The Miracles–Depend On Me: The Early Albums
Encyclopedia
The Miracles – Depend On Me: The Early Albums is a 2009 double-CD limited release by Motown Records' original vocal group The Miracles
, released through Universal's Hip-O Select
imprint to coincide with the legendary Motown label's 50th anniversary.
This special two-CD release consists of the group's first five albums, in chronological order, three of which have never been issued on CD before: Hi... We're the Miracles
(1961), Cookin' with The Miracles
(1961), I'll Try Something New
(1962-CD debut), The Fabulous Miracles
(1963-CD debut), and The Miracles Recorded Live on Stage
(1963-CD debut).
This collection also features a full color foldout, with the original front and rear covers of all five albums, complete with liner notes, and a 24-page booklet with photos and historical information on The Miracles with an essay by group chronicler Stu Hackel and commentary by Miracles Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Claudette Robinson, and Smokey Robinson, detailing their formation, the start of Motown Records, and their importance as Motown's first recording artists. The CD's cover photo features all six original group members: Smokey Robinson
, his then-wife Claudette Robinson, her cousin Bobby Rogers
, bass singer Pete Moore
, baritone Ronnie White, and guitarist Marv Tarplin
, taken during the 1961 photo sessions for their album, Cookin' With The Miracles.
This is the first new Miracles album released by Motown in decades where the group's original name/billing has been restored - i.e. "The Miracles" as opposed to "Smokey Robinson & The Miracles" (the group was billed under their collective name at the time these albums were originally released).
This collection also features several previously-unreleased songs and bonus tracks, including two early regional releases of the group's first million-seller, "Shop Around
", and the withdrawn 1959 single, "The Feeling Is So Fine". Hit songs in the collection include "I'll Try Something New
", "What's So Good About Goodbye
", "Shop Around
", "You've Really Got a Hold on Me
", "I've Been Good To You
", "Who's Lovin' You
", "Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues
", "A Love She Can Count On
", "Way Over There
", and "(You Can) Depend on Me
".
All tracks have been remastered for this release.
Non-LP Singles
Bonus tracks
The Miracles
The Miracles are an American rhythm and blues group from Detroit, Michigan, notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy's Motown Record Corporation . Their single "Shop Around" was Motown's first million-selling hit record, and the group went on to become one of Motown's signature...
, released through Universal's Hip-O Select
Hip-O Records
Hip-O Records is a record label, currently part of Universal Music Group, which specializes in reissues and compilations. Their Hip-O Select label is currently in the midst of releasing the Complete Motown Singles, a series of fourteen box sets which include both sides of every 45 from Motown...
imprint to coincide with the legendary Motown label's 50th anniversary.
This special two-CD release consists of the group's first five albums, in chronological order, three of which have never been issued on CD before: Hi... We're the Miracles
Hi... We're the Miracles
Hi... We're The Miracles is the first album by Motown's first group, The Miracles, released on Motown's Tamla subsidiary label in the summer of 1961.It also has the distinction of being the first album ever released by the Motown Record Corporation The album features several songs which played an...
(1961), Cookin' with The Miracles
Cookin' with The Miracles
Cookin' with The Miracles is the second Tamla album by The Miracles and their second for the year 1961. Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson co-wrote most of the songs here, including the two charting singles "Ain't It Baby" and "Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues". The album is composed mostly of upbeat...
(1961), I'll Try Something New
I'll Try Something New
I'll Try Something New is the third Tamla album by The Miracles. The title track was an important early single for the group, featuring Smokey Robinson's lead voice, a chorus led by his wife Claudette and an orchestra of strings...
(1962-CD debut), The Fabulous Miracles
The Fabulous Miracles
The Fabulous Miracles is a 1963 album by The Miracles featuring the million-selling hit, "You've Really Got a Hold on Me", one of the group's most popular singles...
(1963-CD debut), and The Miracles Recorded Live on Stage
The Miracles Recorded Live on Stage
The Miracles Recorded Live on Stage is a 1963 live album by The Miracles, part of the early 60's Motown "Live on Stage" series by various artists...
(1963-CD debut).
This collection also features a full color foldout, with the original front and rear covers of all five albums, complete with liner notes, and a 24-page booklet with photos and historical information on The Miracles with an essay by group chronicler Stu Hackel and commentary by Miracles Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Claudette Robinson, and Smokey Robinson, detailing their formation, the start of Motown Records, and their importance as Motown's first recording artists. The CD's cover photo features all six original group members: Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
, his then-wife Claudette Robinson, her cousin Bobby Rogers
Bobby Rogers
Bobby Rogers is an American soul singer and songwriter, notable as a member of Motown Records' first signed act and first million selling group The Miracles from 1956 to present. He is also the grandfather of R&B singer Brandi Williams from R&B girl group Blaque-Life:Rogers is the son of the late...
, bass singer Pete Moore
Pete Moore
Pete Moore is an African American soul singer, record producer, and songwriter, notable as the bass singer for Motown group The Miracles from 1955 onwards, and is one of the group's original members...
, baritone Ronnie White, and guitarist Marv Tarplin
Marv Tarplin
Marvin "Marv" Tarplin was an American guitarist and songwriter, best known as the guitarist for The Miracles from the 1950s through the early 1970s. He was one of the group's original members and co-wrote several of their biggest hits, including the 2007 Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted "The Tracks...
, taken during the 1961 photo sessions for their album, Cookin' With The Miracles.
This is the first new Miracles album released by Motown in decades where the group's original name/billing has been restored - i.e. "The Miracles" as opposed to "Smokey Robinson & The Miracles" (the group was billed under their collective name at the time these albums were originally released).
This collection also features several previously-unreleased songs and bonus tracks, including two early regional releases of the group's first million-seller, "Shop Around
Shop Around
"Shop Around" is a 1960 single by The Miracles for the Tamla label, catalog number T 54034. It is notable as being the label's first #1 hit on the Billboard magazine R&B singles chart, and also hit #2 on the Hot 100....
", and the withdrawn 1959 single, "The Feeling Is So Fine". Hit songs in the collection include "I'll Try Something New
I'll Try Something New (song)
"I'll Try Something New" is a song written by Smokey Robinson and originally released in 1962 by The Miracles on Motown Records' Tamla subsidiary label...
", "What's So Good About Goodbye
What's So Good About Goodbye
"What's So Good About Goodbye" was a 1961 hit single recorded by R&B group The Miracles for Motown Records' Tamla label, later included on their 1962 album I'll Try Something New. The single was a Top 40 Pop hit, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States during the winter...
", "Shop Around
Shop Around
"Shop Around" is a 1960 single by The Miracles for the Tamla label, catalog number T 54034. It is notable as being the label's first #1 hit on the Billboard magazine R&B singles chart, and also hit #2 on the Hot 100....
", "You've Really Got a Hold on Me
You've Really Got a Hold on Me
"You've Really Got a Hold on Me" is a 1962 Top 10 hit single by The Miracles for the Tamla label. One of the group's most covered tunes, this million-selling song is a 1998 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee...
", "I've Been Good To You
I've Been Good To You
"I've Been Good To You" is a 1961 R&B song by The Miracles on Motown Records' Tamla label. It was released as the B-side of their Billboard Top 40 hit, "What's So Good About Goodbye", and was included on their album I'll Try Something New the following year. This sad, melancholy ballad charted #103...
", "Who's Lovin' You
Who's Lovin' You
"Who's Lovin' You" is a Motown soul song, written in 1960 by William "Smokey" Robinson. The song has been recorded by many different artists including The Miracles, who recorded the 1960 original version, The Temptations, The Supremes, Terence Trent-D'arby, Brenda and The Tabulations, John Farnham,...
", "Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues
Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues
"Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues" , was a 1961 R&B song by Motown Records group The Miracles released on the label's Tamla Records subsidiary. It was taken from Cookin' with The Miracles, the group's second album, and was written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White...
", "A Love She Can Count On
A Love She Can Count On
"A Love She Can Count On" was a 1963 hit single by Motown Records R&B group The Miracles, issued on that label's Tamla subsidiary label...
", "Way Over There
Way Over There
"Way Over There" is a 1960 Motown soul song and single, written by William "Smokey" Robinson, produced by Berry Gordy, and first performed by The Miracles for the Tamla label. It was one of The Miracles' earliest charting singles, reaching #94 on the Billboard Pop chart. Motown president Berry...
", and "(You Can) Depend on Me
(You Can) Depend on Me
" Depend on Me" , was a 1959 song by Motown Records group The Miracles, which also appeared on the group's first album, Hi... We're The Miracles . It also appeared as the "B" side of the group's hit single, Way Over There. It was written by Motown Records' President and founder Berry Gordy and...
".
All tracks have been remastered for this release.
Hi, We're The Miracles
- "Who's Lovin' YouWho's Lovin' You"Who's Lovin' You" is a Motown soul song, written in 1960 by William "Smokey" Robinson. The song has been recorded by many different artists including The Miracles, who recorded the 1960 original version, The Temptations, The Supremes, Terence Trent-D'arby, Brenda and The Tabulations, John Farnham,...
" - "(You Can) Depend on Me(You Can) Depend on Me" Depend on Me" , was a 1959 song by Motown Records group The Miracles, which also appeared on the group's first album, Hi... We're The Miracles . It also appeared as the "B" side of the group's hit single, Way Over There. It was written by Motown Records' President and founder Berry Gordy and...
" - "Heart Like Mine"
- "Shop AroundShop Around"Shop Around" is a 1960 single by The Miracles for the Tamla label, catalog number T 54034. It is notable as being the label's first #1 hit on the Billboard magazine R&B singles chart, and also hit #2 on the Hot 100....
" - "Won't You Take Me Back"
- "'Cause I Love You"
- "Your Love"
- "After AllAfter All (The Miracles song)"After All" is a 1960 song written by Smokey Robinson and originally recorded and released by The Miracles on the Tamla label. It was later covered as an unreleased single by The Supremes for Tamla; it was canceled in favor of the single "Buttered Popcorn", and their cover wasn't released until it...
" - "Way Over ThereWay Over There"Way Over There" is a 1960 Motown soul song and single, written by William "Smokey" Robinson, produced by Berry Gordy, and first performed by The Miracles for the Tamla label. It was one of The Miracles' earliest charting singles, reaching #94 on the Billboard Pop chart. Motown president Berry...
" - "MoneyMoney (That's What I Want)"Money " is a 1959 hit single by Barrett Strong for the Tamla label, distributed nationally on Anna Records. The song was written by Tamla founder Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford, and became the first hit record for Gordy's Motown enterprise....
" - "Don't Leave Me"
Cookin' with The Miracles
- That's The Way I Feel
- Everybody's Gotta Pay Some DuesEverybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues"Everybody's Gotta Pay Some Dues" , was a 1961 R&B song by Motown Records group The Miracles released on the label's Tamla Records subsidiary. It was taken from Cookin' with The Miracles, the group's second album, and was written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White...
- Mama
- Ain't It Baby
- Determination
- You Never Miss A Good Thing
- Embraceable You
- The Only One I Love
- Broken Hearted
- I Can't Believe
Non-LP Singles
- Mighty Good Lovin'
- The Feeling Is So Fine
- Shop Around (regional version 2)
I'll Try Something New
Side A- "I'll Try Something NewI'll Try Something New (song)"I'll Try Something New" is a song written by Smokey Robinson and originally released in 1962 by The Miracles on Motown Records' Tamla subsidiary label...
" - "What's So Good About GoodbyeWhat's So Good About Goodbye"What's So Good About Goodbye" was a 1961 hit single recorded by R&B group The Miracles for Motown Records' Tamla label, later included on their 1962 album I'll Try Something New. The single was a Top 40 Pop hit, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States during the winter...
" - "He Don't Care About Me"
- "A Love That Can Never Be"
- "I've Been Good To YouI've Been Good To You"I've Been Good To You" is a 1961 R&B song by The Miracles on Motown Records' Tamla label. It was released as the B-side of their Billboard Top 40 hit, "What's So Good About Goodbye", and was included on their album I'll Try Something New the following year. This sad, melancholy ballad charted #103...
"
I'll Try Something New
Side B- "Speak LowSpeak Low"Speak Low" is a popular song composed by Kurt Weill, with lyrics by Ogden Nash. It was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker in the Broadway musical One Touch of Venus . The 1944 hit single was by Guy Lombardo and his orchestra, with vocal by Billy Leach...
" - "On the Street Where You LiveOn the Street Where You Live"On the Street Where You Live" is a song with music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner from the 1956 Broadway musical My Fair Lady. It is sung in the musical by the character Freddy Eynsford-Hill, who was portrayed by John Michael King in the original production...
" - "If Your Mother Only Knew"
- "I've Got You Under My SkinI've Got You Under My Skin (song)"I've Got You Under My Skin" is a song written by Cole Porter. It became a signature song for Frank Sinatra and, in 1966, became a top 10 hit for The Four Seasons...
" - "This I Swear, I Promise"
The Fabulous Miracles
- "You've Really Got a Hold on MeYou've Really Got a Hold on Me"You've Really Got a Hold on Me" is a 1962 Top 10 hit single by The Miracles for the Tamla label. One of the group's most covered tunes, this million-selling song is a 1998 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee...
" (Smokey RobinsonSmokey RobinsonWilliam "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
) - "I've Been Good To YouI've Been Good To You"I've Been Good To You" is a 1961 R&B song by The Miracles on Motown Records' Tamla label. It was released as the B-side of their Billboard Top 40 hit, "What's So Good About Goodbye", and was included on their album I'll Try Something New the following year. This sad, melancholy ballad charted #103...
" (Robinson) - "Such is Love, Such is Life" (Robinson)
- "I Can Take a Hint" (Robinson, Janie BradfordJanie BradfordJanie Bradford is an American songwriter, most known for her tenure with Motown. With Berry Gordy, she co-wrote "Money ", originally recorded by Barrett Strong and used by The Beatles on their second album With The Beatles...
, Stanley Ossman, Robert RogersBobby RogersBobby Rogers is an American soul singer and songwriter, notable as a member of Motown Records' first signed act and first million selling group The Miracles from 1956 to present. He is also the grandfather of R&B singer Brandi Williams from R&B girl group Blaque-Life:Rogers is the son of the late...
) - "Won't You Take Me Back" (Robinson)
- "A Love She Can Count On" (Robinson)
- "Whatever Makes You Happy" (Robinson, Ronald WhiteRonald WhiteRonald "Ronnie" White was an African American soul singer and songwriter, notable as a founding member of The Miracles, and the only member to survive all of that group's line-up changes...
) - "Heartbreak Road" (Robinson, White)
- "Happy Landing" (Robinson, White)
- "Your Love" (Robinson)
The Miracles Recorded Live on Stage
- "Mighty Good Lovin'"
- "A Love She Can Count On"
- "Happy Landing"
- "I've Been Good To YouI've Been Good To You"I've Been Good To You" is a 1961 R&B song by The Miracles on Motown Records' Tamla label. It was released as the B-side of their Billboard Top 40 hit, "What's So Good About Goodbye", and was included on their album I'll Try Something New the following year. This sad, melancholy ballad charted #103...
" - "What's So Good About GoodbyeWhat's So Good About Goodbye"What's So Good About Goodbye" was a 1961 hit single recorded by R&B group The Miracles for Motown Records' Tamla label, later included on their 1962 album I'll Try Something New. The single was a Top 40 Pop hit, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States during the winter...
" - "You've Really Got A Hold On MeYou've Really Got a Hold on Me"You've Really Got a Hold on Me" is a 1962 Top 10 hit single by The Miracles for the Tamla label. One of the group's most covered tunes, this million-selling song is a 1998 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee...
" - "Way Over ThereWay Over There"Way Over There" is a 1960 Motown soul song and single, written by William "Smokey" Robinson, produced by Berry Gordy, and first performed by The Miracles for the Tamla label. It was one of The Miracles' earliest charting singles, reaching #94 on the Billboard Pop chart. Motown president Berry...
"
Bonus tracks
- Shop Around (regional version 1 )
- The Only One I Love (single version)
Personnel: The Miracles
- Smokey RobinsonSmokey RobinsonWilliam "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
- Lead & background vocal - Claudette Robinson - Lead & background vocal
- Bobby RogersBobby RogersBobby Rogers is an American soul singer and songwriter, notable as a member of Motown Records' first signed act and first million selling group The Miracles from 1956 to present. He is also the grandfather of R&B singer Brandi Williams from R&B girl group Blaque-Life:Rogers is the son of the late...
- Lead & background vocal - Pete MoorePete MoorePete Moore is an African American soul singer, record producer, and songwriter, notable as the bass singer for Motown group The Miracles from 1955 onwards, and is one of the group's original members...
- Background vocal, vocal arrangements - Ronnie White - Lead & background vocal
- Marv TarplinMarv TarplinMarvin "Marv" Tarplin was an American guitarist and songwriter, best known as the guitarist for The Miracles from the 1950s through the early 1970s. He was one of the group's original members and co-wrote several of their biggest hits, including the 2007 Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted "The Tracks...
- Guitar
External links
- Miracles Depend On Me - Album Review by Eric Luecking
- [ All Music Guide Review- by Stephen Thomas Erlewine]
- Original Album Artwork and Info
- Customer Info