Merry Christmas
You can consider the Supremes another 1960s supergroup on Motown, a label that boasted it was "the sound of young America." The Supremes always were dominated by the diva Diana Ross--even at Christmas. Fans should note, however, that the fantastic "Silent Night," a previously unreleased song, does feature Florence Ballard's lead vocal, a rare occasion when lady Di is not front and center. This updated version of the 1965 record includes its original 13 songs, plus 4 tunes not previously available in one set, including producer-songwriter Henry Fuqua's "Just a Lonely Christmas."Merry Christmas from the Supremesis rich with original songs byJimmy Webb("MacArthur Park") and includes other nontraditional songs such as "Born of Mary," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Me," and "Little Bright Star." Together with its seasonal standards and R&B-pop; arrangements, it's pure Christmas fun.--Martin Keller