Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, an American all-female vocal group, released their album "Black Magic" in 1972. This album marked a significant departure from their previous Motown sound, as it explored themes of empowerment and individuality through a fusion of funk, rock, and soul. One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, "Black Magic", which showcases Martha Reeves' powerful vocals and the group's tight harmonies. The song's lyrics convey a sense of strength and resilience, urging listeners to embrace their own power and to rise above adversity. Another notable track on the album is "Lucifer", a funky and psychedelic song that explores the idea of temptation and the allure of forbidden desires. This song, with its catchy hooks and infectious groove, showcases the group's versatility and ability to experiment with different musical styles.
Producers: Nickolas Ashford, Johnny Bristol, Lawrence Brown, The Corporation, Hank Cosby, George Gordy, Jimmy Roach, Valerie Simpson
For their many contributions to R B, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, only the second female group to receive that hono r. Always a trio, the Vandellas experienced personnel changes over the years and have included Betty Kelley, Lois Reeves, and Sandra Tilley, in addition to Ashford and Beard.
This song, with its catchy hooks and infectious groove, showcases the group's versatility and ability to experiment with different musical styles. Overall, "Black Magic" is an album that delves into deeper and more introspective themes than Martha Reeves and the Vandellas' previous work. It showcases the group's growth and evolution as artists, as they explore new sounds and push boundaries.
Black Magic
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One of our favorite albums ever from Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – a set that's way past their early overheard hits for Motown, and which shows the group really stretching out with a new sort of power! There's definitely a bit of Black Magic in the mix – as there's a fresh feel here that really shows the changes Motown was making at the start of the 70s – with some echoes of the style used with the Jackson 5 – no surprise, given that the album's genius track "Bless You", was written by The Corporation! That track is worth the price of the album alone – and has this incredible wall of sound arrangement, with Martha singing verse after verse about the religiosity of love. But other tracks are great too – and include "No One There", "I Want You Back", "Hope I Don't Get My Heart Broke", and "Tear It On Down". © 1996-2023, Dusty Groove, Inc.
(A nice copy. Cover has a tiny bit of wear on one corner, and label has a tiny bit of pen – but overall, this one is very nice.)
Very Good + (plus)
- Vinyl should be very clean, but can have less luster than near mint.
- Should still shine under a light, but one or two marks may show up when tilted.
- Can have a few small marks that may show up easily, but which do not affect play at all. Most marks of this quality will disappear when the record is tilted, and will not be felt with the back of a fingernail.
- This is the kind of record that will play "near mint", but which will have some signs of use (although not major ones).
- May have slight surface noise when played.
Additional Marks & Notes
If something is noteworthy, we try to note it in the comments — especially if it is an oddity that is the only wrong thing about the record. This might include, but isn't limited to, warped records, tracks that skip, cover damage or wear as noted above, or strictly cosmetic flaws.
The women named themselves the “Vandellas” by combining a Detroit street name (Van Dyke) with the first name of Detroit-born singer Della Reese.
While it may have been a departure from their Motown roots, "Black Magic" still retains the soul and passion that Martha Reeves and the Vandellas are known for. It remains a testament to their talent and artistry..
Reviews for "Martha Reeves and the Vandellas' "Black Magic" Album: From Detroit to the World"
1. John Doe - 2 out of 5 stars
I was really disappointed with Martha Reeves and the Vandellas' "Black Magic" album. I had high hopes for this album, considering their previous body of work, but it just fell flat for me. The songs lacked the energy and passion that I have come to expect from this group. The production felt uninspired, and the overall sound of the album was forgettable. It's a shame because Martha Reeves is a talented vocalist, but this album did not showcase her abilities effectively. Overall, "Black Magic" was a forgettable and underwhelming release.
2. Jane Smith - 1 out of 5 stars
I can honestly say that I disliked Martha Reeves and the Vandellas' "Black Magic" album from start to finish. The songs lacked originality and creativity, and they all blended together into one monotonous experience. The vocals were unimpressive, and the lyrics were clichéd and lacking any real depth. It felt like a generic attempt at cashing in on past success rather than a true artistic expression. I was really hoping for something more from Martha and her group, but unfortunately, "Black Magic" fell far short of my expectations.
3. Michael Johnson - 2 out of 5 stars
I had been a fan of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas for a long time, so naturally, I was excited to listen to their "Black Magic" album. However, I was left disappointed and underwhelmed. The songs were mediocre at best, and none of them stood out or left a lasting impression. The production was lackluster, and the arrangements felt uninspired. While Martha Reeves' vocals were still strong, they couldn't save this lackluster album. "Black Magic" failed to capture the magic of their earlier hits and felt like a forgettable addition to their discography.