Syreeta (1972)

By the release of this album in June 1972 Rita Wright was the ex-wife of Stevie Wonder but they were still collaborators and, with a history of writing hits ("If You Really Love Me" and "Signed, Sealed Delivered - I'm Yours" amongst them) it was Wonder who oversaw this debut album.  This was an early release on Motown's new MoWest Label. Syreeta had sung back up on a number of hits previously and been a serious contender as Diana Ross' replacement in the Supremes.

The album is a parallel introduction the the new Wonder who, freed from Motown controls after turning 21, would go on to produce his greatest work; producing ,writing and arranging albums and not just hit singles in the Motown tradition.  Songs here  a Wonder produced version of his earlier recording, "I Love Every Little Thing About You" (from Music Of My Mind released the same year); a cover of Lennon-McCartney's "She's leaving Home" and Smokey's "What Love Has Joined Together".  The killer track for me is "To Know You Is To Love You" which is a duet with a long guitar end segment.

Bobby Darin - Darin 1936-1973 (1974)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Motown signed Darin out of the blue ealry in the 70's.  He was in a singer-songwriter phase.  Here he records "The Letter" "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" "Sail Away".  Sadly, Darin passed away in 1973 before his work for the label was completed and the album is finished off with live versions of his previous triumphs notably "Moritat (Mack The Knife)" and "If I Were A Carpenter".  I bought this as was I frustratingly trying to find the MoWest single of Fats Domino's "Blue Monday" backed with "Moritat" - an excellent buy.

US Motown - M5-185V1 (reissue)