The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb


The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb is the twenty-sixth studio album released by The Supremes on the Motown label in 1972. It stands as a unique entry in The Supremes' discography as it was the only album produced by a non-Motown artist, the accomplished songwriter and producer Jimmy Webb. This album also marked the first appearance of Lynda Laurence, and the final appearance of Jean Terrell as the lead singer of The Supremes during the early 1970s.
In the United States, only one single from the album was released, the emotive ballad "I Guess I'll Miss the Man," originally from the musical Pippin. Additionally, the album features renditions of songs outside of Webb's contributions, such as Joni Mitchell's "All I Want," Harry Nilsson's "Paradise," and covers of hits by Bobby Lewis and Mina, specifically "Tossin' and Turnin'" and "Il Voce Del Silenzio" respectively.
Released at the same time as Diana Ross' Lady Sings The Blues movie and soundtrack, Motown gave no promotion to this unusual album. It became the group's poorest selling studio album since Meet The Supremes nearly 10 years prior. Unnerved by this and the failure of the Stevie Wonder-produced "Bad Weather" single a few months later, Jean Terrell abruptly left the group, followed shortly thereafter by Lynda Laurence.

Critical reception

Cashbox published, "Jimmy Webb produced and arranged this most satisfying Supremes creation since the group's re-organization. The unquestionable highlight of the session is a foamin' funky remake of Bobby Lewis' "Tossin' And Turnin'." Also on the upswing, Joni Mitchell's "All I Want" and a strange lyrical bit of "Cheap Lovin'." On the sweet side, their latest single "Guess I'll Miss The Man" from "Pippin" and a beautiful "Silent Voices." They've got the feelin' and the talent to put it across."

Track listing

All songs produced and arranged by Jimmy Webb, except "I Guess I'll Miss the Man" produced by Sherlie Matthews and Deke Richards, arranged by James Carmichael and Gene Page.
All lead vocals by Jean Terrell except where noted.

Side one

  1. "I Guess I'll Miss the Man"
  2. "5:30 Plane"
  3. "Tossin' and Turnin'"
  4. "When Can Brown Begin?"
  5. "Beyond Myself"
  6. "Il Voce Del Silenzio (Silent Voices)"

Side two

  1. "All I Want"
  2. "Once in the Morning"
  3. "I Keep It Hid"
  4. "Paradise"
  5. "Cheap Lovin'"

Personnel