Released 54 years ago today
Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb
The Supremes · 1972
38 min · 11 tracks · pop music
A lush blend of orchestral arrangements and soulful harmonies that encapsulates the essence of 1970s pop and R&B.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
5:30 Plane — This track features a poignant narrative about longing and separation, set against a rich backdrop of sweeping strings that embody the album's emotional depth.
-
→
I Guess I’ll Miss the Man Start here — The song reflects on loss with a haunting melody, allowing lead vocals to shine through Webb's lush arrangements while highlighting the group's vocal prowess.
-
→
Il voce de silenzio (Silent Voices) — This track showcases an innovative fusion of pop and classical influences, emphasizing the group's adaptability to different musical styles while maintaining their core identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious orchestration and varied song structures, marking a notable shift in The Supremes' sound.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that dominate the instrumentation, often overshadowing the vocal performances.
- Several songs incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Il voce de silenzio', which shifts from a slow ballad to a more upbeat section.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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, consistent energy levels
- introspective afternoon listening
- lush, emotive soundscapes
- melodic, flowing arrangements
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Shows a deliberate shift to sophisticated arrangements, differing from earlier Motown sound.
- Career context
- By the time 'Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb' was released in November 1972, The Supremes were transitioning from their earlier Motown sound to more sophisticated arrangements. This album marked a significant shift for the group, being their first release after Diana Ross's departure, showcasing their adaptation to new musical landscapes while still aiming to retain their signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Shirelles· Martha and the Vandellas· The Marvelettes
Tracklist
- 1 I Guess I’ll Miss the Man Start here 2:39
- 2 5:30 Plane 3:59
- 3 Tossin’ and Turnin’ 3:37
- 4 When Can Brown Begin 3:16
- 5 Beyond Myself 3:28
- 6 Il voce de silenzio (Silent Voices) 3:40
- 7 All I Want 3:40
- 8 Once in the Morning 2:54
- 9 I Keep It Hid 3:08
- 10 Paradise 4:15
- 11 Cheap Lovin’ 4:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.