Motown assigned a number of producers to work with
the Miracles on their first LP after
Smokey Robinson's departure. The resulting patching of efforts excels, as each producer brought his best to the table. Newcomer
Billy Griffin joins
Ron White,
Bobby Rogers, and
Pete Moore for some delicious vocal blends. The
Marvin Gaye-produced "I Love You Secretly" is comparable to his successful Original productions "Baby I'm for Real" and "Bells."
Willie Hutch contributed two numbers, the understated "Wigs & Lashes" and the exciting "I Didn't Realize the Show Was Over"; Griffin sings the former in a lower register than the latter. The most overlooked song here has to be the
Mel Larson and
Jerry Marcellino production "If You're Ever in the Neighborhood"; Griffin's light, aching tenor and
the Miracles' heart-tugging harmonies make for some smooth listening. Sadly, the single releases didn't help propel
Renaissance up the charts. "What Is a Heart Good For," written by
Leon Ware and Arthur T-Boy Ross (
Diana Ross' brother) stiffed, and the sales of "Don't Let It End (Til You Let It Begin)" were disappointing. Both, however, are excellent;
Ron White co-leads on the latter and displays a subtle, quality tenor.
Pam Sawyer and
Leon Ware's "I Don't Need No Reason" was later recorded by
Junior Walker & the All-Stars, of all people.
Smokey Robinson is credited as executive producer, whatever that means. Maybe he picked the material; if so, he did a helluva job. ~ Andrew Hamilton