Ridin' High
Martha and the Vandellas · 1968
31 min · 12 tracks · rhythm and blues
Soulful harmonies and vibrant instrumentation create an uplifting atmosphere that defines Motown's joyful spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Promise to Wait My Love — This opening track captures the essence of longing with its lush orchestration and heartfelt vocals, setting a romantic tone for the album.
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(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me — The song's blend of nostalgia and soulful melody makes it a standout, showcasing Martha's emotive delivery against a captivating arrangement.
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I Say a Little Prayer — This iconic cover transforms the original into a vibrant expression of devotion, highlighting the Vandellas' ability to infuse personal sentiment into classic songs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal performances and arrangements typical of its era but lacks standout compositions.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of lush string arrangements that complement the vocal harmonies throughout.
- Several tracks employ call-and-response techniques, enhancing the interaction between lead vocals and background singers.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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 mid-tempo groove
- for afternoon gatherings
- uplifting sing-along vibes
- warm harmonies with rhythmic drive
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer album experiences
- seek slower, reflective moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1968, 'Ridin' High' was the last studio album by Martha and the Vandellas before their lineup changed. At this point, the group had already established themselves as a prominent figure in the Motown sound, following hits like 'Dancing in the Street' and 'Heat Wave'. This album showcases their continued evolution in rhythm and blues as they navigated a rapidly changing musical landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Supremes· The Shirelles· The Ronettes
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Promise to Wait My Love 2:05
- 2 Honey Chile 2:55
- 3 (There's) Always Something There to Remind Me 3:00
- 4 Leave It in the Hands of Love 2:37
- 5 Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone 2:06
- 6 I'm in Love (and I Know It) 2:37
- 7 To Sir, With Love 2:53
- 8 Forget Me Not 2:55
- 9 (We've Got) Honey Love 2:27
- 10 I Say a Little Prayer 2:59
- 11 Without You 2:09
- 12 Show Me the Way 2:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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