Madeline Bell
Madeline Bell is an American soul singer best known for her work with the UK pop group Blue Mink in the 1960s and 1970s. Born on July 23, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey, she rose to prominence after arriving in the UK in 1962 with the gospel show Black Nativity alongside the Bradford Singers.
She began as a session vocalist, providing backup for artists like Dusty Springfield, Donna Summer, and Joe Cocker. Her first major solo hit came in 1968 with a cover of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me," which outperformed the original on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Bell gained fame as a lead vocalist for Blue Mink, contributing to their pop successes. She also fronted the BBC series Colour My Soul in 1973-1974 and later sang with groups like Space, releasing hits such as "Save Your Love For Me" in 1978.
Into the 1980s and beyond, she collaborated on soundtracks like Scream for Help with John Paul Jones and performed jazz across Europe. She resides in Spain with her former husband, drummer Barry Reeves.
Bell’s A Poppin’
Written-By – Gorgoni, Taylor 2:45
A2 You Don't Love Me No More
Written-By – Blackwell 2:52
A3 Baby I'll Come Right Away
Written-By – Ashford & Simpson 2:18
A4 Beat The Clock
Written-By – Stroll, Gottehrer 3:44
A5 Mr. Dream Merchant
Written-By – Ross, Weiss 2:34
A6 Can't Get Used To Losing You
Written-By – Pomus, Shuman 2:22
B1 Soul Time
Written-By – Elliston 2:27
B2 I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
Written-By – Ross, Gambol 2:43
B3 I'm Gonna Leave You
Written-By – Springfield, Duncan, Bell 2:59
B4 Last One To Be Loved
Written-By – Bacharach, David 2:28
B5 I Didn't Wanna Have To Do It
Written-By – Sebastian 2:28
B6 Mercy Mercy Mercy
Written-By – Levy, Zawinul, Levy 3:25
Label: Philips – SBL.7818
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Sixties Soul
Madeline Bell's Bell's a Poppin' (1967) is a praised Pop/Soul debut, highlighting her powerful, versatile voice on strong covers like the ultimate "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me," soulful tracks such as "Picture Me Gone," and unique takes on "Soul Time," with standout production by Arthur Greenslade and rich arrangements, making it a forgotten soul classic. The CD reissues add bonus singles, solidifying its status as a key album showcasing her talent for reinvention and strong songwriting.
While Madeline Bell is frequently remembered for her work with the group Blue Mink or as a premier session singer for artists like Donna Summer, this album is considered proof of her strength as a solo artist.
Bell's expressive, distinctive voice shines, able to tackle gospel-infused soul and pop with "vocal courage," making songs her own.
The album features powerful tracks like the Northern Soul favorite "Picture Me Gone," the gospelly "I Really Got Carried Away," and unique covers. Includes self-penned material, like the B-side "I'm Gonna Leave You," co-written with Dusty Springfield.
Her rendition of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" (Gamble/Huff) is considered definitive, while her take on Shirley Ellis' "Soul Time" is also acclaimed.
Arranger Arthur Greenslade adds sophisticated orchestral touches, enhancing tracks like "Beat the Clock" and "Soul Time".
While not a mainstream hit in the UK at release, it's recognized as a fantastic debut and a forgotten soul classic. Praised as a more consistent album than her later Doin' Things, thanks to strong song choices and focused production.