Reviews (180)

Excellent - but (unfortunately) non-adventurous
I love Seal. From early on in the "Crazy"/"Bring It On" days, through the gorgeous "Kiss From A Rose", his music has been as sleek as a finely tailored suit. Deep rich vocals, gorgeous instrumentation and just-right production (primarily from Trevor Horn) are hallmarks of everything he's ever released.
This is as true as ever on Seal (IV). And while the disc represents a move toward more introspective and "I care about the world" type lyrics, most of these songs would have fit nicely on Seal 1, 2 or 3. That's mildly disappointing, because there has to be an untapped potential to his artistry.
Seal ups the ante when it comes to dance beats this time out, and the strongest songs are the ones that really move your feet. "Get It Together" is a monster, all Philly-style soul with excellent house beats and gorgeous strings. "Let ME Roll" is an even better use of horns, which meld perfectly with some outstanding electronica touches and an impassioned vocal. And "My Vision" is possibly the best blending of techno and ballad styled music to be released this year.
There are, as always, some gorgeous slow ballads on this disc - and fortunately, Seal has mostly stayed away from the audlt contemporary style that he seemed to enjoy on his follow ups to "Kiss From A Rose". Here 2 songs in particular, "Touch" and "Loneliest Star" show the guy is the equivalent of Sade when it comes to quiet-storm styled R&B set to both lull and seduce the listener. Seal's even open enough to give a reggae song a try, and while "Where There's Gold" is not a killer cut, it is nice to hear his great pipes trying their best to expand in range.
This is great material - I just wish that there was something really "new" here - supposedly, Seal was finishing a different album (titled Togetherland)that was more adventurous than anything previous, but he was unhappy with the results, and returned to London to work with Horn. Here's hoping that some of these tracks find their way to the public - it would be great to hear what other styles or rhythms he works in.

Seal branches out w/ mixed results
Seal really tries on some different styles on this album - reggae, classic R&B - and for the most part succeeds. The best tracks are "Don't Make Me Wait", a beautiful Ray Charles-esque soul ballad whose arrangement is quite traditional (piano with string flourishes), and "Where There's Gold", a downtempo, somewhat ominous track with a reggae bassline and a great lyric.

Overall this does feel like a compromise record - keep in mind that Warner refused to release the "Wonderland" album because they couldn't market it(maybe someday it'll see the light of day), and certainly a lot of tracks here feel like they're intended for the pop charts. There's few weak tracks (the syrupy "Love's Divine" and the bland "Touch") but also few standouts - nothing that grabs you on the first listen like the tracks on his 2nd album.

I wish Seal would try a different producer - I've always felt that Seal's best tracks are the ones where his voice can stand out the most & the backing music is spartan ("Whirlpool" being the best example), and unfortunately Trevor Horn feels the need to bring the synth in at every point (I would have loved to see them keep the acoustic-y feel from the intro & break of "Get it Together" through the entire song rather than ladling on the disco synth-strings & horns).

Although this album does stand up to his previous work, overall I would say that this album is the least enjoyable of the four. Still, the man could sing the phone book and I'd listen, and so even a below-average effort from Seal is still worth buying.

Seal Does It Again
It seems that anything Seal sings is destined to be good, and IV is no different. Like his three previous albums the music is top quality, dominated by Seal's powerful voice. The cuts vary from up-tempo R&B to soft ballads. This album is right in the middle of Seal's ability, and although he doesn't reach to try something radically new it is still a great listen.

From the opening notes of piano and Seal's voice on "Get It Together" it is easy to hear this album is worthwhile. Starting with the upbeat dance feel tune of vocal gymnastics, Seal rushes back to the scene. "My Vision" is classic Seal letting his voice carry the beginning of the tune, as the accompaniment is barely noticeable before they jump in with force. The music experiments with different levels of intensity all held together by Seal's voice. He gets back into more R&B sounds with "Let Me Roll." His slow stuff is good too, but how could it not be with a voice like his. "Don't Make Me Wait" is soft yet powerful, and "Love's Divine" follows suit.

Let's face it, we buy Seal albums for his voice. His is one of the best in the business, and even if he played the same music over and over and only changed how he sang, we'd buy it too. The music is the canvas on which he uses his voice to paint vivid pictures of soul and feeling. If you're a Seal fan, this album is definitely worth it.

Feels a bit incomplete
Seal's 4th album "Seal IV" is his first since "Human Beeing" in 1998 but it's far from as good as previous albums. He and longtime collaborator Trevor Horn desperately try to make miracles of a album that never reaches above it's potential. Seal's somehow raspy voice is always pleasant to listen to but none of the songs here comes close to classics such as "Prayer For The Dying" "Kiss From a Rose" or "Crazy". They have also tried to make a new sound, a soulish motown sound, which doesn't suit the image of true Seal music. This album is far from bad, with many decent songs like the catchy disco influented "Get it Together" the ballad "Lover's Devine" and up-tempo "My Vision". The sound of many songs are great, but the lyrics fall plain. There aren't songs with magical hooks either. I would have like remixes on a few songs. The potential is there but it Feels a bit incomplete and messy. listen before buying.

Amazing CD!!!!
I can highly recommend this CD to everyone. It is an amazing mix of ballads and more upbeat songs that plays wonderfully in the background at dinner time and at partys or just for you when you enjoy a relaxing evening at home. This is a CD that gets better and better, the more you listen to it. I have to confess that when I listend to it the very first time, I wasn't that impressed but the more I played the CD the better it got. But this is what makes great music, listening to pieces without getting tired of it. I love this CD and I am sure that you won't regret this purchase. WEll Done, Seal ;-))) I am a big fan ;-) ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Assignment: To write 100 words on 56 songs by the greatest artist the '80s produced. Even with single edits substituting for full-length versions in a handful of cases, The Hits/The B-Sides is a mighty testament to the man we once called Prince. (For that matter, we still do.) In addition to most of his singles, from "I Wanna Be Your Lover" to "Thieves in the Temple," from "When Doves Cry" to "7," this triple-CD set throws in some worthwhile new music and a full disc of the fantastic flips that made buying 7- and 12-inches a must even when you already owned the A-side. "You can be the side effect," he mutters herein. "I'd rather be the dope." Witness some of the funkiest pharmaceuticals around. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (54)

All The Goodies
Prince has always been a outgoing artist, whether he plays pop, rock, or R&B. I know that their has never been a compilation that sums up his full career, from 1978-1993. When this was released, it had become a glittering item in his catalog. Some may call it a greatest hits compilation, some might call it a box set, but it is a testament of one of the biggest stars in the 80's and 90's. One of my biggest disappointments were the tracks, they were edited. That's alright, because we all know his songs and albums. This collection will also tell us that he was leaving Warner Brothers soon, making his own record label called NPG Records. The B-sides disc is full of singles: that never made it on any Prince album and some unreleased material including the stunning, Power Fanastic. This is the ultimate Prince collection, in my opinion.

Royal Box but with a few missing ¿Nobles¿
3 CDs of the best material Prince did for Warners at the time? Well, that is such a hard task to perform that it seems that someone just didn't bother to and let this one go in a few areas. Don't get me wrong. Some of these songs are indeed the jams of whatever year they came out, and even after that, but doesn't something seem missing.

Let's go in chronological for the "Hits" albums. "Soft And Wet" off his first album is sexy disco laced R&B. Before the genre got out of style, he gave it a rocky funk pace on hits like the unforgettable bass jam "I Wanna Be Your Lover" and the similar paced "Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad". Things get even more interesting when his royal badness gets into social commentary on "Controversy". 1982 brought "1999" and its relevantly funky dance title track along with the smooth pop of "Little Red Corvette". Then came a barrage of hit from "Purple Rain". The album that truly could classify him as the artist from a beautiful rock title track with light touches to masterful dance brilliance in "When Doves Cry" to rebellion on the right side rock of "Let's Go Crazy". The man could do no wrong.... Then came more unique eighties hits like psychedelic "Raspberry Beret" and smothering heat on "Kiss". "Sign Of The Times" is well represented on this set with good reason. Prince really made a difference its smart title track (smart stories that are still relevant today) and just made you happy with a fun duet still hot at time Sheena Easton on the commercial clash dance of "U Got The Look". Then with a separation from the Revolution, Prince made a funky R&B b line to grace the dance floors with hot steam with The New Power Generation on hits like hip hop laced "Gett Off", sexy pop rock of "Cream" and the sophisticated worldly "7". For even more appreciation of this early nineties feel for music, listen to "unreleased" songs like "Peach" and "Pope". Talk about a dirty mind! A brilliant one too, so what is the problem? Well, there are two main one. One is missing hits. I mean, I guess you can't have it all, but why cut out everything from "Batman"? Was it that much of a shame to him? "Batdance" was in fact a number 1 in the US and was a killer dance groove that made the movie have a new life. Oh well. That's not that much of a problem, because you can always by the albums for those missing tracks, but why do some songs have to be cut down to size ("When Doves Cry") and others are in a way to long forum ("Sexy MF"). Another oh well. Even Prince isn't perfect, or maybe he just didn't care.

The "B Sides" are pretty cool for the most part. Nothing touches the steamy dance funk of "Erotic City" with very special guests like George Clinton and Sheila E. Its one of those songs that managed to become a radio hit without trying as did the bouncy pop rock tune of "17 Days". Instant gratification with the Revolution on that one. Then early "Prince sounding" funkers like "Horny Toad" and light lovers like "She's Always In My Hair". Other than those, and the Gospel truth of "God", there is a bit of filler. Still good stuff and worth a listen.

In all, there is just too much missing here. I would love nothing more than to just think of what a great set of hits are on here, but with edits, missing hits ("My Name is Prince" also comes to mind now) and a little bit of excess on the B-sides, Prince fans will fell the strain. Still a must have, but get a few actual albums first and enjoy those. Don't get the overload all at once.

An Excellent Collection
Call him a genius, a wizard, a lengend, or just far ahead of his time. But the one thing you cannot call him is lazy. This magnum opus of music is far better than any greatest hits collection you can find of Prince, after one listen you can easily say that Prince Rogers Nelson is an icon.

Disc 1 & 2 are his released tracks from his Warner Brothers albums, and though the tracks aren't in chroniclogical order, it is well worth the funky voyage. With tracks like "Let's Go Crazy", "Dirty Mind", "1999", amongst others this album speaks for the legend in his own time. The Hits (disc 1 & 2) are sold individually.

Disc 3 is the real treat, they are the B-sides of the hits he released as singles. What makes this a prize is it's not like these tracks are not bad, they are excellent, as a matter of fact after one listen you'll wonder why Prince did not put thes on an album. The highlights are "Irresistable Bitch", "Feel U Up", and "She's Always In My Hair".

Warner Brothers released this when Prince opted out of his Warner Brothers contract, so to keep the fans happy they released the previously unreleased material.

To cut a long story short, this album is not a waste of time, listening and the most part money. 5 Stars all the way

Worth only for the B-SIDES But missing some hits
I have written quite a bit on Prince's Warner Bros. dispute,its aftermath and all the problems with their handeling of his music catalog however, things only got worse with the release of The Hits/The B Sides.I originally purchased this on its release date in 1993 and was looking forward to getting the Bsides I was missing on CD. Back then it was a little tougher getting a decent collection of his B-sides unless you had the original singles on vinyl. I've been a Prince fan for at least 20 years and have collected his work on vinyl (albums, maxi singles and 7 in. singles) so, this package was a treat a the time however, I couldn't say the same about the A sides (the Hits) after one listen. Most of the tracks are the single edits and therefore rather unattractive since they fare lighter than their original full length counterparts. The sequence is also rather off since it begins with When Doves Cry and somehow works its way into earlier Prince. I wasn't thrilled to find out that WB skimped out on his better work from albums like PARADE,SIGN o THE TIMES,THE BATMAN SOUNDTRACK (Batdance was a #1 HIT)as well as some of his ballads. Instead, we get complete throwaway stuff like Peach and Pope which are great songs but when were they hits???? I would have rather liked the inclusion of Scandalous, Batdance, Mountains, and Money Don't Matter Tonight. The liner notes for the collection offered a great deal of information and great pictures but that does not excuse WB from missing out on some of his better stuff. Listening to some of the B-sides such as Power Fantastic,For the Tears in Your Eyes and How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore? is the only real reason I have kept this disc set for over 11 years now. If you are really into Prince I would recommend this set for the B-sides and push for the original full length albums instead. The full length songs are best when left unedited for the listener experience, musical genius and overall appreciation of the music itself.

There have been many kings, but only one...PRINCE!!
There have been many Kings, but only 1 PRINCE....
Has there ever been a collection of music that not only defines an artist and his entire catalogue, but pop culture from 1978 to 1990. This is one of the best musical purchases I have made. After buying this collection I'll be ready for any song that Prince plays at his concert in August. DISC 1: I love this disc. There are only a few songs I have heard on here. I love the classics like, WHEN DOVES CRY, LETS GO CRAZY, 1999, I COULD NEVER TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR MAN, ADORE (my favorite) , AND I FEEL FOR YOU. But I found songs like SOFT AND WET and UPTOWN completely funky. I loved the ballads like DIAMONDS AND PEARLS featuring Rosie Gaines. PINK CASHMERE is so smooth and he's gonna make her a coat of...guess what? ALPHABET ST. is funky and playful, I love the rap in the middle too. SIGN O THE TIMES is very socially-conscious and teaches a lesson with every lyric. THIEVES IN THE TEMPLE is very rockish probably the most different song on this cd. DIAMONDS AND PEARLS is one of the most beautifully written love songs next to Adore and Nothing Compares to you. Rosie Gaines sings her ass off on this one. The last song on disc 1 is 7, is a very catchy song that shows Prince loving through thick and thin. DISC 2: CONTROVERSY, is a very funky track were Prince is retaliating back at all the B.S. he encounters. DIRTY MIND, is a very 80s sounding track that talks of him just wanting to lay ya'. I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER, is one of my fave Prince tracks its so funky and just oozes his ability to combine funk, pop, and pure musicianship. HEAD, is one of Prince's nastiest tracks. Even to this day, it's a shocker. DO ME BABY, is one of my fave Prince songs and very sexy, probably one of the sexiest songs he's done. A true burner! From numbers 7-11 is the highlight of the entire collection. These are the best string of songs from Corvette, to I would die for you, to beret, to if I was your girlfriend, to my fave up-jam from Prince Kiss. LITTLE RED CORVETTE has some of Prince's most personal and heartfelt lyrics even though have a hint of sexuality. if you don't know the words...u don't know the song. Sexy M.F. to Gett Off, to Cream are some of Prince's raunchiest. And how can you forget the spiritual PURPLE RAIN I love it, it can bring you to tears. One of his true bests. DISC 3: Are songs that you would never hear unless you bought the vinyl singles and heard the B-sides, but there are good b-sides like 200 BALLOONS, EROTIC CITY, SHE'S ALWAYS IN MY HAIR, HOW COME..., and POWER FANTASTIC At first I was skeptical about buying this cd, (even though I only paid 27 for it, I bought it at one of those hole in the wall shops). It was well worth it. I am now a Prince fanatic. His music has so many levels. The music is one, everyone can jam to a beat or croon to a slow jam, but after that there are his lyrics, and there is so much truth honesty, and brilliance. PRINCE IS ONE IN A MILLION!! BUY THIS SET! YOU WON'T NEED ANYTHING ELSE!! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Power, Corruption & Lies established New Order's identity separate from its previous incarnation as Joy Division. Containing "Blue Monday," one of the most sacredly important dance songs of all time, this album truly stands not only as New Order's most defining moment but perhaps as the most standard-setting moment in alternative dance. Yet as definitive as they may be, New Order have outsmarted any copycats. Owing in substantial part to Peter Hook's prominent and melodic bass lines, New Order's songs have always aspired to a complexity that maintains the band's timelessness. Rarely formulaic, New Order's songs are seldom overwhelmed by a four-on-the-floor throb. But interesting rhythms are just one facet of this musical diamond. Their foreboding, grim, and often just plain heartbreaking lyrics present a contradiction to most dance-pop songs, whose lyrics are almost always uplifting or even evangelical. With this album, New Order cut a path for themselves that was rarely, if ever, explored by other artists. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Excellent, but these other reviewers are way wrong!
First things first, this album came out in 1983, not 1988 (it made it to the CD format that year). Its fab, but I must say Low-life and Technique are better, especially when you consider that Blue Monday and its b-side, the Beach were NOT on the original album. Thats why you never heard of it back then! They were added to it when it was put on the CD, email me if you don't believe me, I've got it on vinyl, with just 8 songs. 586 was Blue Monday's precursor and appears here originally and on this one, note the keyboard similarities? Anyway, a fab album by New Order. Age of Consent still rocks.

Not their best, but very close to perfect.
Right then, another album, another review. This is the start of New Order for real, not their confused (yet superb) beginnings. Basically, I own all their CD's (nearly) and I can safely say this is their second best album (After Technique) Simply because my incarnation of it does not have BLUE MONDAY on it. But that's alright as it's on substance. This is actually a blessing in disguise because with Blue Monday the Album is overshadowed by its sheer inspired nature (not to mention the fact that 586 is an even less subtle re-hash of it when placed right beside its better brother). It would, for instance be all too easy to forget the fantastic Age of Consent, the beautiful " Village" and the serene wonderful and amazing "Your silent face" possibly the best album track they ever recorded (Though this is contended by "Face Up" and possibly "Dream Attack") the rest of the songs on this album are catchy and likeable, the highlight being "Ecstasy" as, unlike low life's "Elegia" and Republic's last track it is actually an istrumental that it is fun to listen to. Surprised? All in all, it was an amazing development in the Pop Music world and without Blue Monday (probably one of the top ten singles of all time) Rave, Madchester, even Modern Music as a whole would never have existed. Not bad for the same bunch of lads who started Grunge, eh? Just skip 586. It's really not that worthwhile.

"A Thousand Islands in the Sea, It's a Shame."
this is one of my favorite albums of all time. (look in my "so you want to..." lists to see what accompanies it if you want to). I'll tell you what about 1/2 of the other reviews already have, and that is that the original album didn't include "blue monday" or "the beach". it's true that the album does flow together more smoothly without them, but they aren't entirely unwelcome (though the last song really SHOULD be "leave me alone"; it's like adding something on after "some girls are bigger than others", know what i mean?) this is very moving music that never, ever feels smarmy. it's cold and detached while being warm and involving. i know that sounds impossable, but it's true. ok, yeah, as previously indicated, "age of consent", "the village", "your silent face", and "leave me alone" really are the best songs on the album, but the others aren't bad songs at all, it's just that these songs are so superb. these songs are all etheral stunners, and this album was the first masterpiece of the new genre.

Overrated
I don't understand why people seem to consider this album a classic, or New Order's best. Summer's voice just hasn't quite matured yet, as evidenced on 'We All Stand' and 'Ultraviolence' and others; he still sounds uncertain. Lyrically, as in the future, many of the songs are weak; a lot of them are just vaguely existentialist nonsense laid over some pretty music. It seems like the pall of Joy Division is still over them - the same dreary mood, without the genius of Curtis to make it work.

That said, the only way it seems to me that you could form the idea of this album being a classic is if you only listened to the first track, 'Age of Consent,' which is a masterpiece in every way; music, vocals, lyrics. 'Blue Monday,' of course, is also strong, and 'The Village' is a catchy and endearing track, with more interesting lyrics than most. The others songs, though, have either decent lyrics or strong music, and some are just unlistenable. I don't think that by any means New Order peaked with this album; God help the if they did. Thankfully, they kept evolving.

New Order's best
While Movement is an excellent record, the vocals and lyrics are like Joy Division watered-down. This record represents a clean break from the band's past, and more importantly, the songs are brilliant.

While the vocal ability of the singer is questionable, even with the heavy straining in Age of Consent, the songs are very appealing. I especially love The Village, Blue Monday, and Ecstasy. This record is one of the best of the 1980s. It stands head and shoulders above most other New Order records (especially Brotherhood), although Technique is pretty good.

The only sore spot on the CD is "The Beach" - which wasn't on the LP I gather. It doesn't belong on the CD - at least not without a big "empty space" between it and the true last song. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

SUPERB LISTENING
Now where can you find FRIDA & FALCO on the same disc? This is an excellent selection of songs. The version of SAFETY DANCE is exceptional, a rare find u probably won't find anywhere else...trust me on that. Highly recommend this CD.

The Ultimate 80's CD!!!
This is the one CD that you will never get tired of! With hits like Safety Dance, Rio, and Walk Like an Egyptian it's pure fun. It's great to dance to!

pretty good
good disc TEARS FOR FEARS and FALCO are always good but first CD was better

the first one was better
More Pure 80's is a great album, but it has mediocre content. The first album was much better and it included better songs. The song that I am really disappointed with is the song from the Eurythmics. Why was "Would I like to you" featured on this? "Here Comes The Rain Again" was a bigger hit than that.

Good 80's Music
Although IMHO, More Pure 80's isn't as good as the first one, there are several great songs on there from the gecade of excess. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There was a time when you couldn't step into a dance club without hearing at least part of this recording booming over the sound system. The often over-played hit, "Situation," was a bubbling caldron of nasally synth noodlings, a whopping bass line, and drum machine wallops. Alison Moyet's looped laugh in the middle of the song ended up as a sample, over-used a thousand times over. Yaz was an interesting blend of Moyet's smoky blues and jazz tinged vocals with Vince Clarke's digital disco. Moyet's voice alone was instrument enough, and the melodies here perfectly showcased her incredible range. Upstairs easily moved between energetic dance floor exuberance ("Don't Go" and "Good-bye Seventies"), blues-inspired wailers ("Midnight"), and icy electronic minimalism ("Winter Kills"). It was an explosion of a debut, touching upon '80s gay disco, synth pop, and diva-ism in one fell swoop. The CD closes with the overlooked "Didn't I Bring Your Love Down," an infectious barn burner with a call/response break that blows the roof off of Eric's little techno-pop room. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Catchy 80's Electro/Pop At It's Best!
Yaz appeared on the "New Wave" scene in 1982 with the hits "Situation", "Don't Go" and "Only You". Fronted by Vince Clark (ex-Depeche Mode) on synthesizers and an unknown female vocalist named Allison Moyet, Yaz (originally Yazoo) created catchy electro/pop. Yaz's debut album "Upstairs At Eric's" produced several huge club hits with "Situation" (here in it's entire "Club Mix" version), "Don't Go" and the moderately successful "Only You". The first two songs are synthesized discoish club tunes with strong vocals courtesy of Moyet. Club jocks pumped these songs thru their sound systems to packed dancefloors (I know cause I was one of the jocks that spun both these tunes, sometimes several times a night) worldwide. But the album also had other great songs such as "Bad Connection", "Goodbye Seventies", and "Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I)" to name a few. If you enjoy artists such as Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, New Order, Human League, Heaven 17 and Ultravox then this cd is a must have. Highly Recommended!

A tentative 5-stars
Usually, every track has to sparkle to warrant 5 stars, but there are so many perfect moments here that it gets 5.

The problems? Someone should have known better than release "I Before E Except After C." "In My Room" sounds harsh, and meanders so much in its backing vocals that the entire track is annoyingly destroyed. "Goodbye Seventies" is a fluff song.

That's about it, though. The rest of album wavers between very good and utterly captivating. "Don't Go" and "Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I)" are masterpiece dance tracks, with Alison Moyet's giant voice pushing over whatever synth lines Vince Clarke can throw at her. "Only You" is, quite simply, the best ballad to come out of the decade (that's a conservative estimate...maybe a hell of a lot longer than that). "Winter Kills" is almost as interesting, as Moyet whispers, hisses, and blasts her way through a spare background. "Too Pieces" and the very '60s-ish pop (vocally) of "Bad Connection" are the rest of the standouts.

The other tracks, "Midnight" and "Situation" are very good, but each has a slight flaw. "Situation" is a tad too long for the stark instrumentation to carry, and "Midnight" is one of only a few songs where Moyet ever sounds like she's crossed the border into histrionics.

Don't Mess Around...
Definitely an album that stands a strong testament to the 80's. It was (without doubt) one of the best releases back then and by merit and achievement-- it could easily qualify as one of the top 100-Best albums in the history of all music and time. Simply because it rocks!

I dig Alison Moyet's deep and dominating voice which shimmers perfectly along with Vince Clarke's semi retro rock, synth, electro and digital devotion. It's also not one of those outdated-sounding album's that sinks in its repetitive and minimal production value.

My favorites here are; Situation, Don't Go, Goodbye 70's and Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I).

I heard a rumor that this entire album would be remixed for the year 2004-- dare I say it's true, because-- How I yearn to see this album in remixed form today, especially when there are Soooooooo many great producers/dj's to choose from. I'll wait patiently until that day comes.

Go buy yourself this excellent Vinyl. It's got a bit a everything in it, and it's put together so well, with a really good voice...Those are 3 good reasons to buy this. Enjoy!

Yeah Yeah Yaz.
This album seemed a bit ahead of it's time in 1982, or maybe more like a sign of that time. It's a great blend of pop, goth, electronica, and new wave, topped off with strong vocals from Alison Moyet. There's a few upbeat dance numbers like the excellent "Situation", "Don't Go", and "Bring Your Love Down (didn't I)". There's also the morbid track "Winter Kills". But most of it's just good synth-pop. Any big fan of early 80's stuff like myself should love "Upstairs At Eric's". That's why I have this on cd, cassette, and vinyl.

Masterpiece
The most exciting and enduring synthpop albums were made in the early 1980's in England, and this one is without a doubt one of the very best. The renewed interest of late in minimalist beats and simple synth production are a direct throwback to Kraftwerk. Where Yaz (Yazoo) improved upon the Kraftwerk formula was with the addition of a singer--and what a voice! I could sing the praises of this group all day. "Situation" quite simply defined dance music in 1982, and helped mark the transition from disco to the golden era of 80's "dance music." It has been endlessly sampled for a reason. If you like a rich, soulful voice over a spunky synth backing, by all means, get this album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Add Ultimate Jams to the ever-mounting stack of kids' records you grudgingly admit to liking yourself. Here, you haven't got a lot of choice: right when the Village People get done coaxing you, against your good grown-up judgment, into flapping your arms wildly to form the letters "YMCA," James Brown comes along and clobbers you with "I Got You (I Feel Good)." Yes, the nearly unbearable not-so Bubblicious bubble-gum pop numbers that only an 8-year-old could love crop up too (see "Blue [Da Ba Dee]" and "The Hampster Dance Song"), but no parent under 50 should consider herself cool unless she cops to bouncing, reflexively, to at least a few of these songs. In other words, don't be a snob: cue up the Jams and cut loose with the kids. Once you're pooped--and you will be--pop in the companion DVD. Six tracks spring to metabolism-speeding life as the radio stars clamber onto the small screen. Much stuff is strutted, most of it exhilarating. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Like most of the others said...
Thos CD rocks! I feel like jumping up and down, going crazy, and just screaming at the top of my lungs because I got this CD. This is what actually gave me the rainbow I needed to brighten up my life. ( anyway, it has a "rainbow" on the front cover!)yay! I'm so happy to have recieved this wonderful CD!

The colorful, dream CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This CD has at least one song for a girl with any taste!!! I can't keep it away from me! These songs are great to dance to, too!!!! Here is my opinion about each song:

I Can't Wait- Hilary Duff = 4/5 I don't like Hilary Duff all that much, but I have to admit, this song was pretty fine!

Dig It- D Tent Boys = 5/5 This song is SOOOO catchy! It is so upbeat and so fun, too!

Spinnin Around-Jump 5 = 4.5/5 This song is so wonderful and exciting, though it does get pretty annoying after listening to it a few times

Juliet- LMNT = 4.5/5 This song is great and all, but it seems like it should be a faster song. It also has a mix of all types of music! (rap, disco, classical)!!!

Blue-Eiffel 65 = 3/5 Somehow, it is too repeative and says the same thing over and over again! I only like the part when they tell the story in the song.

Get ready for this-2 Unlimited = 4.5/5 It does seem like it goes on forever, but if you are dancing to it, it's like you can never run out of moves!

Can't help falling in love-A*TEENS = 2.5/5 If you get it stuck in your head, it gets really sickening.

Disney Mambo #5-Lou Bega = 4/5 All I can say is that it has a fun and exciting beat, but this is also sort of repeative!

YMCA-Village People = 4.5/5 One of the older songs, but still brings joy to us kids!

I Got You-James Brown = 2/5 Yucky!!! I truly don't like it!!!

YMMFLAS-The Beu Sisters = 4/5 I don't listen to this song too often, so I don't have much of an opinion of it.

Pump Up the Jam-Technotronic = 2/5 I kind of hate it! It sounds like one of those rap songs where the singer is trying to be cool.

All for Love- Stevie Brock = 5/5 I love it! It is so cute and romantic! Stevie is a pretty great singer!

The Hampster Dance Song- Hampton the hampster = 5/5 So cute!!! I just love it soooooooooo much!!!

Move it Like This- Baha Men = 4/5 Has a funky attitude, is all I can say about it!

VIDEOS:

I Can't Wait = 5/5 I like the way they showed little clips of the TV series "Lizzie Mcguire" in it!!!!!!

Spinnin Around = 5/5 Used SO many special effects, and also really showed Jump 5's true and amazind talents!!!

Disney Mambo 5 = 3/5 I don't like it, because it doesn't give you such a colorful picture! It's all white!!!!!!!!!

All for love = 5/5 Stevie looks so cool as he acts with this girl in his song!!!!!!

The Hampster Dance Song = 5/5 It is very cute, because it is animated!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Disney Mania 2 = 4/5 It shows you good songs, but they are putting it in an advertising way and are only showing you about 3 seconds of each song!

After all that, I'd say it'd be at least an A-! Even that deserves ***** (5 stars)!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just LOVE it!!!!!!!!!! I am not exaggerating when I say that I listen to it EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! If you had the same taste as an average, (any age), person, you would get the same, tingley feeling as me, when YOU buy it. The title of this CD, ("Radio Disney Ultimate Jams"), definitely doesn't lie! They ARE the ultimate jams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd give it extra credit if I could!!!!
People say the Mega Movie Mix CD brings you more to the theatre than any other. THEY HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!!! The radio disney ultimate jams CD/DVD bring you WAY more to the theatre than ANYTHING else! Just put the DVD part of it on a big screen TV, (or anything that can play DVDs), and grab some popcorn!!!! That's what I call a "movie excert"!!

GREAT for 10 year olds' and up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Mega Movie Mix CD is lame, because if you've seen the movie, you've heard the song! Also, the radio disney ultimate jams CD, I think, is actually more of a "movie" than the Mega Movie MIx, because it actually has 6 different video excerts that you can watch!!!! The radio disney CD has every song that an average, 10+ years old, girl would absolutely LOVE!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Interested in visiting your favorite contestants from the second season of American Idol? Then this is the album for you, but be forewarned that something is lost in the translation from the small screen to the compact disc. Simon Cowell's scathing comments and Paula Abdul's head tossing add to the human drama; without those visual embellishments, the recorded version falls flat. Sure this is a talented bunch, but the material is mundane, with few of the finalists straying from the traditional arrangements. But when they do, it's sometimes worse. Ruben Stoddard's rendition of the Carpenters hit "Superstar" reeks of misplaced sincerity. The best cut on the disc is Kimberly Caldwell's throaty cover of Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly With His Song," which gives the song some well-needed grit. And while Julia Demato's voice is no match for Etta James's full-bodied version of "At Last," Demato gives the classic a fetching kittenish spin. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (212)

It's all right...
Last year, we were given American Idol 1's "Greatest Moments", songs they ACTUALLY sang on the show. Now we are handed the "classic" love songs... half of these people didn't even sing these on the show... well let's begin.

1. "What The World Needs Now Is Love" Top 10 Finalists: The quality of the actual music is good (orchestra, piano) and suprisingly the singers' voices blend well together.
2. "Superstar" Ruben Studdard (Winner): It actually doesn't start until about 40 seconds into the song, but it's a great track. I was rootin' for Ruben and I am so glad he won. He is going to be a star. Ruben sang this song for his Top 32 performance.
3. "On The Wings of Love" Clay Aiken (#2): Good vocals, some overenunciation, but it's good. Clay never sang this on the show.
4. "At Last" Julia DeMato (#10): It doesn't sound like her at all. I think the computer cleaned up her vocals. She never sang this.
5. "Three Times A Lady" Joshua Gracin (#4): It almost sounds like Josh was thrown into the studio and they made him sing this. No enthusiasm, but Josh puts his country on it... sometimes. He switches the twang a lot. Never sang this.
6. "Let's Stay Together" Trenyce (#5): Good, it's upbeat! She sang this on the Wildcard show.
7. "Back At One" Rickey Smith (#8): He sounds so much like Brian McKnight. I love this song, the original and Rickey's version. Thumbs up to you, Rickey. Never sang this.
8. "Killing Me Softly With His Song" Kimberly Caldwell (#7): It changes a lot, from pretty to... well, not. Never sang this.
9. "Open Arms" Corey Clark (#9, disqualified): Hmmm, I don't even know why he's on here, since he got kicked off by the producers. CLAY sang this song for the top 32, but for some reason Corey got it. Unfortunately he does not do that well.
10. "How Do I Live (Without You)" Carmen Rasmusen (#6): Her voice really got cleaned up. I hear no vibrato. Carmen's voice is not emotional enough to record it. Never sang this.
11. "Over The Rainbow" Kimberley Locke (#3): The sad thing is she has this great voice but they messed up their track. They tried to slow it down but they messed up her voice while doing it. Kimberley sang this for the top 32.
12. "Overjoyed" Charles Grigsby (#11): I like this song. He sang this for the top 32.
13. "God Bless the U.S.A." Top 10 Finalists: This is a good song, but it was so overplayed on the show. It was almost every results show we heard this. But it is pretty good overall.

Songs sung on the show previously: 6 (includes two group songs)
Best songs (track listings): #2, #3, #7, #12
Worst songs (track listings): #5, #9, #10

Pretty Good, but will loose its flare.
This CD is pretty good, but doesn't compete with last years "Idol" album. The recording quality still fails to be up to par, but the voices behind it are enough to make up for it. Too bad most of the songs are slow and will eventually get boring after a few spins.

What The World Needs Now - It's a good song, but it didn't showcase everybodys vocals. It's already gotten old for me. 3/5

2. Superstar - Ruben Studdard - He did good, but there is a long intro. Theres not much else to say besides good job. 4/5

3. On The Wings of Love - Clay Aiken - As much as I dislike Clay's style and think he's more fit for Broadway, I am drawn to this track. I'll have to admit, I probably listen to this song the most despite not liking Clay himself. 4/5.

4. At Last - Julia DeMato - I love Julia and I never knew she could actually sing this good. At first I didn't even think it was her. Kind of an old, overplayed song though. 3/5.

5. Three Times A Lady - Joshua Gracin - As much as I TRY to like this guy, it doesn't work. But I'll admit - this song isn't half bad and he actually did pretty good. 3/5.

6. Let's Stay Together - Trenyce - I don't like her. She tries to do Whitney but she always falls short. But this was one of her best songs from the show and is probably a highlight from the album. Too bad they overplayed this one last year, so this year it isn't half as exciting as when Justin first performed it. 3/5.

7. Back at One - Rickey Smith - He's a cool guy, and I really happen to like his track. He can do Brian McKnight very well. I am surprised I never liked him when he was on the show, but my mind has changed. He is talented and different than other mainstream artists and I hope he makes it far. 4/5.

8. Killing Me Softly With His Song - Kimberly Caldwell - Never liked Kimberly until the night she got voted off. She showed so much grace and charisma. Since then I'm becoming one of her #1 supporters. I'm also happy to say she's from my town here in Houston. This was a perfect song for her, one of the best on the album. 5/5.

9. Open Arms - Corey Clark - I'm going to be totally honest. The first time I listened to his track, I thought it was a girl. I couldn't figure out who it was. Then I looked on the album cover and was surprised to see it was Corey Clark. This is a good track from him, considering I also don't care much for him. It's not one of the tracks that I "skip." It's exceptional. 3/5

10. How Do I Live - Carmen Rasmusen - Okay, I'm biased. I LOVE Carmen. After thousands of votes for her per week, she could sing ANYTHING and I'd be loving every note of it. I will be the first to admit, this wasn't one of her stronger songs. I was hoping she'd do "Can't Hurry Love," or "Turn the Beat Around" (not a love song) for this album. She has a different voice and is the most attractive from all contestants, probably proving why she made it so far on the show. This track fell short of my expectations, but I love Carmen anyway. It'll grow on you. 4/5.

11. Over The Rainbow - Kimberley Locke - After Carmen, KimL. gets all my support. However, this IS the most boring and worst song off the album. That doesn't mean much, however, because Kim is fantastic. She probably is the strongest female from the show and deserves to go far. Sadly, this track always gets SKIPPED by me. 2/5.

12. Overjoyed - American Idol 10 Finalists Season 2 - In a way, I'm glad they included Charles on the album. This is a fun and smooth song (probably the only one who has both) off the whole album. 3/5

13 - God Bles the USA - Overplayed. Can't they understand this song got outplayed in these past 2 years? Yes, I purchased the single to support the 'Idols' and Red Cross, but this song doesn't offer much. The original is much better. Too bad not everybody got a solo (Josh did most of this song.) 1/5.

Overall, good album. Probably will be a memory of mine in about a month if it wasn't for Carmen. Purchase it if you were a fan of the show. Otherwise, it's not worth your time.

Highlights: Kimberly Caldwell, Carmen Rasmusen, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard. The other tracks usually get the "skip" from me.

Good album!
I particularly liked Clay Aiken's powerful "On The Wings of Love" (though I've heard more impressive versions from Asian Songbird Regine Velasquez and international balladeer Martin Nievera for this particular song) and the ensemble song "God Bless The USA" (great harmony, very heartfelt rendition).

The previous comment is hilarious, but yes, it's a relief that there's no squeaking on this album. LOL.

Best thing is that this doesn't include The Duck!
Showcases the talents of REAL singers. No squeaks here, just plain, talented singing. Good album!

Some Good, Some Bad.
WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE - ALL:
Good song, again...great solos, but the one that stood out the most in that song was Trenyce. Overall...9/10

SUPERSTAR - RUBEN STUDDARD:
The is a fantasic song, but the way Ruben does it is kind of annoying. I was never crazy about his arrangment. 7/10

ON THE WINGS OF LOVE - CLAY AIKEN:
Without a doubt, the best song on the CD. Clay should have taken the title of AI2. He is an amazing talent. His vocals and song choice were spot on! 10/10

AT LAST - JULIA DEMATO:
I am suprised that Julia didn't get further in the competition. She accually has a very good voice, and I would have liked to see her perform this song on American Idol. I've heard about her new single. But I want to hear more! IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WHERE TO LOOK FOR HER SINGLE..... e-mail me at AJR1800PREP@CHARTER.NET SONG...9/10

THREE TIMES A LADY - JOSH GRACIN:
Nah! This guy was born to do country! This style isn't for him. I'd say one of his worst songs on the CD. Honestly. 6/10

LET'S STAY TOGETHER - TRENYCE:
Yes, Yes, Yes! The right song for the right person! I think that Trenyce needs a recording contract badly! She is one of the best singers I've heard in American Idol Seasons 1, 2, and 3! Top 3 on the CD. 9/10

BACK AT ONE- RICKY SMITH:
He sure can sing, but at parts of this song, I cringed, and wished he hadn't have tried to hit the high notes. After I listened to Ricky's arrangment, I went and switched it over to Brian McKnight and got chills. This rendition...7/10

KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HIS SONG - KIMBERLY CALDWELL:
No questions asked, the worst on the CD. I am a fan of Kim, but her song choice is 2/10. Literally! And her vocals are 7/10.

OPEN ARMS - COREY CLARK:
One of the best song choices on the entire thing! His voice is a little too high. But he nailed this song! Props up the wall!
9/10

HOW DO I LIVE (WITHOUT YOU) - CARMEN RASMUSEN:
I happen to find Carmen to be a little bit nasal. She sings out of her nose mostly through this song. Great song choice, but I don't think Carmen is a country girl.
VOCALS: 6/10
SONG CHOICE: 10/10

OVER THE RAINBOW - KIMBERLEY LOCKE:
I voted fo Kimberley throughout the entire competion, but this didn't do it for me. It was sweet and text book. But I think that she could make a living off of her voice. It's unique!
VOCALS: 9/10
SONG CHOICE: 7/10

OVERJOYED - ALL:
Great song and great vocals! Done very well. 9/10

Whole CD - 9/10
I totaly recomend it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Will Smith makes a welcome left turn from his recent Hollywood McAction Film past in director Andy Tennant's romantic comedy. He is also the film's executive soundtrack producer, taking the opportunity to pay tribute to the R&B and soul that initially influenced his own musical career, as well as showcase its contemporary echoes. Vintage tracks represent Motown (the Temptations' classic "I Can't Get Next to You") and Philly (The O'Jays "Love Train") soul well, while the Caribbean rhythms of Jimmy Cliff's "You Can Get It," Martha Reeves' "It's Easy to Fall in Love" and Earth, Wind & Fire's pop-inflected "Reasons" testify to the old school's rich diversity. John Legend's new cover of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" doesn't add much to the original, but other new cuts like the hip-hop/soul fusion ofHeavy D and the Boyz' "Now That We Found Love," EW&F's collaboration with Kelly Rowland and Sleepy Brown ("This Is How I Feel") and Amerie's funk-charged "I Thing" offer up a tasty modern R&B groove. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Could've been better
Wonder why some songs which were there in the movie aren't there on the soundtrack ... Strange that even Switch is not on the OST!! Guess the songs on the OST are sort of "situational" which means one would probably enjoy them while watching the movie not while driving ... And Astro Jr, the name of the song in the club when Will Smith meets Eva Mendes for the first time is Five Fathoms (Love More) by Everything But the Girl ...

Stinker
Anyone leaving a positive review for this soundtrack must work for the production company or something.It's a complete snore-x from start to finish.The movie deserves 5 stars, but the soundtrack does not live up to the flick.I almost fell asleep at the wheel listening to it on the way home.

one song is missing!!!
when alex hitch meets Sara melas in the bar and he helps her with a disgusting guy. In that scene the background music is a song very cool, the voice is like tracy thorn, the girl of Everything Buth The Girl, but I tried to find that song in the soundtrack and that song is not there. anybody knows what's the name of that song? and if EBTG sings?

Terrible soundtrack
Run, don't walk, AWAY from this soundtrack as fast as you can, unless you're under 20. At the very least, sample the songs on Itunes (as I did) first. With 1 or 2 exceptions, the songs are mediocre new stuff no one would ever buy or cover versions that suffer by comparison with the original. Most of the songs we liked best in the movie are NOT here and what is here would never register in a person's memory after the credits roll. This confirms that soundtracks are marketing ploys that bear little or no relation to their film vehicle.

Don't waste money on this!!

Cool Movie Soundtrack
By the end of the movie, I was thinking "I have to go by this soundtrack". Alot of great songs, by alot of great artists.
The movie was really funny ... and the music is the best ! ... Read more

Album Description

Following the ULTRA.DANCE series tradition, ULTRA.DANCE 06 contains the biggestclub and radio dance tracks mixed by two of the hottest DJs in the US - VIC LATINO and THE RIDDLER of WKTU-NY.Both Ultra and the mixers have an incredible saleshistory.This volume's monster track is a remix of Kevin Lyttle's "Turn Me On".Get ready for a dynamite double disc with bonus ringtones and the hot new Eric Prydz video - "Call On Me". Be one of the first 10,000 people to purchase the album and receive free ringtones from Shape UK and Eric Prydz.Also included in the package is the steamy hot video for "Call On Me".Pick yours up today. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

i think Ultra.Dance 06's ego is bigger than the album itself
i've mostly been into the ultra.trance series, but eventually moved away from it when i started hearing songs that were so 'ghetto' that they couldn't possibly be categorized as trance in the first place, let alone wind up on an album who's main sales pitch is trance music.

the same thing has happened with the ultra.dance series....and for some strange reason more trance tracks have appeared on this album, which probably means the dj's that compile these selections don't really know what they're doing. typically in the ultra series collections, you don't see the really good dj's compiling the stuff (like oakenfold/van buuren/tiesto). instead we get wannabe disc jockeys like the riddler, vic latino, johnny vicious, etc...that seem to all want to get mad props/recognition, and in the process of striving for fame, they lose thier credibility by intermixing generes/going off on a tangent of music on an album that's supposed to feature only one genere of music. for ultra.dance 06 i can cite 3 or 4 different generes of music that this album touches. and for those that like dance but not hip-hop/r&b, they will have put up with it, because these "amazing" dj's felt those songs had to be on the playlist.

but when looking at new compilations that come from these 'big time' dj's, including Louie DeVito (who's compilations i gave up on at least 2 years ago), the trend i've noticed is how they have this magic ability to select songs that just sound real bad. for example, 'Out Of Touch' (disc 1) sounds like it was compiled in a garage using a 386 and compiled twice over using mp3 encoding. seriously, some of these songs cannot be played loud on a high end system because they sound like trash. but if you people keep on buying into it, then you support the garbage.

despite all this bashing, there were a few good songs on this album. but i've basically had enough of the ultra series. i would say if you like this album, you would like the 'trip in house' series of albums better.

Just Alright....
Not one of the greatest Ultra CD's and I love most of them. The first CD sounds like something from the 70's with the girl vocals. Kinda disco. Its just OK.

Till There was this CD!
No Matter how 'mediocore' the other songs/mixes on this cd may be, buying this album just for rachael starr's 'till there was you' was worth the $17!! This is one of the greatest prog/ house tracks i've heard in a long time, and i just found out rachael produced the song herself from an interview she did. the vocal melody is very different from others i've heard, and she really treats her voice like a finley tuned instrument. a girl who produces and sings?? get your hands on this one however you can.. vinyl or cd

Like the cd but...
Outside of me purchasing the album for its music, i also wanted to see this 10,000 free ringtone giveaway...and to my surprise it's quite a little lie. when you open the booklet it tells you that you need to have certain cell phone service - and verizon is not on the list. So therefore you can't even get the ringtones. Oh and you can only download 2 of them - and 10,000 can do this until they all run out. But you yourself do not get to choose out of 10,000. One is eric prydes and the other is UK lola's theme.
Cell phone providers accepted:
AT&T
Cingular
T-Mobile
Nextel
Boost Mobile
I wish they'd say that somewhere on the back b4 i bought the cd. I feel dissapointed and feel i too deserve free rintones not just people with those cell phone services.

Waist of Money
The album is a waist of money. One song is worst than the next. Of course, it's a matter of opinion though. None of the songs have any energy. You can't workout to it, let alone "Dance" to it. "Ultra Waist." ... Read more

Amazon.com

So there's this pop singer... you may have heard of her? Madonna, she's called, and the word is that she's basically all image; she went through a put-your-hands-all-over-my-body phase, then she got spiritual, and then she started wearing cowboy hats. Between all the gossip columns and photo shoots, though, she's left an unmatched trail of devastatingly wonderful singles--roaring dance records, tender ballads, and a curious combination of the two that is her personal specialty ("Secret" and "Ray of Light"). How many artists' best-of-the-second-decade collections crowd out legitimate hits? ("American Pie," anyone? "This Used to Be My Playground"?) Unlike 1990's Immaculate Collection, GHV2 doesn't have any new material; "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," from Evita, and the glorious '60s pastiche "Beautiful Stranger" are the only songs that haven't appeared on a Madonna album before. But it compresses her past 10 years worth of records into an hour of one peak after another. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (249)

Good compilation, probably not for the collectors
While not nearly as instantly gratifying nor as cohesive as The Immaculate Collection from 1990, GHV2 is still a satisfying retrospective of Madonna's 90s+ work.

A number of musical styles characterized much of her music during this time, producing an interesting diversity of work; a little retro club here ("Deeper and Deeper"), some R&B there ("Secret", "Human Nature"), a sprinkling of torch-song ballads ("Take a Bow", "Don't Cry for Me Argentina") and a good dose of electronica for good measure (everything else). Not everything fits well together, but the songs on their own are good and show considerable maturity in songwriting and vocal performance.

The collection is a little top-heavy on selections from Ray of Light and Music. If you have those two albums, you basically have half of this CD. Minor hits "Drowned World/Substitute for Love" (a non-US single), "The Power of Good-Bye" and "What It Feels Like For a Girl" could have been swapped for the more commercial "Fever," "Rain," and "I'll Remember" possibly balancing the collection a little better. But the former tracks were likely included to capitalize on the artist's Drowned World Tour, occurring around the same time, which largely focused on her latter work. Not a bad idea.

Most of the tracks found on GHV2 are edit versions, geared towards casual listeners. Some of them are not so good, like the butchering found on "Ray of Light." And "Frozen's" haunting, symphonic solo has also been trimmed to a mere few seconds.

Single remixes fashioned like The Immaculate Collection may have jazz things up a little, and accommodated a wider buying audience. The package design is attractive with a nice collage of pictures, chronicling Madonna's photographic evolution (I don't know about her Cher impression, 1st pic on the bottom row).

Overall, a solid and listenable collection.

A great follow up to "Immaculate Collection"
Ciao! fellow amazon reviewers and shoppers.

Madonna has done it again with this thrilling and different collection of hits. I am very happy to learn that Beautiful stranger made it to the track list!

Out of all the songs, I personally think that Madonna's MUSIC, THE POWER OF GOODBYE, BEAUTIFUL STRANGER AND BEDTIME STORY ARE my favorites.

If you don't know the track list, it is as goes:
1) Deeper and deeper 7" edit 2) Erotica radio edit 3) Human nature clean radio version 4) Secret 5) Don't cry for me Argentina original non dance version 6) Bedtime Story 7 The power of goodbye 8) Beautiful stranger 9) Frozen 10) Take a bow 11) Ray of light 12) Don't tell me 13) What it feels like for a girl non dance mix version 14) Drowned world/Substitute for 15) Music

The photos inside the booklet are amazing and they show her in all imaginable poses and styles. Actually, the whole concept of the artwork is Madonna's different looks from the start up to the present. Even the graphics on the cd itself are cool and offer a bold and new look to the incredible Queen of Pop's journey of success.
There is a song for everyone. If you like serene and serious stuff, "Don't cry..." is for you. If you like moving, unearthing trancelike music, Bedtime story is for you. I liked the idea of Madonna continuing right from where she left off with the "Immaculate Collection.

Unfortunately there are no remixes on this compilation. It would have been fun to find the remixes from her new singles here. Oh weeeeellllll. It's okay because whatever the Queen of Pop does suits me fine.
Upon reading the writeup inside the booklet, I first thought it cool that Madonna wrote something for her fans, but instead, it was written by Dan Cadan. The writeup was interesting because I learned a little more about Madonna than I knew already.
I think you will appreciate her a whole lot more after reading it.

The cd cover is an unusual for Madonna. Usually we see her whole face or her whole body. Here, she is close up and dramatically made up, and I find her expression both seductive and shy.
This woman knows what music is and knows how to make it. 5 big huge gold stars for this collection.

Sing on Madonna, and hope you will come up with another collection some time in the future.

Enjoy the cd and hope my review helped you.

Almost Complete
The amazon.com reviewer is right. This compilation is missing two great singles "This Used To Be My Playground" and "American Pie." Another complaint is that the single radio version (Miami Remx) of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" is not included--it's the soundtrack album version. But still a good buy for Madonna fans. A-

More crap from an old woman doing music for old people
Same old same old from Madonna. She mainly appeals to unhip people over the age of 47 now. She looked about 57 when this album was made.

You can pick this one up and her others at the local used CD stores for $1.00. They have dozens of copies.

Madonna's Greatest Hits Volume 2
Definitely better than the over-hyped travesty known as 'The Immaculate Collection,' which is nothing a but a collection of over-chopped over-remixed classic tunes. GHV2 does a rather good job at showcasing Madonna's high points in musical culture during the fabulous 90's. Despite some MAJOR omissions in regards to HITS (i.e. I'll Remember, Rain, This Used To Be My Playground, etc.) this album focuses on all the different genres the Queen of Pop embarked upon during those years. Maybe not a great effort to a diehard, but pretty dang good for a beginner or a casual listener. Give it a spin! ... Read more

Amazon.com

With songs that fall exactly in between Michael Jackson's Off the Wall period and A Taste of Honey, Jamiroquai's Synkronized is a funk-disco inferno that is distinguished from its 1970s counterparts only by its 1990s production. It contains all the same ingredients: wah-wah guitar, electric piano, soft-sided strings oozing out melody, pot-bellied bass, and a blasted-out horn section that evokes images of three guys stepping in sync while their sequined flairs swipe over white patent-leather loafers.While the funk is steamy enough to flatten the tallest 'fro, Jay Kay's impeccable ability to emulate Stevie Wonder's vocals brings on the cool side. But the album isn't all about a time warp. Just when you think Jamiroquai isn't going to step a toe beyond 1978, "Supersonic," the seventh track, throws down an acid-house riff that works in didgeridoo and a synthed-out cow bell. "Where Do We Go from Here" rocks with a leap-frogging blues piano and tangy bongos. The album's grand finale, "King for a Day," is a regal rock-operatic excursion embellished with fully orchestrated piano and strings. Overall, this Jamiroquai jamfest is an irreplaceable summer-in-the-city album. --Beth Massa ... Read more

Reviews (137)

Great !
Even though it's not as good as Travelling without Moving or Return of the Space Cowboy, Synkronized has some really great tracks. The best being Butterfly, Canned Heat, and Falling. This CD has more slow songs than some of his other albums, and i can't say i have a problem with that. The only song i don't really like is Supersonic, even though I can stand that.

1. Canned Heat - Great Up-Tempo song. Off "Center Stage" soundtrack. 10/10.
2. Planet Home - Another Upbeat song, though not as good as Canned Heat. Still good. 8.5/10
3. Black Capricorn Day - Not one of my favorites. A little too rockish and the song is too slow. It's like a fast song caged in a slow beat (hard to explain). 7.5/10
4. Soul Education - Great Song. Typical Jamiroquai funk. 9/10.
5. Falling - I personally love this song. Slow, & jazzy. 9/10
6. Destitute Illusion - Upbeat. Good song to dance to. 8.5/10
7. Supersonic - Strange, electronic beat. Not Jamiroquai's best. 7/10.
8. Butterfly - Best Jamiroquai song I've heard. The lyrics aren't impressive, but the beat alone merits a 10. AMAZING. 10/10.
9. Where Do We Go From Here - Decent. 8/10.
10. King For A Day - Has almost a halloweenish, scary beat. Even still, it's not bad. 8/10.

If you don't have enough money to buy all the Jamiroquai albums, you can skip this one, but it's still a sound investment.

The Lords of Funk Return Once Again
As the band's fourth studio effort, "Synkronized," truly validates Jamiroquai's status as the most popular and gifted soul group out there. Fresh from the success of their best selling "Travelling Without Moving" album, Jay Kay and his band return with a fresh sounding sound that no one can try to imitate.

The first single "Canned Heat," is a high-tech, funk creation that brings the bands to their roots. Fast, beat-laden rhythms and Jay Kay's moving vocals made this song a hit during the summer of 1999. Other tracks such as "Planet Home," show how Jamiroquai is able to use various international musical styles (in this case their use of salsa in the third-quarter of the song) really can rock a crowd without them really knowing what they are hearing.

Other songs as "Supersonic" and "Butterfly" are some of the album's great tracks, however unlike their previous album, this album is short on songs that made "Travelling Without Moving" such a huge international hit. Nevertheless, "Synkronized" is an awesome album. Give this and all of Jamiroquai's albums a try, and I can guarantee that you'll become bonafide fans. No one can resist the power and sound of Jamiroquai.

What happened J?
This is the point where I simply said ciao to being a Jamiroquai fan, because this album is really poor. I was hesitating on giving it 1 star, but that would be unfair because it does achieve some sort of music flavour, but following on from Travelling, Jamiroquai had totally lost their creativity with this one. Strings have totally taken over where horns and synths used to rule, and make this album depressingly flat. Rather than being in any way cutting edge, the obvious characteristic from the 1st 3 albums, it turns into a really bad version of Earth, Wind & Fire. It simply doesn't compare to earlier work, even Travelling, but especially Emergency and Space Cowboy. Maybe it was Denise, or maybe it was that JK became closer to his cars than his supposed environmentalism, but whatever the guy lost it with this one.

Funk Never Left Planet Earth
Funk, disco, dance, the list of genres can go on and on... Jamiroquai is no fad band caught in a time warp. They are the current real thing giving their own unique and sophisticated spin on these styles of the 70's and early 80's...Some of the productions like the opening track Canned Heat should make Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson proud since you can hear the strong influences. But make no mistake, it is STILL Jamiroquai's own material and sound ! There is something familiar but yet oh so futuristic. Highly infectious grooves with a little dash of some early and late 70's Motown feel on some tracks that do indeed harken back to the day when Stevie Wonder was feelin' Superstitious...Out of all the Jamiroquai cd's or productions I find myself always going back to this one from 1999. You will too !

Worth adding to your collection!
I agree with others that this isn't as good as some of Jamiroquai's earlier albums but it's still worth adding to your collection. It has some real "classics" that you will play over and over again. In fact, the last song "King for a Day" os probably the one track that was a let down, that plus the fact that this CD appears to be shorter than others. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

More than a Chic RIPOFF
Many may have considered Change to be a clone of Chic. Granted, there are some similiarities: both featured dynamic bass lines in their music; they were fronted by mostly studio singers; they both had their time in the spotlight during the late 70's and early 80's. However, Change did score on the charts with some significant dance tunes.

"A Lover's Holiday," the group's debut single, is a very danceable tune that fits nicely with the current crop of pop hits. "Searching" and "The Glow of Love" benefit immensely from the vocals of the then-unknown Luther Vandross.

My favorite selections are the dynamic "Paradise," "Change of Heart," and "Turn On Your Radio."

The only regret is that Rhino chose not to include the tune "Stop for Love," a gem that is beautifully sung and orchestrated.

Music from heaven!
As a researcher in black music in general and of Change in particular a brief history of the group could be nice to have before buying this record. Change is one of the most over looked groups in the early 80's that should earn much more credit for their fantastic achievements even though it's 18 years ago they released their latest album. It all started in Italy in 1979 where the Guadeloupe born (executive) producer Jacques Fred Petrus and his closest companion, the Italian mastermind musician Mauro Malavasi decided to launch a new group after working together a couple of years (formed Goody music records around 75). The groups name became Change and the men behind it were originally based in Bologna and Milan in Italy but later also in New York. Right from the start Petrus and Malavasi used Italian musicians (Mauro Malavasi, Davide Romani and Paulo Gianolio among others) and American vocalists (LutherVandross, Diva Gray and later James "Crabs" Robinson and Timmy Allen) of whom the lead vocalist from Change's debut, Luther Vandross later became the most well known character from the time (he later became a big name on his own with several albums). From the beginning Change was just a studio concept though, with several "Change" touring around America, but in 82 they became a group in the right meaning of the word. After a poor release in 85 they split up and Jacques Fred Petrus was murdered two years after, most likely in his native country of Guadeloupe due to illegal affairs with the Mob. Mauro Malavasi however, is today a successful songwriter and producer in Italy that been producing Andrea Bocceli and other great singers.

This lovely and brilliant CD, recorded in a superb and professional way with some generous liner notes, covers a tasteful mix of tracks from all their albums between 80 and 85, from the early disco influenced albums to the later much more R&B influenced ones. You can for example hear the whole 12" version of the hits "A lover's holiday" and "Searching" from 80, the smooth dance track "Hold tight" and Chic-like "Paradise" from 81 and the Jam/Lewis hits of "Change of heart" and "You are my melody" from 84. It also includes the great, but much more unknown tracks of "The very best of you" from 82 and "This is your time" from 83, all perfectly re-mastered. This CD gives a excellent introduction to Change for the never-heard-of-it persons and an excellent contribution for the already convinced ones. But even if you like dance music the slightest little bit, try it out, you wont be disappointed!

Music is a universal language of peace!

Not as popular or well-remembered as Chic, but very hot.
Change was never as popular as Chic, but their sound and style were just as funky and (to a degree) more sophisticated. Change epitomized the sound of 1980s post-disco urban R&B and featured a variety of singers(including Luther Vandross). Cult dance classics like "A Lover's Holiday", "The Glow Of Love", "Miracles", "The Very Best In You" and "This Is Your Time" make this a superb compilation.

Funk Has Never been this Good!
Change is most certainly one of the best groups in Funk Music.All the songs included here are awesome and each one has a funk edge which is rather hard to find in today's music.The highlight on this CD is "change Of Heart" , a fantastic Dance\Funk gem produced and written by the masters of Soul and Funk Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.Change rules!!!!!!!!!!!!

A great collection of 80's dance-soul!
This is a wonderful collection of songs from Change and it's about time they had a "Greatest Hits" released as they certainly did release great hits back in the day. It's easy to take your pick here really as ALL the tracks are that good! From the early days when Luther fronted the group to their later releases featuring James "Crabs" Robinson, Deborah Cooper and Rick Brennan. My favorite track is "Hold Tight" which has a haunting chorus and superbly executed, we're talking high quality music here folks! And I'm also referring to the fact that not only is the singing remarkable but also the music itself speaks volumes of the high musicianship that were always so evident on all their albums. Nuff said, other highlights for me are of course the late chart hit "Change Of Heart" which in a way paved the way for Jam & Lewis. It's also great to see the lesser known tracks such as "Don't Wait Another Night" which did chart back in the Summer of 1983 and the vibrant "You Are My Melody". I don't have anymore to say except, go and BUY IT NOW you won't regret it. On a positive note, it's reassuring to know that the Japanese know quality music when they see it as they released "Miracles", "Sharing Your Love" and "Change Of Heart" on CD back in 2000. However, there is a new US release on its way (November 19) which contains both "Miracles" and "Change Of Heart". It would be nice to see those other 2 that are still missing in CD format, "This Is Your Time" and "Turn On Your Radio" to be finally released on CD as well. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

It begins with the insistent drip-drop of a sequencer and ends with some old school R&B. In between, the artist who was still calling