The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb
The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb is the twenty-sixth studio album released by The Supremes on the Motown label in 1972. It stands as a unique entry in The Supremes' discography as it was the only album produced (and primarily written) by a non-Motown artist, the accomplished songwriter and producer Jimmy Webb. This album also marked the final appearance of Jean Terrell as the lead singer of The Supremes during the early 1970s. 

In the United States, only one single from the album was released, the emotive ballad "I Guess I'll Miss the Man," originally from the musical Pippin. Additionally, the album features renditions of songs outside of Webb's contributions, such as Joni Mitchell's "All I Want," Harry Nilsson's "Paradise," and covers of hits by Bobby Lewis and Mina, specifically "Tossin' and Turnin'" and "La voce del silenzio" respectively.

Overview
Besides serving as Jean Terrell's final Supremes album, The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb marked a significant milestone as it was one of only two Supremes' LPs to feature vocals from member Lynda Laurence. The other album that included Laurence's vocals was the live record In Japan! This transition took place after Laurence replaced Cindy Birdsong earlier in 1972. She participated in the recording sessions alongside original Supreme Mary Wilson and Jean Terrell just prior to her official inclusion in the group.

The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb represented a notable departure from the familiar Motown Sound that had been a hallmark of The Supremes' music for the past decade. Instead, the album shifted the group's musical direction away from its established pop/R&B genre and into a rock/pop style, expertly orchestrated by Jimmy Webb. This creative shift resulted in an album that carried a distinct sound, one that both the public and The Supremes themselves were unaccustomed to.

Throughout the album, Webb employed the technique of overdubbing additional background vocals, often provided by The Blossoms. These vocal layers complemented the voices of Mary Wilson and Lynda Laurence, enhancing the overall sonic experience. While Jean Terrell took the lead on the majority of tracks on the LP, a notable exception was "I Keep It Hid," where Mary Wilson assumed lead vocal duties. Additionally, Terrell engaged in a duet with Jimmy Webb on the song "Once in the Morning."

The sole US single from the album, the opening track "I Guess I'll Miss the Man," was not originally part of the Jimmy Webb project. Instead, it hailed from a Stephen Schwartz composition featured in the Motown-financed Broadway production of Pippin. This particular song was handled by songwriters-producers Deke Richards and Sherlie Matthews. Despite the efforts, neither the song nor the album managed to garner significant radio play or sales within the United States. However, on the international front, two singles were released in 1973: "Cheap Lovin'" in Italy and "Tossin' and Turnin'" in the United Kingdom. 

Aside from being Jean Terrell's personal favorite during her tenure as a Supreme, The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb garnered a devoted following, solidifying its status as a cult favorite among fans.

Following the release of In Japan! with distribution limited to Europe and Japan, Supremes enthusiasts outside of these regions faced a three-year wait for a new album. After the culmination of the Jimmy Webb project, the group unveiled the single "Bad Weather." This funky track, written and produced by Stevie Wonder, gained popularity on disco dance floors and received substantial radio airplay throughout Europe. Regrettably, the song was met with minimal promotion in the United States. Frustrated by the situation, Jean Terrell departed from the group, Lynda Laurence followed suit due to her pregnancy, and Mary Wilson found herself tasked with assembling a new lineup for the group's future endeavors.

Critical reception

Cashbox published, "Jimmy Webb produced and arranged this most satisfying Supremes creation since the group's re-organization. The unquestionable highlight of the session is a foamin' funky remake of Bobby Lewis' "Tossin' And Turnin'." Also on the upswing, Joni Mitchell's "All I Want" (complete with "Up Up And Away" riffs) and a strange lyrical bit of "Cheap Lovin'." On the sweet side, their latest single "Guess I'll Miss The Man" from "Pippin" and a beautiful "Silent Voices." They've got the feelin' and the talent to put it across."

Track listing
All songs produced by Jimmy Webb, except "I Guess I'll Miss the Man" (Sherlie Matthews and Deke Richards).

All lead vocals by Jean Terrell except where noted

Side one
"I Guess I'll Miss the Man" (Stephen Schwartz)
"5:30 Plane" (Jimmy Webb)
"Tossin' and Turnin'" (Bobby Lewis, Malou Rene)
"When Can Brown Begin?" (Webb)
"Beyond Myself" (Webb)
"La voce del silenzio" (Silent Voices) (Elio Isola)

Side two
"All I Want" (Joni Mitchell)
"Once in the Morning" (Webb) (lead singers: Jean Terrell, Jimmy Webb)
"I Keep It Hid" (Webb) (lead singer: Mary Wilson)
"Paradise" (Harry Nilsson)
"Cheap Lovin'" (Webb)

Personnel
Jean Terrell – lead and backing vocals
Mary Wilson – lead and backing vocals
Lynda Laurence – backing vocals
The Blossoms (Darlene Love, Fanita James, and Jean King) – additional backing vocals
Jimmy Webb – producer, arranger, composer, keyboards, vocals
Henry Lewry – engineer
Ray Rich – drums
Fred Tackett – guitar
Skip Mosher – bass guitar
Jim Britt – photography

Charts

References

1972 albums
The Supremes albums
Albums arranged by Jimmy Webb
Albums produced by Deke Richards
Albums produced by Jimmy Webb
Motown albums