The very fact that
Diana Ross'
third album was
Diana! The Original TV Soundtrack
and not a full-fledged studio record was ample proof that she was more concerned with being an all-around entertainer than simply a singer. Fortunately, she was very good as an entertainer, as
Diana!
illustrates. True, a few moments -- namely the
Bill Cosby
and
Danny Thomas
sequences and her duets with the comedians -- fall flat without visuals, but her showtunes and covers are all quite enjoyable. Nevertheless, they can't help but be overshadowed by
the Jackson 5's
medley, which captures the group at their dynamic prime. Even if
Diana
is eclipsed on
, the best moments on the record prove that she is a fine showwoman in her own right. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine