Less than three months following the release of
ABC came
the Jackson 5's aptly titled follow-up,
Third Album. This two-fer CD also includes their subsequent long-player,
Maybe Tomorrow, as well as bonus tracks consisting of the mono versions of the "Sugar Daddy" b/w "I'm So Happy" 45 rpm. As with their predecessors, these albums contain a diverse mixture of R&B, funk, and soul styles, all the while remaining vibrant, fresh, young, and most definitely pop. Although still formulaic in approach, the Corporation -- consisting of Motown founder Berry Gordy along with
Deke Richards,
Freddie Perren, and
Fonce Mizell -- were able to garner significant success by blending a few well-placed cover songs, such as "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and "16 Candles," with continued contributions from Philly soul stylists
Thom Bell and William Hart on "Ready or Not (Here I Come)." As
the Jackson 5 phenomenon continued, however, the Corporation became increasingly dependant upon their own skills and formidable credentials. Not only were all four singles -- two from each album -- written and produced by the team, they also provided the majority of the material for
Maybe Tomorrow. Tracks such as "I'll Be There," "Goin' Back to Indiana," "Mama's Pearl," and "Sugar Daddy" would become well-known performance staples and fan favorites. The secondary layer of material is equally matched for the high-energy soul antics of
Michael's imposing talent. That is not to dismiss the formidable contributions of the other brothers, especially on "It's Great to Be Here" and "My Little Baby." Their increased role as support and co-lead were forging new boundaries. Following the seasonally maneuvered Jackson 5 Greatest Hits disc in November 1971, the Corporation disbanded. The bonus tracks include their final contributions -- "Sugar Daddy" b/w "I'm So Happy" -- the latter of which was issued as a non-LP 45 rpm B-side. This disc incorporates 24-bit remastered sound, and the 16-page liner-notes booklet includes a historical essay, previously unpublished photos, and pertinent discographical information. ~ Lindsay Planer