Discogs says it's a Netherlands issue. Maybe that's why it doesn't show Tamla-Motown as the label. I always assumed it was from the UK.

https://www.discogs.com/Supremes-20-Super-Hits/release/1473283

[brandosoul]

brandosoul posted half before - but the reason this is one of my favourites was the full fold-out ;)

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Yes. It's possibly one of my favorite album covers, in general. The stark gray-scale portrait with Diana's stripped-down look. It fits the overall tone of the music and the post-disco era it was created in.

[marv2]

Hmmm...not sure. You mean instead of "Tamla Motown?" I'll have to see if I can find it. I purchased it not that long ago but my collection these days is pretty scattered, so not sure I can put my finger on it. But I'll try.

Interestingly, Discogs says it's a Netherlands issue. Maybe that's why it doesn't show Tamla-Motown as the label. I always assumed it was from the UK.

https://www.discogs.com/Supremes-20-Super-Hits/release/1473283

Yeah I mean the Tamla/Motown trademark. I am guessing this was a 1977 release?
I remember the cover with the 3 sets of red lips with mics.

[kenneth]

Yeah I mean the Tamla/Motown trademark. I am guessing this was a 1977 release?
I remember the cover with the 3 sets of red lips with mics.

You know, when I was googling the images of the cover, I noticed that issue had a different track listing. The "lips" cover included songs with Diane, and the portrait cover was all tracks from the post-Diane years. Maybe they were companion pieces, issued at the same time. It's a little hard to read in these images, but here you go:

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[masterblaster]

https://soulfuldetroit.com/webkit-fake-url://e2fe1f21-4a51-4ead-99b6-e1ba908bc929/imagejpeghttps://soulfuldetroit.com/webkit-fake-url://afc95fe9-e8fe-4a76-bbd6-a85dc304ed21/imagejpeg

I always loved Jr Walkers "Peace and Understanding" album artwork but didn't realise it was designed by Efrain Wolff who also designed Stevie Wonders "Innervissions" album.

[Luciano]

Commodores:

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[edafan]

My favourite Motown cover is Joan Osborne singing "What's Become Of The Broken Hearted" backed by the Funk Brothers

Edafan

[huntergettingcaptured]

... ''should I get my eyes checked?'' main Shotgun graphic!

OH MY MY! Yep! I always feel like I've got a serious case of Quadruple Vision when I look at that cover! I do like it though. You're right too about the sax illustration. That is pure brilliant!

[mysterysinger]

This is nice [[could lose that chair perhaps)13193.....

[TomBairdFan]

An example of a perfect album cover design. It's a real eye-pleaser: simple but effective, with a nice balance of bold graphics and on-topic photography. This one shows exactly what you're going to get inside the package: ten items from a soulful menu, all cooked up by the man sitting at the diner counter. There was a nice touch on the back with the addition of the photo showing Junior tuckin' in to his favorite food! The music on 'Home Cookin' is as tasty as the cover, too! No credits listed, but it's got Curtis McNair written all over it.

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[kenneth]

An example of a perfect album cover design. It's a real eye-pleaser: simple but effective, with a nice balance of bold graphics and on-topic photography. This one shows exactly what you're going to get inside the package: ten items from a soulful menu, all cooked up by the man sitting at the diner counter. There was a nice touch on the back with the addition of the photo showing Junior tuckin' in to his favorite food! The music on 'Home Cookin' is as tasty as the cover, too! No credits listed, but it's got Curtis McNair written all over it.

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I forgot until seeing these graphics how early Jr. had recorded "What Does it Take to Win Your Love." Was it the same version as the hit version which came out several years later? What a great song. I always thought it was recorded later when Jr. kind of entered his mellow period with this and other great songs such as "Gotta Hold On to This Feeling" and "These Eyes." I think he was always so underrated, he really deserves a beautiful box set.

[marv2]

I forgot until seeing these graphics how early Jr. had recorded "What Does it Take to Win Your Love." Was it the same version as the hit version which came out several years later? What a great song. I always thought it was recorded later when Jr. kind of entered his mellow period with this and other great songs such as "Gotta Hold On to This Feeling" and "These Eyes." I think he was always so underrated, he really deserves a beautiful box set.

Oh definitely a box set.

[huntergettingcaptured]

13199

I loved the album cover when I first got it, but the more I looked at it, the more I wondered why on earth did they give them paper cups? I get the idea "on the rocks", drinks on ice. So why not give them proper drinking glasses? A small quibble...

[Boogiedown]

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/01MAAOSwXYtYzH7U/s-l400.jpg


Considering their main audience, they could have gone childish and cartoony with this one . Instead Motown honored this collection with a classy respectful presentation.

[reese]

13199

I loved the album cover when I first got it, but the more I looked at it, the more I wondered why on earth did they give them paper cups? I get the idea "on the rocks", drinks on ice. So why not give them proper drinking glasses? A small quibble...

I thought the paper cup made the cover look rather shoddy. But the photo itself seems rather casual. It might have been an outtake that inspired the title rather than the other way around.

[lockhartgary]

I thought the paper cup made the cover look rather shoddy. But the photo itself seems rather casual. It might have been an outtake that inspired the title rather than the other way around.

Knowing Motown back in those days perhaps they wanted to stay away from a more definite suggestion of alcoholic beverages.

[huntergettingcaptured]

I thought the paper cup made the cover look rather shoddy. But the photo itself seems rather casual. It might have been an outtake that inspired the title rather than the other way around.

"Shoddy" is the word I was looking for. I do like your idea of the photo inspiring the title.

[masterblaster]

Here are a couple of mine:

13046



This was the first ever Motown album I was bought when I was 10 years old. I studied the cover from back to front and learnt from this that anything written by HDH was going to be a good record. It was from this album that I became and avid Motown fan. All these years later I still treasure this album.
Does anyone know who the illustration of the group was done by and was it ever made available as a print?
I seem to recall that a painting of the group hung in the houses of the three girls when they each located to LA. Was this the picture?

[reese]

This was the first ever Motown album I was bought when I was 10 years old. I studied the cover from back to front and learnt from this that anything written by HDH was going to be a good record. It was from this album that I became and avid Motown fan. All these years later I still treasure this album.
Does anyone know who the illustration of the group was done by and was it ever made available as a print?
I seem to recall that a painting of the group hung in the houses of the three girls when they each located to LA. Was this the picture?

The painting is by Robert Taylor. For the US edition of the album, individual portraits of each girl were included. Not sure if this was done in other countries.

I have seen a photo of Mary posed in front of a painting of the group, but it wasn't this one. I've also seen some other paintings that she has, including one based on Diana's 1985 Essence cover.

[masterblaster]

The painting is by Robert Taylor. For the US edition of the album, individual portraits of each girl were included. Not sure if this was done in other countries.

I have seen a photo of Mary posed in front of a painting of the group, but it wasn't this one. I've also seen some other paintings that she has, including one based on Diana's 1985 Essence cover.

Thanks for that reese, I never knew individual portraits were also included in the US version of the album. Just googled the images are they are great. Here in the U.K., the album was only released as a single disc and the individual portraits were not included. I suspect this was the case for the rest of the world.
I don't understand why the album was only issued as a single disc here, it sold really well for years and should have prompted EMI to realease a full 2 disc version.

[Jaap]

You know, when I was googling the images of the cover, I noticed that issue had a different track listing. The "lips" cover included songs with Diane, and the portrait cover was all tracks from the post-Diane years. Maybe they were companion pieces, issued at the same time.

Not an album cover, but the mentioning of "The Lips" 20 Golden Greats album made me think of the 1977 commercial promoting the album. Very 70s but cute:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHXWEEtsDX0

[Motown Eddie]

Knowing Motown back in those days perhaps they wanted to stay away from a more definite suggestion of alcoholic beverages.

If Motown wanted to avoid any suggestion of alcoholic drinks, they should've chose another title for the album besides Soul On The Rocks [[although I noticed that the LP's picture of The Isley's has them sitting on rocks so that's another interpretation of the title Soul On The Rocks).

[phil]

A nice cover for a UK compilation :

http://www.audiophileusa.com/covers400water/66880.jpg