The Main Ingredient

The Main Ingredient was one of those early 70's R&B groups who hit it big with two million-selling singles that still get airplay today. They got an extra boost of publicity when lead singer Cuba Gooding Sr.'s son's acting career broke big after Jerry McGuire. Mr. Gooding senior was, however, not the original lead singer. That was Don McPherson, who with Luther Simmons and Tony Sylvester formed the group in the Bronx as the Poets and later the Insiders. After meeting producer Bert DeCoteaux they got a new name and a recording deal with RCA, a label with major national clout, thus skipping the usual first step of being on a tiny local label. Right away they had three songs that made top 20 on the R&B charts: I'm So Proud, Spinning Around (both on this disc) and Black Seeds Keep On Growing (why is this not here?).Everything was looking good when out of nowhere McPherson was diagnosed with leukemia and died a few months later. Cuba Gooding was a backup singer with the group and had filled in for McPherson while he was hospitalized, so it was natural for the other two to tap him as their new lead. It also says something for them to realize neither was a lead singer; in many cases ego would have dictated otherwise. So right off they have Everybody Plays the Fool in late summer of '72 and they're #3 on the Billboard charts and have a gold record, television appearances, the whole deal.The song was so catchy with its piano and flute opening leading into Gooding's, "So your heart's broken, you sit around mopin'..." followed by the group's timely advice. A super classic of AM radio. It was a long time between hits, but in early '74 they had their second big hit, Just Don't Want To Be Lonely, another million-seller. After that it's the usual story of members dropping out to try solo careers then returning only to drop out again.This CD was the only Greatest Hits collection around when I got it but I see now there's one with 16 tracks instead of 10 and it probably has a booklet with something about the group which this doesn't have (just a list of the songs on back of the cover). This is a BMG (RCA) "Special Products" CD, which means it was made to be sold at budget price because the label felt that was the way it would sell. All the major labels have their special product editions, Universal, C.E.M.A. (EMI), BMG, Sony, etc. They are usually short and have no booklets but are from the original labels with the original master tapes so they sound great. The newer CD adds Black Seeds Keep On Growing, Euphrates from their 1974 album Euphrates River, and some of the Stevie Wonder penned songs from their 1973 Afrodesiac album. Otherwise they're about the same. I'll get the Afrodesiac LP someday rather than duplicate so many songs.The songs here are lushly produced with lots of orchestration and a lot of echo amplifying the vocals. The vocals are often high and floating, sort of in the same mood as a lot of the Stylistics songs. It's a great disc to listen to if you like that smooth sound of early 70's soul.

Good smooth soul music

Excellent sound & condition, packaged great, excellent price

This CD took me back to the good old years with such great music!

I absolutely love this CD! Each and every one of these songs brings back wonderful memories. Sit back, relax, dim the lights and listen to your memories.

I really would like to give this CD six stars, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of their greatest hits. Every cut is a masterpiece from a group that I have always enjoyed whether on Lp, CD, or in person on stage. I would also recommend this seller to anyone considering ordering from them. I received this CD in a timely fashion and in very good condition. Cudo's to them!!!

always good tunes , by a great band

I thought there would be a better collection of their hits or they were never that good. It is good to listen to but nothing to get excited about. Sincerely Mr. Scott

great album

excellant

I must say that I had no idea that this CD wud b so beautiful. Th first time I listened to it I had to put it on again n listen 4 a second time. I highly recommend 10 stars u won't b disappointed! Thx Amazon

Love the classic funk, soul and R&B.