New Ways but Love Stays cover

New Ways but Love Stays

The Supremes · 1970

44 min · 11 tracks · pop music

Soulful harmonies and uplifting melodies intertwine, embodying the optimism of a transitional era in pop music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Stoned Love — As one of the standout singles, this track captures the essence of love's enduring power amidst societal change, further solidifying The Supremes' legacy.
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    Bridge Over Troubled Water — The Supremes' rendition adds a soulful depth to this classic, showcasing their vocal prowess while infusing it with emotional resonance.
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    Love the One You’re With — This cover highlights their talent for reinterpreting popular songs, blending upbeat rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that reflect the era's spirit.
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    Thank Him for Today — This track embodies gratitude and positivity, serving as an uplifting conclusion to the album that resonates with listeners seeking hope.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a positive tone, followed by the upbeat hit 'Stoned Love' which features prominent vocal harmonies.
  • Several tracks incorporate lush orchestration and layered backing vocals, enhancing the soulful quality of the melodies.
  • The sequencing includes a cover of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' placed in the middle, creating a contrast with the surrounding original compositions.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo uplifting vibes
  • soulful harmonies for connection
  • resilient themes of love
  • for nostalgic afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Features 'Stoned Love', a Top 10 hit, maintaining commercial viability post-lineup changes.
Career context
By the time 'New Ways but Love Stays' was released in October 1970, The Supremes had already established themselves as a defining force in Motown. This album marked their transition from being a trio to a duo after the departure of Diana Ross, showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt through changing musical landscapes.

Tracklist

  • 1 Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music Start here 3:36
  • 2 Stoned Love 4:10
  • 3 It’s Time to Break Down 5:16
  • 4 Bridge Over Troubled Water 5:49
  • 5 I Wish I Were Your Mirror 3:03
  • 6 Come Together 4:10
  • 7 Love the One You’re With 3:47
  • 8 Is There a Place (in His Heart for Me) 4:04
  • 9 Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye 2:49
  • 10 Shine on Me 4:13
  • 11 Thank Him for Today 3:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata