The Complete Motown Singles - Vol. 10: 1970

In 1970, Motown was experiencing sea changes. Diana Ross went solo while the Supremes went Top 10 without her. Jacksonmania was in full effect. Stevie Wonder began producing himself. Rare Earth had an unexpected hit and so did the Miracles, forcing Smokey Robinson to put on hold his departure from the group. Tammi Terrell died, finally succumbing to the effects of a brain tumor. Marvin Gaye was refusing to record or perform, but he produced another hit for the Originals. Los Angeles producer Frank Wilson had established himself in Detroit and set about creating a concept album for the Four Tops. In addition, Motowns core staff had moved into the Motown Center building on Woodward Avenue. The company closed its Artist Development Department.

That year is encapsulated in the 6-disc set The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 10: 1970, the latest in the acclaimed series documenting every single released by Motown during its Detroit era. Volume 10 chronicles the exhilarating start of a new decade, with 145 tracks accompanied by our biggest booklet yet, at 148 pages. The unique "album" design again features a 45 RPM single representing the volumes year: this time, its "The Tears Of A Clown" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, their No. 1 pop hit that took everyone in the company by surprise.