Song #180 - "Love Is Here And Now You're Gone" - The Supremes

Recorded - August 12, September 22, and November 13, 1966. 

Released - January 11, 1967

#1 for week of March 11, 1967. 

     It wouldn't be a new year of the 1960's without The Supremes appearing now would it? "Love Is Here And Now You're Gone" may feature the usual writing team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, but this time around, things are much different. 

     During this 1966-1967 period, the songwriting trio were experimenting with more baroque influenced arrangements featuring a harpsichord. This was no doubt due to the rise of such baroque pop bands such as The Left Banke and albums such as Pet Sounds. If you want another example of this baroque-Motown sound, check out "Bernadette" by The Four Tops, which is also from early 1967.

     "Love Is Here...", is unusual in that it was started in Los Angeles, and uses local session musicians as opposed to Motown's house band, The Funk Brothers. In fact, if you only listen to about the first five seconds, you wouldn't even know it was a Supremes record. It's only when the familiar voice of Diana Ross kicks in that everything clicks into familiar territory. 

     Musically, besides the very prominent harpsichord, there is a subdued string and brass section. The studio musicians also do a good job at imitating the sound and feel of The Funk Brothers. Motown would not drastically change its sound until 1968 so to hear the more progressive music track of "Love Is Here..." is a bit exciting. 

     Vocally, "Love Is Here..." really showcases just how much Diana had pushed herself to the forefront. Poor Mary and Florence are barely featured. The only time they get to have a chance at a co-lead vocal is the pre-choruses. However, these vocals are buried by Diana Ross' spoken word interludes. Lyrically, the song is all about an impending breakup. The aforementioned pre-chorus spoken word lines add some drama to the already somber tone of the song. 

     Did this song deserve to be #1? Hmm...I will say I admire the songwriter's choice to move in a slightly different direction. However, there was a superior Supremes song from 1967 that truly takes things to new heights. That being the mildly psychedelic "Reflections", which just missed the top spot, peaking at #2. 

Final Verdict - "Love Is Here And Now You're Gone" is a refreshingly different sound from The Supremes. Many will be able to relate to its lyrics, while others like myself gravitate towards its splendid Baroque-pop influenced arrangement. 

                Coming Up Next - "Penny Lane" by The Beatles. 

Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock. And I'm spending so much money that I'm going baroque -