Ross (1983 album)
Ross is a 1983 album by the American entertainer Diana Ross, her third released on the RCA label. It was released shortly before Ross gave a pair of free concerts in New York's Central Park. The album reached #32 on the US charts, #14 on the US R&B charts and #44 in the UK. It has never been reissued as a digital download. The album's highest international chart position was in Sweden, where it reached #7.
Five of the eight tracks were produced by Gary Katz, two by Ray Parker Jr and one by Ross. The album's first single, "Pieces of Ice", peaked at #31 on the US charts. Subsequent singles "Up Front" (US R&B #60, UK #79) and "Let's Go Up" (US #77) were also minor hits. "Up Front" was remixed by Jolley & Swain for its European release. The album's final US sales were slightly higher than 250,000 copies.[3]
The album was remastered and re-released in September 2014 by Funky Town Grooves, as an "Expanded Edition" with bonus material.[4]
Track listing
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| 9. | "Pieces Of Ice" (7" Mix) | 4:08 |
| 10. | "Pieces Of Ice" (12" Mix) | 7:16 |
| 11. | "Pieces Of Ice" (12" Instrumental) | 7:16 |
| 12. | "Up Front" (7" Radio Mix) | 3:41 |
| 13. | "Up Front" (Special Club Mix) | 7:00 |
| 14. | "Up Front" (12" Mix
Up Front: The second Ray Parker, Jr. tune in a row, this is the stronger of the two and was eventually released as the album’s second single, though it only barely hit the R&B charts. It’s a good song, but seems like a very odd choice for a single; the rock-themed tune isn’t the catchiest on the album, and really doesn’t sound like a “Diana Ross song,” which is probably why it didn’t do very well (after “Pieces Of Ice” only found moderate success, it seems like it would have been a wiser move to release either “Let’s Go Up” or “You Do It,” which are both much more accessible and classic Diana songs, and strong ones at that). That said, again, it’s a great addition to the album, and features a dynamic performance from Diana, who gets to really dig into the lyrics and melody here and show some vocal muscle again. Though it’s not produced by Gary Katz, the clean production and the addition of synthesizers along with the rocking guitars help it to feel like a natural fit with the earlier songs on the album. Back to the lead vocal, repeated listens really reveal just how much Miss Ross was pushing herself here; listen to her belt out the words “Get it straight!” at around 1:55 and again at 2:55 — this is some strong singing.) | 5:44 |
| 15. | "Up Front" (Tony Swain And Steve Jolley European 12" Remix) | 5:43 |
| 16. | "Let's Go Up" (7" Mix) | 3:14 |
References
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Singles
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