Jackie Ross - Full Bloom - 1965

 my rating: 3.5/5

Jackie Ross had her moments of fame in the middle 1960's, when she scored a top 10 hit with the 'Selfish One' song. I've got this rare album recently, and to be honest - I though that it's gonna be another Motown-inspired album, which brings nothing interesting. But after all, it's a very interessting position. Of course it sounds like a Motown release but it's better produced than some of the The Supremes' ones. Musically the album is very fresh and easy-listening. The musicians are not reapeating the same tracks in every song. Also, Jackies' voice is quite interesting. Very sweet but also a little bit raspy at the same time. It was her first album for the Chess Records, but also - her last one ever.

The album starts with the biggest hit of her career 'Selfish One'. It's funny how even teenage-pop songs were attention-worthy back then. Why those times are gone? The song is amazingly easy to listen, with a wonderful drums and piano background. Also, the following song "Everything But Love" kept my ear on itself - the raspy side of  Jackie's voice is clearly hearable here and it's sounds purely fantastic. There's is nothing to change in it. The same is with the songs 'I've Got The Style' and "Haste Makes Waste" - they are typical 60's pop/soul songs, but Ross' unique way of interpretation and her interesting voice makes these songs so good.

But 'Full Bloom' has it's softer and slower side too. The first ballad is Ross' rendition of 'Summertime' - it's easily one of the strongest points of her release: The musical side of the song is just mesmerizing and Ross' soft singing style makes it a unforgettable composition. And the last song on the album, called 'Misty' which is perfectly closing the whole record... I always want to listen more and more to this production, and the album is still growing in me.

To be honest with you: rest of the songs aren't bad, but they haven't captured my heart as much as the mentioned ones.

Overally, I thoroughly recommend  this album not only to Jackie Ross' fans, but also to everyone who likes the Motown-inspired productions, and 1960's soul of course.