A Departure from the Motown Mold: Diana Ross & The Supremes’ “Funny Girl”
The name Diana Ross & The Supremes is inextricably linked to the Motown sound – a vibrant, infectious blend of pop, soul, and rhythm and blues. With hits like “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Baby Love,” the trio defined an era.
Background
Yet, in the latter part of their career, they ventured beyond the familiar Motown formula. One such departure was the album “Diana Ross & The Supremes Sing and Perform Funny Girl”.
Released in 1968, this album marked a significant shift for the group. It was a bold move to step away from the Motown sound and into the world of Broadway. The album was a direct response to the immense popularity of Barbra Streisand’s portrayal of Fanny Brice in the musical “Funny Girl.” It was a calculated risk, a bid to appeal to a wider audience and to showcase Diana Ross’s burgeoning solo star potential.
The album itself is a collection of songs from the Broadway musical, with the Supremes lending their distinctive harmonies to classic numbers like “People,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” and the title track, “Funny Girl.” While the Motown magic is undeniably present, the arrangements are lusher, more orchestral, and imbued with a dramatic flair that suits the Broadway material.
However, the album was met with a lukewarm response. Critics and fans alike were puzzled by the departure from the group’s signature sound. The Supremes’ harmonies, while beautiful, didn’t quite fit the raw, emotional intensity demanded by the songs. And while Diana Ross undoubtedly possessed a powerful voice, her interpretation of Fanny Brice lacked the comedic timing and brassy edge that defined the character.
Despite its commercial and critical shortcomings, “Funny Girl” remains a fascinating chapter in the Supremes’ story. It’s a testament to their versatility as performers, a daring experiment that, while not entirely successful, showcased their ambition and willingness to take risks. Moreover, it serves as a bridge between the group’s Motown era and Diana Ross’s subsequent solo career, where she would fully embrace the dramatic and theatrical elements that she began to explore on this album.
In many ways, “Funny Girl” is a forgotten gem, a curious artifact of a particular moment in time. It’s a reminder that even the greatest artists can misstep, and that sometimes, the most interesting journeys are the ones that don’t always lead to the desired destination.