There is little argument that Motown Records had some of the best artist collaborations going on through the years. With a roster that was pouring over with exceptional talent, the possibilities were endless when thinking of who could be paired together, and many of these organized duets turned into huge successes. To run down a short list of them, you had Diana Ross & the Supremes join the Temptations for the memorable 1968 song “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” Diana Ross paired with Lionel Richie for the 1981 mega-hit “Endless Love,” but perhaps the king of all Motown collaborations was none other than Marvin Gaye. In all, Gaye sang opposite four different partners during his time with Motown; there was Tammi Terrell, Kim Weston, Diana Ross, and of course, Mary Wells.
Recording a total of six collaboration albums between 1964 and 1973, many listeners might immediately turn to the Gaye/Terrell partnership, since they did three records together (1967’s United, 1968’s You’re All I Need, and 1969’s Easy), however, it is important to recognize that the first ever project Gaye did opposite a lady of Motown was with Mary Wells for their 1964 album Together. Wells, an artist who had assisted in making Motown a major player in mainstream Pop music, with hits like 1962’s “You Beat Me to the Punch” and “Two Lovers,” historically, she was actually the more well-known commodity at the time she was selected to work with Gaye.
An interesting fact of information, this was a time before Gaye was building on his own legacy as one of R&B and Soul’s biggest performers ever. Not to overshadow Wells’ own accomplishments, you could say that her popularity is what assisted in getting Gaye more exposure. In fact, their album Together became the first ever charted album credited to Gaye. Additionally, it should be noted that Wells not only had a string of hits to her name to draw listeners in, but her most well-known song, and number 1 hit “My Guy,” had a release that preceded the Together album by a little more than a month. Looking at this, Wells’ rendition of “My Guy” reached the top of the charts by May of that year, and has stood the test of time as her signature tune. What does all of this mean? It means no one should overlook the talents of Mary Wells and what she did for the Motown brand; because she certainly was a vital part of building the empire.
With this important, sometimes overshadowed history explained, the Gaye/Wells album Together went on to be a big hit in its own right. Peaking at number 42 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, it had two top 20 singles (“Once Upon a Time” and “What’s the Matter with You Baby”), but also a ton of other intrigue. As mentioned, something that helped put Gaye’s career into high gear, it was also the only recording Gaye and Wells ever did together… because Wells opted to leave the label upon turning 21 years old. A factor that ushered in Gaye’s later work with Weston and Terrell, Together still stands out as one of the most exciting Motown releases ever.
A very bold statement, this album features the aforementioned big singles, but also some other really magical moments. Consisting mostly of standards, but also a recording of the song “Together,” which was a hit for Connie Francis in 1961, there just seems to be an inherent chemistry between Gaye and Wells that shines brightly throughout the album. Something to look back on in order to realize an unfound appreciation for Together, now in 2024 it is being offered as a reissued vinyl thanks to Elemental Music.
One of many selections apart from the label’s The Motown Sound Collection, Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells’ Together arrived as a limited edition vinyl on July 12th. Presented in mono, from the original master, the sound quality is encapsulated in lovely fashion thanks to the high-quality pressing to 140-gram virgin vinyl. To be enjoyed with someone you love, or simply as part of a solo listening session, the single LP is presented with the original art and thoughtful liner notes written by Lee Ivory for added elegance.
In all, this new vinyl release is proof that careful thought is being made as to what albums are being included in the Elemental Music Motown Collection rollout. That is why it is recommended to add this one to your own private library; not only does it sound great, but has major significance. Thus, Cryptic Rock gives the reissued vinyl edition of Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells’ Together 5 out of 5 stars.
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