What makes The Return of The Marvelettes by The Marvelettes notable?

The album features the hit single Someday We'll Be Together, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its cultural significance. This release is notable for being one of the last major projects from Motown's original girl group era, reflecting both nostalgia and the transition of popular music at the time. Released in 1970, The Return of The Marvelettes marked the group's comeback after a period of relative inactivity and lineup changes. This album followed their peak success in the early 1960s, showcasing their attempt to reclaim relevance in a rapidly evolving music landscape dominated by new genres.

How many songs are on The Return of The Marvelettes?

The Return of The Marvelettes has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

The Return of The Marvelettes

The Marvelettes · 1970

37 min · 12 tracks · doo-wop

A rich blend of soulful harmonies and heartfelt melodies characterizes this doo-wop revival by The Marvelettes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Someday We'll Be Together — This track not only became a major hit but also encapsulates the emotional yearning characteristic of The Marvelettes' sound, blending doo-wop with contemporary pop elements.
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That's How Heartaches Are Made — The song showcases the classic vocal harmonies of The Marvelettes while discussing themes of love and heartbreak, making it a poignant addition to their discography.
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No More Tearstained Makeup — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics about resilience after heartache, reflecting the emotional depth that defines much of the album's narrative.
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I'll Be in Trouble — The infectious rhythm and catchy chorus highlight the group's signature style while addressing themes of romantic conflict, making it memorable within the album's context.

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 innovation of earlier Motown hits.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of lush string arrangements that complement the vocal harmonies throughout its tracks.
Several songs employ call-and-response techniques, enhancing the interaction between lead and backing vocals.
The tempo varies across tracks, with a noticeable shift to slower ballads in the latter half, creating a contrast with the more upbeat opening.
The final track ends on a sustained vocal note, leaving a lingering emotional impact.

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: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 So I Can Love You 2:50
2 Marionette 3:30
3 That's How Heartaches Are Made 2:57
4 A Breath Taking Guy 3:25
5 No More Tearstained Makeup 3:20
6 Uptown 2:28
7 Someday We'll Be Together 3:10
8 After All 3:15
9 Our Lips Just Seem to Rhyme Everytime 3:05
10 Fading Away 2:49
11 Take Me Where You Go 3:30
12 I'll Be in Trouble 2:46

What to play next

Listen next

Essential Classics, Vol. 479: The Marvelettes

2024

Go back to

In Full Bloom

1969

Full The Marvelettes discography Artists like The Marvelettes

doo-wop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata