Lost & Found: Along Came Love (1958-1964)
With one CD of prime Smokey and the Miraclesraritiesalready available, how much could this entry in Motown'sLost and Foundvault-sweep series really offer? Plenty, as it turns out. While a couple of tracks ("You've Got to Pay Bills," "(I Need Some) Money," the latter a different song than theBarrett Strong-Beatlesstandard) seem like dry runs at ideas better realized by others at the label,Along Came Lovebrings some true pleasures to light. A particular standout is the sweet, early "I Love Your Baby," and after a couple of plays, even their version of "If I Were a Bell" transcends typical Motownsupper-clubfare and becomes charming. More than just a lesson in secret history, this is actually a fine addition to the collections of fans of the group and the label.--Rickey Wright