Reviews (2)

Worth every penny for I Say I Say I Say-esque Piney Gir mix
Erasure's "I Say I Say I Say" album from 1994(that featured the smash hit "Always") is my 2nd favorite album ever. I would like to thank Piney Gir for remixing DSYLM into something that would have fit right on that magnificent album over 10 years ago.

"DSYLM-Piney Gir Mix" is a very powerful song and improves upon the original like no other. The backing choir voices and layered vocals reminds me of ISISIS's songs of the same fashion("So The Story Goes" and "Miracle").

However this, the 2nd of Erasure's singles from their heartfelt and romantic "Nightbird", is not as amazing as their first single release "Breathe".

The b-side "Lie To Me" is IMO their worst song from the Nightbird era. While "Breathe's" B-Sides were stellar(especially "Gone Crazy"). Not horrendous enough where I won't listen to it, just not up to par with the other "Nightbird" songs.

Likewise, the video for "DSYLM" isn't anywhere close as being as good as "Breathe's" dramatic and serious video. Instead the boys went for a cartoony outer-space video which I don't really think captures the essence of the song whatsoever. Cutting edge in technology but not something I have bothered to watch over and over and over again like I did with the "Breathe" vid.

The other remixes of "DSYLM" are pretty good too. The "Single Mix" sounds a lot like the original version but with a slightly different bass, more varied drum sounds and a bit faster song. While the "Radio Mix" adds in a lot of bass.
The "Mark Moore & Eon Vox Mix" has a really nice beat to it but the soulful vocals are lost in the process. "ATOC's mix" is the better of the two dance remixes IMO...really quirky, although that powerful synth almost ruins the song.

This is a definite pick-up for fans of Erasure and anyone who loves I Say I Say I Say for the Piney Gir Mix.

And for Mike: I LOVE EM ;)

Say You Love Them
Erasure really came back as a surprise recently with the well-received Nightbird record. That really was showcased as a great record. Their latest single is quite interesting as well. Don't Say You Love Me, the second single from Nightbird is a great song, and just has a good mix of electronica within a Phil Collins-like atmosphere all in one. It is just recognized as a surpring little diddy that just comes as a surprise. Yet, there is no doubt that it happens to be just a shame that people and radio might overlook this song completely. Still, I suggest you hear this, and see if you want the single, and the well-received Nightbird album.

Song: B 1/2+ ... Read more

Reviews (59)

WOW!
If this isn't the soundtrack of the year, I dont know what is. I mean, from the begining to the end of the CD, I couldn't stop listening to it. For one, Wyclef and Claudette always hit us big, but this song, is so catchy, that I put it on repeat for an hour. Its a good mixture of the latin world, and hip hop flava. I am not spanish, but even the songs in spanish were addicting. I found nothing wrong with this album, because its good to dance to, and I couldn't get the songs out of my head, when I left the theater. I picked up the CD in a hurry. You'll like the movie, surprisingly just as much as you'll love this album. Perfect soundtrack, good beats, amazing artists, this music pretty much made the movie. GET THIS SOUNDTRACK!

Not what I was expecting
First I'd like to say I LOVED the movie, and yes it did make you want to get up and dance. I like the CD, I don't however think the two go together. I bought the soundtrack thinking it would be the songs I loved in the movie and was suprised to find it sorely lacking. It doesn't have the same feeling as the movie. I'm hoping they release a second one that has more of the '60's style latin music that I was craving after seeing the movie. I would recommend the cd, because I really do like the mix of latin and hip-hop, I just want people to be aware of what they're really getting!

MUSIC LOVER!!!!
AWSOME!!! makes me wanna dance! im hispanic and love hip hop! so i think its awsome that it has a hip hop style to it...and being hispanic many of us are mixed with black people so MORE POWER TO US!!!!!! its called afro-cuban or afro-hispanic same THING!!!! GO LATINOS AND LATINAS!!!!

So much more than I thought it would be...
Being a huge of fan of the first movie and its entire repertoire of songs, I was skeptical when told about an upcoming sequel/prequel. So many turn out to be weak, bland, repetitive versions of the original and I thought 'Havana Nights' would be a total washout, both plot and music-wise. I was pleasantly surprised on both counts. Not only was the movie fresh and entertaining, I actually ran out and bought the CD as soon as my schedule permitted!

Not being a regular listener of Cuban music, I must admit that I can't comment on the soundtrack's authenticity. Seriously though, I didn't care a whit about whether Cuba played these kind of songs during the 1950s or if the rap influence is more American than Latin. None of it mattered. Tracks like 'Dance Like This', 'Guajira', 'Represent, Cuba' and 'Satellite' were catchy, appropriately sexy and contemporary without sounding overtly 'pop' and had me shimmying and shaking right along with Diego Luna and Romola Garai. I also found the ballad 'El Beso Del Final' hauntingly beautiful... And that was before I found a translation and realised how poignantly apt the lyrics were.

All in all, I'd say this one's a keeper. It's going to my personal 'Hall of Fame', right next to the 'Dirty Dancing' and 'More Dirty Dancing' soundtracks I have carefully tucked away. :)

Lets get dancing
I wathced the movie and its great! If u saw it,u want to go to cuba,have a sweet boyfriend like Diego Luna there and dance with him all the nights! The song from the cinema trailer is Latin Lover from "Lemon" Its a great song,why isnt he on the soundtrack cd? ... Read more

Amazon.com

If one's notion of "world music" promises a touch of the exotic and indigenous, often overlooked is the fact that the influence of western pop music has seeped into every corner of the globe, creating a hybrid that's often more than merely the sum of its influences. Theater vet Brightman steps into that pan-cultural hall of mirrors here, wedding her fascination with the music and rhythms of the "forbidden places" (the title's Arabic meaning) of the Middle East to her own oft ethereal vocal charms and rock-solid sense of drama. And if the diva's equally sound crossover sensibilities (and that of longtime producer Frank Peterson) sometimes mire it in familiar world-beat pastiche, Brightman's charmed muse manages some transcendent moments nonetheless. Her musical borrowings (Borodin for the title track; Puccini's *Madame Butterfly* for "It's a Beautiful Day") are as compelling as her choice of collaborators: classical violin star Nigel Kennedy and Iraqi vocalist Kadim Al Sahir add compelling touches to the weary timeliness of"The War is Over." The musical influences range from Europe across the Mediterranean and as far East as the Indian roots of "Bollywood" composer A.R. Rahman's "The Journey Home" and Brightman's own "You Take My Breath Away" to evocative recastings of the emblematic standards "Stranger in Paradise" and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," while ex-Killing Joke keyboardist Jaz Coleman provides the savory East-meets-West orchestrations that ensure Brightman's star turns the seamless foundations they deserve. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (163)

TAKE ME TO THE HAREM!
Oh what a wonderful album release! In short words to describe it, brilliant, a masterpiece in the cross-over music and a must for every CD collectors. For the information of everyone, Harem refers to the forbidden places, where nobody can enter or explore the inner beauty of the faraway lands. It does not completely adapting the Arab musical instruments, but touches all the hearts for those who will hear "THE WAR IS OVER." Kadim Al Shahir participation is much appreciated by the arabs colliding with an artist from the West End. A collaboration by great artists like Nigel Kennedy, Ofra Haza, Natasha Atlas and A.Abdul Rahman. Best cuts to keep on listening are: The War is Over, Beautiful, The Journey Home, Free, Arabian Nights and of course, the title track harem. A very marvelous start to appreciate the beauty of this album! A real getaway music from the usual crossover albums she has made - Eden and La Luna. This surely will top previous album La Luna and Encore. I could say, if you have liked Fly, this one will definitely soothes your mind and soul...

A MUST FOR EVERY CD COLLECTOR OF SARAH BRIGHTMAN!

EXCELLENT, But Perhaps Not Sarah In Tip Top Form!
There are 3 Sarah albums that soar above just anything else out there today.(1) LaLuna,(2) Time To Say Goodbye,(3) Eden..It is asking too much for anyone to continue on such a high level, but this album is just about as good as these three! There are some nifty ,toe-tapping neo-disco tunes here which might even be called joyful, especially the first 3! And I admit I first did not really like this CD, but on further playing, it's now among my all-time favorites.On a few tunes, including the title "Harem", Sarah's breathing is very audible, something the sound engineers should have eliminated. (This is my only criticsm, though) An original here "Till the End of Time" is among Sarah's alltime best, and there are many other worthy moments, including new versions of the tried and true "Wonderful World",and "Strangers in Paradise"..If you're new to Sarah, this is surely the bounciest, least solemn album. I give 5-stars, since this is surely among the best of recent releases, though maybe not quite not up to Sarah's very best! But still many great songs, and another illustrious addition to the Sarah catalogue!

Soaring over the New Baghdad
Get on board a magic carpet ride with Sarah. "Harem" introduces us to the new Sarah with her coloratura voice & Arabian beats. This sets the tone for the whole album. Later we hear masterpieces such as "Free", "Beautiful" (Sensual), "It's a Beautiful Day" (Exquisite Madame Butterfly-inspired),. This album takes you through a journey of the soul. It's beginning teases us with the quiet melodic Arabian sounds, then kicks in with the full pulse-pounding beats & descending strings. Sarah then pours out her sensuality with meaningful ballads. After this, she gives herself to me by releasing her voice to its maximum abilities in operatic pieces that will "Take Your Breath Away". Buy this album and soar over Baghdad.

..What A Wonderful World.. What A Wonderful Remix!!!!!!!!!
When I first heard of Sarah's version of What A Wonderful World, it is definately one of the most beautiful song I had ever heard. I hated this song before, but Sarah takes the song and reinvents it to 'now'.. It sounded fresh as if the song was written yesterday!!! Loved it, though the music was sorrowful but it made me think of even though with all this 'war' going on right now, it made me think... "What A Wonderful World!!"

Buy It!!
Amazing music combination, from Classic, Pop, New Age, Chillout!! wow! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Among the BEST Soundtracks of all time

1983 Academy Award Nominees
Best Original Song from a Motion Picture

Flashdance: Giorgio Moroder, Keith Forsey, Irene Cara [Song: Flashdance...What a Feeling]
Flashdance: Michael Sembello, Dennis Matkosky [Song: Maniac]
Tender Mercies: Austin Roberts, Bobby Hart [Song: Over You]
Yentl: Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman [Song: Papa, Can You Hear Me?]
Yentl: Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman [Song: The Way He Makes Me Feel]

. . .and the Oscar goes to:

"What a Feeling!" by Irene CARA!!!

It made the film FLASHDANCE a monster success, and also went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Too bad the song "Gloria" by Laura Brannigan is not on this soundtrack, because it was in the film.

The Saturday Night Fever for the 80's
I have owned this soundtrack in first cassette, then vinyl, now on c.d. format. What I would have hoped for in the remastered version was the classic extended versions of some of these tracks radio stations use to play when Flashdance was hot ! Tracks like What A Feeling, Maniac, and a couple of others had some remarkable extended counterparts which are now completely difficult to find.Flashdance did not conform to the "breakdancing" period like other movies or soundtracks did. It was pop-rock at it's best before the Top Gun soundtrack.The only artist to still carry some weight after all these years is Donna Summer.Everyone else is just a faint memory. Where's Kim Carnes ? Michael Sembello? Laura Brannigan? and let's not forget the blue-eyed soulful voice of Joe "Bean" Esposito who was a soothing cross between Michael McDonald and a lightweight version of Barry White on Lady, Lady, Lady.

There is very little difference in the remastered version with regards to sonic quality. The sound level is a little bit higher with a little more bass and a little more treble. Otherwise, nothing that could be considered a revelation ...

Very Excellent Stuff
I must say- this is some very excellent stuff. All the music in this thing sounds very great- especially the title track. The others are also just as good, even "Maniac". So- to sum things up- this is a great soundtrack!

Soundtrack better than the film
I've owned this soundtrack in various mediums and it stands the test of time. Just a really good CD. Soulful, upbeat, different. NICELY done.

Sweat like the girls in Flashdance, in your very own home!
All in all, this is a good soundtrack if you like this movie. Bummer that Joan Jett and a couple of the other really good songs aren't on here, but it is still great. Bottom line: IF YOU'RE A HARDCORE FLASHDANCE FAN, YOU NEED THIS. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Adding pop savvy to their soul-disco mix, Jamiroquai grabbed the attention of MTV and Top 40 radio and won a Grammy with this platinum-selling album, their third. It's a fine record, with warm keyboards, sweet strings, and irrepressible grooves grounding Jay Kay's sublime vocals and fueling the hits ("Virtual Insanity," "Cosmic Girl," the title track). That voice--elastic, jazzy--is the fire of the band, but immaculate guitar sounds, snappy backup vocals, and clever old-school soul samples (Eddie Harris on "Alright," Esther Phillips on "High Times") are the details that create perfection. Balancing the dance-ready, radio-friendly tracks are the ballads "Everyday" and "Spend a Lifetime," the reggae-styled "Drifting Along," and a couple of didjeridoo instrumentals. --Suzanne McElfresh ... Read more

Reviews (105)

Manifest Destiny: Jamiroquai show their true colors
Just when you thought there was a single band in the world not fueled by greed. On "Travelling Without Moving", Jamiroquai take their music to a new level: "Commercial". Meaning you've probably scene the video for "Virtual Insanity" countless times. Forget the sincerety and quality of the previous albums and prepare for cars, women and all the excesses that have preserved the longevity of bands like the Rolling Stones.

This effort encorporates one song from nearly every genre of black music. Disco, Reggae, Jungle to whiny "Boyz II Men" type ballads and a bit of rock-ish influence but very, very little in the way of Funk, Soul or Jazz from which the band won critical acclaim. The almost non-existant range of Jason Kay's songwriting and lyrical structure seems to remain.

Make no mistake, the album does have it's funky moments. "Do you Know Where You're Coming From?", the bonus track on the US lp, is a worthy drum n' bass tune. But if you suffer from insomnia let "Virtual Insanity", "Alright" and "Spend a Lifetime" be your cure. Several issues to which Jay would previously object are executed quite easily. It makes one wonder if Sony was the driving force behind this record.

This is not a fake plastic pop version of the band. In fact, it's a revelation. Jay Kay no longer parades as an eco-friendly man with a mission, but rather as himself. It shows us also the future of Jamiroquai's music as being less interesting as time goes. Thus, "Travelling" is deep in a shallow sort of way.

My Favorite of Jamiroquai's Work!
In my opinion, "Travelling Without Moving" is the best of jazz/funk/pop band, Jamiroquai's, work! Who can forget the infamous video for "Virtual Insanity" and the way you and your friends tried to figure out how they filmed it (even I was surprised by how simple the technique was)?!?

I was very impressed with Jamiroquai's music from the second I heard it. Having been a fan of similar music from the Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai was a pleasant and welcomed surprise. It's unfortunate that it took three albums (along with a quirky video and lead singer) for the United States to take notice of this incredible band. Jay Kay's vocal abilities are wonderful. His voice can go from fun to loving to sensual very smoothly and effortlessly.

Needless to say, I quite enjoy this album!!!

Stand-out tracks:
Virtual Insanity
Cosmic Girl
Everyday
Alright
You Are My Love

If you want to hear some seriously good music and have a lot of fun while doing it, buy this CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The turning point
For us Jamiroquai fans who love the instrumental and creative side to the band, Travelling Without Moving is the album that begins a total descent into 'jazz-pop', that Jamiroquai, by the two latest albums have turned into. The album does deserve 3 stars due to its' obvious merits in terms of accessability. Virtual Insanity is the best song on the album, and one expects the album to develop depth and innovation wise, but it simply never occurs. One of the main reasons seems to be in the bands increased use of strings and guitars, rather than a greater range of horns and synths, which makes Jamiroquai's music less challenging and gives it an easy cuddly feel.
Overall the album is a collection of catchy songs, but with little experimentation, sadly unlike Space Cowboy and Emergency.

the best imitation of someone else's album
Ok, so Jamiroquai has a strong similarity to mid-seventies Stevie Wonder. I dont see anything wrong with that, Stevie Wonder has influenced many bands. I wont say Jamiroquai is very original like some reviewers say, but they are good at what they're doing. It was refreshing to have some uplifting sounds emerge out of mid-nineties Britain due to an array of good but dark and melancholic music like Tricky, Portishead, etc.

One could say that Jamiroquai's lead vocalist not only imitates Stevie Wonder's voice but his lyrical character, this is true. But hey, if you're going to imitate someone, Stevie is a great choice. Differences from Jamiroquai and Stevie is that the music more dance orientated, otherwise it would sound like a perfect follow up to Songs in the Key of Life (except that Jay Kay's voice is no match for Stevie's).

I admit, imitations are not good, but Jamiroquai has altered enough for me to excuse it and to realize it's just good music.

The poor man's Stevie Wonder!
Forget this guy and get the real Stevie Wonder. ... Read more

Album Description

Asian exclusive limited edition pressing of her sophomorealbum includes one bonus track, 'Catch 22', along with abonus CD sized spiral bound 40 page 'Dear Diary' note padthat's housed together with the CD in a special slipcase.Enhanced with photo ogallery and lyrics page. 15 tracks inall. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (489)

It's not just about the pink hair anymore.
Sure, she may have caught your eye with her pink hair and fresh lyrics, but this CD offers something even more. Missundaztood is Pink's clear departure from typical music today. As she stated in an interview, she's really laying herself out on a line here. It's dangerous, but sometimes that's what it takes to succeed. Well, Pink, lucky for you - it worked!!!

Pink comes clean on tracks like "Missundaztood" (self-explicable) and the heart-wrenching "Family Portrait", about kids stuck in the middle of a divorce. This is Pink's real life story - when she wrote the song she played it to each of her parents and broke their hearts *sigh*. Other highlights are the determined "18 Wheeler", the sassy "Respect", and the rockin' number "Numb". By singling these ones out I am by no means putting down the rest of the CD - notice I haven't even included tracks 3, 4, and 5, which are all singles.

This multi-faceted album starts out fast and mellows out to allow Pink's honesty some leeway, and the CD ends just as great as it started. It's clear-cut and rockin' smooth, with a little less edge than her debut "Can't Take Me Home". That's not a bad thing, just notes the direction in which her style is leaning as she matures. Her image has also changed a little - but while her name no longer applies to her hair (pink, white, purple, black - whatever) it doesn't seem to matter anymore, Pink is all about the music. Just buy this CD and you'll see what I mean, then maybe you'll understand her. Great CD for Pink fans, or curious converts-in-the-making. For lack of a better word - THIS CD ROCKS!!!

Pink's BEST Album!
I was really amazed when I listened to
this cd. None of the songs are similar! There are songs from
rocking numb to the blues of Misery. I have listened to this cd
for a year and I haven't got bored! And here are ratings for each song (1-10).

Get the party started: 9.5/10 Awesome Party song, good lyrics, makes u wanna move...
18 wheeler: 10/10 one of my favorites, bridge is great
missundaztood: 10/10 soft and simple and... just soo Great!
dear diary: 9.5/10: this is quite nice and catchy!
Eventually 10-/10 best slow song, far, far, far away from boring!
Numb: 9/10 Í didn't like this at firs, but it's quite nice and ROCKING!
Just like a pill: 10+/10 perfect! Best pink song! Tough lyrics, really catchy!
Family portrait: 9/10 good ballad, P!nk gets emotional...
Misery: 9.5/10 Steven Tyler is soo good in this! ...and P!nk of course. Nice blues...
Respect: 8/10 Fast, powerful, but not my favorite from the cd.
Don't let me get me 10/10 Really, really good, quite rocking, I never get bored on this!
Gone to California 7.5/10 It's nice, but too slow for me.
Lonely girl 10/10 One of my favs, great duet with Linda Perry, great chorus, great everything..
My vietnam 9/10 I like this one, nice guitarr solo in the end
Catch 22 (bonus) 9.5/10 and nice end...

...not bad...4 sum1 who disses pop & is herself a pop artist
i love this CD. I bought it mainly for Just Like A Pill and found that most of the songs on her appeal to me. The beats and sounds of this make for great party music.

i dont get why she's classified as a pop artist tho...some of the music sounds poppy, but not completely...shes more alt/punk or pop/punk...

good CD....that wraps it up

this is the sound for her!
The first album was cute but this one is better. The sound she had for this album seems to fit her better. My favorite is "My Vietnam" and "Family Portrait". "Don't Let me get me" is close to home for me. This is my anthem. Her future albums should sound a lot like this one.

Pretty good.
This album is 100% better than her first one. This one has better tracks such as 'family Portrait' that is personal and lovely. 'Get the party started' is incredibly catchy and a great dance song. 'R.E.S.P.E.C.T' is a really cool song that has a good beat about it. I love all the songs on P!nk's albuma nd think that she is an talented singer that just does not care about what other people think about her!!! I think that her voice is.... fab!!! I am so happy she was discovered as a artist because i would hate to think of her as a undiscovered talent that only sings at talent shows and in her bedroom!! ... Read more

Album Description

Here's another ultra-high quality collection from Eric, the first to venture into the SEVENTIES.Seventeen of these songs made the Billboard Top 20!As usual all recordings have been digitally re-mastered from the best available sources in true stereo. Includes detailed 8-page booklet with notes on each song by Paul Grein (who wrote the notes for Rhino’s "Have A Nice Day" series). ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Some rare hits, "Hard To Find"?, On one cd, yes,
I think they did a great job, This is called "Hard To Find 45's"Not hard to find CD's. And Hard to find doesn't always mean, "Hard To Find", does it?couldn't it mean, a long forgotten hit song or "Remember this hit from 1972"? Ok, I admit, the first 5 CD's in the series did have some VERY hard to find 45's, but, you have to account for copyright laws, etc. Right? I'm not a expert on copyright laws, but, that just seems like some problems that comes with this job. I'll say, maybe they couldnt get the VERY "hard to find 45's", and got some that were not heard often on radio like other over play'd songs. So, I think they did a great job in finding these. I don't believe you'll be hearing some of these song's on the radio very often, they're not played enough, Thats one of the big reasons CDs like this sell good.Just buy this and enjoy, put it in, relax and enjoy the trip to the 70s. You want it, buy this CD.

Most of these are easy to find
While there is a wealth of great 70's songs on this set, only Chris Rea's "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" is really a difficult find, and even that one can be had with moderate effort. For a better sampler of hard to find hits, try "Lost Hits Of The 70's" on EMI-Capitol Music or the Barry Scott "Lost 45's" series (although Vol. 1 of that series is hard to find itself, and doesn't come cheap used).

Nevertheless, there are a lot of good memories here, so it's a decent value. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you're getting rare songs on this CD, because most of these songs are all over the place.

More classics than hard-to-find
The key here, in Eric Records latest collection of 45's on CD, is that while many of these songs have been available elsewhere on CD, the versions found here are the original singles. All of the 20 tracks here were top-30 so even the casual listener will be humming along with just about every tune. The hard-to-find aspect comes into play here with the appearance of the likes of Prelude's "After The Goldrush" and domestically at least, Boney M's "Rivers Of Babylon". While there are only a few such uncommon tracks in this collection, there are finds here such as the original version of Chris Rea's "Fool If You Think It's Over", a song often encountered in its rerecorded version in other compilation CDs. While the hard-to-find nature of this collection is thinner then other Eric CD's, the quality of the production is everything that we have come to expect from this small independent label. Sound quality is excellent with all tracks in stereo and interesting backround is provided on each of the included tracks in the liner notes booklet. While not quite as interesting from the collectors' standpoint as previous ones, this volume in the "Hard To Find On 45..." series does offer an excellent tour of the mainstream pop music of the 70's done to Eric's usual high standards.

An even harder to find 45 of the 70s
A good collection but some of them arent all that hard to find. I am impressed that they included "After the Goldrush" by Prelude. I had forgotten all about that one. I hope they do a second collection of these hard to find 45s of the 70s and include "Once you understand" by Think. You cannot find this song on a CD and are hard pressed to find it on a 45.

How hard could they be to find?
Of all the tracks on the album, only 3 haven't already been released by Rhino on one or another of their Have A Nice Day series. So how "Hard-to-Find" could they have been?

Those 3 are McCoo & Davis, Prelude, and Boney M. And at least in Canada, every CD store has a bargain Boney M's greatest hits collection around.

Nonetheless, the songs themselves are great, but I'd like to find some of the REALLY hard to find hits of the 70's.

Like the following:
Song of Joy - Miguel Rios
Evil Woman Don't Play Your Games with Me - Crow
Go Back - Crabby Appleton
God Love Rock & Roll - Teegarden & VanWinkle
House of the Rising Sun - Frijid Pink
My Baby Loves Lovin' - White Plains
Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep - Mac & Katie Kissoon
Only You Know & I Know - Delaney & Bonnie
Resurrection Shuffle - Ashton Gardner & Dyke
Timothy - The Buoys

... and that only covers 1970-71. So how about some REALLY hard to get tracks, please? ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Kool and Funky Wins The Race On This Greatest Hits CD
THE greatest hits CD to own from one of the 80s top hitmakers. Never as groundbreaking as Michael Jackson or Prince, or as flamboyant as George Clinton or Earth, Wind, & Fire, Kool & The Gang earned a steady stream of Top 10 hits throughout the decade that, heard together, indicates how quietly prevalent their sound was.

Never as popular as the comparable Ohio Players at their mid-70s peak, Kool & The Gang with producer Eumir Deodato crafted a funk/R&B/pop formula that clicked literally as the clock struck midnight to begin the 80s. They hit equally with funkier tunes and lush ballads, many with one-word titles: "Fresh," "Misled," "Cherish," "Joanna," "Tonight," and the cliched #1 hit "Celebration" (refreshed little by a house remix).

You also hear the group's bass-heavy, influential and heavily rap-sampled early hits like "Funky Stuff," "Hollywood Swinging," and the "Pulp Fiction"-featured "Jungle Boogie." Together, these songs form nearly 15 years of hitmaking that, despite personnel changes that ultimately sunk the group, stands with the best in modern classic R&B. Recommended.

All the Hits!!!
I knew Kool and the Gang was an awesome band. I grew up listening to them. But I never realize the impact that they had on modern music until I got this collection. Just hearing the songs (hits) back to back, made me respect their work even more. In a time, where R&B artists actually wrote, produced, and played their own music, what set Kool and the Gang apart from others is they had alot of crossover hits. But they never lost their funkness or koolness. Get this collection and learn to love Kool and the Gang all over again.

You're Right...ALMOST the Greatest Hits
This thumping, soulful collection of one of the greatest pop/dance and R&B/Rock bands that exploded out of Harlem and took the disco craze by storm in the 70s' and 80s' is almost complete. It includes all of their songs from the funk intro era of the late 70s' to the more pop/rock mixed and synthesized dance hits they made in the 80s'...except for 'Stone Love'! How could they leave that out? There are other collections made by tons of companies that feature all of these songs plus 'Stone Love' and others that are missing, plus several remixes and liner notes. If this is your collection though, its perfect sounding and a good edition.

Almost "The Very Best of...
Overall, this is a very good compilation that should satisfy most listeners. However, if they really want to hear just how diverse and talented this band was, they should have included the classic, "Summer Madness" It was (and still is) a mind trip of massive Jazz/Funk/and R&B proportions. Any true Funk Aficionado should hunt for this song and give it a listen.
Also, Where is the disco era's "Open Sesame" ? The horns on this cut are ree-diculous, The nasty bass line propels this song like a freight train, and the soaring vocal harmonies are not to be missed.

A full tilt boggie ride!
This collection by Cool and the Gang will turn your everyday living room into a funky disco tech. Immediately, as my wife and I were jamming out to tracks like Fresh, Misled, and Take It To the Top,we both were transported back to the time when roller skating on Saturday nights was so cool and so fun. This collection of hits by Cool and the Gang is a full tilt boggie ride for those of us who still love the way disco makes us move and feel. Treat yourself and buy this funky collection of hits. You won't be sorry. Enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Where Off the Wall was pretty much straight good times, Thriller introduced dread into Michael Jackson's solo work. By 1995's HIStory, this element curdled into overwhelming self-regard and out-of-touchness, but here it's bracing. While Thriller offers its share of cute ("The Girl Is Mine," a duet with Paul McCartney that was the album's first single; "P.Y.T."), the most memorable cuts remain "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," all of which meld musical imagination and worried-mind lyrics.

There's also the title track, which takes a cue from Parliament's concept pieces in employing Vincent Price to warn that nonfunky forces will "terrorize y'all's neighborhood." Thriller, of course, continues to battle with the Eagles' first greatest-hits package for the title of biggest-selling U.S. long-player ever. Bonus material on this edition includes "Someone in the Dark," from Jackson's E.T. children's album, and a Quincy Jones interview in which the producer cites "My Sharona" as the inspiration for "Beat It"--and, even better, the real-life Billie Jean's claim that Michael was "the father of one of her twins." --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (126)

5++ stars...
I give Michael Jackson's Thriller FIVE stars and I don't care for the title track, Billie Jean or Beat It (all which were world-wide hits). The album really opened the door for Michael's solo career thanks to, in part, the 25th Anniversary of Motown and the video for Thriller. At that time very innovated!!

I enjoy this album in large part because of The Girl Is Mine, Human Nature, P.Y.T and the Lady in My Life...all very R&B soulful tracks.

On the remastered versions includes behind the scenes (so to speak) with Quincy interview and a home demo for Billie Jean. As a fan of Michael Jackson-and I assure many fans agree...that this was a wonderful move by Michael and Sony. Rare tracks without going underground! :-)

Included tracks on the remastered version of Thriller are...
Someone in the Dark...track for the ET Storybook...really rare to hear. Nice slow track.

Billie Jean home demo...what can we say? a work in progress...a real treat, even for those of us who are not a fan of the track!! :-)

Voice over session from Thriller-including the never heard before 2nd verse. With Vincent Price...another wonderful treat.

and a song called Carousel...a pleasant song but I am glad that if a song had to been omitted the first time around, this song was a good choice to leave out compared to the other tracks on the album. It's another rare track if you don't get bootlegs from the underground

All in all, you can't go wrong with this cd, even if you have the first version cd because the extras and the remastered version of the original songs are well worth the money!!

What A Thrill
Thriller has been a household word for almost twenty years now. The mere mention of it conjures up images of invisible footprints, Michael and gang dancing to Beat It, the huge Thriller video, and Michael's showstopping performance on the Motown 25 television special. With no less than seven hit singles, this has become the biggest seller of all time, so much so that this album has been mentioned on the cover of the Guinness Book Of World Records. With this release, Michael Jackson and Thriller have become a phenomenon.

However, you when you take away all of the awards, music videos, and tabloid stories, you are left with the music. The special edition release is a chance to listen to the music with fresh ears. The remastering is a quantum leap over the original CD release, possibly because the original CD release was rushed out. Everything sounds a lot crisper, particularly the percussion and horns. Beat It sounds absolutely majestic in this new version and the most improved song of all.

The bonus tracks are a major treat. Someone In The Dark from the ET storybook is one of the lovliest songs he's ever done. The Billie Jean demo is obviously a work in progress but is interesting. The Billie Jean demo raises the question of whether or not there are other demos and outtakes around. They would be fascinating to listen to. The Vincent Price Thriller rap is hilarious and includes the missing 2nd verse (can you dig it?). Carousel, a Michael Sambello cut is okay but having it on the original album might have disrupted the impact of the original.

The front cover of the CD package sports a stunning cover of Michael with a baby tiger. With all of Michael's subsequent appearance changes, this photo's impact is particularly striking. It's almost as if the Michael that came out with Thriller doesn't exist anymore. With this album, he was not yet named "the King of Pop" but he was probably one of the most recognized and beloved person on this planet.

Buy this CD and rediscover the Thrill.

Genius!
Theres no question that this was overhyped. It doesn't matter. It deserves to be. One thing though I would like to say is that, even though this is a perfect album, I find albums like Dangerous, Bad, History and Blood On The Dancefloor to be better.

I do think this was a better follow up to Off The Wall.

Michael Jackson, the biggest selling recording artist in history, proves himself with the biggest selling album in history.

The best tracks are Wanna Be Startin Somethin, Baby Be Mine, Girl Is Mine, Billie Jean, Beat It, Human Nature and PYT!

Songs like Lady In My Life shows that he can sing beautiful ballads. The title song, "thriller" gets annoying so i skip that track often.

Michael Jackson is 100% innocent!

Visit my site: www.mjacksononline.tripod.com

Thriller [Bonus Tracks] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [EXT
Thriller [Bonus Tracks] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [EXTRA TRACKS]~ Michael Jackson is simply put it stupendous with many memorable tracks, i.e., beat it, thriller to name a few. It is the best selling album of all time and when one listens to it one knows quickly why.

60 million copies sold, the biggest selling album of all tim
60X platinum. Need we say more? ... Read more

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In the path of enormously popular collections of number one singles by Elvis and the Beatles comes this crammed (seconds shy of the 80-minute mark) disc from another pop-culture icon, Diana Ross & the Supremes. 14 Diana Ross/Supremes tracks appear in some of their most vivid sound ever, while the post-Ross Supremes get their due with "Stoned Love." Ross’ Hollywood years make for the weakest music here ("Touch Me in the Morning," "Endless Love"), but disco smashes "Upside Down," "I’m Coming Out," and "The Boss" prove as smart, canny, and enduring as Supremes 45s like "You Keep Me Hangin’ On" and "Reflections." The contemporary, yet already dated, remix of "Hangin’ On" at album’s end suggests, in fact, that Ross might make one more dance-floor comeback if paired with the right behind-the-scenes team. Basement Jaxx, anyone? --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Supremely Amazing, Supremely Different
Looking to start your Diana Ross and The Supremes collection? This is THE CD to do it with. Already got the hits? Well, you need this too, because the versions are different, and better than ever!

This collection is amazing and worth every penny. Unlike other compilations that have been remastered, the first 15 songs on this compilation have been REMIXED from their original 3, 8, and 16 multi-track session tapes! For those who don't know, remastering and remixing are very different. Now the songs are crystal clear, have longer fades, and the mixes are a vast improvement. They sound like they were recorded yesterday!

Another reviewer inaccurately wrote that the versions between older compilations are indistinguishable, but he is so wrong. The differences are like night and day. I guarantee it!

Harry Weinger, Andrew Skurow, Jeff Moskow and Suha Gur did an incredible job on this compilation. They must be fans because the proof is in the results. I like their past compilations on Diana Ross (The Motown Anthology, diana - Deluxe Edition, To Love Again), and the Supremes (DR&S Anthology, The '70s Anthology, Rodgers And Hart), but this time, they've outdone themselves. Thank you guys, and keep up the great work!

This collection is wonderful! It includes the best #1 hits, and a few that were #1 on dance charts, AC charts, R&B charts, and regional charts. They even mention other number ones that wouldn't fit on the single disc and TELL YOU where you can find them!

Finally, the Almighty remix is incredible. It has club hit written all over it. These guys have done the best remixes on Cher, Elton John and JLo.

Again, this is the perfect set to to have. You won't be disappointed! Buy it now!

NEW AND OLD, YET STILL A CLASSIC
This collection is fabulous, and here's why:
1. This collection is strictly the number ones (Pop, R&B, AC and Dance). If you want just one collection in a neat package, this is it.

2. The songs are newly mixed for clarity and many songs have extended fades. The songs actually sound better than any other collection out there, and not slightly, the differences are truly amazing. One cannot hear the difference on a streaming download, the proof is in the purchase.

3. For those purists who want original mixes, or perhaps more hits than exist here, there are MANY Supremes collections currently available: The Ultimate Collection (Mono masters), Anthology (Stereo masters on 2 CD sets for DR&S, 70s Supremes and Diana solo), a box set, and countless others.

4. Some people are giving this CD less than 5 stars because they want the original albums (there are over 30). I don't think this CD deserves to be penalized this way. Besides, Motown's new Hip-O select line will surely re-introduce several of these albums in the near future, I look forward to it.

Bottom line: Buy this CD, it's well worth every penny...and what a great price!

The New Motown Is To Blame
First of all, let me say that if nothing else the cover is beautiful and the pictures were enjoyable. I'm a young woman, however the songs that were released on this album are the same songs that I have always indenifed with the Supremes and have therefore been on compilation after compilation. Where are the previously unreleased tracks? As a buyer, this is the last time I will be sucker to nice packaging & promotion by the likes of Motown. Give us the gems that haven't seen the light of day and it would be nice to keep the ones that are already known in tact! Some of this material was downright butchered.

The new mixes are Supreme! BUT --
Tracks 1 thru 14 on this CD are amazing. Track 15 is not as good as the original. Track 24 is fantastic (the new dance remix!)

BUTT - What about tracks 16 thru 23 - the Diana solo #1's???

These are unfortunately BADLY REMASTERED. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is not the wonderful mono single mix that appears on "The Motown Anthology" or even the stereo single mix from "Motown Year-By-Year: 1970". It is a murky, muddled mess that sounds like it was culled from one of the old 80s CDs.

"Touch Me In The Morning" is - criminally - the early fade rather than the sublime long fade (3:52) that first appeared on "All The Great Hits" and was mixed and remastered by Paul Elmore.

"I'm Coming Out" is slightly SPED UP! It is actually noticeable upon listening. The best mix of the single mix is to be found on the "Disco Years: Vol. 4", remastered by the guru Bill Inglot. And for the best remastered single mix of "Upside Down", you must get "Billboard #1 Dance Hits: 1980", also remastered by Bill Inglot!

Ultimately, while most of the new 1960s Supremes mixes are exciting and pleasing on the ear, the Diana Ross solo mixes on this CD are shoddy. The Diva deserves better!

Diana Ross and the Supremes the #1's
I buy every every Diana Ross and the Supremes Package because Holland Dozier Holland produced the greatest songs of the 1960s.The Supremese remain tyhe best charting group in American history. 19 top ten hits including 12 number one hits in just eight years.The HDH team is the greatest American-born composers of the Rock Era., and maybe their race is the cause of them never getting grammys. All together HDH produced and wrote 12 number 1 and 27 top ten hits in four years. Only Lennon and McCartney surpass them. Each song is memorable and delicious. The remix of "You Keep Me Hangin'On" is worth buying the disc by itself. I liked some of the new re-mixes of the other songs. Diana's music was an addied bonus. Imagine what could be done with other songs by the Supremes if remixed with some verve and nerve? Each song is good,it is too bad that there were not more re-mixes. They are Supreme angels of 1960s and 1970s Rock and Soul. They just keep me and all their other loyal fans hanging on for the next re-issue. These sisters were aand are the paragons of glamour and good taste. Nobody will be unhappy with this package. The Diana Ross song are classy anbd remind us that before BET African Americans could be romantic and funky and en vogue without looking, dressing, and singing like self-hating stereotypes of demimondain in black-face. The showman ship and dedication to excellence with always made new fans for these girls from the Brewster Projects. They will never be replaced given the current crop of performers with no respect for themselve or their race. ... Read more

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The reflexes of those old enough to remember when "The Reflex" and "Rio" went rocketing up the Hot 100 in the 1980s may not be what they used to, but certain reactions to the first full spin of Astronaut can't help kicking in anyway. First among equals is exhilaration: Few can sit through pop this inventive--titillating, even, on the thumping disco dazzler "Bedroom Toys," which features Chic's Nile Rodgers--without owning up to a genuine thrill. And though the original fab five, as they're being heralded on this first disc in more than 20 years, leans a little heavier on Andy Taylor's guitar work than in the past, the band stays loyal to its original electropop sound, skillfully shuttling the faithful back in time but kicking in enough keyboard wizardry to avoid leaving them feeling old. Once the inevitable buzz dissipates (give it a while--the sunniness of opening anthem and first single "(Reach Up for) The Sunrise" sticks around, as does the moodiness of "Still Breathing"), puzzlement takes its place. Simon Le Bon sounds not a day older than when he recorded "Girls on Film," something for which he owes fellow 80s-band singers who flopped on the comeback trail an explanation. More puzzling still, though, is why Duran Duran waited so long to return: Had they reunited sooner, legions of dedicated, sophisticated popsters might have been spared the indignity that was the boy-band craze. --Tammy La Gorce

Talking with Duran Duran
Amazon.com contributor Beth Massa spoke with lead singer Simon LeBon and keyboardist Nick Rhodes separately to discuss the band's original line-up reunion, the passion they felt recording Astronaut, and their appreciation for their female fan base.

• Listen to the interview with Simon LeBon
• Listen to the interview with Nick Rhodes

Amazon.com

God bless punk and new wave. Without them, '80s pop music might well have ended up as vapid and ghettoized as, well, pop music of the '90s. Those late '70s movements were frankly reactionary at heart (seeking to counter what was perceived as the overwrought tendencies of rock's prog and hard-rock elite and calling for a return to the diverse energy of '60s Top 40), but their influences can be felt on nearly every cut of this triple-disc hits anthology, from the Buggles' all-too-prophetic "Video Killed the Radio Star" to the nouveau funk of Kool and the Gang, the Dazz Band, and the Gap Band, to the nascent big-hairdom of Night Ranger ("Sister Christian") and Whitesnake. If you're looking for the roots of alternative rock or obscure college playlist fodder, look elsewhere; this is prime-time '80s pop chart glory, as seen on MTV (over and over and over). Though the songs here cover a breadth of style and genre (if not necessarily substance), there's a remarkable unity of purpose and hook-laden musical accomplishment that's sorely missed. If this collection woefully shortchanges hip-hop, it still underscores a distinctly irony-free era where style admittedly triumphed over substance, as opposed to the '90s, where style caricatured substance. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Spud from Idaho
This was a great CD. There were a lot of artist missing, but not too many minor artists included. I bought another 80s CD set and there were a lot of songs in it that I'd never even heard of. This is a great CD if you don't have many 80s CDs. I had a lot of them on tape, but needed to upgrade to CDs.

This CD has a lot of good memories, but some are still missing.

Overpriced overview
Goodness knows there are enough 80's compilation CD's out there, and many cover exactly the same territory.

ROLE CALL! Culture Club, present. Blondie, present. Tears For Fears, present. Michael Jackson, absent. Soft Cell, present. Duran Duran, absent. Eurythmics, present. Frankie Goes to Hollywood, present. Cyndi Lauper, absent. Thomas Dolby, absent. Peter Gabriel, present. Madonna, absent. Kool & the Gang, present. Bryan Adams, present. New Kids on the Block, absent, but who cares? Not a bad turn out.

Given that there's under 50 tracks, there's a pretty good representation of the hits of the day, and even a few misses (Tempted, Oh Yeah, Weird Science) that have aged better than several high charted songs.

If somehow, by this point in your life, you've avoided buying these tracks separately, this is a good way to get them together for your next retro party. But you probably already have more than half of them or you wouldn't be reading this far. As such this may be more than you want to spend.

Check out Rhino's New Wave Dance Hits (Just Can't Get Enough) series for a lot more depth and a lot less repetition with your current collection.

Wonder who'll be included on the first 3-CD review of this decade...

Good Collection, not Great
This is a good collection of a variety of the pop side of the 80s music, although still lacking some of the most popular artists of the time, where is "The Material Girl," Madonna, Michael Jackson's "Thriller"? Cindy Lauper's "Girls Just Want to have Fun"? Huge hits from the 80s pop culture, all missing. Also missing, is another huge part of 80s music, the "hair bands" that were so wildly popular. Where are Cinderella, Poison, Faster Pussycat, Tesla, Motley Crue, Mr. Big, Skid Row? Not to mention it's missing the heavy metal, such as Metallica, Halloween, Jackel, WASP, Quiet Riot? I still have them on tapes that I bought throughout the 80s and I remember hearing them on the radio, why drop a huge part of the 80s music era? Also missing is the collections of the alternative bands of the 80s like Love and Rockets, The Cure, where are they? I like this collection, I just feel that they focused on one type of music that came from the 80s and ran with it. This would have been a great collection had they dropped some of the lesser known songs and added some of the other genres of the 80s sounds.

Lots of memories (of better songs)
It's a good collection of tunes from the 80s that appeals to those of us who came of age during the time. But, after a listen-through, it left me craving a collection with a few more of the high-points from the decade.

Music I grew up with...
There is not a bad song in this set. It is full of wonderful, classic music from the 80's and not to be missed. Ahh, the 80's. How I miss that time. At least now I can relive some of it with this music! ... Read more

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Fever was released on a wave of publicity as the lead single, "Can't Get You out of My Head," battled on the U.K. charts with the debut effort of Spice diva Victoria Beckham--and it won spectacularly. Kylie Minogue's sound has progressed again since the disco-inspired Light Years, plundering the retro style of post-disco electro from the late 1970s and showing what might have happened if Kraftwerk had produced Donna Summer or Chic. Unlike most pop albums, or indeed pop artists, Fever is geared toward high-energy dance rather than pedestrian "I love lovin' you" ballads. Aside from the aforementioned hit single, another standout is "Give It to Me," a great piece of dance pop that has everything from Britney-style wailings to Basement Jaxx funk wrapped up with a catchy and typically suggestive chorus. The closest Minogue gets to a gentler moment is at the very end with "Burning Up," a breezy guitar progression with a laid-back melody, but it doesn't last long as the need to start dancing again takes hold and Fever breaks into some electro funk, finishing on a definite high. --David Trueman ... Read more

Reviews (305)

A FABULOUS Electro-Pop Album from a Pop Goddess
Kylie has been tearing up the charts all around the globe for 14 years, has 34 top ten hits in the UK, peformed at the closing ceremony at the last Winter Olypmics, and has sold over 30 million albums worldwide (without the help of the US, mind you). She's finally getting her due here in the States... and THANK GOD! The production on this album is pristine with songs ranging from old-style disco to retro-80's super-pop to cutting edge dance tunes akin to Daft Punk and Basement Jaxx. Her voice, a fine-tuned instrument in and of itself, wraps itself around each melody with velvety precision. The number one world-wide smash, "Can't Get You Out of My Head" is a prime example of what this album holds in store for its listeners. Other stand out tracks are the naughty disco-tastic "In Your Eyes", the Ibiza flavored summer tune "Love at First Sight", and the ultra-cool "Fever" and "Give it to Me" which pay some serious homage to the music of the where-are-they-now girls of the 80's (i.e. a certain plucky Laker Girl named Paula). With such a stagnant pop-scene and a less than happy past year, this album is truly the thing to spice things up a bit. Let's hope we can give Kylie reason to stick around in the States for a while...I'm sure she'll make it worth our while.

can't get this CD out of my boombox
Well, Kylie hits us again with "FEVER" the new CD. If you hurry up and order it, you can get 2 bonus tracks "Boy" and "Butterfly".

1. More more more- Not so good. I like the beat and the intro.
2. Love at first sight- THE BEST SONG IN THE CD!! I love this song its funky, hip hop, and up2date!
3. Can't get you outta my head- Getting old now, but still a good dance tune.
4. Fever- My favorite track on the album besides Love Affair
5. Give it to me- A good song but a little short.
6. Fragile- Great lyrics I've got2 say! A nice ballad to cool of the album.
7. Come into my world- A good song with a funky beat,
8. In your eyes- The lyrics are odd in a way but a nice tune!!
9. Dancefloor- I like the lyrics and the beat, so i guess its a good track then!
10. Love affair- Good lyrics. A good 3rd single.
11. Your love- I don't listen to this song that much but its alright.
12. Burning up- A GREAT SONG!!!... The begining you might change it but keep listening!! It gets better. The beat keeps up in the end and its a rockin song man!!
13. Boy- The best of the 2 bonus tracks
14. Butterfly- Its alright i guess.

Well, You need to catch Kylie's Fever because it is one of the best CD's of the year to me!

...

Minogue is a no-no
I bought this Kylie Minogue CD because I kinda liked her American breakout "I Can't"" and expected a disco/pop album like that of her big single, but didn't really enjoy the record on a whole. No great vocal talent except that of a karaoke queen in my opinion! Britney Spears at least has a distinctive sound. I like her new hit "Slow" from her latest release, but Minogue isn't that great. She's yet another in the industry's actress-to-singer formula, like Jennifer Lopez and Hilary Duff.

When it catches
She had me at la, la, la, la...This is a great dance CD. Pop at its best. Her American competitors can't hold a candle to most of her songs on this CD. If you have any rhythm whatsoever, you'll appriciate this CD. Also, check out Body Language.

Standout songs: Love at first sight, can't get you out of my head, come into my world, in your eyes, burning up

good cd
This cd is a preety good dance disc. It hits all the things that make a good dance cd, but thats as far as it goes. If your looking for something that has a bit more, then you might want to look elsewhere, but if you want a good dance disc look no further. ... Read more

Album Description

FILMS ABOUT GHOSTS, a greatest hits package featuring songs from every fase of the band's ten-year recording career. Also includes the hit single from SHREK 2, "Accidentally In Love." ... Read more

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Colombian superstar Shakira's first English-language disc, Laundry Service, carries the pointed credit "Entire Album Produced by Shakira." That might be a signal to U.S. fans who helped two of her previous discs go platinum under the media radar--a sign that this planned breakthrough has more to offer than the input of a score of image makers and outside writers. And it does; even the occasional clunky lyric comes directly from her overflowing heart. Laundry Service's meld of danceable pop and rockier ideas and textures follows the similar path of the singer-songwriter's previous work. Indeed, for all its high-end production values, the record is ultimately one of the least glossy crossover vehicles imaginable. Despite an occasional lean toward Celine Dion territory ("Underneath Your Clothes"), it has a freshness that's sure to win over new listeners even after the first single, the sly "Whenever, Wherever," has reached the saturation point. While still not fully formed as an artist, she's getting close to something of her own--something that may flower after she dumps the vocal Alanis-isms. For now, it's still a pleasure to watch her grow. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (572)

ONE OF TODAY'S REAL TALENTS
My initial impression BEFORE listening to "Laundry Service was "here we go..yet another girl pop singer to go with Britney, J. Lo, Ashanti, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera etc. etc. etc. and the rest". Don't believe first impressions. I watched her "Unplugged" DVD which is in Spanish (I don't speak it) and was really impressed by her abilities as a performer. Then I heard this CD. Shakira absolutely leaves those other girls for dead in the talent realm. I have heard this album over and over and the thing that strikes me most is the diversity of styles and influences that abound on this album. I'm surprised no one else has mentioned the nod to The B52's "Rock Lobster" during the guitar break in "Objection (Tango)". The opening to "Poem To A Horse" reminds me of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday". How cool. The other tracks particularly "Fool", "Underneath Your Clothes", "The One" and the Spanish language tracks are all quite good. The lady obviously is careful with her image and it's refreshing to see such an attractive female performer as Shakira NOT flashing bare body parts in her videos, something her contempories are guilty of as an apparent distraction from any lack of quality in the songs portrayed. She also had the good sense to NOT turn the clip to "The One" into an entry to a wet t-shirt competition. If you've seen the clip you'll know what I mean. The serious, talented girls like Shakira, Norah Jones and Australia's Delta Goodrem will concentrate on the music and not the image because that's what's important. If you want to determine the song's quality, listen with your ears, not your eyes. I recommend "Laundry Service" heartily as an enjoyable album to listen to, something I can't say about the recent boring efforts of her "R&B" contempories.

Shakira is one of the best artists...
I totally love her new album! I don't usually buy a single artist cd, because I usually will regret it. So I usually buy various artists albums. But Shakira's new single "Whenever, Wherever" is the reason why I brought her cd...and I haven't stop listening to it! I am now actually finding time almost everyday just to listen to her cd! The music and the lyrics of the songs, are just..wow! Track #2 "Underneath your clothes" is my next favourite song on her album. Very touching and emotional. And Track #11 "Eyes like yours (Ojos Asi)" is just great to dance to. Also, some recognition to Track #9 "Poem to a Horse"; very meaningful. Except for the 4 Spanish songs on the album, which I have no clue what the heck the lyrics mean. But even though I don't understand Spanish, I still listen to them because I love the rhythm and the music of these 4 Spanish songs. I actually have tried to sing along with the Spanish lyrics in my hands! It is that good! And I don't know why some people are comparing her to Britney. Britney doesn't write her own songs! Don't compare Shakira to Britney just because Shakira dyed her hair! In my opinon, Shakira is better than her!

not so into this...
ok i dont mean anything bad about shakira... i mean its just an opinion about her music im not here to criticize her or talk bad about her. but just like some1 before me said, its really true that her music sounds better in spanish... in all kinda ways... im not even into this kinda genre of music, but i just had to put my review here after seeing a video of hers now on tv (poem)... ive heard her album 'laundry service' too, and honestly it wasnt that nice (for me).......

Laundry Service
Laundry Service~ Shakira is one hot and sexy singer. She is so amzingly good looking that it is almost criminal. Her vocal skills are very good. Her lyrics are fun and fancy free. She is one of my favorites...

The best break-through act ever
This cd is brilliant, Shak knew how to mix all different kind of styles, and she used her voice with everything it has.
In contradicti to other,s i think the lyrics aren't bad becuz of her 'bad english'. Her english is very well, and the lyrics are just different from those simple Britney-lyrics. Shakira uses metaphors, strange rhymes etc. Very original.
Shakira is brilliant in writing music. She knows every instrument, and she is involved to every instrument used. Whenevr wherever has brazilian drums and a panflute. Underneath your clothes, is a quite acoustic song with instruments like horns and trumpets in it, Objection is a pop/rock/tango song, one of the most original songs on the cd. Rules is kinda 'back to the 70s' song, the one is a beautiful rockballad with strings in it (my fav shaki song). Ready for the good times is an '80s disco song, but with cool guitars, Fool is a quite bluesy rockballad and great lyrics! Te dejo Madrid is a cool rock song, with a cool harmonica, and ik makes you wanna sing and dance... and the lyrics are very funny! Poem to a horse is a rock song with trumpets and greta lyrics. Eyes like yours is an english version of Shakira's Ojos asi (1998). and seurte and te aviso te anuncio are spanish versions of Whenever... and Objection.

Ver original, and totally NO latin Britney! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

"Well I guess it would be nice, if I could touch your body...." Given George Michael's restroom hi-jinks in early 1998, those words from "Faith" sound pretty funny, but they sounded fresh and exciting blasting out of car radios all over America in 1987. Michael's stunning solo debut (after four years in the lightweight British duo Wham!) sold seven million copies and yielded six Top 10 hits. Some of those were among the decade's best pop, including the hiccuping title track, the heartfelt ballad "Father Figure" and the wicked R&B groove of "I Want Your Sex." Unlike so much 1980s treacle, this disc hold ups surprisingly well--even if Michael hasn't always done so himself. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Faith (1987)
Back then, I never really paid any attention to George Michael's music. It wasn't because I didn't like him or because he was gay. I had nothing against him and I still don't. When you're young, you don't tend to pay attention to a certain amount of music. Well, at the beginning of the summer, I heard One More Try and from then on, I became an instant fan of his. In fact, he has become a favorite of mine, right next to Madonna. This guy's got a voice of gold. You can't tell me that George doesn't have a great voice. He's got an amazing voice. This is an incredible debut album. He was a smash when he was with WHAM! With this album, he wanted to prove that he could do better as a solo act. And he proved himself right. He released six singles from this album. All six singles shot straight to #1.

FAITH
The first single from the album. It went to become a #1 hit for him. Although, it isn't one of my favorites, it's still an upbeat song. And yes, you gotta have faith. You gotta have faith, faith, faith.

FATHER FIGURE
The second single from the album. It was a another #1 hit. Great song. His vocals run real smooth on this one.

I WANT YOUR SEX (Parts 1 & 2)
Part 1 was the third single from the album. Some say that part 1 was a #2 hit, but apparently, those dead @$$'s are wrong. It was a #1 hit. Just so you know, this is not all one song. Part 1 ends at 4 minutes and 36 seconds. After that, part 2 starts. Part 2 ends at 9 minutes and 17 seconds. Both parts are awesome.

ONE MORE TRY
The fourth single from the album. Yet again, he scored himself another #1 hit. This is the one that turned me into a huge fan. I really get that feeling from it because it is a ballad that was composed correctly.

HARD DAY
I'm not sure if this was a single. It appears on his greatest hits, but I'm still not sure. But, anyhow, it's a great song.

HAND TO MOUTH
Great. Smooth.

LOOK AT YOUR HANDS
Very Funky.

MONKEY
The fifth single from the album. Another #1 hit. It's not one of my favorites.

KISSING A FOOL
Thie sixth and final single from the album. The last #1 hit from the album. This is one of my favorites and it's also my mother's favorite. This may be a jazz song, but it's too irresistible. The sound is very smooth. He sings it with passion and emotion. I own a little karaokee machine. Every chance I get, I always do this one. I sing pretty well, too.

HARD DAY (SHEP PETTIBONE REMIX)
Just as good as the original album version.

A LAST REQUEST (I WANT YOUR SEX pt. 3)
A great way to end the whole I-WANT-YOUR-SEX era. Very romantic for the ladies, if ya know what I mean.

If you buy this album, I can guarantee you that you'll be buying it again after you wear your first copy out. I definitely wore out the first copy I owned. Buy it and prepared to be amazed and impressed. Remember, you gotta have faith. Yes, you gotta have faith, faith, faith.

Songs of Faith and Inspiration,supposedly
George Michael solo debut album spawned six Top 10 hits. I WANT YOUR SEX(part 1) became a hit prior to the album's release and was heard in the movie BEVERLY HILLS COP 2. The title track has religious inspiration,that featuring a cathedral organ heard in the introduction. The album garnered quite a few Grammys,I must admit,one of them being album of the year in 1988. I think the others are best male vocalist and song of the year(don't know which one that is). George Michael had a hit album in 1984-85 with Wham!'s MAKE IT BIG which sold six or seven million copies like FAITH. The cassette and CD formats feature I WANT YOUR SEX PART 3 and HARD DAY(Shep Pettibone Remix).

George Michael's "Thriller".
If I remember correctly, I believe this was the bes