Unpopular Opinion Time...
Well, unpopular... ISH.
Before I start, I grew up in the Detroit area. I grew up on Motown music. In fact, my dad often called me the Motown boy growing up, as I always sang the Motown hits when we sang at nursing homes or hosted karaoke. I have sung in bands, including one that focused on their Motown music. I've been that guy up on the stage singing The Temptations and Smokey Robinson, as well as singing background on songs by The Supremes, Diana Ross, Martha and the Vandellas... and so much more. So, I feel I have enough of an understanding of the Motown era and sound to voice an opinion.
Now we begin.
TL;DR: Y'all trippin' way too much. Yes, there could have been others who did better, but SHE was asked. She did a... decent job. *shoulder shrug*
Let's break down the performance:
"Dancing In The Street" - Martha and the Vandellas
written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mickey" Stevenson, and Ivy Jo Hunter and produced by Williami "Mickey Stevenson"
I very much enjoyed the short rendition of this. Her voice is sweet and simple much like many of the lead female singers of the 1950's and 1960's era, including Martha Reeves and Diana Ross. However, musically, this was when I started to notice an ongoing issue with the percussion. Were the percussionists and drummers mic'd incorrectly, or their mics cutting out? I heard several issues with the drums (and a couple with the horns) throughout the performance. These things happen... but these things are happening... AT THE GRAMMYS? *SMH*
"Please, Mr. Postman" - The Marvelettes
written by Georgia Dobbins (the original lead singer), William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, and Robert Bateman and produced by Brianbert (Brian Holland and Robert Bateman)
Again, J.Lo's voice on this song is reminiscent of the song we all know, with lead singer Gladys Horton (who replaced Georgia Dobbins). I enjoyed it... but after this comes the costume change... and let me say right here... I did not like the costume change. BUT it was a personal choice. It has nothing to do with the performance. However...
"Money (That's What I Want)" - Barrett Strong
written by Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford
No. Did not care for this. This is where it personally starts to go off the railings.
"Do You Love Me" - The Contours
written and produced by Berry Gordy, Jr.
This was... acceptable...
"ABC" - The Jackson 5
written and produce by "The Corporation" (Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell and Deke Richards)
This was a tease portion, just a short section, meant to aid in the costumer change. The costume change actually wasn't as bad as the outfit it was covering.
"My Girl" - The Temptations
written and produced by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White
Here we have the addition of other singers, including Motown legend Smokey Robinson on "My Girl". He did not sound great. He acted and sounded exactly like you'd think an 80 year old man would. Sorry, Smokey.
"Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" - The Undisputed Truth and The Temptations
written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and produced by Norman Whitfield
I enjoyed the addition of Alicia Keys. She did not sound her best, and many of the keys of the male songs in this medley did not fit the female voices.
"War" - The Temptations
written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and produced by Norman Whitfield.
Another transitional song for another costume change.
"Square Biz" - Teena Marie
written by Teena Marie and Allen McGrier and produced by Teena Marie
While technically a Motown artist (on the Gordy record label), I just don't feel like this song represents the Motown ERA or the Motown SOUND, even if it represents the Motown label.
"Another Star" - Stevie Wonder
written and produced by Stevie Wonder
Here, Ne-Yo played piano and sang while Lopez danced. THIS was the J.Lo "moment", while THIS was not a great song choice.
Up until Square Biz, I was with the song choices and even the dancing. Motown is fun, energetic dance music. Many of Motown's greatest dance hits were written as ballads then reworked. The arrangements (except for the occasional drum or horn mishap) sounded great instrumentally, but the male songs were in the wrong keys for the female singers. It was a modern spin on Motown that, while it didn't spin out of control... it didn't quite spin fast enough either. It wasn't as horrible as everyone is making it out to be. It's 2019. BUT, it certainly wasn't the best Motown tribute.
AGAIN
TL;DR: Y'all trippin' way too much. Yes, there could have been others who did better, but SHE was asked. She did a... decent job. *shoulder shrug*
