It's Gonna Take a Miracle: Complete MGM Sessions

Purchased for the title cut alone because I had not heard any other recordings by the Royalettes, so I took a chance. I am not disappointed. I enjoy each of the other tracks as much as the title cut, and some even more. Where was I and what was I listening to that caused me to miss this? I was being overwhelmed by the Motown Sound which I continue to enjoy to this day. Being consumed by Motown, I overlooked other great girl groups like The Royalettes. The producing/arranging by Teddy Randazzo and sweet sounding vocals of The Royalettes resulted in a royal sound fit for a king. Even the songs that have a hint of a Burt Bacharach sound to them were pleasing to my ear. I liked the entire set of recordings on the first listening which is rare, and each time I listen they sound better.

Teddy Randazzo's grand production style is occasionally reminiscent of Burt Bacharach's early work with Dionne Warwick. Lead singer Sheila Ross' high tenor sounds a bit like the Stylistics' Russell Thompkins (Yes, I know he's a man). Poor Boy is the female thematic equivalent to the Four Seasons' RagDoll.These recordings are marked by a lot of bass and occasional distortion, but this remarkable music is of such consistent high quality it's surprising the Royalettes aren't better well known. 78:47 of miraculous music.

I absolutely love the CD, as i remember the group from junior high. They were great, just didn't get good push and publicity from their record company..

The group can sing but they need better material and arrangements. There are some really good songs on here but not enough. You really have to love this group to make the purchase and sound quality could be a lot better.

if you are a music/oldies lover , this cd is just fabulous across the board in all ways possible. the listeners will truly love this one/

The Royaletts unique sound and flavor on these cuts such as "Yes. Im ready" and "He's gone" and there version of "only when you're lonely" was great. "it's gonna take a miracle" was also very good if you are thinking of buying this c.d. you wont be disappointed.

This song stayed with me from the very first time I heard it back in the 1950's up to this time line right now. Somebody did a remake of this song back in the 70's but it was very sup-par.

This CD brings back memories of the Royalettes of my teen years. The delivery of the material was very smooth and harmonious. Every track was as I remember smooth and silky. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet and relaxing eveningwith soft music in the air.

This is quite simply a superb compilation that brings together almost every recording by the Royalettes. Every track is great. The sophisticated Manhattan NYC sound just oozes class. The full orchestration and arrangements provide that polish evocative of the early recordings by Dionne Warwick and Little Anthony and the Imperials. Of course the man behind the Royalettes- Terry Randazzo was also responsible for Little Anthony's biggest hits. The Royalettes never scored on the UK charts and are virtually unknown outside the circel of girl group/60s soul aficionados. I was introduced to the group as a result of Deniece Williams 1980s top 10 US hit cover of their biggest hit "It's Gonna Take A Miracle" (which also failed to chart in the UK) and Syreeta's cover of "He's Gone". It took me ages to finally decide on my purchase of this album due to my lack of knowledge of the Royalettes beyond the two aforementioned tracks. How dumb was I- this is one of the best girl group "hits" compilations in my vast music library. I'm amazed that more of these superbly crafted recordings did not register on the charts. In my opinion the Royalettes deserve to be up there with the greatest of the 60s girl groups. Yes they are that good! If you like early 60s girls groups/Dionne Warwick/ Bacharach & David/Little Anthony/Terry Randazzo productions then this cd has your name on it!

Probably the most sophisticated girlie group ever, with wonderful arrangements and the voice of Sheila Ross soaring above it all. The tracks are as good now as when they were first recorded. They remind me a bit of Dionne Warwicke in the days of "Don't make me over".I have to say the tracks are a bit samey, but all the girl groups did the same thing in those days.The Royalettes are nothing like the Supremes, Marvvelettes, Martha Reeves, Chiffons,, Cookies, Ronettes etc, as their music has the sound of a full orchestra including a harp.I can listen to this cd for ever in the car, or at home, but it's not for background music. Just listen to it please!

I bought this along with Ruby & The Romantics in a spate of nostalgia. As with Ruby's album I do not think this is a must buy but I had bought the 45 "I want to meet him" in the 60's and had looked for other tracks which this album has a-plenty.The album is well produced but it is obvious why the Group never made it big-time as the songs blend after awhile and in my opinion there are only a few outstanding tracks even though all songs are well performed. In the competitive changing world of the 60's US charts they just did not have an edge.Would I buy it again? Probably not - I would just download the best tracks if I could remember which they were!!

Although never as well known as many other sixties girl groups, the Royalettes managed to produce some beautifully arranged, lush soul/pop ballads whilst at MGM, largely thanks to the great Teddy Randazzo. This CD brings all their MGM recordings together, and whilst there is a degree of sameness about some of the tracks, the overall effect makes for easy listening. The best known song is the classic "It's Gonna Take A Miracle", which perfectly sums up the group, and got me completely hooked - I couldn't get the song out of my head. Lead singer Sheila Ross (no relation to Diana), doesn't have an outstandingly unique voice, but sells the song and in my opinion this is the best version, as the original so often is. A perfect album for a romantic evening.

Vintage lead and harmony vocals