The Moments

• The Moments Greatest Hits [Stang, 1977] B
• Collector's Addition Vol. 1 [Victory, 1982] B+

Consumer Guide Reviews:

The Moments Greatest Hits [Stang, 1977]
"Love on a Two Way Street" is this classic falsetto group's only pop breakthrough because it's their only pop tune--Sylvia Robinson gets lots of mileage out of Harry Ray's tenor, but she's not Thom Bell or Eugene Record. For that matter, Ray isn't Russell Thompkins or Eddie kendricks--I love the proto-disco moans on "Sexy Mama" and the overarching agony of "I Do," but for the most part he projects a romanticism so transparent that its artificiality shows through. A one-disc selection might work, but two means twenty certified r&b hits that never venture five miles over the speed limit. B

Collector's Addition Vol. 1 [Victory, 1982]
Lifting everything worth lifting off their 1977 double-best-of and adding four recent hits, this is Subsequently Ray, Goodman & Brown's legacy despite the French "Look at Me I'm in Love" and a shrill pressing that narrows their falsettos. Among the additions is "I Could Have Loved You," a second chance at a one-night stand worthy of Smokey Robinson (with a writing credit for Bette Midler). Among the keepers is "Love on a Two Way Street." Remember that one? You will. B+