Michael McDonald
's 2003 album of
Motown
covers, modestly titled
, was his biggest hit in well over a decade, so it only made sense that he returned with a sequel to the record a little over a year later -- after all, might as well strike while the iron is hot. Logically titled
Motown Two
, the album follows the same blueprint as the first record, offering highly polished, professionally produced, expertly performed interpretations of gems from the
vaults; it's the sound of young America in the '60s reinterpreted for the adults of the new millennium. While the sound is the same, there are a couple of important differences this time around. First of all, there are a few celebrity cameos, a sign that this project has a higher profile than the first
record. These cameos --
Billy Preston
on
"You're All I Need to Get By,"
Stevie Wonder
playing harmonica on his own
"I Was Made to Love Her,"
a duet with
Toni Braxton
,
"Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)"
-- all fit seamlessly into the album, and actually enrich the album, giving it warm, open-hearted feel, which is also reflected in a looser performance from
McDonald
himself. Last time, he was in typically fine voice, but here he really digs into the songs, making this a better listen in terms of sheer performance, but what really distinguishes this album -- and what makes it different from its predecessor -- is that there's a slightly adventurous streak in the choice of songs. There are big hits here, to be sure --
"Reach Out, I'll Be There,"
"Baby I Need Your Lovin',"
"Tracks of My Tears,"
"What's Goin' On,"
"Nowhere to Run"
-- but
has also dug out some lesser-known tunes like
"Tuesday Heartbreak,"
"After the Dance,"
and
"Baby I'm for Real"
that make this album a richer, more enjoyable listen than before. It's the rare sequel that improves on the original. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine