A Landmark 12-CD Box Set Celebrating the First Lady of Soul-Pop
There are few artists whose voices helped define an era, and Dionne Warwick is one of them. With elegance, vocal precision, and emotional nuance, she carved a singular space in the world of 1960s pop, R&B, and soul. Now, with the release of Make It Easy on Yourself: The Scepter Recordings 1962–1971, fans and collectors can finally own the most comprehensive anthology of Warwick’s golden years.
This 12-CD collection chronicles Warwick's recording career at Scepter Records from her 1963 debut to her final studio sessions with the label in 1971. Over these nine years, Warwick released a remarkable body of work that includes:
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15 original albums restored and remastered in their entirety
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More than 60 bonus tracks, with 16 previously unreleased
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Complete mono and stereo versions of several early albums
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Rarities including international singles, live concert recordings, and soundtrack contributions
Each CD is housed in a custom wallet featuring original album artwork, and the package includes a 68-page booklet with in-depth liner notes, rare photographs, and a new essay by Joe Marchese of The Second Disc.
Here’s a look at some of the standout material included in the set:
Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963)
Her debut album, featuring the Bacharach/David classic “Don’t Make Me Over,” marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that would shape pop music for decades.
Make Way for Dionne Warwick (1964)
This album includes “Walk On By” and “Reach Out for Me,” where Dionne’s elegant delivery is perfectly paired with Bacharach’s lush, jazzy orchestrations.
Dionne Warwick in Paris (1966)
An electrifying live set that captures Warwick’s early stage charisma in front of a French audience—an early testament to her international appeal.
Here Where There Is Love (1966)
One of her best-reviewed albums, featuring the stunning “Alfie,” which was one of her personal favorites and showcased her interpretive finesse.
Dionne (1972 sessions for Warner, included as bonus material)
Tracks that point to her post-Scepter evolution, providing a sonic bridge to her later, more mature recordings.
Bonus Treasures
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Her first public service announcement recording
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A previously unreleased duet with Leslie Uggams
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A rare live set from the 1969 Mid-Day in D.C. television special
All tracks were newly remastered by Nick Robbins from the best available sources, with meticulous attention paid to preserving the warmth and clarity of the original recordings. These new masters present Dionne’s voice in pristine detail, from her smooth lower register to her radiant high notes.
The audio restoration also brings new vibrancy to Bacharach’s intricate arrangements—layers of horns, strings, and unconventional rhythms that were ahead of their time.
While other singers of the era may have leaned into more overt expressions of soul or pop, Dionne Warwick created a unique niche: sophisticated, restrained, emotionally intelligent music that crossed boundaries of race, age, and geography.
This box set is not just a compilation; it’s a cultural document of the evolution of American pop-soul in the 1960s. It also completes the trilogy of Warwick retrospectives released by SoulMusic Records and Second Disc Records, following:
Together, these collections offer a near-complete look at one of the most iconic recording careers in modern music.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering her music, Make It Easy on Yourself: The Scepter Recordings 1962–1971 is a must-have. It not only celebrates Dionne Warwick’s chart-topping success, but also reveals the depth and versatility of an artist who helped shape the very sound of 20th-century pop.
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