Amazon.com

Need more evidence of the record industry's obsession with youth? Consider that budding Welsh diva Charlotte Church was a ripe, old 16 when this, her first greatest-hits anthology was released. Spanning her first four releases, as well as some outside collaborations and unreleased material, this 18-track collection underscores the soprano's seemingly boundless potential--as well as some potential career obstacles ahead. Her crystalline, still-maturing voice is best showcased on classically oriented works like Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu," Franck's "Panis Angelicus," and her now-ubiquitous rendering of Delibes' "Flower Duet." She also excels on folk traditionals such as "She Moved Through the Fair" and "My Langan Love." But overwrought productions like the already-dated "Dream a Dream" and "Habanera," a faux-flamenco take on Bizet, nearly get the best of her. Still, her promising duet with fellow young phenom Josh Groban on "The Prayer" and her mature, dreamy reading of A Beautiful Mind's "All Love Can Be," as well as strong performances on the previously unreleased "It's the Heart That Matters Most" and "Bridge over Troubled Waters," are ample evidence of her potential for rewarding pop crossover--if she doesn't retire by 21.--Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (107)

A little girl with a lot to offer...
Ah, to be 16 years old and release a greatest hits album. How amazing that would be! For Miss Church, this is a reality. After only 4 studio albums, and one of them being a holiday cd, Charlotte and her company (Sony Classical) have decided that the time has come to release a greatest hits package. Is it really just a marketing gimmick? Most likely yes. She is a lovely girl with a voice to match, and each song on this disc is sung with a lot of strength and grace. For new fans of Charlotte Church, this album is especially good for you, as it is an excellent way to catch up on what has been happening since 1998 when Charlotte first appeared on the scene.

Be aware, this disc is not titled "Greatest Hits." That would imply that each of these songs were successful on the charts and, probably, released as singles. That is not true at all. These songs are, in the opinion of the company, the most well constructed pieces that are most likely to be popular with the public. Some of the songs here are also Charlotte's best known ("Pie Jesu" and "Just Wave Hello" anyone?).

In my opinion, Charlotte is already a beautiful singer and still has great potential to grow. Anyone who says she has a terrible voice must be tone deaf. My faves on this disc are "Flower Duet," "Just Wave Hello," and the very soft "All love can be" from the "A Beautiful Mind" soundtrack.

For anyone thinking about buying this cd, you might want to consider how much you really enjoy Charlotte's music. If you only like one song on the whole disc, forget about it. If you have heard a lot of her material over the years and have enjoyed it for the most part, then this might be a worthy investment. Not everyone will like this cd, and not everyone will hate it either. But please, regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, don't say this girl is a bad singer. Think of it this way: Charlotte possesses a simplicity and clarity that is rare. No frills or fancies, just singing that is simple and clear (of course, hitting high notes really isn't that simple). Remember, this cd isn't a career capping collection by any means (but it sure could have waited for a while longer). Charlotte is just beginning, and should be around for years to come. I'm sure that, with time, she will only get better and produce music that will appeal to many.

No voice.
I am not reviewing this album, I am reviewing Charlotte's voice. Stick to the church choir, dear, and do an occasional solo. Charlotte has been deluded by too many promoters into believing she can apply her thin little voice to some of the finest musical compositions ever. I was stunned when I heard her do Habanera. Only a gutsy, seasoned mezzo should even consider that one. Why do so many people believe that if you can reach a high note, you can effectively perform a song? Even the highest lyric soprano is supposed to have some depth. There is none with Miss Church. The only credit I give to her is the wonderful taste in her repertoire. But it should be someone else's.

Charlotte, your voice is very sweet, much like saccharin. Perhaps in another twenty years, you will have something. In the meantime, please do not attempt any Gershwin. That would be sacrilege.

I feel bad for Charlotte
There's no denying the girl has talent, but enough for opera? I don't think so. I'm no professional, but her voice is weak to my ears. She's raspy, airy and sounds just plain weak. She doesn't sing from her stomach, but from the back of her throat. Very annoying to listen to.

Prelude? HAH! To what?
When Charlotte Church first came onto the music stage at the young age of twelve, I noticed some things in her technique that were not quite correct, however, given the fact that she was only twelve, I just listened to it, thinking that she would improve with each new CD.
Then out came her second CD. While it was more of an opera album, because of all the arias, I was shocked that Miss Ryan (Miss Church's Voice Teacher) would allow Miss Church to sing such difficult repertoire. Those arias are for a soprano in her last years of college, not a soprano in her first years of junior high. Why? Well, if you have plans on becoming an opera singer, or if you want to sing those arias when you are older, you don't sing them when you are young. This is because when you are young, the voice is still in training and trying to get rid of bad habits.

If you sing the arias when you are on the bad habits, you will most likely not be able to break them when you are older. Wich is why you should wait it out--wait till your technique is supurb on the art songs--then--and only then--go onto arias. When you do go onto arias, the first ones should be light pieces, like Handel's As When The Dove, or Mozart's Vedri Carino, his Batti, Batti O Bel Masetto, and also, young classical artists should also sing Caro mio ben, even if it is the most common piece in the 24/26 Italian Song and Arias--it helps you along with some common used Italian words.

Instead of singing As When The Dove (Handel), or Vedri Carino (Don Giovanni, Mozart) Miss Church went for pieces such as La Pastorella (The Little Shepherdess). Before Church recorded this, the youngest singer I ever heard sing this piece was twenty one, and a junior in college, a opera/vocal major.

Why is it a good idea to wait until you are a little older to sing this piece? Because of all the high Cs and Bs, as well as trills that most young people can't tackle.

Soon after that, Miss Church came out with a recording of Christmas Carols. I don't think that the Ave Maria should be touched by a fourteen year old girl, in fact I think you should be sixteen before you attempt this. There are a great many reasons why--breath support, phrasing, and tone qualities are required that people under the age of sixteen can not master. It is by no means that they have bad voices, it is just that they are still trying to train their voices to tackle the breath control and phrased tones.

Soon after that, out came Enchantment. Again, the songs on this disc were not suited to a fifteen year old, such as The Flower Duet, and the Habañera. The Flower Duet is not a good idea to sing for a great many reasons--number one--the higher part is for a coloratura soprano and the lower part is for a coloratura mezzo-soprano. Number two--both parts being a touch on the heavy side for a fifteen year old to sing and bring out the tone required for the pieces.

Somewhere in there, came the soundtrack to "A Beautiful Mind." I can stand the wordless vocalises, but, All That Love Can Be was very raspy, and had to much air escaping in her tone. I think that Miss Celine Dion or Miss Sarah Brightman would have been better choices for the Beautiful Mind soundtrack.

Then we hear four new recordings, wich still has sound far back in the mouth, and not up frount in her mouth where it should be.

I hope Miss Church goes and trys to get a carreer in something else--because I believe that the music industry has had enough.

Practise
I agree with some of the other reviewers, who say that although Ms Church has a beautiful voice and performs most of these songs very well, she would probably benefit from a professional voice coach. Ms Church is an almost opera-quality performer, although I think she has still a little way to go. When she has had just a little more training, she will be awesome! With an operatic diva voice and her exceptional beauty, she will truly be an angel! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautifully Done!
When I saw that no one else had reviewed this Classic Doubles two-CD set, I could not resist submitting yet another tribute to Daniel's recording genius. When he put together these two special albums, he chose many selections I would have requested him to sing. He is my favorite singer and recording artist. His easy-listening style of music appeals to many of all ages.

SONGS OF INSPIRATION was first released in 1996 and reached the Number 11 spot on the UK National Pop Chart, as did I BELIEVE released the next year. On the UK Country Charts his albums have quite a record of entering at the Number One spot. He loves to sing and chooses songs and hymns because of their special significance to him personally. But they also touch the hearts of his fans.

"Footsteps" on Disk One, released as a single in 1996, made the UK National Pop Chart. It is a song that will stay with you as will "My Forever Friend", "When I Had You", and "Rivers of Babylon".

I highly recommend this double CD set, as I do all of Daniel's music and videos. Watch for his Specials on PBS, for they are wholesome entertainment for the whole family. Or catch him every year in Branson, Missouri in November, or when he is on tour in the States, Canada, UK, and Australia. Or read his book, MY STORY, which Amazon sells. From it, I learned many interesting and fascinating details about his personal life and rise to fame. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The first full-length effort from second-season American Idol winner Ruben Studdard is an unassuming album that will surely please his fans. Studdard works in the vein of mainstream R&B crooners like Luther Vandross; here, he even covers "Superstar," the Leon Russell/Bonnie Bramlett song associated with Vandross.Other familiar material includes a close, if foreshortened, copy of Al Green’s version of "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart," and the standard "For All We Know," so memorably sung by Billie Holiday on Lady in Satin. A fair bit of time is spent making sure we know that despite his success, Ruben hasn’t changed. Indeed, he comes off as modest and charming; as for electrifying, he’s less so. As a CD that could’ve easily pandered much more to the whims of casual TV viewers, though, Soulful is a perfectly acceptable debut. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (984)

"Soulful" Delivers Just That...
As someone who as actually PURCHASED and LISTENED to the cd (unlike some of the negative reviews of some), I have found this cd to deliver exactly what it promised. A full RNB spectrum of sounds to please any listener. The songs span the styles of the urban market from the retro mellow old school ballads to the uptempo contemporary jams to finish off with an inspirational gospel duet with Fred Hammond colored with all of the southern baptist influences of the artist. This cd is enjoyable for RNB fans of any age, and pleases the listener with the wonderful voice that captured America's hearts during American Idol. The top-notch performances on this album solidifies Ruben Studdard's win as america's choice. Great production, excellent vocal arrangements, and lyrics that are both fun and lighthearted while others are romantic and sensual. Definitely an excellent choice for anyone who's exhausted with the karyoke renditions of pop music often displayed on tv talent shows. A must have!

Full of Soul
Ruben has proved to that he is not just a singer but he is truly an "american idol". His voice on "Soulful" is exactly what we have all grown to love and is full of radiance and abundance. It's delivered with passion and on each track, even the more hip-hop based tunes such as "Sorry 2004" and "What Is Sexy?", he is the same ol' Ruben. I'm so amazed to see this project dosen't just fall into one particular category. It's full of R&B, hip-hop, soul, pop and even GOSPEL yall! Apperances from Fat Joe, Pretty Tony and Fred Hammond also make this project worthwhile. Most of the tracks fit Studdard's voice well...but it is the addition of the Bee Gees' classic "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" and "Superstar" (once covered by Luther Vandross and originally covered by the Carpenters) that make this project stick out the most. Nothin' like that ol' skool. Plus, the slow, relaxing ballad "After The Candles Burn" seriously works well on this project. Expect great things from the "Velvet Teddy Bear". Thanks Ruben...the 205 is proud of ya boi!

Ruben Studdard fails to impress me.
Ruben Studdard's debut album is the worst album from contestant in American Idol. His vocal ablity stands far below from Kelly's and Clay's. Sure he has a warm and souful voice, but a lot of the other finalist from AI did as well. I think the Idol winner should have a big voice that stands out and he does not. His album is one dimentional, all songs are R&B and nothing else. I doubt that he will have a long lasting career. Sure a lot of people bought his album but they did not know how it was going to be before they bought it. And I doubt they will buy his next album for it is only his personality and his calories and fat that carried him this far.

Ruben is just "ok"
I like Ruben's voice a lot but I do have to say that some songs just aren't that great, he also seems to sound just a little bit cocky and Im sure that the people behind his cd are responsible for that, you know how they do it, they say jump, you say how high right? well, there are a lot of songs I love, and there are lot of songs I dislike, so I personally have to give it an avg rating.. can't wait for Ruben to put out another cd or his Christmas cd. Looking forward to hearing something new...

WHAT A DISASTER!!!!!!!!
This CD is absolutely terrible. I listened to it riding in a car with a friend. Oh, what a disaster. Stay away....stay away. Studdard will not last mark my words. ... Read more

Album Details

2004 Second English Full Length Album from the Belgian-born, Canadian Based Singing Sensation as She Continues to Conquer and Entice the Hearts of Music Lovers around the World. The Sheer Power of her Voice Elevates her Into an Elite Class of Singers that Are Very Few in Number. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A wonderful life..A wonderful album...A wonderful Lara
We've been waiting for 5 long years, but finally she did it! After her first english recording dated 1999, canadian artist Lara Fabian released this new album called "A wonderful life", which is a confirm of her magnificent talent and good taste for music. 12 amazing tracks full of class and style. The album opens with "No big deal" and "I am", good examples of how an up-tempo song can be so nice without beeing too commercial.
First single "The last goodbye" is simply amazing: beautiful lyrics, powerful and positive.
But Lara gives the best of herself in tracks like "I guess I loved you", really a masterpeace of beauty..so intense, emotional, touching..
Lara's cover of "Wonderful life" is the other higher peak of the album: arranged and sung with so much class, it will become for sure a true gold classic of Lara's discography. The album features also english versions of two songs previously released in her last french album "Nue": J'y crois encore becomes "I've cried enough", while Silence keeps the same title, but receives a new arrangment, more acoustic (fantastic the chorus singing "silence, silence!!!", vraiment genial Lara!).
If you want to spend a full hour of absolutely pure emotions, relax and good melody, just buy this album and play it.. you'll fall in love with it immediatly! Everytime Lara Fabian releases a new recording, it doesn't matter if she sings in english, french, spanish or italian, her incredible power of love brings her higher and higher..

Great Album! Lara really needs to be recognized!!
Myself, I am not a big pop fan, but this girl has some of the most incredible vocals i have ever heard. Lara Fabian's voice just shines on all of the tracks, which makes each one incredible, no matter how poppy it is. This album possesses a lot of different ideas compared to her other albums, but don't get me wrong, it is still an astounding work. She just went more to the pop side rather than the power ballads, like her first english album. I personally love it when Lara uses her full voice and examplifies a great deal of emotion. My personal favorites on the CD are -

I Guess I Loved You - The power in her voice is amazing! If you liked "Adagio" you will love this.
Intoxicated - Another slow and powerful diddy
The Last Goodbye - A little too poppish, but her voice just soars
Walk Away & Wonderful Life - I love it when she goes acoustic style. Reminded me of "En Toute Intimite"
So everyone needs to buy this album if for nothing esle but to recognize her amazing vocal technique. She can litterally send chills down your spine!

A very big deal....
With "Wonderful Life" Lara Fabian finally has all the right songs on the right album.
"No big deal", "The last goodbye" and "Review my kisses" stand the best chance of hitting the US Pop Charts. This is an album that MUST be heard to be believed. The songs, the voice, and the MUST BUY of Summer 2004 for any true music fan.

In one word....AWESOME!
In WOW factors....20 out of 10! OMG...this is an amazing album! Try it, you're gonna love it!

A MUST HAVE ALBUM... BETTER THAN EVER !!!!
I always tell myself that I appreciate people who get better time after time. Lara has shown it on her new album, A WONDERFUL LIFE. Although she could have recorded more than 12 songs, this album is very well done, top to bottom and it is a real update to Lara's English debut album, released in 2000. This album sounds a little more concentrated, more carefully produced. There are some beautiful ballads, among them I highlight "I've cried enough", " I am", "I guess I loved you" and "Last Goodbye", which is a love-theme from "Da Cor Do Pecado", a big success from Globo TV, in Brazil.
If you are a fan of Lara, you can't miss this album, which I assure you: this is a must have CD, and remember: this is A WONDERFUL LIFE !!!! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

This is one of the highly valued Engelbert CDs!
This CD is extremely important for every Engelbert fan because (1) it contains three great songs (i.e. "This Moment in Time," "I never said goodbye," "Sweetheart") whose CD version was never released before, and (2) it also contains "After the Lovin'", "In Time", "My Marie", "When There's No You". The _original_ "After the Lovin'(1976)" and the three other songs have been available in non-Engelbert compilation albums and his import albums, but, until "Ultimate Collection" was released, they had not been accessible to many people in the States. In this regard, this is really a "ultimate" compilation. And I enjoyed it very much. Although it is a pity that the very beginning (just a second or so?)of "The Way It Used to Be" was cut off for some reason, "This Moment in Time" and "I Never Said Goodbye", among many others, are worth listening.(I must tell you that "This Moment in Time" is really excellent!)I thus recommend this album to not only Engelbert fans but also all people.

ENGE'S 'MOMENT IN TIME'
JUST RECEIVED THIS ALBUM AND CERTAINLY AM ENJOYING IT. HIS "MOMENT IN TIME" RENDITION ON THIS CD IS FABULOUS...HE SINGS ALL OF THE SONGS ON THIS CD FROM HIS HEART & SOUL. ENGELBERT HAS ONE OF THE BEST VOCAL RANGES AND IT REALLY COMES THROUGH ON THIS CD. THE SONGS ARE FAMILIAR TO ONE WHO IS A FAN. HOWEVER. IF ONE HEARS THIS CD THEY WILL SOON BE ADDED TO THE THRONGS OF FANS ALL OVER THE WORLD. A TREAT TO HEAR...BUYING IS ESSENTIAL FOR A TRUE FAN TO INCLUDE IN HIS COLLECTION. I LOVE THESE SONGS AND WHO ELSE COULD SING THEM ANY BETTER - NO ONE.... HE IS THE MASTER OF SONGS AND HERE THEY ARE...ON THIS CD...ENJOY YOUR LISTENING...

Wonderful collection of terrific pop tunes
The name on his records said Englebert Humperdinck. Archie Bunker once referred to him as "Englebert What's His Dink". His real name was Arnold George Dorsey. He was a struggling British crooner until he met Tom Jones manager Gordon Mills in 1965. And the rest is history. Nearly 40 years later Englebert Humperdinck continues to thrill audiences around the world. A check of his website reveals an incredibly busy touring schedule and there are still hundreds of Englebert fan clubs around the world!!!
This CD from Hip-O records chronicles all of the best of Englebert Humperdincks remarkable career. Hear all of his fabulous Parrot singles from the 60's and early 70's like you never have before. The fidelity on his original 45's was not that great. But the remastering job on this disk was done with a great deal of care. Even his Epic recordings sound much better here. Looking back, it is amazing to me that Englebert had such a limited amount of success on Billboards Hot 100 Singles chart. There were only two Top Ten hits, his debut single "Release Me" and 1976's "After The Lovin'". But Englebert sold a lot of albums. His debut album "Release Me" peaked at number 7 and was on the charts for 118 weeks!!! In any event, this collection contains just about all of the hits you would remember. Among my favorites are "A Man Without Love", "Les Bicyclettes De Belsize" and of course "This Moment In Time." The 12 page booklet is particularly well done and is packed with interesting tidbits and photos. You'll likely never find a better collection of his work. Recommended.

Ultimate Collection - Engelbert Humperdinck
I have been a huge fan of Engelbert's since 1968. I have almost every album he ever recorded in album and CD forms. This is undoubtedly the best collection of his to date. All my favorite songs are on here. I also have his greatest hits collection, but this is much better. I would recommend it to anyone whether or not they are an Engelbert fan. This CD will make them one.

Engelbert Humperdinck Ultimate Collection
This is one of the best collections of Engelbert songs out there. "This Moment in Time" is very special to me and makes this album better. The only exclusion of Engelbert's songs that I would want is "Last of the Romantics" but I have not been able to find it on any album, except the originally released album which I ordered through Amazon Auctions. It hasn't arrived yet but should shortly (LP).
I recommend this album highly to real Engelbert fans, like myself. I have seen him countless times in concerts. There are some songs on this album that were not big hits but I've heard some of them live and they are all good. I don't think Eng is capable of singing a BAD song (he can even sing other artist's songs better than the original).
Glad to be able to give my opinion on this album.

Walter Scharnhorst ... Read more

Amazon.com

The years 1975-1988 contained big successes for Barbra Streisand, though she ran through an unsteady gauntlet of disco-fied pop and pseudo-Broadway show stoppers. This collection, originally released in 1989, brings together the hits of those years--like the two Barry Gibb duets, "What Kind of Fool" and "Guilty"--in a range of production scenarios utilizing the talents of Rupert Holmes, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Phil Ramone, Dave Gruisin, and others. The two new recordings added to begin and end the package, "We're Not Makin' Love Anymore" and "Somewhere," serve as bookends of the dance and ballad style Streisand revolved around throughout her later career. --Stephen M.H. Braitman ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Collection
Barbra Streisand's 1989 Collection titled A Collection Greatest Hits And More, contains some of her best songs:

Were Not Making Love Anymore - This is my favorite song on the album, it is the first of two new songs. It disapoints me that she doesn't include this one in her tours, because it is truly a classic.

Woman In Love - Remember when this song came out, it was a hit. Still as good as when it first came out in 1980.

All I Ask Of You - One would argue, but I think she does the broadway songs great. This is an example, she sings with such passion and emotion.

Comin in and Out of Your Life - Great song, catchy.

What Kind Of Fool - One of two duets with Barry Gibb on here, this would be the slower ballad type one. Their voices work so well together, definately one of my favorites from the Guilty album.

The Main Event/Fight - This is another favorite, great disco song. I wish she would include this one in a tour.

Someone That I Used To Love - The other new song on the collection, just as good as Were Not Making Love Anymore. She should sing this one on tour.

By The Way - The only song from her Lazy Afternoon album that made it on here, still as timeless as when it was first released.

Guilty - The other duet with Barry Gibb, this is a more fun uptempo song, really great song.

Memory - She does this one fantastically! Theres so much emotion, brings me to tears this song does.

The Way He Makes Me Feel - From the Broadway Album, very nice song.

Somewhere - Good choice to end the album, very powerful words and overall a great song.

Excellent, though not thorough, collection
Streisand's Greatest hits of the late seventies and early 80's is a great album indeed. The set opens with the dynamic "We're Not Makin' Love Anymore" which was recorded especially for this album and is worth the price alone. But there is much more to be enjoyed. The album also contains three top 10 singles from her biggest selling album. "Gulity" and "What Kind of Fool" are duets with Barry Gibb and serve as proof that the two were born to sing together, while the #1 "A Woman in Love" proves there's no one like Streisand.

Other highlights include the beautiful "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera, the diso ditty "The Main Event/Fight," and the studio version of "The Way He Makes Me Feel." Bringing the album to a close is the stunning "Somewhere," which ranks as one of her best.

The only problem with the album is it left me wanting more. I would have liked to have heard more from THE BROADWAY ALBUM or the YENTL soundtrack (where's "Papa Can You Hear Me" or "Piece of Sky?"). But this still a stunning collection that will please both casual and fanatical (like me) Streisand fans.

ERROR IN YOUR SAMPLE RECORDING
NOT SURE HOW IT HAPPENED BUT YOU HAVE BILLY JOEL SINGING IN BARB'S SPOTLLIGHT. WHEN I TRY TO LISTEN TO IT, ALL I GET IS BILLY JOEL.

Too many omissions.
Not counting 1981's MEMORIES (which was a love song compilation), this is supposed to be volume 3 of Barbra's greatest hits and should have covered the years 1979-1989. Barbra returned to making high quality albums (GUILTY, YENTL, THE BROADWAY ALBUM) in the eighties, however she did also score enough hit singles during this period to merit this collection. Unfortunately, many of those hits are missing.

True, COLLECTION does contain some great hits and singles like "The Main Event/Fight" (#3 Pop, #5 Adult Contemporary), "A Woman In Love" (#1 Pop, #1 Adult Contemporary), "Guilty" (#3 Pop, #5 Adult Contemporary), "What Kind Of Fool" (#10 Pop, #1 Adult Contemporary), "Comin' In And Out Of Your Life" (#11 Pop, #2 Adult Contemporary), "Memory" (#52 Pop, #9 Adult Contemporary), "The Way He Makes Me Feel" (#40 Pop, #1 Adult Contemporary), "Somewhere" (#43 Pop, #5 Adult Contemporary), and "All I Ask Of You" (#15 Adult Contemporary). These tracks deserve to be present, but there are several annoying omissions that prevent this from being the definite collection of this time span.

Missing hits and singles that fall between 1979 and 1989 include: "No More Tears" (#1 Pop, #7 Adult Contemporary, #20 R&B), "Kiss Me In The Rain" (#37 Pop), "Promises" (#48 Pop), "Papa, Can You Hear Me" (#26 Adult Contemporary), "Left In The Dark" (#50 Pop, #4 Adult Contemporary), "Make No Mistake, He's Mine" (#51 Pop, #8 Adult Contemporary), "Emotion" (#79 Pop, #14 Adult Contemporary), "Send In The Clowns" (#25 Adult Contemporary), and "Till I Loved You" (#25 Pop, #3 Adult Contemporary). While these tracks vary in quality, I think most fans can agree that some of them have a place here.

These omissions are especially frustrating when you take into account that the remainder of the track listing. "By The Way" is a gorgeous song and one of my favorites, but it was released in 1975 and is out of place here ("By The Way" belonged on the MEMORIES compilation, if anywhere else). The two new songs are also a problem. "Someone That I Used To Love" is merely adequate, while the Michael Bolton/Diane Warren-penned "We're Not Making Love Anymore" is bombastic and banal. Giving the missing tracks and inferior new material, A COLLECTION stands as little more than a wasted opportunity.

An amazing collection
I am a huge Streisand fan, and I think trhis is an amazing collection. Of course it misses a lot of amazing songs(like papa can you hear me, not while I'm around, send in the clowns, a piece of sky...), but this collection is just wonderfull
The opening song, we're not makin' love anymore, is incredible. Guilty, what kind of fool,somewhwere, the main event/fight and by the way are amazing song, and all I ask of you is nothing short of spectacular. But, the best song in there, is my favorite song of all time: Memory. Wow! It is sung so beautifully, it makes me cry every time I hear it. It is abseolutely incredible
Overall, this is a great album which is essential; for any person. It contains everything, and leaves you wanting more. Wonderfull! ... Read more

Album Details

2004 Australian Only Release. Produced by Phil Ramone. 11 Tracks; All Covers of Songs Sung Or Written by Women Such as Minnie Ripperton, Karen Carpenter, Dionne Warwick, Astrid Gilberto, Joan Baez, Julie London, Doris Day and More. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

What a wonderful CD to give as a present!
I love giving this cd as a gift, to teachers or childcare providers, or new moms. It's kids' music you can stand to hear over and over (and some of us know just how rare that is), and feel good about exposing kids to traditions and musical concepts they might not otherwise encounter. We listen to the numbers songs in the car, we sing the shoo-fly song when we go walking--it's been a gift to my little family to have these songs added to our lives.

Sweet Honey in the Rock is Fantastic!
Although folk isn't a style a music much heard by anyone but its devotees, there can be some real treasures in this section. Sweet Honey in the Rock is one of them. As a young teenager, I find that this music doesn't fit into the "fuddy-duddy" image that young people today think of as Folk. Sweet Honey provides you with cool, soulful tunes, with beat and fire to spare. Try listening to "Young and Positive", and see if that doesn't bolster your self-esteem. The complex harmonies appeal to me especially, since I am a singer, but to the uninitiated ear, they are pure ecstasy. This is a rare and amazing gem in the soup of today's music! ... Read more

Amazon.com

To call Celine Dion predictable would be too easy--other divas should be so lucky to still be walking her platinum path. As Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey struggle to update their sounds without losing their core following, Celine keeps on delivering power ballads and inspirational pop without ever losing her footing. What sets One Heart apart from her previous chart-toppers is an unrelenting theme of joy and believing in one's self. From the car-commercial-driven tempo of "I Drove All Night" (Dion's equivalent to Cher's "Believe") to the "power of one" message in "Love is All We Need," the album bristles with an upbeat mood that--even for non-fans--can be hard to resist (it's important to note that there is no chest-thumping heartbreak here). Small concessions to staying in step with pop trends appear on the dance-floor tracks (which bring to mind Shania Twain and even Britney Spears), but ballads like "In His Touch" and "Have You Ever Been in Love" stick to the tried-and-true formula of allowing Dion's impressive voice to take center stage. As she settles in for an extended stay at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, One Heart is both well timed and well executed. It contains no surprises, but then, besides her voice, that's one of Dion's biggest assets. --Rebecca Wallwork ... Read more

Reviews (315)

Drop track 9 and the Chrysler logo, and I'd give it a 5.
The problem with favorite artists is that you expect so much from them that anything they put out is disappointing. Obviously, Celine can sing, and she's put out some good pop tunes, so expectations are high with every release. If she duplicates the previous album, people hate it, if she strays too far that sound, people hate it. Just take it for what it is.

That said, this album is not bad. Actually it's quite good. The songs are lighter in theme than the previous album, with arrangements that fit them perfectly. Since the beginning she's had some songs with interesting arrangements - see 'With This Tear' off her self-title cd, or the strange violin in 'To Love You More'. There's variety here - dance, ballads, mid-tempo - but let's face it, no established artist is going to stray far from what made them popular and stay successful (see Mariah).

The tracks are well produced, not overproduced like a lot of songs on the last album, giving the album a more spontaneous, rawer, feel, like they only did one or two takes, or maybe recorded it live in the studio. I like her ballads, but I like her dance stuff just as much. The variety here shows she can sing anything well.

Her club-cover of 'I Drove All Night' is killer, as well as 'Reveal'. 'Naked' has a nice guitar edge. "Forget Me Not' has an interesting vocal arrangement. 'I Know What Love Is' has a beautiful melody, and is THE ballad here. Her slowed down re-working of 'Sorry for Love' is good, though I like the original better. The un-reworked 'Have You Ever . . ." should be stricken from the cd since we heard the same version on the last album. There's no excuse good enough for it being included.

Overall, it is a very cohesive album even though a number of musical styles are represented. (BTW, the last song is NOT country. It starts with an acoustic guitar, but that doesn't make it a country song, idiots!)

Highly recommended!

"One Heart" is just "One OK" CD
Just 364 days after the so called 'comeback' album "A New Day Has Come", the follow-up "One Heart" brings out a hit & miss offering from the beloved Canadian singer Celine Dion. Her 1992 self-titled album to me, remains her magnum opus to this very day.This CD is a departure from the balladeer Celine that we had come to know for the past 11 years. In a way it's a good idea at trying out new territory, but in this case, it sometimes is disasterous on a few tracks.

The opening theme "I Drove All Night" is an enjoyable danceable number that we've all heard so there's little need to explaining. I think it's good. It's unfortunately followed up by the abysmal "Love Is All We Need". This song is just pathetic and unlistenable, sounding like a Britney Spears throwaway. What was Dion thinking? I hope Celine doesn't go in this direction on her next outing. The CD though jumps back again with "Faith" which is a great mix of mid-tempo rock and acoustic country. This is one of the better songs on the album. "In His Touch" is a very good but somewhat odd ballad with a strange popping sounds (The kind from playing records) that could've been removed from the track recording. The title track is a mediocre dance track that is midway between good dance and bad teenybopper music. Not bad but one of my least favorites on the album. "Stand By Your Side" is an average. "Naked" is just plain boring as h.e.l.l. Enough said. Two next two songs are reworked tracks that appeared on her previous album "A New Day Has Come", both of which are inferior to the original versions. "Sorry For Love" is a ballad on here as opposed to the more danceable version on the 2002 album. Overall, while not as good as the older version, the 2003 edit is still quite good and harkens a bit back to the balladeer Celine that we are more familiar with. The version of "Have You Ever Been In Love" on both albums is alright but rather forgettable. The same holds true with this version on here. "Reveal" is in my opinion, the best track on this otherwise passable album. "Reveal" is an awesome blend of dance, rock, and pop and I must say, it works very well on this track and makes this album a keeper. I love the chord changes in the song. "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" is a more electronic dance number that has a bit of a late 80s or early 90s sound to it. The remaining three tracks on this album are okay but nothing remarkable so I'm not going to bother going into those.

Overall, this is an okay but rather dissapointing album so as a result, this is not an essential or must-have album. With the exception of "I Drove All Night","Faith" and "Reveal", must of this CD is passable. One more thing I wanted to add was, what is up with the Chrysler Logo on the inside of the CD jewelcase? Was this meant to promote the Chrysler automobiles? (No offense to the company)

Fresh & Infectious
As standard with most albums, the first and the last track tend to represent the heart of the album, or at least the best of the album; One Heart complies perfectly. The tracks "I Drove All Night" and "Je T'Aime Encore" perfectly capture the essence of this album: they are fresh, different, and strong. With extensive listening, to me, "Je T'Aime Encore" is the strongest track; it simply sounds better with each listening.

As a whole, One Heart follows the lead of the opening and closing tracks fairly well. I think "In His Touch," "Stand by Your Side," and "Reveal" follow suit most closely. Bottom line: this album is infectious; you will enjoy listening to the songs.

Disappointing
I always buy Céline's albums, I was really happy when she came back with A New Day Has Come. A year latter I was disappointed by the release of One Heart. In this album you'll find the typical ballads, and some up tempo songs. 'Love is all we need' is the worst, it sounds like Britney Spears; the new version of 'Sorry for love' should be banished 'cause it has the same beat all along. Songs that you must listen: Have you ever been in love (previously released in A New Day Has come), In his touch and Je t'aime encore (it's in English).

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!
This album is so mind-numbingly good, I want to go out and buy a Chrysler. Any kind of Chrysler, just so long as it has a really good Bose brand stereo system so I can listen to my Celine Dion CD (my CD CD!) as I "Droved All Night!" I hear that if you mention this album, you can get a very attractive financing package from Chrylser: They even throw in an options package that includes a great 8-speaker Bose brand stereo and a big three-color tattoo of the Chrylser logo!

All in all, I give this album 6 out of 7 possible stars. Aerosmith's latest sounds just a little better when played over the Cambridge Soundworks system in a Dodge pickup. You should buy a Dodge instead.

You go, Celine! ... Read more

Amazon.com

k.d. lang has spent her eccentric career pitching between twin poles of desire--torch (jazz/blues) and twang (retro country), and artistry and flamboyance. On Live by Request, she revisits the best of her shimmering repertoire, from her rough-edged cowpunk days to her current gossamer soundscape. But at the start of the set, recorded December 2000 at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York, she threatens to diminish her own impact with a lumpy, rushed rendition of "Summerfling" and a cartoonish version of "Big Boned Gal." Soon, however, she settles down to do what she does best, which is seduction. While a way-too-melodramatic arrangement spoils "Don't Smoke in Bed," she goes on to bring goose-bump intimacy to "The Consequences of Falling" and "Constant Craving," one of popular music's most aching songs of longing laid bare. By the time she turns her exquisite soprano to the howling chorus of "Barefoot," the earth doesn't just move, Ernest, it trembles--a prelude to the staggeringly emotional affect of "Pullin' Back the Reins." When she gets to that one, don't be surprised if your stereo starts to smoke. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Among the best discs I have ever purchased
Simply put, this is one of the absolute best discs I have ever bought. Aside from the fact that K.D. Lang the most talented vocalist in popular music today, the songs on this album are intelligent and powerful and the music is wonderful. This album perfectly captures K.D. Lang's amazing vocal range and versatility. The ballads "Simple", "Crying", "Wash Me Clean", "Trail of Broken Hearts", "Summerfling", and "Barefoot" are my favorite selections from this live performance. Making the emotional connection with this album is truly a religious experience.

There is nothing like k.d. live!
Looking for a K.D. Lang introduction? This is a great start! K.D. Lang is amazing live. If you ever get a chance to see her, you will not regret it! She has such energy and gets so playful ' she makes you feel like you are the only person in the room with her. This CD is pretty dang close to that experience! Crank it up on your walkman and dance around to 'Summerfling' or 'Miss Chatelaine'. And when you hear K.D. belt out Roy Orbinson's 'Crying' you'll fall in love.

If you don't own any KD music, or have only heard one or two songs, you should know that she is one of those people who likes to discover new styles of music and try new things. So if you don't like one song or even one album, try a different one! She is so immensely talented and has a voice that can sing anything. Her early stuff was very country or rock-a-billy. Then Shadownlands is some of her best vocal work ever. Ingenue was probably her biggest commercial success because it has a number of songs with good 'hooks'. And her newer stuff is has a 'pop' edge to it that is really fun. This CD is a good introduction because it has something from all of those 'eras' of K.D.)

And obviously if you love k.d. then you should definitely own this CD!

a truly... Live experience.
I'm italian, I'm a musician and... I fell in love with katrin dawn. I have all her cds, but this one has a special meaning to me, because, just because of my nationality, I know that here in Italy she's not well known and she will never come to play... so this reconrd is the only possibility (added to the other two live records) to me to hear her and her fantastic voice.. live. Well the other possibility is a... ticket to U.S., but,... where are the money? Ok, let's talk about "Live by request".

Which is... simply brilliant. I like the selection of the songs and the way they have been rearranged, that they have been renovated but not changing their identity or their original sound.
Talking about k. d. lang... I don't know what to say: she's exciting, that's all. Her vibrato, the falsetto, the imperpretative malinchony or the pathos.. I really think she's one of the Voice that will be the story of these last decades..
Let's focus a while on each song.

Summerfling
Well, this is a fantastic start, also because it's one of my favourite song of her last albums.. the sound and the arrangements are less refined compared with the orioginal version, but this is not a bad thing. 8

Big Boned Gal
This is so funny, I have so much fun singin' it! And she's brilliant and vocally agile as in the orginal version.. I like so much the acoustic sound! 8+

Black Coffee
This is a jazz standard and has a special meaning to me, because I play it with my band as a tribute to this woman. And I love it. 8-

Trail Of Broken Hearts
Another Highlight, but even if it's well played, k. d. is more intense on the studio version.. Check it out. 7,5

Crying
I love this song, really. And it really seems she had wrote it, even if it's not true.. but she feel it, and that's great. 8+

Don't Smoke In Bed
This song has so much pathos.. and it's another old standard made famous by Peggy Lee. I love her rendition, mainly the piano & voice introduction.. unforgettable. 8+

The Consequences Of Falling
This song is so.. fresh, breezy.. I love it, even if it has a very simple structure and it's a little different (rythmically) from the original version.. relaxing. 8,5

Miss Chatelaine
I've understood the meaning of this song thanks to the explanation of a canadian reviewer somewhere in one of k. d.'s cd, and.. I think it's a funny song, very brazil-in-new-york! 7+

Three Cigarettes In An Ashtray
Another classic, taken from the country repertory of Patsy Cline.. which is a betutiful waltzer, but.. maybe is the only song that I would have not played for a live session that was going to be a record. It's just.. too "old-style". 6,5

Barefoot
Well this song could be the only reason to buy this cd. It has been a surprise, it's so.. catchy, frozen.. and so much better than the original and less-known version! I love this song, really.. so malinchonic. 9

Constant Craving
Here's the "Smash Hit", k. d. would have made a mistake to not sang it.. The live versione has lost a little talking about vocal rendition, but the arrangement is more acoustic and well-built, the song is a little faster and you won't be thinking about the difference with the "Ingénue" version. 8+

Wash Me Clean
Another "Ingénue" song. Lovely, so fragile.. written by lang, and you can feel it by her interpretation. 8

Pullin' Back The Reins
Another big suprise from the "so country" 80s, a big strong medium ballad from the awarded "Absolute Torch And Twang".. one of the best track of it. I love the lyrics. 8,5

Simple
This is a so.. simple, small and brilliant song, as a little gem it shines at the end of this live experience.. I love it, resumes with astonishing semplicity and effectivenes.. what love is. 8,5

I love this cd, if you're reading here maybe you'll have vaguely understood it.. But I ensure you it's one of the most beautiful live experience I've ever listened to. Your money won't be wasted at all.

Marco

Real talent - Not so perfect occasion
I've been a devoted fan of kd for over 12 years - I absolutely love her for her talent - as a singer and a performer, she's everything she wants to be. It'd certainly help if you've watched the DVD of this Live by Request - but otherwise, I honestly find it hard to imagine the CD to be her best or anything near her best. Some of the stronger bits that were included in the DVD are unavailable here - while the band were at their best backing kd - and the music in some of the tracks on this CD is either a bit too loud or too soft. In a couple of tracks, like 'The Consequence of Falling', it does not back kd's vocal very well at certain moments and seems to slack of at some point. kd sounds as amazing as always on most tracks but if you have followed her recordings (including guest appearances in other concerts, etc.) you'd have to admit she's given better performance of some of these songs, such as 'Barefoot' or her classic, 'Constant Craving'. The editing is good and you dont get any abrupt or awkward bits, but on the other hand, there dont seem to be too many sparks in the interaction between kd and the audience. She moves them - as much as she wants to - there's no doubt about it, but I suggest those who're interested in kd check out her other live recordings, or mp3, where you hear her being slightly less reserved or subdued. One of the reasons could be it's not her own tour - that it's Live by Request by someone else's production and she is not doing some of the things she would do in her own concerts, which you'd have to see for yourself.

On the whole - I wouldnt recommend listening or buying this CD before you watch the DVD, or are already familiar with most of her other records. I dont want to undermine the opinions of those who love this record - it's good, it showcases kd's talent with a fairly good selection of songs, but the production doesnt present kd at her best, and she certainly has sounded even better in some of the tracks we love here.

Great concert performance by k. d. lang
Kathryn Dawn Lang from Consort, Alberta, is a brave artist, a spokesperson for small-town lesbian dreams, a true triumph of talent over image and packaging, a cultural icon for our times. She is also a fantastic live performer, as this live work beautifully demonstrates. Recorded in New York in December of 2000, this CD features some of la lang's greatest hits and a few delightful surprises to showcase her vocal range and the vast variety of musical styles she has experimented with throughout her eventful career. The 40s-ish cover artwork suggests that she is content with being label "our generation's Rosemary Clooney"--a crooner and stylist extraordinaire. She's Rosemary Clooney, Patsy Cline, Peggy Lee, Tammy Wynette, and many others all rolled into one amazing, original superdiva. The CD opens with the breezy, bossa nova-inflected "Summerfling," from the underappreciated CD of the same name. In this performance, Ms. lang adds elements of rock and even reggae, showing off how comfortable and playful she can be in concert. The second track, "Big Boned Gal," is a fun rockabilly number with a playful lesbian sensibility. The third track, her cover of Sonny Burke and Paul Francis Webster's classic "Black Coffee," adds a twangy steel guitar to her languid, seductive vocal. Next is the lang/Ben Mink song "Trail of Broken Hearts," one of the most beautiful, haunting melodies Ms. lang has ever graced with her vocal. This version is even better than the original, although it remains very close to album version. The fifth track is her gorgeous cover of Roy Orbison's "Crying," and a fitting tribute to her famous duet partner. Her vocal is much stronger than in the original, and she illicits thrilled applause from her audience when she nails the tricky high notes. Back into Peggy Lee territory, with the sixth track, "Don't Smoke in Bed." The song was made famous by Peggy Lee, and lang's smokey, piano-kissed version would likely have delighted the legendary Miss Peggy Lee. Next is the wistful "The Consequences of Falling," from the "Summerfling" CD. Listening to the live version, we can't imagine her repertoire without this song, and it makes a great lead-in to the heady, swirling "Miss Chatelaine." The U.S. and European listeners didn't get the joke, but we Canadians know what a dubious honour it was for a "big-boned gal" from Consort to be graced with the title "Miss Chatelaine." Knowing that "Chatelaine" magazine is a somewhat kitschy, retrospective publication offering advice on how to beautify your kitchen, yard, and marriage, we Canadians smile at k. d.'s campy humour. The ninth song is the Miller/Stevenson torchy "Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray," a nod to one of Ms. lang's idols, Patsy Cline. There was something in Patsy Cline's music which perfectly captured the loneliness and isolation of life in small-town western Canada, which perhaps explain's lang's fascination with Cline. The tenth song is the most surprising inclusion, the forgotten gem "Barefoot," from the Percy Adlon film. The orchestration is spare and delicate, the vocal particularly poignant and haunting in this performance. There are few songs which capture the essence of a long, cold, prairie winter better than this one, especially for a young gay person, whose feelings increase the sense of isolation. This is followed by a rousing rendition of "Constant Craving," still probably Miss Chatelaine's--er, I mean, Ms. lang's biggest hit. The vocal is a little looser than in the original, but the emotion remains intact. The twelfth song is the slow, quiet "Wash me Clean," from her famous "Ingenue" CD. As in "Barefoot," the production is clean and spare, to keep the pure and delicate vocal unencumbered. Next is the lang/Ben Mink composition "Pullin' Back the Reins," a tip of the tattered felt hat to k. d.'s country past. It is testament to her talents as a songwriter that we can imagine someone like Patsy Cline or Peggy Lee covering this song and still making it sound great. The CD closes with the folksy, ethereal "Simple," which evokes the sound of her fellow Canadians Jane Siberry and Sarah McLachlan. Ms. lang ends a spectacular concert with a simple, understated "Thank you." We your loyal fans are the grateful ones, k. d. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Known for a terrifying rendition of Otis Redding's hit "(Sittin' On The) Dock of the Bay" (among others), Michael Bolton tears up every classic soul tune he can get his hands on. Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind" and Percy Sledge's "When a Man Loves a Woman" take on completely new meanings in the hands of this former hard rock singer. This 2 CD, 17-cut retrospective includes all the songs that catapulted him to mega-stardom and plenty of others that show him as just another sincere fool for love ("I Promise You" and "I Found Someone"). Just as Meatloaf turned up the juice on the histrionics of Bruce Springsteen, Bolton takes the soul singer out of the smoky nightclub and into the hockey arena for the whole world to hear. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (52)

The Best of Michael Bolton
This album should have instead been entitled "Greatest Hits 1987-1995". The earliest hits, THAT'S WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT and (SITTIN' ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY were from 1987's THE HUNGER. Hits from the multi-platinum SOUL PROVIDER are the title track,HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU,HOW CAN WE BE LOVERS,GEORGIA ON MY MIND and WHEN I'M BACK ON MY FEET AGAIN. From TIME,LOVE AND TENDERNESS(also multi-platinum) are the title track,MISSING YOU NOW,STEEL BARS and WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN. SAID I LOVED YOU...BUT I LIED is from 1993's THE ONE THING. The five original tracks are THIS RIVER,I PROMISE YOU,CAN I TOUCH YOU THERE,A LOVE SO BEAUTIFUL(written by Jeff Lynne and the late Roy Orbison and previously recorded by Orbison),and I FOUND SOMEONE,previously recorded by Cher.

Truly Painful to Hear!
There is no doubt in my mind that Michael Bolton is probably the most over-rated male vocalist of this generation. The method of this brand of performer is simple... the more you can yell, the more your "soulful" message can be heard. Thank God this kind of "vocal gymnastics" is rapidly going out of style. This tunes heard on this CD actually sounds better than it does as we usually hear it... when shopping at the supermarket, where all you hear is some kind of backbeat and an occasional yelp, screech or scream. Can you seriously imagine being in a romantic mood with a handsome man like Mr. Bolton, about to be kissed, when suddenly he yells at you from the top of his lungs how HE CAN"T LIVE WITHOUT YOU!!!! YIKES!! This is obviously singing for the hearing impaired. Soul singers with genuine feeling for what they are singing AND can convey that to the listener include James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Bill Medley and the late Ray Charles. What is even worse is that this man has made hits that are near exact duplicates of some records made years ago with nearly the same phrasing and tempos of other artists. What happened to an artist being creative, or at least one who gives credit (as Bette Midler does to Rosemary Clooney on her latest collection)??

please make it stop
In the words of Bill Walton, "horrible, just horrible." This record shows that that Michael Bolton's idea of "soulful" means "screaming", with a very limited vocal range. All of the songs follow the same pattern: They start slowly, pick up speed, then GET LOUD, as if "louder" = "more meaningful." There really is no question of whether time will tell whether Michael Bolton is a great soul singer as some have suggested. The answer is simple: No.

If you want "soulful" music, from a true soul singer, consider Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye or Aretha Franklin.

Sometimes pleasant but never anything to hear
Michael Bolton, (I first knew him mistakenly as Michael Dutton from a radio announcement) was the singer behind a vast number of major hits that dominated commercial radio during the 1980s and 1990s. He first came to prominence with the sudden high entry of his version of "Dock Of The Bay" (I used to sing it as "Top Of The Bay") onto the charts in 1988.

In 1990, Bolton began to dominate the airwaves with a vast string of hits, of which the upbeat songs like "How Can We Be Lovers" and "Time, Love And Tenderness" were rather painless to listen to though they certainly were extremely pompous, Bolton's voice certainly appeared to convey some real emotion. They were also undeniably catchy and could bear hearing on commcercial radio.

However, as time went by, Bolton moved onto softer and softer, airier and airier ballads that really did make his voice sound painful, grating, even tuneless. The early "When A Man Loves A Woman" is barely distinguishable from a version by Australian Jimmy Barnes but really has little tune, whilst the flyweight "Said I Loved You But I Lied" is even harder to listen to as Bolton mumbled through both verses and chorus in a way that ought never to impress.

"How Am I Supposed To Live Without You" was more of the same, but the then-new tracks are just awful even compared to Bolton's earlier output. There is not a single memorable hook in the new tracks, and Bolton's voice, really best designed for hard rock or heavy metal, falters trying to sing a tune with any gentleness in it at all, yet alone such flyweight songs as these.

Pleasant, yes, memorable, anything but. Look elsewhere for something that will keep you listening.

A Michael Bolton Fan
Michael Bolton's Greatest Hits 1985-1995 CD is truly one of the best CDs that has been produced. All of his best hits are included in this one CD and I didn't have to listen to a song I didn't like to get to the good ones. They were all great. This CD was a gift from a friend and one of the best gifts I have received. I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In their late '60s/early '70s heyday, the Fifth Dimension's lush, airy sound embodied a glossy showbiz vibe that couldn't have been more at odds with the values of the hip, rock underground. But the best of the sexually integrated vocal quintet's hits still sound swell on the radio. This 11-song collection doesn't quite do justice to the group's catalogue, omitting some key hits, but it does include such fluffy confections as "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," "Up, Up and Away," Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoned Soul Picnic," and "(Last Night) I Didn't Get to Sleep At All." As such, it provides a good introduction to the group's smoothly soaring sound. --Scott Schinder ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Great for the casual fan
Other reviewers are right when they say that the Fifth Dimension's latter hits moved toward MOR, but I think they're all terrific...I've always thought Marilyn McCoo had a beautiful voice. "The Age of Aquarius" medley is probably their best-known song, but "Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "One Less Bell To Answer" and "Last Night (I Didn't Get To Sleep At All" are still played every day around the country on soft rock and oldies radio stations. The set closes with the live hit version of "Never My Love" and "Together Let's Find Love," with shared vocals by Billy Davis. As a whole, all eleven tracks are strong, so I'm giving a five-star review for song selection as well as quality--no clunkers at all, and a fine introduction if you're new to the group.

A Good Starting Point
For people who remember The 5th Dimension only for their major hits "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In", "Up Up And Away", "One Less Bell To Answer", etc., this is a good place to start. Definitely this is 'The Greatest Hits On Earth', maybe on any other planet as well. All the big hits are here, besides the aforementioned, we also find the classic "Wedding Bell Blues", the soulful "Stoned Soul Picnic" and the AM radio favorite "(Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All". There are a few other lesser hits here, but each and every song on this album was a big hit for the group.

If you are just looking for a collection of the big hits, this is definitely the disc for you, but any one seeking a better depiction of the group's work might try looking into the 2 cd set 'Up Up And Away, The Definitive Collection'. Until their entire catalog gets released, this 2 cd anthology is the best view of a group that desereves a far better representation of their work.

!!!
Where is "If I Could Reach You"!!! One of the most heartbreaking songs ever!

Fabulous!!!!
I love this album. This group has two members that sings one of my favorite duets of all time . This group contains Marilyn MCcoo and Billy Davis Jr. They have been married for over 30 years now I love the duet"You don't have to be star" I love this duet it is my favorite duet of all time.

This group has other members that has added to the group's success. I love this group I used to hear "Stoned Soul Picnic" on the radio when I was younger; My mom used to always listen to the oldies stations and I used to love it . This album contains some great songs : Stoned Soul Picnic, The Wedding Bell Blues, Up,Up, and away, Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep at all, One Less Bell To Answer, and many great others I really did like this group ; So, therefore I had purchased this album and I like this whole album it is great I listen to it whenever I am in the mood to listen to AM GOLD ; Therefore if you like AM GOLD I suggest that you purchase this album!!!!!

Looking for a year to 2 songs.
I am trying to find out what years 'Together Let's Find Love' and 'Last Night (I Didn't Get to Sleep at All)' was originally recorded. Does anyone know? Thanks. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Michael Crawford is truly the Angel of Music
I first discovered Michael Crawford as I'm sure most of us did--in Phantom of the Opera. His voice in that recording, as well as every other one he has done, is astonishing. He holds amazing control over it; at times his voice caresses and at others it pushes you over with its power. My favorite song on this CD is "Other Pleasures/The First Man You Remember." Having his daughter in the duet added a wonderful sense of truth to the lyrics, too. I recommend all of the songs on this CD wholeheartedly.

Michael Crawford gets to sing other songs from "Phantom"
I have always thought the main reason Michael Crawford did this album of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs was because it gave him a chance to sing some of the other songs from "The Phantom of the Opera." That probably explains why "All I Ask of You" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" are two of my favorite tracks on this album. But my favorite is "Tell Me On A Sunday," from the little known musical "Song and Dance," a song that clearly suits Crawford's evocative voice. This album includes a wide variety of songs, from the upbeat "And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)" from "Evita" to the dramatic "Gethsemane" from "Jesus Christ Superstar," but clearly Crawford works best with songs that build to emotional climaxes such as "Memory" from "Cats" where his voice gets to soar above the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. If all you know of Crawford and Lloyd Webber is their successful collaboration on "Phantom," then this album will serve as a wider introduction to the work of both artists. You will especially want to hear his duet on "The Music of the Night" with Barbra Streisand.

5 Stars for Michael Crawford. and the CD
This CD is great! I like this CD because most songs are good like: Any Dream Will Do, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Gethsemane, The Phantom of the Opera, The Music of the Night,Memory, Only You(from StEx), Other Pleasures/The First Man You Remember, and Love Changes Everything. My favorite thing about this CD is that they've included a very good Starlight song. But i still don't get WHY there are 2 aspects of love songs and 1 starlight express song! However, I give 5 stars because of the good songs and Michael Crawford.

Michael's Best Album
This album is by far the best that Michael Crawford has released (not counting the OCR of Phantom), as he performs every one of these timeless songs absolutely flawlessly.

His Phantom work on the CD is up to its usual high-quality, though Barbara Bonney isn't Sarah Brightman. He does a jaw-dropping rendition of "Gethsemane" that is one of the most powerful I've heard. Yes, his approach to the song's rhythm is straightforward, but I prefer this more ballad-like approach. His performance of "Tell Me on a Sunday" (one of ALW's best, least-known songs) is also fantastic. And "Love Changes Everything" is well-arranged and sung (with backup vocals from the ladies and choir) and is one of the few songs that consistently gives me goosebumps.

However, all that being said, the one REAL reason to buy this album is to hear its unique arrangement of "Only You." Having heard the song previously as it was originally performed by the original cast, I considered the song to be boring and pedestrian. Whoever re-arranged the song (with new lyrics?) deserves a medal, because it transforms "Only You" into an enormously power love duet that is one of the best songs in ALW's entire canon. Overall, this album comes highly recommended, especially for those with only a passing familiarity with Crawford's or ALW's work.

I love reading others reviews about such a genuine man!!!
Everything I can say about Mike has been said by everyone else!!!!!

Did anyone forget the advective: comforting, or Genuine!!??!! Probably not, but its other words to describe the Mikester!!!

Relaxation Tapes????!!!!!

Mike could use his comforting voice to do tranquility tapes--
and we can all use tranquility after a work day--

Has that unusual quality in his voice- he makes you believe
everything he sings---others sing and sound so "shallow"

Is it the fact some people know how to project emotion better
than others???!!! ... Read more

Reviews (56)

I love this CD
My mother taped "Beautiful In My Eyes" off the radio, and played it for me, back when it came out in '92. At first I thought it was just another slow love song (which at that time I wasn't interested in hearing), but then that summer when I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain on a trip to California, I was on line for Congo Rapids and saw the video for "Beautiful In My Eyes" up on the video monitors. I was like, I know I've heard this song before, and it sounds very good! I then remembered that my Mom had played it for me. I was glad she did.

Well, since then, I have become a hopeless romantic, and this song is my #1 love theme of all time (just ahead of "Angel Eyes" by The Jeff Healey Band). It is one of the few love songs that I sing often at karaoke.

"Jessie" is also a very pretty song. I also like the other hit song "Picture Postcards from L.A," it reminds me of when I was in L.A. in the summer of '92. "When A Woman Cries" is such a beautiful song that it makes ME want to cry when I play it. (By the way, in that very same year- 1992- Joe Cocker recorded it for his album "Night Calls," and did a suitably gruff-but-beautiful version of it.) Overall, there is simply not a bad song on this CD.

Too bad we haven't heard anything new by Mr. Kadison in a long time. I don't know why. He is a very talented songwriter, piano player, and singer. If you truly love and care for someone, and love to express how you feel through song, this is a great CD to get for her...or him. :)

Wish he released more beautiful albums like this one...
This is a fine album...I just bought it recently, and there's not a bad song in it. Joshua Kaddison melds soft, intricate melodies full of wonderful piano riffs and soft string instrument notes and blends them with lyrics that tell the stories of romantic dreams and lovesick souls. As one of those lovesick souls, I appreciate his sensitive touch a lot. He begins and ends the album with two songs about a girl named Jessie, "Jessie" and "Georgia Rain." "Beautiful In My Eyes" is a wonderful song, fit for any blessed couple. As a resident of LA from the south, I appreciate "Picture Postcards From L.A." and I love "Painted Desert Serenade" and "Beau's All Night Radio Love Line." If you're into romantic adult contemporary music, you can't go wrong with this album...It makes an excellent gift to, say, a girlfriend or someone you want to be your significant other...fine work...

My Favorite of All Time
This cd is my favorite of all time- across all genres of music. Every song tells a story that makes you feel like you can relate in some way. Beautiful in My Eyes will be my wedding song next year and I couldn't think of a more perfect song for that day! I recommend this cd to everyone!

Outstanding
I've been a Joshua Kadison fan for 13 years... unfortunately, he's hard to come by. I've always thought of him as a nice blend of Elton John and Billy Joel, with a touch of John Mellencamp Americana for good measure... a combo you would think couldn't miss right? Yet he's never really broken into the mainstream. Painted Desert Serenade is an outstanding find!

Deju Vu Album....
Out of all the CD's I have, which counted- is 452 CD's...this one...probably the most unknown by the public...is one of the FEW albums that represents a certain time in my life, A time when I used to travel, to and from cities by a car and it was something like a 3 hour drive every 2 days, and this CD would play all afternoon...It's also really GREAT car music!.

This album is also one of the few that is able to bring back such a STRONG sensation of Deja Vu and also one of the few that makes me smile, and also makes me sad, and makes me wish I could go back to those days where life was less complicated and simple. Now you can only say that about a few albums today...

Most songs on this album summon a piano/guitarist impression-- something similar to other hits like ''Walking In Memphis'' By Marc Cohn or Cher, ''Windmills Of Your Mind'' By Sting/Police...etc...The style of those songs is what most songs on here sound like.

My favorite is ''Jessie''. I love the story, his voice sounds great and the piano tunes...so peaceful and beautiful.

''Beau's All Night Radio Love Line'', when I used to travel by car with my family, we'd all sing to this song, you can't resist doing it, the tone is so surreal.

The title track ''Painted Desert Serenade'', opens up with the most friendly instrumentation, as Kadison begins telling another story. ''. ''Picture Postcards From L.A.'' starts off with the same piano flow as those from ''Jessie'' but it's been inverted, you can identify the melody, just it sounds different...like a instrumental follow-up to ''Jessie''- All of the songs on this album are my favorite and there really isn't one I like more than the other...although I might say that ''Jessie'' and ''Painted Desert Serenade'' are completely flawless!.

This is a classic, and buy it while you can?...because?.....I discovered that this record has been almost COMPLETELY overlooked, when my original copy broke, I wanted to replace it, and not even the BIGGEST music store is South Africa/Johannesburg had it...I had to purchase it online...So sad...cos' it's albums like these that withstand the test of time. ...