"Shine" from Diana Ross' RHR& Blues

[TNSUN]

"Shine" still holds up well today.
It has a very catchy grove.

[PeaceNHarmony]

A favorite of mine.

[daviddh]

Great track.thought it was going to be a single

[Bluebrock]

Great track.thought it was going to be a single

So did Mick Hucknell!

[Jaap]

Back in 1987, I was hoping "Shine" would be released as a single. Not only is it a great track IMHO, but also because the collaboration with Simply Red [[and the whole story that Hucknell wrote the song especially for Ross) would surely have helped to get the single noticed. And then ideally followed by "It's Hard For Me To Say," which definitely would have gotten some airplay. Instead we got "Shockwaves" -- which is a fun Motown pastiche, but not much more than that.

[Deepdishus2001]

I had heard that there were David Morales remix’s done back then. Definitely should have been a single. This, Hard for Me to Say and Summertime should have been the singles from the album

[Jaap]

I had heard that there were David Morales remix’s done back then. Definitely should have been a single. This, Hard for Me to Say and Summertime should have been the singles from the album

Oh yes, Summertime too!

[nomis]

Oh yes, Summertime too!

Summertime is one of her best RCA efforts..alot of fans have huge affection for it..interesting to hear her cover a Cohen track..Shine dosent do much for me I find the chorus refrain too jarring..sometimes that high pitch she does is a bit off..

[Bluebrock]

I had heard that there were David Morales remix’s done back then. Definitely should have been a single. This, Hard for Me to Say and Summertime should have been the singles from the album
I never knew of the existence of any David Morale's mixes. I would love to hear of them. Such a pity they couldn't have been included on the expanded edition a few years ago. So many lost opportunities.

[Jaap]

Summertime is one of her best RCA efforts..alot of fans have huge affection for it..interesting to hear her cover a Cohen track..Shine dosent do much for me I find the chorus refrain too jarring..sometimes that high pitch she does is a bit off..

I would like to find out more about the song's history, which is as much a Sharon Robinson song as a Leonard Cohen song, though obviously she is not as well known as he is. Summertime was the first collaboration between Robinson and Cohen, yet he never recorded it himself -- as far as I know the first recording is by Ross [[which, technically, wouldn't make it a cover), and was later recorded by Roberta Flack in 1991, and by Robinson herself in 2008, which technically would be a "cover" but kind of strange to call the song a cover when it was written by herself. It's a beautiful song though, in all versions!

[nomis]

I never knew of the existence of any David Morale's mixes. I would love to hear of them. Such a pity they couldn't have been included on the expanded edition a few years ago. So many lost opportunities.
Bluebrock I was thinking of you today and your kind words of support last week..I cant wait for your book ...

[Deepdishus2001]

Oh yes, Summertime too!

Best track on the album

[Deepdishus2001]

I never knew of the existence of any David Morale's mixes. I would love to hear of them. Such a pity they couldn't have been included on the expanded edition a few years ago. So many lost opportunities.

I remember reading it in one of the U.S. dance magazines at the time, it was either Dance Music Authority or Dance Music Report. I have never heard them or saw any bootlegs at any of the tons of indy record stores that used to exist way back when.

I will say it again, they may not be of the quality of the first or second Motown stints, but the RCA years, in my opinion, are nowhere near as dire as some make them out to be. Was just listening to Ross 83 and RHR&B yesterday and again find them to be very solid, above average albums. Change the lyrics of Girls and Ross 83 is very very good. Remove the covers from RHR&B and add a few more contemporary tracks and it also would be pretty good. As for Silk Electric, I don’t find the vocals weak, it’s the reverb and echo that need to be eliminated. Still in Love, Love Lies and In Your Arms are great ballads.

[Deepdishus2001]

I would like to find out more about the song's history, which is as much a Sharon Robinson song as a Leonard Cohen song, though obviously she is not as well known as he is. Summertime was the first collaboration between Robinson and Cohen, yet he never recorded it himself -- as far as I know the first recording is by Ross [[which, technically, wouldn't make it a cover), and was later recorded by Roberta Flack in 1991, and by Robinson herself in 2008, which technically would be a "cover" but kind of strange to call the song a cover when it was written by herself. It's a beautiful song though, in all versions!

Pretty sure it was written for Ross. I remember reading that in a Billboard tribute to Cohen a long time ago. It was before he passed. If I’m not mistaken, Sharon Robinson was Cohen’s musical partner for a long time. Just did some research and all the sources said it was originally recorded by Ross. Robinson also wrote New Attitude for Patti.

[Bluebrock]

Bluebrock I was thinking of you today and your kind words of support last week..I cant wait for your book ...

My pleasure Nomis. Trust you are holding up as well as can be reasonably expected. Stay strong my friend.

[lucky2012]

Enjoying this thread. I loved Summertime on first listen and to think it was actually written for Ross and is, in fact, not a cover is a very satisfying surprise! Diana Ross totally owns this beautiful song, in every way. :)


Shine doesn't do much for me I find the chorus refrain too jarring..sometimes that high pitch she does is a bit off.

This was my reaction to Shine on first listen. Now I find I like and appreciate the song and the recording. I love the Mick Hucknall/Simply Red connection almost as much as the Summertime Leonard Cohen/Sharon Robinson connection.


the RCA years, in my opinion, are nowhere near as dire as some make them out to be.
I've finally come to terms with the RCA Years, when Ross became a more mainstream global Pop star. RHRB and Ross 83 remain my favorite of her RCA albums. I still only listen to In Your Arms, Still In Love and Who on SE but I think I can now discern and appreciate where she wanted to go at the time.

[sup_fan]

I think Shine was one of the stronger/more commercial songs on RHR&B. i think it could have done ok on the charts. potentially at least in the top 40. maybe top 30. not a hit really but at least not completely ignored like EA, Chained Reaction and others

[Deepdishus2001]

Enjoying this thread. I loved Summertime on first listen and to think it was actually written for Ross and is, in fact, not a cover is a very satisfying surprise! Diana Ross totally owns this beautiful song, in every way. :)



This was my reaction to Shine on first listen. Now I find I like and appreciate the song and the recording. I love the Mick Hucknall/Simply Red connection almost as much as the Summertime Leonard Cohen/Sharon Robinson connection.


I've finally come to terms with the RCA Years, when Ross became a more mainstream global Pop star. RHRB and Ross 83 remain my favorite of her RCA albums. I still only listen to In Your Arms, Still In Love and Who on SE but I think I can now discern and appreciate where she wanted to go at the time.

Swept Away is and remains my favorite of the RCA years. Still love Muscles and Anywhere You Run To is a particular favorite from SE. Love the horns and the key change up towards the end.

[detmotownguy]

Summertime is one of her best RCA efforts..alot of fans have huge affection for it..interesting to hear her cover a Cohen track..Shine dosent do much for me I find the chorus refrain too jarring..sometimes that high pitch she does is a bit off..


Completely agree about Summertime. I always think about Berry Gordy's advice that the record needs to sound good on the car radio. But, music is more than that. I typically like a more "rock style", but Summertime is simply perfection.

[Bluebrock]

Completely agree about Summertime. I always think about Berry Gordy's advice that the record needs to sound good on the car radio. But, music is more than that. I typically like a more "rock style", but Summertime is simply perfection.

It's just beautiful. When i first heard the album it was this utterly gorgeous tune that sent shivers up and down the spine alongside It's hard for me to say and Cross my heart. She sounded as good as she did when produced by Nick and Val and Michael Masser, and that is an statement you could not level at much of her 80's stuff.

[Ollie9]

It's just beautiful. When i first heard the album it was this utterly gorgeous tune that sent shivers up and down the spine.

I don't think Diana has ever looked as beautiful as when singing this song on the RHR&B special.

[Bluebrock]

I don't think Diana has ever looked as beautiful as when singing this song on the RHR&B special.

You are probably right.
I recall introducing my parents to her in the early 90's and my dear mother said Ms Ross was much more beautiful in the flesh than she appeared to be on tv. My mother who possessed all the tact of a bull elephant told her "i always thought you were much too scraggy and looked like you needed a good meal down you but you are actually a beautiful girl"
I am not sure they were the very exact words she used but it went more or less like that. At that moment i just wished the ground would swallow me up, but to my amazement Ms Ross burst out laughing and said her own mom had said something similar to her regarding eating a good meal. They hit it off straight away and Ms Ross always asked after my mother thereafter. It was one of those moments that could have spelled major disaster, but actually ended up being a great day.
Sorry for veering off topic again Ollie, but your remark just reminded me of what my mother said all those years ago.

[sup_fan]

Blue - i love hearing these fun stories of your experiences with Diana Ross. your stories sound similar to some that Randy shared in his book and how Diana has an almost photographic memory when it comes to the issues, families, etc of her immediate staff and colleagues. AND that she is often very caring and understanding about things occurring in their lives. a kind of her that is unfortunately often overlooked by the general public and press

[TomatoTom123]

I just listened to the song… not a massive fan. I even like Simply Red and Mick Hucknall, but this doesn’t even really sound like one of their songs. To me, it sounds like a rather average pop rock song.

I just listened to the Simply Red version, which is better. I do like the baseline on both versions, kinda reminds me of Red Hot Chilli Peppers. :)

[PeaceNHarmony]

You are probably right.
I recall introducing my parents to her in the early 90's and my dear mother said Ms Ross was much more beautiful in the flesh than she appeared to be on tv. My mother who possessed all the tact of a bull elephant told her "i always thought you were much too scraggy and looked like you needed a good meal down you but you are actually a beautiful girl"
I am not sure they were the very exact words she used but it went more or less like that. At that moment i just wished the ground would swallow me up, but to my amazement Ms Ross burst out laughing and said her own mom had said something similar to her regarding eating a good meal. They hit it off straight away and Ms Ross always asked after my mother thereafter. It was one of those moments that could have spelled major disaster, but actually ended up being a great day.
Sorry for veering off topic again Ollie, but your remark just reminded me of what my mother said all those years ago.How many of us get to begin a story with "That reminds me of the time I introduced my mother to Diana Ross" ?;) Wonderful indeed. And I concur, not about the eating part but about the beautiful part. I encountered Diana twice up close and was stunned both times by just how beautiful she was at close range. Not surprised, really, but pleasantly stunned. [[BTW, same with Carly Simon)

[Bluebrock]

Blue - i love hearing these fun stories of your experiences with Diana Ross. your stories sound similar to some that Randy shared in his book and how Diana has an almost photographic memory when it comes to the issues, families, etc of her immediate staff and colleagues. AND that she is often very caring and understanding about things occurring in their lives. a kind of her that is unfortunately often overlooked by the general public and press

Thank you very much Sup. I do have an even funnier story regarding my mother saying something to Diana that even i would not have dreamed of saying, but i would prefer to run it through the official channels before going public. I do not wish to obliterate 30+ years of friendship for one inappropriate memory. Leave it with me.

[Bluebrock]

Blue - i love hearing these fun stories of your experiences with Diana Ross. your stories sound similar to some that Randy shared in his book and how Diana has an almost photographic memory when it comes to the issues, families, etc of her immediate staff and colleagues. AND that she is often very caring and understanding about things occurring in their lives. a kind of her that is unfortunately often overlooked by the general public and press

Thank you very much Sup. I do have an even funnier story regarding my mother saying something to Diana that even i would not have dreamed of saying, but i would prefer to run it through the official channels before going public. I do not wish to obliterate 30+ years of friendship for one inappropriate memory. Leave it with me.

[Bluebrock]

Not sure why my post has been duplicated?

[Bluebrock]

How many of us get to begin a story with "That reminds me of the time I introduced my mother to Diana Ross" ?;) Wonderful indeed. And I concur, not about the eating part but about the beautiful part. I encountered Diana twice up close and was stunned both times by just how beautiful she was at close range. Not surprised, really, but pleasantly stunned. [[BTW, same with Carly Simon)

I know how fortunate i am/was.
It was a wonderful honour and a great privilege to work closely with this very special and deeply misunderstood lady. I don't mind admitting i was bowled over by her beauty. It is usually the other way around, but in her instance the camera does not do her justice.
I cannot comment on Carly Simon. I love the lady but i have never had the honour of meeting her.

[Ollie9]

I don't mind admitting i was bowled over by her beauty. It is usually the other way around, but in her instance the camera does not do her justice.

It’s baffling how they made her look so unattractive in The Wiz. The lighting, especially on those early solo numbers is appalling.

[Bluebrock]

It’s baffling how they made her look so unattractive in The Wiz. The lighting, especially on those early solo numbers is appalling.

I cannot recall much about the Wiz. I have never managed to sit throught the whole film despite numerous attempts. I will not try to do so ever again. Life is too short.
I cannot recall if she looked unattractive, but i am happy to take your word for it.

[JLoveLamar]

I thought she looked great in The Wiz. I have a thing for afros, so maybe I am a bit biased.

[Spreadinglove21]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7LUoPNWU7I

[detmotownguy]

I cannot recall much about the Wiz. I have never managed to sit throught the whole film despite numerous attempts. I will not try to do so ever again. Life is too short.
I cannot recall if she looked unattractive, but i am happy to take your word for it.
Didn't Berry give in and let Diana have the role? I have also tried to watch the film, even on a hostile long winded phone call with the IRS lol! Did the project break even?

[Bluebrock]

Didn't Berry give in and let Diana have the role? I have also tried to watch the film, even on a hostile long winded phone call with the IRS lol! Did the project break even?
I assume the film lost money but i have never been sufficiently interested enough to look into it.

[Ollie9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7LUoPNWU7I

Simply gorgeous. A timeless performance of a song that will never age. It should have opened up side 2 of the album and been released as a single throughout Europe.
Wrong single choices let the album down badly.

[Bluebrock]

Simply gorgeous. A timeless performance of a song that will never age. It should have opened up side 2 of the album and been released as a single throughout Europe.
Wrong single choices let the album down badly.

So many great songs on that album, along with a handful of not so great songs.

[Ollie9]

So many great songs on that album, along with a handful of not so great songs.

“Shine” “Cross My Heart” “Hard For Me To Say” And “Summertime” are for me the four standout tracks from the album.
Out of curiosity, what would you ​class as the the not so great songs?.

[Bluebrock]

“Shine” “Cross My Heart” “Hard For Me To Say” And “Summertime” are for me the four standout tracks from the album.
Out of curiosity, what would you ​class as the the not so great songs?.

I would say Tell Mama, Shockwaves and Mr Lee. Not too keen on There goes my baby either, but it has found favour with some on here.
I would agree with yoùr choices for the cream tracks.
Tell me again and Dirty Looks are very listenable too.

[JLoveLamar]

ShockWaves is a favorite for me!!!!!

[Boogiedown]

SHOCK-WAVES/HEAT-WAVE[S]

I'd have no trouble mixing between those two!!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Duw2aYxhQJ8

[not sure about those tongue twills! never heard that on a record before ! ]

[Ollie9]

I would say Tell Mama, Shockwaves and Mr Lee. Not too keen on There goes my baby either, but it has found favour with some on here.
I would agree with yoùr choices for the cream tracks.
Tell me again and Dirty Looks are very listenable too.

Agree, “Shockwaves” is quite simply dreadful. I remember a review from Blues & Soul magazine that said “why does she continue to release such dreadful songs”. I wonder who was responsible in selecting such weak singles?.
Not quite as bad as “Girls”, but close to.

[Bluebrock]

Agree, “Shockwaves” is quite simply dreadful. I remember a review from Blues & Soul magazine that said “why does she continue to release such dreadful songs”. I wonder who was responsible in selecting such weak singles?.
Not quite as bad as “Girls”, but close to.

Well it sure as hell wasn't me who chose those singles! Whoever it was in all likelihood were relieved off their duties. I am not sure if she had any input. It's the sort of dross she would choose. There were some potential hits on that project.
I would have to concede that Girls was slightly more appalling than Shockwaves, but it should never have been recorded, let alone released as a single.

[Bluebrock]

ShockWaves is a favorite for me!!!!!

Two weeks detention for you my friend!

[PeaceNHarmony]

ShockWaves is a favorite for me!!!!!I love Shockwaves as well. Great fun.

[PeaceNHarmony]

I thought she looked great in The Wiz. I have a thing for afros, so maybe I am a bit biased.I thought the lady looked gorgeous, particularly in the 'Home' finale. They had faces then!

[Ollie9]

Well it sure as hell wasn't me who chose those singles! Whoever it was in all likelihood were relieved off their duties. I am not sure if she had any input. It's the sort of dross she would choose.

I agree, it probably was lol. It certainly came as no surprise when the single died a dismal death.
I seem to remember reading she shot a promo for the song from the waist up as she was heavily pregnant. It seems odd nothing has ever surfaced.

[Bluebrock]

I love Shockwaves as well. Great fun.

You can go to the back of the classroom too!

[Bluebrock]

I agree, it probably was lol. It certainly came as no surprise when the single died a dismal death.
I seem to remember reading she shot a promo for the song from the waist up as she was heavily pregnant. It seems odd nothing has ever surfaced.

She did shoot a video. I have seen it. I didn't realise it was so rare. I cannot recall much about it due to having to adjust my ear plugs to ensure i could not hear the music. I am sure i have a copy of it somewhere. I shall attempt to unearth it when i am feeling better.

[Jaap]

I understand why EMI UK chose Shockwaves; it was the album track most closest to Chain Reaction and that had been a number one hit. And then with a "hip" Shep Pettibone mix that might sound like a winner, on paper at least. Shockwaves is a fun song, but not much more than that, prrrr. I didn't do much for me as a teenager; I really preferred Shine and It's Hard for Me to Say [[the latter which got some airplay in the Netherlands just because of the Luther Vandross connection).

[sup_fan]

Two weeks detention for you my friend!

haha i like shockwaves too!

Blue I'm going to assemble a new RCA Greatest Hits cd just for you, my friend!

Turn me over [[as the opening track of course lol)
Girls
Shockwaves
There Goes My Baby
Why do fools
Fool for your love
I am me
Work That body [[12" mix)
Sweet nothings
I am me [[extended mix)
Nobody makes me crazy

[sup_fan]

note that i purposely include two versions of I Am Me :p

[Bluebrock]

haha i like shockwaves too!

Blue I'm going to assemble a new RCA Greatest Hits cd just for you, my friend!

Turn me over [[as the opening track of course lol)
Girls
Shockwaves
There Goes My Baby
Why do fools
Fool for your love
I am me
Work That body [[12" mix)
Sweet nothings
I am me [[extended mix)
Nobody makes me crazy

That line up makes Workin Overtime and I love you seem like works of art! The only "gem" missing is Mr Lee. Is there room on the cd for it?

[Bluebrock]

note that i purposely include two versions of I Am Me :p

Duly noted my friend. Now where are my earplugs?

[Ollie9]

haha i like shockwaves too!

Blue I'm going to assemble a new RCA Greatest Hits cd just for you, my friend!

Turn me over [[as the opening track of course lol)
Girls
Shockwaves
There Goes My Baby
Why do fools
Fool for your love
I am me
Work That body [[12" mix)
Sweet nothings
I am me [[extended mix)
Nobody makes me crazy

You missed out her solo version of “Endless Love” sup. :D

[sup_fan]

You missed out her solo version of “Endless Love” sup. :D

well i only included the songs i like. the ones i like that i KNOW i'm in the minority on lol there are others i agree are hideous - like Endless Love. hell i'm not a huge fan of the original with Lionel, due to being over played.

i might have included Children of the World. I don't really like that one but i have at least included on a playlist or two. when vacuuming or cleaning the house, sometimes it's fun to sing along to

plus i love to tweak Blue's nose on WDFFIL and SE lol

[Bluebrock]

well i only included the songs i like. the ones i like that i KNOW i'm in the minority on lol there are others i agree are hideous - like Endless Love. hell i'm not a huge fan of the original with Lionel, due to being over played.

i might have included Children of the World. I don't really like that one but i have at least included on a playlist or two. when vacuuming or cleaning the house, sometimes it's fun to sing along to

plus i love to tweak Blue's nose on WDFFIL and SE lol

You are pure evil Sir. Wicked wicked wicked ha ha.

[Bluebrock]

You missed out her solo version of “Endless Love” sup. :D

Would you like a copy of this cd Ollie? It will become a collectors item in years to come. I'm sure Sup will be happy to do you a copy.

[sup_fan]

You are pure evil Sir. Wicked wicked wicked ha ha.

years from now, i'm going to arrange that the choir sings I Am Me at your funeral lolol. I'll tell the minister it was your favorite song ever :D

[sup_fan]

here's another question about I Am Me. i wonder what the ORIGINAL song was like and what Janie Bradford thought of the released version. apparently Diana took Janie's submission and then totally retooled it.

although we should at least credit Diana with having I Am Me as the flip to a song produced by MJ. everyone would have guessed that an MJ produced single would sell millions, and it did. and the producers/writers of the B side make just as much money. so Janie got a big pay out

[JLoveLamar]

Wait, there's a video for SHOCKWAVE? Is it a real storyline, or is it like the Mirror Mirror video?

[Bluebrock]

years from now, i'm going to arrange that the choir sings I Am Me at your funeral lolol. I'll tell the minister it was your favorite song ever :D
I will come back to haunt you each and every night whilst playing Eaten Alive and Workin Overtime on rotation!

[Ollie9]

i might have included Children of the World. I don't really like that one but i have at least included on a playlist or two. when vacuuming or cleaning the house.

I actually agree with you on this one sup. ”We Are The Children” is an excellent song to play with the vacuum cleaner blasting away.

[Ollie9]

years from now, i'm going to arrange that the choir sings I Am Me at your funeral lolol. I'll tell the minister it was your favorite song ever :D

LOL. You cross the line sir.
Actually, thinking about it “I Am Me” might make for the perfect funeral song. A sort of modern take on “”I Did It My Way”.

[sup_fan]

I will come back to haunt you each and every night whilst playing Eaten Alive and Workin Overtime on rotation!

lololol ok - that's a harsh of enough threat that i'll step down! lol EA is just hideous lol

[Bluebrock]

lololol ok - that's a harsh of enough threat that i'll step down! lol EA is just hideous lol
I thought that idle threat would stop you in your tracks!

[detmotownguy]

Blue, thanks for the feedback.

[Ollie9]

here's another question about I Am Me. i wonder what the ORIGINAL song was like and what Janie Bradford thought of the released version. apparently Diana took Janie's submission and then totally retooled it

I believe Bradford submitted the song to Diana as a ballad.

[Bluebrock]

I believe Bradford submitted the song to Diana as a ballad.

Perhaps it would have worked better as a ballad. Anything would have been an improvement on the released version.

[JLoveLamar]

I will come back to haunt you each and every night whilst playing Eaten Alive and Workin Overtime on rotation!

This is a haunting I wouldn't mind! How about you haunt me and I'll sing these to your ghost ACAPELLA?

[Bluebrock]

This is a haunting I wouldn't mind! How about you haunt me and I'll sing these to your ghost ACAPELLA?
I shall consider your proposition and get back to you!

[soren1974]

I'm going to assemble a new RCA Greatest Hits cd just for you, my friend!

Turn me over [[as the opening track of course lol)
Girls
Shockwaves
There Goes My Baby
Why do fools
Fool for your love
I am me
Work That body [[12" mix)
Sweet nothings
I am me [[extended mix)
Nobody makes me crazy

I might be late to the party but I am laughing out loud here. I do want the version with We Are The Children Of The World as a bonus track, though, not settling for less! [[I realise I am a minority in really liking Girls [[i.e. the song, not ...).