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The primordial unknown--or the modern urban dweller's impressions thereof--has long been a staple of New Age music. So it was only a matter of time before some studio whiz got the notion to take the translation process one step further and bring that atmosphere to the dance floor. It's definitely authentic--the creators studied and borrowed genuine chants from African tribes--but just as importantly, it's remarkably seductive. The chart-topping signature song, "Sweet Lullaby," is indicative of what's going on in the grooves of the other nine tracks; ambient house beats burble pastorally while "multi-culti" samples ebb and flow gracefully, even romantically, through the mix. -- David Sprague ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Somewhere, deep in the jungle, are living some little men...
This record is a must have, because it defined a new era of crossover-style music. It took Pygmies and put them to an Enigma beat, with an occasional broken English (Dutch syntax?) commentary. Sounds cheezy, but it really works.

The band describes themselves as not a band. "Deep Forest" is a project, according to its creators. Therefore, the album is a stand-alone work, except that it enjoyed such an unpredicted success that it spawned a series of projects.

I first bought this album as an import in the early 90's. "Sweet Lullaby" had been getting some pretty frequent radio play on the San Francisco alternative rock stations, and it was simply intriguing. Nobody had ever heard voices like this. Mix in ambient jungle sounds. Synthetic beat. What a combination? Sound strange? It's not that different from what we hear today from Fatboy Slim and Moby, except of course with Pygmies. I don't think many have dared to replicate it.

Now, it's become a near-desert island CD for me. I've memorized the Pygmy chants. I've lost several copies of it--ex girlfriends, auto-thefts, etc. . . Always, I replace it. That's a pretty strong recommendation.

I've heard Deep Forest collaborations with Enigma, and Peter Gabriel, which are works of merit. Frankly, I think that this is still their most ingenious work.

Extraordinary! Absolutely extraordinary!
I first became familiar with Deep Forest after being amazed with their 1999 live album release "Made in Japan". Although it wouldn't happen until a while later, I later checked out their regular studio albums and finally got a hold of their self-titled debut album and I must say that this is a really amazing album and as it was ground-breaking back during 1993 when it came out, this album still stands out amongst the countless jabs at blending world music and modern New Age rhythms with mainstream dance music because it remains the only album I'm aware of that blends African Pygmy chants with Euro dance, New Age, and Pop in such a successful way. Even today, this album still has the power to take you to a place of harmony that is entire universes away from a hellish life and unkind world that seems to define reality. The album overall has a remote yet vibrant sound that is very natural and earthy in sound. Even the darker parts have a positive mood. Four Tracks on this album are actually two tracks in two separate versions.

The international chart topping hit "Lullaby" is what most Deep Forest fans are likely familiar with, making it's way onto several New Age and/or world compilations with it's light hip-hop beat but if you're going for it on here, you may have limited luck as the version on the album is quite different and must I say very unique too. There are two versions on this album. One is a 'regular' album version. This version is a bit darker and more ambient in nature than the single edit found on let's say the "Pure Moods" compilation. To me, this was a bit of a surprise but albeit, a very pleasant surprise. The second version towards the end of the album is called the "Ambient Mix" edit. This version has no defined rhythm and is mostly just ambient keyboards for the melody but has the amazing haunting chorus but the result is a fine and enchanting version of "Lullaby" heard in a totally different light. This version is very beautiful. The live version of this song though on the live recording entitled "Made in Japan" though is absolutely incredible! Give it a listen. They made an already great track even greater on the live album but let's not change the subject of this review. "Hunting" is a really unique and high-energy dance track that has a strong Sub-Saharan African Pygmy style with the odd voice effects and perfectly added to a fast rhythm. My favorite song in the first half of this album is "Nightbird". This song is just amazing. It has a very haunting and dark ambient sound with Pygmy voices up front and a atmospheric sound that gives the feel of a cloudy evening after a thunderstorm moves out. Now that's some really good music there.

I feel that there are two more pairs of songs that are almost like one song broken up in two. The first pair of songs are almost like remixes of the same song "Forest Hymn" with two different versions. The first version is the seventh track "Sahara Walk". The second version is the title of the same name "Forest Hymn". The first one "Sahara Walk" is a rather obscure but really danceable song that blends some old school hip-hop beats with African Pygmy voices, New Age, Pop and Dance to create a really engaging and highly addictive song. The haunting flutes give the song a rather haunting feel but at the same time, a very warm and sunny afternoon atmosphere. To me, this is a great thing. This song is one of my favorite tracks on this album and ranks as one of Deep Forest's best songs in their career outside of "Made In Japan". I'll get to the second part later on in this review but in the mean time it perfectly binds right into "White Whisper". This song is a fabulous song with really unique voice effects that alternate between the left and right ears and the song becomes a really dramatic but really uplifting and heavenly dance song.

The album closes on an epic scale with the best song on this entire album entitled "Forest Hymn". If you liked "Sahara Walk" then you must hear "Forest Hymn". Although the live version on their "Made In Japan" was phenomenal, the studio version on here rivals that version with a totally different beat altogether. Which ever version you like there's no denying this songs positive energy that radiates from its 6 minute length. If you have felt down or really low-spirited, then "Forest Hymn" will let the sun shine on you with the haunting Pygmy chants, the bright sunny melody and the energetic drum loop. I'm not sure who originally made the drum loop but I love it and the drum loop perfectly fits on this song. If there is anything wrong with this track, which I don't see, I would say that it gets rather repetitive from like the 3 minute mark onwards but that's just me. From the way I look at it, I can imagine this song as being like the soundtrack to the sun shining after a heavy thunderstorm or like a new era of happiness and joy begins after a dark era has ended. It's that good. All the remain tracks I passed up are just as great as the songs I pointed out but the ones I mentioned deserved the most attention.

This album is a must have purchase and let me tell you, you will very proud of owning this album. It is a really great thing that their self-titled debut album actually did at least go platinum but I don't understand why this album is no longer in print here in the United States. Amidst the negative nature of much of the mainstream schtuff, it is a major loss that a great and remarkable achievement in music isn't even available anymore. To me, the fact that this CD is no longer carried in the United States is one of the greatest crimes in the history of music. If you can find it used or wherever a copy is available, please buy it! You will fly to a place of beauty, fun, happiness, and positivity. We could really use some positive music nowadays and this album delivers just that! Many artists have blended African sounds with modern electronic beats but Deep Forest's debut remains the hallmark and stands out in so many ways from it's peers. If you love this album you must for their sophomore effort "Boheme" which is just as good even if it's totally different altogether.

A must for any listening library
Absolute must-have for a true music library. A solid, original, entrancing, and memorizing album.

Hooked from the first time i heard it!
I just wanted to say that a girl i dated summer of 1996 played this CD for me and from day 1, i thought it was great. The music along w/ the vocals flow very well making for very great and relaxing listening. From the samples i heard off Boheme and Music Detected, i wasn't impressed with the sound of the vocals but the music seemed nice. However, Comparsa sounds more like the original sound i enjoy so much. I believe World Mix looks to be a very good buy as well if you enjoy the original sound.

Fantastic CD!
This lost gem is just mind-blowingly beautiful and glowing iwth positive beauty. Breaking ground by incorporating sounds from Africa and blending them with modern dance New Age beats, the result is a very remote but very upbeat and uplifting classic that will stand for years to come.

My favorites are "Hunting", "Nightbird" and "Forest Hymn". I especially love the last song with it's slight Gospel-like undertone to it. The Ambient Mix of "Lullaby" is very pretty too.

Go out and find this if you can because from what I'm aware of, this CD isn't carried on U.S. retail markets as of at the time of writing this review. It's worth the hard search! I guarantee it! ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Duran's First
Duran Duran's self-titled debut was released in the UK in 1981 and was a smash hit. The album did not catch on in the US. It took the release of the band's second album Rio and the inventive videos that were staples on MTV to propel this album into the US top ten two years later in 1983. As an added attraction the re-release featured a new song, the number four hit, "Is There Something I Should Know?". This remastered version is the original English version minus that track. The first five tracks, which comprised the album's first side, are songs that in the traditional DD vein. The first two tracks, "Girls On Film" and "Planet Earth" are the most familiar and still sound great twenty-three years later. "Careless Memories" was a minor hit in America and "Anyone Out There" and "To The Shore" embodies the pop sensibilities that made the group a success. The final four songs are a complete 180-degree turn from the first five. They are atmospheric, moody and brooding numbers that find the band turning inward and introspective. The band has always sited Roxy Music as big influences and they are never more so then on these four tracks. "Night Boat" is a foreboding track and the album's final number, the instrumental "Tel Aviv" is quite haunting.

Still the best 23 years later
Duran Duran's debut album has always been my favorite of all of the band's albums and it sounds great remastered. The songs really come alive again. My favorite songs are Friends of Mine, Sound of Thunder, Careless Memories, Girls on Film and Planet Earth. This album really fuses dance and rock, particularly in the above mentioned songs. Their subsequent albums though wonderful, never quite captured that edge again. There's a raw energy that hints of things of come. It perfectly exemplifies "New Wave" at it's best. My only quibble is I am one of the few people who really doesn't like TO THE SHORE, but in keeping with the original 1981 UK release, I guess it fits.

This album is a great introduction for those unfamiliar with the band or for those who just know the hits. I highly recommend it.

i love this album, always go back to it.
I like the sound of Duran Duran, and this album has all the little bits of extra Duran-y sound that I love. I like the sound of Planet Earth, it's great to dance to, Simon's got a sexy singing style; my two favorite songs on this album are :1. Sound of Thunder and 2. Friends of Mine. I remember the first time I had heard these songs, years after I had heard Durans greatest (hey, I was born in 79). Those two tracks rocked my world when I heard them and I only very recently noticed that the lyrics were sort of cut and pastey: but no matter. This album is worth the purchase for any Duran Duran fan.

Good first album
A great first album with hits like Girls on Film (totally sarcastic song and you wonder how anyone could ever take it seriously), Planet Earth and also other good songs that aren't so well known such as Friends of Mine and Waiting for the Nightboat (which has one of the longest intros, though still not as long as "Funeral for a Friend", I don't think). Careless Memories is great too but the live version is so much better and has much more life to it. Tel Aviv is completely instrumental, no lyrics, kind of pretty but not my favorite.
Anyway, recommended to fans. The first two songs you can get on the decade album or Greatest if those are the only two you like.
If this is remastered, or anything, I won't comment on that because I am clueless to it.

The band that saved rock and roll
In 1981, when America was under the cruel politics of then president Reagan, rock and roll was at its lowest point. We endured the likes of the Eagles, Heart, Peter Frampton, Yes, Rush, and, perhaps the worst offenders of them all, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. The public had a hunger for change and wanted a rock and roll band that didn't insult their intelligence. Then came Duran Duran, and this is their fantastic debut. They totally ushered in a new era that changed the way we think. They introduced MTV culture, without which music is worthless. Classics like "Girls on Film" and "Planet Earth" are awesome. You have to hear it! Five stars! Buy now! Highly recommended! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

With the 1985 release of Low Life, New Order put forth their most commercially accessible effort to date. While some of the dark-wave drippings of their Joy Division roots are evident, high energy progressions, which would carry them for years to come, began to emerge here. Hits like "Perfect Kiss" and "Sub-Culture," with their synth hooks, club-stomping accents, and visceral lyrics, helped bridge the gap for growing synth-pop audiences who bolstered their success. Other refined techniques on the album became standard New Order conventions: sweeping analogue rolls, live and sequenced drum percussion, tight bass melodies, and edgy guitar leads. Sustained by a peerless level of emotional involvement, the vocals and lyrics further entice the listener with the obliquely nuanced style of Bernard Sumner. Standing the test of time, this release is a must-have in order to understand the origins of introspective pop-wave culture. --Lucas Hilbert ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Synth pop gem
Low-life is great new wave synth pop. And New Order practically defined the genre, albeit reluctantly. The disco hits "Perfect Kiss" and "Sub-Culture" were the singles, but the rest of the album is woven together by darker textures. The album is bookended by happy yet sad tracks. The fateful "Love Vigilantes" and the hateful yet poppy "Face Up". Much of the rest of the album brings together synthesizers with Peter Hook's urgent bass and fuzzed guitar hooks.

Repeated synths become hypnotic in the mournful "Elegia" and the unknown gem of "This Time of Night". This track shows how New Order could weave all their elements into one cohesive amazing song. Also a standout is the more rocking "Sunrise" which hints at similar material from the upcoming Brotherhood.

This album is very dear to me being my first New Order album. This one belongs in everyone's collection.

Revisiting a Landmark Album.
"Low-Life" is a near-flawless album of quirky pop that confirms New Order as one of the most exciting British acts of the last 20 years. Hands down, my favorite track is the disco bounce of "Perfect Kiss," a great tale of loneliness and detachment in the club scene. Most people are familiar with the extended version that appears on the 1987 compilation "Substance," but the edited version that surfaces on "Low-Life" is just as good. Other album cuts such as "Sub Culture" and the catchy "Love Vigilantes" are also of note, too. All the ingredients are here: Bernard's boyish vocal, Peter Hook's signature bass, and cheesy-cute synths. "Low-Life" features a New Oder still reeling from the suicide of Ian Curtis, who led the band when it was known as Joy Division. But it also helped shaped up the band's identity, as they were leaving behind their goth roots in favor of more accessible pop. Anyone who's looking to start a collection of their work should include this among their first purchases.

The Beginning of the End
For the first time in their 8 year career (at this point) the lads released a mixed bag of success. Whenever I hear this album I am reminded of the downward spiral the band would take into bland, over-produced pop mediocrity from here out. Don't get me wrong their are a couple good songs here. "This Time Of Night" is wonderfully dark and beautiful and seems to be a hold over from earlier days. "Elegia" an instrumental, can be hauntingly pretty at times. Personally I have always kinda liked the song "Face Up" and it is much in the same vein as say "The Village" from Power, Corruption and Lies. However, the rest of the album is watered down and frequently tedious, spiked with brief moments of musical inspiration. Indeed one can trace the exponentially increasing sappiness of Bernard's vocals from here on out, album after album, to eventual utter annoyance.

Yes I did grow up worshipping Joy Division and that style of sound the band was working. But unlike some of the other older fans I also felt the band continued to produce mostly interesting material after Ian's passing. At least til this point. But like all good things...well you know. If you are an avid fan pick this up for the few good ones. What do I know, maybe you'll love it. Otherwise stick to Movement, Power, Corruption and Lies or the Everything's Gone Green EP if you can find it. And of course any Joy Division.

Easy on the ear
This, I think, is New Order's formation, when they actually gel as a group, and one of their best albums. It's polished. From the first track (and especially on the first track), the sound is lush and seamless. Lyrically, it still delivers the occasional cringe-worthy line (breaking the meter to rhyme 'reasonable' with 'seasonable'), but the lyrical _pretensions_ aren't as great as their earlier material; these are simpler sentiments. Take the chorus of 'Love Vigilantes:' "I want to see / my family / my wife and child / waiting for me / I want to go home, I've been so alone, you see..." It's not classical poetry, but it gets the point across. 'Love Vigilantes' and 'Face Up' are very robust and energetic; the instrumental, 'Elegia,' provides a delicate contrast. The only track which really seems like filler, and which I tend to skip, is 'Sunrise.' 'This Time of Night' and 'Sooner Than You Think' may seem like filler at first, with subtle music and simple lyrics, but both were growers for me. 'Subculture' is my favorite on the album and one of my favorites in general, a fantastically strong closer - even though it's the penultimate track, it gives an incredible sense of finality and despair, with a backing of electronic organ which should sound dated (my first was thought was 'video game soundtrack') but sounds terrific. As for 'The Perfect Kiss,' I would have listed it as a standout; having heard the single mix, though, ruined it for me, as this version pales before the single as a lump of coal before a diamond.

Their high point
This is the album that best strikes the balance between what they once were and what they were to become. They still remembered their beginnings while breaking new ground. Dance and club beats aside, listen to elegia and tell me that it isn't a powerful piece of music.

I just wish they'd come out with a remastered CD. The original I've had since 86 pales to the UK vinyl... come on, guys. Break out the master tapes and show us what's really there. We deserve it after all these years. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the album that started it all for George and Andrew! Whether or not it will ever be "cool" to admit liking them, Make It Big sounds pretty good after all of these years. Granted, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" is an impossible notion to begin with--who could possibly sleep after this sugar binge? But "Everything She Wants" has a sophisticated tension in its syncopation, and, wow, could the boy sing! "Careless Whisper" really showed that George Michael had a firm grasp on R&B and soul. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (44)

80's Upbeat Pop Legend
Wham! is one of the 80's finest pop duos by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. Their music is pop music with a little blend of African American music. This album has three #1 hits "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", nice summer anthem, "Careless Whisper", excellent emotional ballad, and "Everything You Want", reggae pop, in 1984 that literally made them big. "Freedom" is another huge hit which became #3 in US chart. Non-hit tracks are also super particularly "Heartbeat". If you love pop music like Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and N'sync you will surely love Wham! music.

.....and it doesn't get much bigger than this!
This is probably the definitive pure-pop album of the 80s. There isn't a single bad track on this CD. Everyone knows the hits 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go', 'Everything She Wants', 'Freedom', and George Michael's solo single 'Careless Whisper', but the other four tracks are still of an incredible standard. 'Like A Baby' is an excellent slow ballad, 'If You Were There' and 'Credit Card Baby' are catchy and fun, and the vocals on 'Heartbeat' are absolutely incredible. All fans of George's solo material will love this as it shows George and Andy at their care-free best. I can't recommend this CD enough...EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE IT!!!

"Wham!" is the sound of the 80's dignity hitting the floor.
Even by the standards of the all-too-cheesy, yet eerily charming 80s, these "guys" were cheesier than the largest lasagna. If Andy Warhol was right about the whole "15 minutes of fame" thing, then Wham had about 16, and they should count their blessings for getting that much.

I still listen to these songs!
Ok, I'll start out by saying that I'm not the best writer, but here goes!

I have the cassette tape of this album and have listened to it throughout the years. I must admit that I listen to the radio favorites: Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Everything She Wants, Freedom, and Careless Whisper. I was only 8 years old when these songs were popular, but I definitely remember the gorgeously silky smooth voice of George Michael.

My favorite song is Freedom. It is ear candy to me! Every time I hear it, I feel happier inside (like I felt when I was 8 years old listening to this album).

If you could get a copy of this album I'd give it a chance. You don't hear songs like this on the radio anymore!

awful
please stay far away from this dull,boring 80's pop album.not recommended to fans who like good music like led zeppelin and the doors.minus ten stars. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Spikenvixen
I'll have to agree with "Disappointed" and "Buyer Beware" - this is NOT the "Fired Up" advertised on TV. Nor have I seen this compilation in ANY store as one disk! I don't believe it should be marketed as "Fired Up". It's false advertising! The music is good, but I am extremely disappointed...I could have paid the same amount in a store and received BOTH CDs!

Disappointed :(
This is not the 2 cd set I though I was getting. Is is 1 cd. The CD case says AS SEEN ON TV but the one on musicspace.com has 2 cd's. Im angry!! Now I have to sell this CD to get the right one! 1st expierance on Amazon and my last. I'll go back to Ebay.

Title Says It All!
This is a near perfect dance album. It's a sort of follow-up to the smash 2001 hit "Pulse." But while "Pulse" consisted of mainly early/mid 90's dance hits, "Fired Up" continues on ranging from the mid-90's into 2000. Although this compilation consists of club music, some were actually pretty big hits at pop radio too namely the songs by Deborah Cox, ATC, Amber, Gina G, Alice Deejay and Eiffel 65.

It's a very good listen overall, but there are definite stand-outs. Melanie C.'s #1 dance/club smash "I Turn To You" is an awesome track and it's too bad that it never crossed over to American radio. ATC's "Around the World" was an irresistible club and radio smash back in the spring of 2001. Alice Deejay had a huge dance hit with the instantly recognizable hit "Better Off Alone" the summer of 2000. "Barbie Girl" by Aqua was a worldwide dance sensation nack in late 97 and is a novelty song if ever there was one. "Do You Miss Me" and "Just A little Bit" are definitely hot dance tracks as are "One More Try" and "Call Me." Eiffel 65's top 5 Hot 100 hit "Blue" was inescapable around the turn of the century. However, the undisputed champ is Amber's 1996 dance smash "This Is Your Night" that managed to rule the clubs and radio both but never became old. It's catchy as heck.

For fans of dance music, this is a must have! It will be sure to get you just as the title says. Dance music really is not as good and as mainstream as it was in the 90's. It really needs to make a comeback. Long live dance music!!!!

Buyer Beware: Only Half the Songs
I've wanted this collection for a long time, but was put off by the prospect of paying full price. When I saw it on sale at Target, I gladly plunked down $14, only to find out later that this version has only one CD and therefore only half the songs advertised on TV. More specifically, most of the songs I wanted were on the second CD which isn't available separately yet. I don't know if Music Space intends to release the second CD soon.

I Obviously Like It, I'm Not Surprised That I Like It
You've seen the TV commercial for it, have you? I knew this is something I wanted, and naturally I bought it and I like it. I like it because it has dance songs of the late 90s and because I'm a huge freak of techno music. If they released "Pulse" five years after it's release date in 2001, these would be the songs on "Pulse".
"Fired Up" has songs like "Better Off Alone" by Alice Deejay. I loved "Better Off Alone". It was my number one song in 2001. I wonder what happened to Alice Deejay. They should've released another new album. Where's Alice Deejay now? Jocelyn Enriquez's "Do You Miss Me" is in it. There's a part in the song where the drums and synthesizers change which sounds like it's in a mixed compilation. Remember that this isn't a mixed compilation. I still like it. There's also Ultra Nate's "Free" her biggest hit. Ultra Nate is her real name, (Really, it is) did you know? And there's the Bucketheads' "The Bomb", possibly the most cartoonish house song in the mid 90s and I love it. "This Is Your Night" by Amber is in it. She's one of the very first Euro divas to make an impact in the US. This was the song that got me into European dance music. "Kernkraft 400" by Zombie Nation's in "Fired Up". That recognizable composition, I've heard it over in Ireland a number of times and I couldn't get enough of it. There's also "Around The World" by ATC, "I Turn To You" by Melanie C, "Barbie Girl" by Aqua, "In A Dream" by Rockell, "One More Try" by Kristine W, and more. It doesn't have the song "Fired Up" by The Funky Green Dogs even though this is the name of the album, but that's okay.
I must be that predictable about house and techno. I just simply love it. Do I make the rest of the music industry sound amish? Am I that ahead of time? Anyway, this is a great album. What's next? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Linda Ronstadt was America's sweetheart of the '70s, because she was able to combine a pretty face, a pretty voice and a safe personality. Her songs might be full of big notes and high emotions, but they satisfied every predictable expectation of a love ballad or good-time rocker. Mariah Carey is America's sweetheart of the '90s for the exact same reasons. Music Box topped the Billboard album charts, yielding number-one singles like "Dreamlover" and "Hero." The titles, one a hollow Minnie Riperton knock-off and the other a stiff Barbra Streisand imitation, are tip-offs to Carey's reliance on untethered fantasy (she's the fantasizer in the lyrics and the fantasy object in the videos). These songs, coªwritten and co-produced like most of the album by Walter Anasieff and Carey herself, are constructed to show off her dizzying soprano, not to provide an original approach to a well-worn subject. Even when she gets a strong ballad to sing, like her current singles--Babyface's "Never Forget You" or Badfinger/Nilsson's "Without You"--she overdoes the self-pity bit so much that the song loses its dramatic tension. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Boxed Music
I remember when this album came out in '93 and was probably the biggest CD that entire year. I was (and still am) a bit disappointed with Mariah Carey's "Music Box" album. For one, due to harsh attacks from those damn critics, Mariah uses restraint in her voice so much here it's pretty lifeless. Hearing this doesn't sound much like the usual Mariah - lively, loud, energized and soulful. She sounds panned out here, drowsy and like she has a frog in her throat. I thought her high notes were lovely - where are they? The dance tunes here are wan and lack any soul, while the ballads here (which makes up most of the disc) lose all juice once Mariah cuts down on her octives. Compare "Love Takes Time," a 1990 hit, to "Hero." The strongest tracks here are "Dreamlover," a huge #1 hit, "Hero," and "Without You" and "Any Time You Need A Friend." Others are just mediocre or horrible. Buy "Daydream," Mariah's best album.

Maybe the best album ever
I love this album. I have the Mexican version, but the cd says: "Lo mejor del siglo XX" Although the CD design, the content it's beautiful, it's loaded with ballads and some R&B and Dance.
DREAMLOVER 10/10
A funny R&B song
HERO 10/10
The best ballad ever written
ANYTIME YOU NEED A FRIEND 10/10
The best song of the album it's a ballad with R&B & Gospel elements
MUSIC BOX 10/10
I love it. It has a sadness feeling
NOW THAT I KNOW 10/10
One of the dance hits ever
NEVER FORGET YOU 8/10
Sweet & beautiful but boring
WITHOUT YOU 10/10
This song was number one here in Mexico!!!! I LOVE IT!!!
JUST TO HOLD YOU ONCE AGAIN 10/10
I like it
I'VE BEEN THINKIN' ABOUT YOU 10/10
It has a Hip-Hop style, only needs some rap why not Run DMC?
ALL I'VE EVER WANTED 9/10
Awesome but boring
HEROE 10/10
This is the spanish version of "Hero", Mariah has a very clear Spanish

This CD is my Biggest 'Hero'
'Music Box' is Mariah's bestselling TO THIS DAY which is quite amazing considering on my media player the songs come up 'Ballads' in the category section. A BIG FAT LIE! "Dreamlover", one of the CD's biggest singles as well as "Now That I Know" (the best song on the album), 'I've Been Thinking About You" are way far away from any ballad form. Note: In the fold-out picture notice the wedding band on her finger. Tommy Mattola (her then husband) has a very distinct style, and this really shows up on the CD. "Anytime You Need A Friend" is great, but it drags on for quite a long time compared to the arguably short "Never Forget You". And the award for most underrated goes to "Without You". "Without you is a classic MC Remake, and she must have spent a darn long time in the studio trying to hit the long note on the second verse. "Hero" is one more #1 off this CD, and it is ok, but after you hear a lot, you get tired of it. The CD ends on a high note with "All I've Ever Wanted". A great buy, so buy it.

Overrated - Not a very good overall CD
If you look at each decade in music, there seems to be an artist that rises as the "Artist of the Decade". Although in some cases you can dispute it, you can make the argument that the following artists dominated their decade: Elvis Presley (1950s), The Beatles (1960s), The Bee Gees (1970s), and Michael Jackson (1980s). The 1990s was a more difficult decade to decide as it was a down decade in the music industry. If you take a look at commercial sales and #1 singles alone, Mariah Carey is one name that certainly comes to the top of the list for 90s artist of the decade. She had #1 songs in nearly every year of the decade and sold lots of albums. Her biggest selling album was her 1993 release entitled "Music Box". "Music Box" sold some 24 to 25 million copies and was a monster selling album. However, this is a case where I just don't get it because I don't believe this is a very good album.

There are several problems I have with "Music Box". First up, the sound is very familiar. The album definitely has a Whitney Houston feel to it - and haven't we had enough Whitney Houston in the 80s. I don't feel this album brings that much new to the table. One thing I will give Mariah credit for is that she plays a much more prevelant role in songwriting than Whitney Houston. Most of her #1 songs have been written by Carey herself. This brings me to the second point - the lyrics - in many cases (with on exception) I don't think the lyrics are all that strong and don't go very deep. Finally, the album just isn't very interesting. There are three good songs, but there isn't much more that is going to capture your interest.

There are three songs that really save this album. "Dreamlover" was a #1 song and is a catchy song with some catchy, but not necessarily deep lyrics. It has somehwat of an 80s feel to it since there is a heavy dose of keyboards and synthesizers in it. Carey herself wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music and does a nice job. The background vocals are mixed in nicely - I believe they are done by Carey herself. Although "Dreamlover" doesn't go deep with the lyrics, the song "Hero" (another #1 song) does. Personally this is as good a song that Mariah Carey has done. Although it doesn't sound anything like a Dan Fogelberg song, Mariah Carey does something that Dan Fogelberg was a master of in his music - making use of music and lyrics to paint a picture. In this case Carey paints a picture of a Hero. Another analogy in this song is the "Air Supply" approach. The group Air Supply were masters at building a song up to a crescendo and in "Hero" builds up to a magnificent crescendo. Mariah also shows her trademark vocal range in this song. The third song that is worth listening to on the album is the song "Anytime You Need a Friend". This song doesn't get the attention that the #1 hits got on the song, but what really sets this song apart are the gospel-style background vocals in this song. It makes for something different and some enjoyable listening.

After those first three tracks things get boring and uninteresting. The title track "Music Box" doesn't really excite me that much. "Now That I Know", "Just to Hold You Again" , and "All I've Ever Wanted" are ok songs with nice Carey vocals, but sound almost like clones of Whitney Houston songs. "Never Forget You" has its moments, but isn't a song that I'm really going to want to hear. Babyface, who is the co-writer and background vocalist on "Never Forget You" really doesn't kindle any magic like he did when he collaborated with Eric Clapton. The remake of Nillson's "Without You" is helped by Mariah's vocals, but this really isn't one of the better remakes of this song. I don't think "I've Been Thinking About You" does much to stand out in my mind. This song is one of the weaker songwriting efforts by Carey as it seems like she forced the lyrics to work in many parts of this song.

All of the lyrics and credits for the musicians are included in the liner notes. Mariah includes a whole "panel" in the liner notes that has a bunch of "Thank Yous" to the various people whom she collaborated with. Her at the time husband, Sony Boss Tommy Mottola gets a huge thank you - and oh my,have things changed since this album was recorded back in 1992/3.

The Mariah Carey fan will probably like this album. The casual fan will definitely like the hit songs off this album, but I feel this album doesn't bring that much to the table. I do feel this is an example of an album that received a boost from some singles that got a lot of airplay and sales, but as a whole this album just isn't very good. I don't recommend it.

Classic Mariah
Classic Mariah! Really shows off her vocal ability ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Still Forever Your Girl after all these years

After her success as a choreographer to the mega pop dance stars of the 80s, Paula Abdul breaks out on her own with her debut release of Forever Your Girl. This was a smash hit in the late 80s, and many of the hits off this release are still being played today on top 40 stations. To show that kind of staying power after over 10 years, this release obviously has something special to offer its listeners. If you love that style of pop dance music with fun lyrics and awesome beats and orchestration, this is a must have release.

We start off with one of many smash hit singles "The Way That You Love Me," which is a great dance and attitude song that still stands true today. I still see that sexy gold video every time I hear it... mmm MMM! "Knocked Out" was a moderate success as a single (I saw the video more on BET than MTV) but is really a great dance tune with some great lyrical and orchestration hooks. "Opposites Attract" is pretty good and has gotten a recent resurgence thanks to Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I still remember how groundbreaking the video was with Paula dancing with the animated cat. "State of Attraction" wasn't released but could have easily been a hit with great dance beat and orchestration hooks. "I Need You" isn't as trite as it sounds and is a strong pop dance tune with an R&B groove. "Forever Your Girl" was a pretty big hit with its happy, bouncy, upbeat message and orchestration. We finally get to Paula's first huge single, "Straight Up." I must admit, I'm not exactly fond of this tune for some reason - something about the orchestration. But this was a phenomenal success and is a classic late 80s dance favorite. For you trivia buffs, the video featured Arsenio Hall. "Next to You" is the only ballad on this predominantly danceable release; very smooth and relaxing. "Cold Hearted" is an awesome attitude dance song with fantastic lyrics and a killer beat; it was a pretty big hit with a great concept dance video. The bridge features an almost rapped chant that really hooks you and was pretty innovative at the time. The release concludes with the somewhat cheesy and shallow "One or the Other," but it is still fun and danceable.

I'm personally torn between giving this release 4 or 5 stars. I like most of the songs, and I remember watching, dancing to and loving the videos for many of these songs (which were visual and dance masterpieces). However, the release never really made that perfect connection with me. While this release holds a special place in my history, it just didn't have that something special to become part of my soul. Therefore, I give it a very strong 4 star rating.

As a recommendation, if you are a fan of late 80s/early 90s dance pop, you should have this release. It's not earth shattering or mind altering, but the release is a strong representation of the era, and it really does make you want to get out onto the dance floor. It's a shame if you missed the videos, because they were all quality pieces that enhanced the songs and, at the time, broke a lot of new ground. As a bonus recommendation, if you like this release, I strongly suggest you also get the remix album Shut Up and Dance, which features songs from Forever Your Girl.

It's "Straight Up" her best album.
There was a time when "Paula Abdul" was a cheerleader for the "L.A. Lakers". There was also a time when she was as popular as "Madonna" and "Janet Jackson", and that was because of "Forever Your Girl". The album was huge when it came out, and seemed to produce an endless supply of singles. Included is probably her biggest hit "Straight Up", plus "Opposites Attract", "Cold Hearted", and "Forever Your Girl". All the other tracks are almost as good, and a favorite of mine is "Next To You". She does actually have a "Greatest Hits" out as well, and six of these songs are on that, plus "Rush Rush", "Promise Of A New Day", and others. It's too bad that now she's mostly known for judging "American Idol". Some people will never know she used to make videos with animated cats.

WHAT A GREAT ALBUM
This is definetly the best for that late 80's music that eveyone loves to remember. If you want a cd that you don't have to skip a single song, this is your album. The best songs (all are great) are Cold Hearted Snake, Forever Your Girl, Strait Up, The Way That You Love Me, and Kocked Out. I wish artists were still like Paula. She was sexy but not a WHORE! Even though her vocals suck, the music was still GREAT! If I could I would marry Paula because she is hot and her music kicks A--!!! Buy this Cd it sounds EVEN BETTER today than it did when my mom bought the cd for me and my sis in the 80's.

Why does everyone hate on Next To You?
The majority of reviewers say that Next To You was a bad and boring song on the album(I think it's because it's the only ballad in an otherwise fast-paced pop song.) But I like it. It is a soft, nice, relaxing song. I like every song on this.

I STILL play this album just about every year!!!!!
I still like "Forever Your Girl!" I still play it every year, namely during the summer! I finally bought the CD in Atlanta in 2002 after 13 years of having the cassette. This album set the tone for the dancing and choreography that dominated the next decade in videos and live performances. It doesn't sound dated like some '80s albums--the music is heavy on the rhythms and the beats! Very fun, danceable, escapist and so very funky!!!! I still love "Knocked Out", "Cold Hearted", "Straight Up", "The Way That You Love Me" and "I Need You". I like the other songs too like the ballad "Next To You"--it sounds very Atlanta-like in its landscapes. I believe that it was the benchmark to what Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez are doing now. Paula's voice is girlish and a little squeaky on some songs, but she did sound good on all of them. Janet Jackson was already hot too in '89-'90 (though Paula's album came out in June 1988), but Paula really gave Janet some stiff competition. Paula's recent judging on American Idol makes this album far more respectable now! Her recent visibility will make more people and newer listeners to buy this album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

While their name conveniently conjures slabs of fashionable late-'70s New Agey mysticism and eco-consciousness, EWF founder Maurice White couldn't have picked a more metaphorically perfect moniker for his mighty, genre-expanding soul ensemble. The 34 tracks on this double-disc anthology underscore White's downright utopian vision, which shrewdly stewed the emotionally compelling lead vocals and sweet harmonies of Motown with the earthy funk of Sly and the Family Stone and some slick contemporary jazz, then seasoned it with tasty dollops of Tower of Power horns and Maurice's (and brother Verdine's) curiosity in Afro-Cuban rhythms. Small wonder they became arena superstars. There is something to please nearly everyone in the EWF oeuvre: from upbeat, infectious groove-staples like "Shining Star," Mighty Mighty," and "September" through the transglobal "Kalimba Story" and "Ponta de Areia" to the gospelized "Open Your Eyes," their pop-savvy cover of Lennon-McCartney's "Got to Get You into My Life," and the dancefloor-ready collaboration with the Emotions, "Boogie Wonderland." Essential features new liner notes with commentary by Maurice White. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (22)

serpentine fire & glory
Back in the latter 1970's, when I was in my early 20's, traveling 8 states, and fronting this natural foods concern a group of us had, I'd tune my radio dial to all these soul stations dotted all over the south. Soul and R & B was definitely the best thing about that time period. Now some 25-years later, after I've gone through my punk phase, new wave, acid-house, tech-house, ambient chillout, down tempo, funk jazz, alt-country, I've arrived dead center back where this drive started. Thanks in part to Maurice White who lovingly compiled The Essential two discs set from the Earth, Wind & Fire catalog, gathered from over a ten-year period. He got it right. I know. I owned all these albums on vinyl at one time. The lot has been remastered to sound like the very first time. Their sense of timing, soaring vocals, interlocking melodies and basic African rhythms always threw me off into some ethereal cosmic place. I always felt better after listening to one of their songs. Just like I do now. Before I get all drippy on you, I'll say the only thing missing is "Sun Goddess". Otherwise this collection is superb, it's all here, and that's coming from a white dude.

Could Be Much Better!!
The Essential Earth Wind & Fire ?? Not really.This latest EWF compilation suffers from questionable song selection, and more which make it NON-ESSENTIAL for serious fans (who already have this music!).While the music is exceptional, I am wondering why classics like 'Loves Holiday', 'Sun Goddess', and 'Runnin' aren't included.Instead, you get songs like 'And Love Goes On', and 'You', which can't touch the 3 missing tracks I mentioned.Another major problem is the weak packaging, which is substandard for an EWF CD, and the songs aren't in chronological order.Instead of realeasing weak products like this, Legacy/Sony should just update & expand the 'Eternal Dance' (1992) box set with a 4th CD.This collection is a waste of space.Peace, SD

We all know the greatness of EW&F...
...but the sound quality of this collection...well, doesn't make this so "essential." Prior reviews had emphasized this Columbia set not being culled from the original tapes, but I wanted to find out for myself. It turns out they were right.

The sound is anemic at best. This collection, though not in chronological order, contains timeless EW&F tracks, but with a compressed feel to them. Hence, a great injustice was done to one of the finest recorded bands in the last forty years, because their music wasn't given top treatment here. Maurice White may very well have been involved with the selection of the tracks, but he apparently had little input on HOW the tracks were mastered and from which SOURCE they were culled.

If you want an EW&F collection that truly obliterates the likes of this one, go with "The Eternal Dance." It may cost more, but you get a whopping 55 tracks on three discs (including some rarities) and a cool booklet with rare photos and informative band bios. But more importantly, you get a pristine sound quality, with all the tracks being digitally remastered from the original source tapes.

As for Columbia's "essential" collection, they probably could've done worse. But believe me, they also could've done a helluva lot better. Pass.

Good songs but what about the sound quality?
After several years of waiting, Sony finally put out a great selection of EW&F songs in one package while utilizing a 24 Bit Mastering system. That's Good, but judging from the sound quality it was clear to me that the original master tapes were NOT used! They were so close to getting it right and they blew it! I have no choice but to give this inadequate sounding album 1 star!

Only one flaw.....
The only thing they forgot to do is put "Love's Holiday", definetley ESSENTIAL for every EWF Greatest Hits Album. But overall, best Greatest Hits Album I've bought. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Here are my full predictions for Volume 2...
OK... I hope yall like it! Ive put 7 songs before, and, this the full listing (duh):

1. Maroon 5- This Love
2. Usher- Confesssions Part 2 or Burn or Yeah
3. Brandy featuring Kanye West- Talk About Our Love
4. Avril Lavigne- Don't Tell Me or My Happy Ending
5. Fantasia Barrino- I Believe
6. Alicia Keys- If I Ain't Got You
7. Mario Winans featuring P. Diddy- I Don't Wanna Know
8. Kimberley Locke- 8th World Wonder
9. Terror Squad- Lean Back
10. Ying Yang Twins featuring Trick Daddy- What's Happenin!
11. Alanis Morsette- Everything
12. Kanye West- Jesus Walks
13. Mase- Welcome Back
14. Jet- Cold Heart Bitch
15. Outkast- Roses (Radio Edit)
16. Monica- U Should've Known Betta
17. Mellissa Ethridge- Breathe
18. Trapt- Echo
19. Calling- Our Lives
20. Maria Mena- You're The Only One

Oh, yes, Mase & Mario Winans are on Universal, but, they would fit better on here, cuz, theyre on bad boy too. I dont care if theyre bad boy artists and theyre not on arista, cuz, those songs would fit better on here than on any Now.

Worst Totally Hits compilation -- Mainstream Top 40 Chart
I am a devout follower of the Totally Hits series, and have all of them, but this one really disappointed me. Often I praise the Totally Hits compilations for outdoing in quality the Now CDs, but not this time around. Anyways, like always, I will be doing the peak positions on the Rick Dees Top 40 Mainstream chart.

1. Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet -- #16
2. Harder to Breathe -- Maroon 5 -- #4
3. You and I Both -- Jason Mraz -- #32
4. Milkshake -- Kelis -- #8
5. I'm Still In Love Wtih You -- Sean Paul and Sasha -- #17 (and rising)
6. Ying Yang Twins, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boys -- Salt Shaker -- #40
7. J-Kwon -- Tipsy -- #8
8. T.I. -- Rubberband Man -- hasn't charted
9. Alicia Keys -- You Don't Know My Name -- #29
10. Christina Aguilera -- The Voice Within -- #12
11. Ruben Studdard -- Sorry 2004 -- hasn't charted
12. Justin Timberlake -- I'm Loving It -- hasn't charted
13. Kelly Clarkson -- The Trouble With Love Is -- #23
14. Dido -- White Flag -- #17
15. Clay Aiken -- Invisible -- #16
16. Simple Plan -- Perfect -- #4
17. Michelle Branch -- Breathe -- #19
18. R. Kelly -- Step in the Name of Love (Remix) -- hasn't charted
19. Joe -- More and More -- hasn't charted
20. Missy Elliot -- Pass that Dutch -- hasn't charted

2004 hot hits
THIS IS THE ULTIMATE 2004 ALBUM AND IS DEFINITELY A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE INTO TODAYS GREATEST HITS.

This Cd Is The Bomb!!!-A must have for 2004!!!
If your a fan of the Now Cd's, but have never really considered Totally Hits, this is for you. I own this Cd, and love it! I also own and have a review for Now 15, and personally think this is way better! It has all the hit songs for this year, but it does have some downs, believe me. See my review below and make your own judgement. Definetly worth buying, and worth 5 stars!

1. Jet-Are You Gonna Be My Girl-9/10
2. Maroon 5-Harder To Breathe-8/10
3. Jason Mraz-You And I Both-6/10
4. Kelis-Milkshake-7/10
5. Sean Paul w/Sasha-I'm Still In Love
With You-4/10
6. Ying-Yang Twins w/ Lil' Jon & The
East Side Boyz-Salt Shaker-7/10
7. J-Kwon-Tipsy-8/10
8. T.I.-Rubberband Man-4/10
9. Alicia Keys-You Don't Know My Name-
6/10
10. Christina Aguilera-The Voice Within-
9/10
11. Ruben Studdard-Sorry 2004-6/10
12. Justin Timberlake-I'm Lovin' It-3/10
13. Kelly Clarkson-The Trouble With Love
Is-9/10
14. Dido-White Flag-10/10
15. Clay Aiken-Invisible-7/10
16. Simple Plan-Perfect-9/10
17. Michelle Branch-Breathe-8/10
18. R.Kelly-Step In The Name Of Love
[Remix]-6/10
19. Joe-More & More-5/10
20. Missy Elliot-Pass That Dutch-4/10

hilary duff
i think with the totally hits cds they should add the young artists like hilary duff and jojo they are singers to you know ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Not truly "disco"
This disc is too spotty as a disco comp for me to consider truly representative of the best music of the disco ball and platform shoes era. While the best material("Le Freak", "Disco Inferno","Love Machine","In the Navy","Heart of Glass") exemplify what this SHOULD be, other songs are either mediocre ("Could it Be Magic?","Get Up and Boogie"), or else not really representative of the disco era/sound. ("Ladies Night" is NOT disco...even if it is a nice 'club' song. Neither is a REMIXED version of "You're the One that I want"..which wasn't disco to begin with regardless of vintage.)

There are better disco collections out there. Keep looking...

NOT SO PURE!
What on earth makes the compilers think that Lay All Your Love On Me (Abba) and You're The One That I Want (Travolta etc) are disco? Sure they were big hits during the disco heyday but that doesn't make them part of the genre. Apart from that, the selection is great, with the Three Degrees at their dreamy best, Chic & Sister Sledge still sounding fresh, excellent faceless Eurodisco from Silver Convention (Where's the Andrea True Connection?), a good sprinkling of classics: In The Navy, Disco Inferno, You Make Me Feel ... and my favourite, Andy Gibb's Shadow Dancing which remained No. 1 on the Billboard charts for 8 weeks in 1978.

Funked Out
I own all three of the Pure Disco CDs. There were only two songs that really caught my attention and made me glad that I purchased it. I was pretty much funked out by the other two. They have most of the good songs on them. I wouldn't say not to buy it, I would just suggest finding the best bargain for it.

Good.... but the first is the best
Yep... it's a good CD but in my opinion, the first one in the trilogy is the best. Any way you will enjoy the tracks if you are a disco music fan. If you just are familiar with that kind of music, and about 30 years old, maybe you can find some unknown songs. It's a good selection.

some of the songs were great, but others..........
There were a few non disco songs on this CD, for example, "Forget Me Nots". ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Madonna's First Time
This was the album that introduced the Material Girl to the world. How could one predict that from this modest dance/new wave album, that one of biggest artists in music history would be born. Of course Madonna's videos and image have alot to do with her success, but image can only carry you so far. In the end, the music has to stand on its own and her self-titled album does just that. "Lucky Star" is a dance classic while "Borderline" is a classic pop tune with its plucky synth and Madonna's plaintive vocals. It is the successor to the girl group hits from the 60's. "Burning Up" falls under the new wave banner with it's searing guitar and synth action while "I Know It" foreshadows futures songs like "True Blue" and "Cherish" with it's bouncy sound. The albums closer is "Everybody" and is a hypnotic, syncopathic number that begs you to get up and move. Madonna started off slowly when it was released in 1983, in fact it took 58 weeks to crack the top ten, but it laid the groundwork and foundation for her next release Like A Virgin that would take her from rising star to mega-star. This is a newly remastered recording that includes a couple bonus tracks and the remastering adds a new clarity to the songs.

the before and after review
Madonna's self-titled debut was released in July 1983

BEFORE:
Madonna Ciccone was a NY club sensation. Moving to NYC from Bay City MI with less than $50 to her name, Madonna slowly made her way up. Before the release of this album, she had already scored one huge dance single with Everybody, and was climbing the dance chart with Burning Up at the time of release.

AFTER:
While not an overnight success (when the album peaked, it had been out 15 months), Madonna's debut proved to be "the little album that could". Lambasted by critics at first, and at first resisted by a disco-backlashed radio environment. Madonna quietly crept into the nations conscience in 1984. Borderline, Holiday and Lucky Star have all become radio standards.

Madonna's debut is one of the greatest dance records ever. Released not too long after Flashdance began to make dance music accepted again, every single track off this album was played in clubs around the world in 83/84. There is no "substance" song on this that Madonna has added as she got older and wiser, but in the terms of this album, it was amazing. Like A Virgin was the blockbuster, but "Madonna" was a stronger album in my book, and it also lasted on the Billboard album chart for FOUR YEARS.

Every song is a classic on this. Still one of her best.

The very first time
Madonna's self-titled debut came out on July 27, 1983. Madonna wasn't very well known then, and that's an understatement. The album entered the top 200 in early September and debuted at number #190. From there it took over a year for it to reach it's peak. It hit #8 (it's peak) only a couple of weeks before the release of her second album, Like A Virgin. From there it was YEARS before it fell off the chart. At first the album wasn't succesful much, but then Madonna constantly started to perform in clubs in the US and UK making this album very successful. In the UK this album peaked at #6. The album has 8 songs on it and 2 more tracks were added for the remastered re-release in 2001.

I. Lucky Star

A remake of the classic childrens rhyme. This song is remembered for the video which first showed the world the famous look that is remembered to this very day and began the stuff about her bellybutton, as well as starting the trend of "Madonna wannabees". The song however isn't that good. This was the 5th single off the album and hit #4 in the US and #14 in the UK 5/10

II. Borderline

A good song. It's mainly the same as the video version but she also sings some other lyrics that aren't in the video. This was the 4th single off the album and it hit #10 in the US and #56 in the UK. Borderline and Lucky Star were so successful that Madonna moved back the release date of Like A Virgin. 9/10

III. Burining Up

The best song on the whole album. It has a great beat and it never gets boring. The lyrics here also forshadowed all those controversies that were to come "I'm not the same I have no shame I'm on fire". This was the 2nd single. 10/10

IV. I Know It

Out of the 3 songs that weren't singles this is the only good one. The refrain is good in this song. 7/10

V. Holiday

A truly immortal song. Holiday is the only song that Madonna has performed on every single one of her tours and it's still played on the radio a lot. This was Madonna's 1st big hit. It was the 3rd single from the album and hit #16 in the US and #6 in the UK. The IC version is better, but this is also very good. A fun and joyful song that will live forever. 10/10

VI. Think Of Me

The worst song on the whole album. The music just doesn't attract at all. And the lyrics are bad too. You should skip this song 2/10

VII. Physical Attracion

Another bad song. The only good part here is a tiny instrumental part that appears twice in the song. 4/10

VIII. Everybody

The song that started it all. This song got the ear of Sire boss who signed Madonna in while he was in the hospital. This was Madonna's very first single. Sounds a bit dated, but still a great song. 10/10

IX. Burning Up (12"Version)

Burning Up is the best song on the album and this version males it better. There are more synths in this and it's also extended. You'll probably listen to this one a lot. 10/10

X. Lucky Star (New Mix)

This is mainly just extended with minor changes. A bit uselessm they should have put in a mix of Holiday instead. 4/10

Overall this has good songs, and as time went on Madonna made better music. 9/10

1983 classic !!!!!!
Madonna's Debut is the BLUE PRINT for women in music today. Britany,Christina,Jennifer lopez,Beyonce, even Janet Jackson and other divas wannabes owe it to Madonna. This debut has it all. What can theses divas do that the Queen Diva hasnt done. this is a must own cd for all madonna fans, and non fan's.

Though it broke through quietly still manadge to sale more than 5 million copies in the U.S ...................................

excellent start
this album is a great dance-pop album and it was madonna's first album. With carefree tunes full of soul, the queen of pop was getting started and here to stay. She's still excellent today with her American Life project. She's evolved beautifully through her music over the years. This was a feel good album that came out before she struck it big with like a virgin. Kind of like how michael jackson released off the wall but the best was yet to come and then BAM it was thrillermania! get it today, your madonna collection is incomplete without this CD, I bought it despite having the 3 big hits on immaculate collection, but it was worth it since they're extended and the flow of the album is so smooth ... Read more

Amazon.com

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] T! he 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

Reviews (223)

Her best work so far...
I have all three of her CD's and her vocal work on this album is really amazing. I like that she sticks to what she is good at (ballads) but still tries other things without overpowering the record. I have the original released version but may pass that copy off to a friend and pick up this new version because I am in love with her remake of Angels from Robbie Williams. As for writing credits, I can only really see her influence in 4 or 5 songs - Underneath - Be - Let Go - With You - and In this Skin. The rest sound like they were written for her by other people - like her other albums (while I enjoyed them all, you can almost always tell the difference between an artist that sings their own material.)

Dum dee dum (It certainly is, err...different)
I've only watched about 2 Newlyweds episodes, this is the the Jessica's only album that I have. Since I just got it about a few hours ago I haven't finished listening to all the songs yet. I've been reading al these reviews and I find them kind of funny. Who knew such arguments could come out of an innocent little CD! Well I like it, but it's not my favourite. My favourite artists include Britney Spears and Fefe Dobson (but that's for another review). Now that I've inserted new batteries into my Discman the songs are crystal clear. Here's what I think of them:

Angels- I think song order is important on a CD. I personally don't want to have to skip to the end of the CD to find a song I like. The first song on a CD is important, it gives you a first impression. This is a good pick for a 1st song. I like the music when it gets to the strong points, I don't care for the slow parts much but it makes you appreciate the better parts more. In this song I like the tune more than Jessica's voice.

With You- This is a nice song, upbeat, good song to hum along to. BUT, I'm not sure it fits into the second-song-of-the-CD category. When I first listen to a CD I listen to the songs in order, so I expected this song to be more in the middle not the beginning. Anyways I like the tune a lot.

Take My Breath Away- The reason I GOT this CD! I really love it, it's not upbeat or a hum-to-the-music song, it's slow but not too slow, I LOVE the tune and it is the best one to belt out the words to.

My Way Home- Quite different. It goes into a whole different category. It's unique, nice tune, many different instruments and sounds. Not my fave though.

Sweetest Sin- A solid song, music and voice are all right. I didn't like it all that much.

I Have Loved You- Powerful music, nice voice. Pretty good tune, one of the better songs.

Forbidden Fruit- Another one of those different songs. I like the voice and music--Pretty good! Nice lyrics, the chorus is the best part.

Everyday See You- Great lyrics, a calm song. I didn't really like Jessica's voice in this song though.

Underneath- The music is good, but this song didn't really show me anything special until the middle when it got stronger.

You Don't Have To Let Go- The music if played very well, jessica's voice isn't really predictable. You can't tell if she's going for a high note or going to saty low. It goes up and down like a roller coaster.

Loving You- Again, this song has different music than the rest. Music and voice are pretty good, lyrics weren't as important as in other songs.

In This Skin- Hey, this is the most important song on the whole CD, after all, it's on the cover! I thought the lyrics were very important and you can actualy understand them. THe music and voice were very nice as well. Great song!

Be- A perfect 'ending song'. Well actually there's another song after this but it's just a different version so that doesn't really count. It's not very upbeat, slow, just like an ending. These songs are not my favourite, usually, but this is a very nice song.

With You (Acoustic Version)-Beautiful music, a great version.

Also, I give plus points for the lyrics being on the inside booklet. (Good for those who like to sing along when they think nobody's watching). There is also a DVD containing scenes from Newlyweds and a wedding. I hope you liked this review! :)

In who's skin? Britney's or Jessica's?
Does anybody know where Jessica Simpson's voice has run off to these days? When she debuted in December 1999 with her first No. 1 "I Wanna Love You Forever" her bland but powerful vocals were beautiful, simply gorgeous, and were pretty good on her other two hit-singles. But as the years rolled by it seems that Mrs. Nick Lachey's once-gorgeous chops have deteriorated, or she's just choosing the wrong song material. Producers, this girl ain't Britney Spears. The songs that you're choosing for Simpson to sing are, though. In This Skin is too Britney-ish and only has a couple worthwhile songs.

Uggg this album, is BORING!!!!
ugggg jessica this album is a waste of adorable time, you have no beat, no dance, etc... you should just stick to following BRITNEY AND CHRISTINA, cause you suck, honestly you do, well adios,,

GOOD!
This album is still good. Not changing...ever...in a million years...even if that will exist. THIS ALBUM IS GOOD AND I THINK EVERYBODY SHOULD BUY IT AND LIKE IT!!! ... Read more

Reviews (51)

One of the best eighties pop albums
Madonna was among the most successful pop singers of the eighties and nineties. Listening to this album, it's easy to see why, Four enormous international hits - Like a virgin, Angel, Material girl and Dress you up - plus an outstanding cover of Love don't live here anymore and some other great songs that would surely have been hits had they been released as singles - most notably Over and over, a catchy number to make you get up and dance to.

There were those who thought that Madonna was all about image, but this album made me realise that she had the talent as well. I am therefore not surprised that she has continued to make great music that sells in huge quantities.

My Like a virgin CD includes another major international hit, Into the groove, which has been omitted from this re-mastered version. A couple of re-mixes of other songs have been included instead. Even without Into the groove (which can be found elsewhere), this remains one of Madonna's strongest albums - and that is saying something, given the consistently high quality of all her albums.

Dedicated to virgins--but wonderfully lacking innocence!
As other reviewers before me have very perceptively noted, this IS without doubt one of the best albums of the 1980s. It did shoot Madonna to fame and she deserved every bit of her success! Listening to the first four songs "Material Girl," Angel," "Like a Virgin," and "Over and Over," I felt young, excited, optimistic and happy as I did all twenty years ago when I first heard these wonderfully infectious songs! (It encourages you to reminisce about the good old days, too--as well as the materialism of the '80s! GRIN) Following them is the torchy pop ballad "Love Don't Live Here Anymore," which Madonna performs very well. "Dress You Up" is yet another tune that immediately became a global hit for "The Material Girl." "Shoo-Bee-Doo" is a slower ballad that goes well after the faster paced "Dress You Up." This album also includes very, very good songs like the slower "Pretender" and the song "Stay." The listener then gets the added plusses of extended dance mixes of "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl."

The sound quality is excellent throughout the entire remastered CD! The liner notes include the lyrics to all the songs and there are a few great shots of Madonna taken at that time, too. A real plus for Madonna fans!

Not only is this one of her greatest albums, this CD would also be an excellent introduction to the newcomer who wants to see what Madonna could produce at such an early point in her career. I strongly recommend this remastered CD as a great addition for Madonna fans who only have the original CD or the vinyl album. Only regret: "Into The Groove" isn't here! Hey! To improve this incredible CD even further, can we use this as a springboard to remaster it yet again as something even more awesome (although there's not too much room to go higher)? Only time will tell.....GRIN

An excellent sophomore effort
Like A Virgin (1984.) Madonna's second album.

Early in the eighties, Madonna came onto the musical scene with the single Everybody. Not long after its release, her 1983 debut LP was released. The LP contained a number of excellent tracks. But, while many of the songs it featured are revered as classics today, at its time of release it didn't do very much to put Madonna in the spotlight. She needed to release another album, and she did so the following year. 1985's Like A Virgin is the album that first brought Madonna the popularity she has had for so very long, and this is arguably her most popular album. Is it deserving of this reputation, or is it just an overrated release? Read on for my review of Like A Virgin.

To put it in the simplest terms possible, this IS an overrated album (and I personally like the lesser-known debut better), but it's an album that deserves to be overrated. There were many female pop singers trying to make it big in the eighties, and Madonna was one of the few whose music was worthwhile. This is the album that put her in the spotlight, and rightfully so. The title track is arguably the biggest hit of her entire career. And, of course, that's not the only hit. We've also got Material Girl and Dress You Up, both of which became extremely popular. But, much like her first LP, some of the best tracks on Madonna's sophomore effort are the tracks that were never very popular at all. Angel and Over And Over had some minor popularity, but sadly, they never became as popular as the really popular tracks featured on the album. That's a shame, because these songs feature the kind of upbeat, bouncy pop music that only the eighties incarnation of Madonna could ever shell out. She even serves up a ballad, Love Don't Live Here Anymore. One of the most interesting songs on the album is Shoo-Be-Doo, because it's the perfect balance between a pop hit and a ballad. This goes to show just how excellent her music is. The closers, Pretender and Stay, tend to go overlooked, even by Madonna fans. That's bites, because they are VERY good songs. The fact that they were featured as single B-Sides doesn't help their reputation any, either. In the end, Madonna's sophomore album is a damn fine piece of eighties pop music.

THIS TEXT REFERS EXCLUSIVELY TO THE WARNER REMASTERS EDITION OF THE ALBUM. Many of Madonna's albums were recently rereleased as part of the Warner Remasters series of album reissues. The liner notes have been expanded, the sound quality has been improved, and bonus tracks have been added! In the case of the Like A Virgin album, you get extended dance remixes of two of the tracks! That's pretty cool. Too bad they didn't put bonus tracks like this on their Van Halen reissues...

Like A Virgin is the album that shot Madonna straight up to instant popularity, and rightly so. She has shelled out a number of excellent albums over the years, and this is among the finest. They don't call her the Queen of Pop for nothing! If you're a fan of Madonna or eighties pop music in general, don't hesitate to add this one to your collection.

Next to Thriller, Probably The Quintessential '80s' Album
Although her 1983 self - titled debut was a hit, Madonn had to wait until December of 1984 before she was a superstar. When "Like A Virgin" reached # 1 and stayed there for 6 weeks, the world was ready to welcome a new pop superstar. 1985's "Like A Virgin" welcomed her into the world of music, knocking Prince's "Purple Rain" from # 1 after 24 consecutive weeks at the top. Yielding 5 top 5 singles, Madonna had arrived.

The album opens with its other massive hit, the bright and fun "Material Girl", her tribute to Marilyn Monroe in a way. It remains one of the best '80s' pop songs. It also went to # 2, unable to unseat "One More Night" by Phil Collins. "Angel" (# 5) is a great and upbeat. Next comes the moment we've all been waiting for. From its heavy synthesized intro to its breathy close, the title track might as well be the best song of the 1980s', summing the decade up (in musical terms) in just over three minutes. "Over And Over" is a rapid - paved dance number sure to have you on your feet. Following is her soulful cover of Rose Royce's "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" that is so beautiful, you can't help but wonder why they waited 11 years to release it as a single (a remixed version peaked at # 78 in 1996). "Dress You Up" was another big hit. It's not really anything special, but it's still a fun and harmless little pop song. "Shoo - Be - Doo" is a nice slower number. "Pretender" is a bit of a downer, but the album closes on a high note with "Stay", which has a mesmerizing chorus.

"Like A Virgin" was the album that blew everyone away. Madonna had emerged from Detroit and proven herself a durable pop artist with moe than just a few tricks up her sleeve.

not bad
This Album was produced by Nile Rodgers and his time was the 70s. If we listen to this album today we may think there was no technical possibilty to create quality pop music, but believe me this recording sounded "old" by the time it came out. Other weakness is that it has many monotone and repeatative song, which are boring, example: over and over, pretender, stay...By that time she worked also together with Tangerine Dream, and those songs are much better than the ones we can find here, no wonder that "Gambler" and Crazy for You" climbed the charts not theese ones. Her other big hit "Into the groove" is not presented here either. ... Read more

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A far deeper, more enduring outing than his spectacular 1991 debut. Producer Trevor Horn calls on a cast of dozens (including Joni Mitchell who duets on the lovely "If I Could" and the ubiquitous Jeff Beck) and channels his famous, over-the-top tendencies into a sumptious bed of sound that makes Tears for Fears sound minimal. Soulful first single "Prayer for the Dying" will set the pace, while "Kiss From A Rose" is a huge ballad. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (73)

Moody and beautiful--very different
I bought this album during a down period in my life. From the opening beats of "Bring It On", the mood of this album both soothed my soul and sent shivers up and down my spine. Over the years, that effect this album has had on me has not changed.

As other reviewers have mentioned, there is no way to classify this album into a particular musical genre. It is not strictly pop, R & B, or most certainly rock. It is a blend of all of these genres combined into a unique sound. It is a moody, soothing, beautiful, and unique masterpiece.

"Bring It On" is indeed a mystical masterpiece to open up the album. Certain rock radio stations even played this unique song for a short while, as I remember. "Prayer For The Dying" was the first single from this album--an incredibly emotional and moving song. "Don't Cry" was a later minor hit that leaves you with a sense of yearning--another emotional beautiful song. In between those hits was of course the huge hit "Kiss From A Rose". Clearly, this is the song that many will remember here; if it is all you know from this album, try an album full of songs of this level of emotion.

The gorgeous track "If I Could" is undescribingly emotional as well. Sung as a duet with Joni Mitchell, it is a beautiful masterpiece. Songs like "Fast Changes" and "I'm Alive" continue the mystical feel of the album but are a bit more upbeat. "Newborn Friend" is also pretty, and the beginning bass line in "Dreaming In Metaphors" also makes my spine tingle. The closing "Bring It On (Reprise)" is a fitting ending to the album.

Let me put this album in perspective from my point of view: my favorite type of music is straight ahead melodic hard rock. I like some heavier stuff than that as well, and I also like certain old mellow pop music, classic rock, and a bunch of other stuff. As I stated above, this album and artist truly transcend musical genres. Strongly recommended for a wide variety of music fans who are willing to stop, mellow out, and feel their emotions. Play this with the lights down low on a cold dark night; it's great mood music either when you're alone or with someone else. I honestly have never heard anything else quite like it.

Another Great One
Seal has one of the greatest voices in music today, and everything he sings is pretty much a hit. His second album doesn't differ, and is a great release from the master of vocals. Everything he sings is perfect, moving and lyrical. Besides the two overplayed songs on this album, there isn't any duds here.

My favorite off the album is "Dreaming In Metaphors". His voice is powerful, and almost pained. It is a soft, almost haunting song, soft and slow. "Bring It On" is more upbeat with a great rhythm guitar track guaranteed to get you body moving. "I'm Alive" is another upbeat song, reminiscent of his first album. Another favorite for me is "People Asking Why". The singles from this album, "Prayer for the Dying" and "Kiss from a Rose" are great songs too, but they've been overplayed on the radio.

It is hard to beat a Seal album. The compositions are well assembled, and multi-layered yet simple so as not to distract from his voice. As a musician, Seal is amazing, but he far exceeds that with his singing. Another hit album, like everything else he does.

Absolutely Moving!!!
This is 1 of his best works! I started listening to him in the early 90's, I was totally moved by the power of his voice and the feeling in his soul. This man has feeling that not many people have. I had thought that the first album was a great 1. It was, but this by far is his best work yet. Catchy rythm in Bring It On, Prayer for the Dying, which if in the right mood will bring a tear to your eye. Don't Cry, always makes me. And by far I have to say, I'm Alive is the most moving song on this album. I feel a sense of empowerment when I hear it.

This album gets my "Seal" of approval.
"Seal" has a few albums out there now, including a new one, but of them all, this is easily the best. Regardless of what the hits are, track to track this is just amazing. His voice, the lyrics, and the way the songs are so beautifully put together, all make for a near perfect album. This includes the great and popular songs "Prayer For The Dying", "Don't Cry", and the huge "Kiss From A Rose", which was also on the "Batman Forever" soundtrack. However, I enjoy "Dreaming In Metaphors", "Fast Changes" and the others just as much. I could probably rate this disc 5 stars it's so tight, and like an old Eskimo once said, "There's nothing like a tight Seal".

Help Me Understand
I love this cd because of the beats and Seal's voice, but I must admit that I don't understand totally what the songs are about. I have tried to figure them out, but I have trouble interpreting the songs. I really would appreciate a short (or long) explanation of the songs because I do love this cd!!! ... Read more

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Actress Jennifer Lopez's debut album fails in its attempt to provide a worthy musical backdrop to her much-discussed diva-esque image. Over the course of 13 songs, On the 6 displays barely a glimmer of the verve, poise, and sensuality of her screen performances in the likes of Out of Sight. With little vocal talent to rely on, Lopez generally seems content to ape Madonna's middle register like any happy radio listener. Similarly, several of the tracks here seem too rooted in the Latin-lite clichés of "La Isla Bonita." With practice--more Lopez CDs will surely follow in the wake of 6's success--the star might develop into a singer worth reckoning with, but for now she stands as a wonderful actress and a musical artist with an unengaging album to her name. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (556)

Jennifer Lopez - On The 6 (Spanish Version)
This CD isn't really that different than the regular American version. It Has pretty much all the same songs (only 6 are in spanish) But anyway the tracks are as fallows :
1. No Me Ames [Duo Con Marc Anthony] 4:36 (original spanish)
2. If You Had My Love [Si Tuvieras Mi Amor] 4:26 (original)
3. Una Noche Mas 4:06 (original spanish)
4. Should've Never [No Debiera] 6:15 (original)
5. Es Amor* 4:41 (previously un-released)(spanish)
6. Let's Get Loud [Pongamonos Estridentes] 4:00 (original)
7. It's Not That Serious [No Es Tan Serio] 4:16 (original)
8. Amar Es Para Siempre* 3:53 (spanish vers. of "Promise Me You'll Try")
9. Too Late [Demasiado Tarde] 4:28 (original)
10. El Deseo De Tu Amor* 3:38 (spanish vers. of "Open Off My Love")
11. Talk About Us [Hablemos De Nosotros] 4:25 (original)
12. Could This Be Love [Podria Esto Ser Amor] 4:26 (original)
13. No Me Ames (Duo Con Marc Anthony) [Remezcla Tropical] 5:03 (original)
Like I said all of the tracks are the same as the US edition of this cd the only differenc are trakcs #5, #8, & #10. Tracks 8 & 10 being covers of her english songs, they sound just like the english versions, (but sound way better in spanish than in english), # 5 is an original recording in spanish, its a ballad. Over all this cd is basically the same as the original release (thats why I give it 4 stars) and all the songs are in english except tracks 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, & 13.

kool gear
My big sister says to me when you buy all her albums Jennifer will invite you for a romantic evening and night so I bought them all I hope she calls soon

This cd defines "corn & onions"
Stick to acting, Jenny, cause your music sucks!

Amazing debut album
Jennifer lopez is definitely a super star. She is beautiful, sexy and she has talent. When i heard IF YOU HAD MY LOVE i said that i have to buy "On the 6". And i bought it. It is a great album with a lot of good songs. My favourite song is "Waiting for tonight" and "no me ames". The first one i love it because every time i listen it i dance. The second one because i love that tone and it is a good slow song. Other masterpiece of that album is "Lets get loud", "If you had my love", "Feelin'so good", "Baila", "Talk about us", "Promise me you'll try", "Should've never", "Una moche mas" etc. In the beginning i put 4 stars on that album but after i remember the very good pictures and artwork of that album. also inlay you will find the lyrics. Jennifer lopez is the best. (...)

A Charming Surprise
I really didn't know much about Jennifer Lopez when Her debut album and smash single debut a #1. At that time no one could tell me how much I would love her music as much as I do. But after hearing Tracks like Feeling so good, Waiting for tonight I was hooked and the rest is history. Its a great cd . ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Krafty Work
I am not sure this is the relase I am reviewing, however it contains 7 mixes from the radio edit, Morel's Pink Noise Mix, and the excellent Eric Kupper Club Mic @ 9:11 min pure excellence.So I do recommend this Cd Single, It has a great NO feeling, along with some of the best mixers "Out" and about.So take it as you will BUT I would make sure that these mixes are on there, all are great in there own aspect, to bad Amazon/CD now does not allow you full access to what songs and mixes and times are there, so I tend to order from a West Hollywood Company with FREE S/H (domestic USA) purchases over $50.00. Jason Prof DJ
1) radio edit 347
2) Morels Pink Noise Vocal 752
3) DJ Dan Vocal 818
4) Eric Kupper Club 911
5) Glimmer's 12" Extended 653
6) Phones reality Mix 706
7) Riton Re-Rub Mix 654 ... Read more

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For many bedroom producers, Daniel Bedingfield's debut must seem like a dream come true. A songwriter, home producer, and vocalist whose laptop recording of the title track was one of the biggest hits of 2001 in the UK, Bedingfield makes music that's one part Prince, one part Michael Jackson, and one part UK Garage. Poppy soul-funk in the vein of Cameo, he possesses a distinctive edge that sets him apart from countless other '80s revivalists. A softer side of Bedingfield emerges on "If You're Not the One," a ballad that could easily be dismissed as generic album-filling slush but, with a few listens, proves to be the kind of well-crafted song Jackson's Invincible lacked. One gripe: the re-recorded version of "Gotta Get Thru This," while far more polished and professional than its predecessor, lacks the infectious, raw groove of the original. Still, this album demonstrates how pop music should be made--with a strong emphasis on skill rather than image. --David Trueman ... Read more

Reviews (83)

Good to Some Degree
When I first heard "Gotta Get Thru This" on the radio, I was hooked immediately. After some extensive research, I finally found out that Daniel Bedingfield sang it. I bought this Cd yesterday. The acoustic version of "Gotta Get Thru This" is excellent as well as "Inflate My Ego." The rest of the songs remind me a little too much of Backstreet Boys/N'Sync. I bought this album expecting a good dance Cd, so was a little disappointed. I wouldn't recommend buying this if you expect the same thing I expected. However, if you don't mind the majority of the songs sounding "pop" then definitely buy this album.

Impressive
Daniel Bedingfield's success story is one that is interesting and somewhat endearing. He put "Gotta Get Thru This" on a mix cd and through the listeners reaction and demand, he created this album. The album is a good mixture of garage, pop, and dance. The title track was a monster hit and is catchy in its own right. "If You're Not The One" is an impressive ballad that stretches his vocals, but is also quite sad and personal. "James Dean (I Wanna Know)" is another great dance tune that would fit well as a single and in the clubs, I can only imagine the remixes. Other impressive songs include "Friday", "Inflate My Ego", and more. An impressive showing, well worth checking out.

Good pop with tasteful and catchy lyrics.
This is a pretty good CD (it took a couple listens for me to get into it), and judging by the tasteful (no profanity/vulgarity/sensuality) and the seemingly genuine spirituality of some of his lyrics and liner notes, Mr. Bedingfield seems to exude a Judeo-Christian influence.

Though not groundbreaking, his album is catchy, well-sculpted pop. Though sometimes I'm pushed past my limit of girl-obsessive songs (all but two of the twelve tracks are some form of romantic/hormonal contemplation), I still consider this a long-term enjoyment prospect. A tastefulness that almost no other (quality) pop record comes near brings this musically 4-star disc up to a 5.

love title song
I bought this CD for the title song. its got a really good beat. I also enjoy track 4. However, the rest of the CD lacks interest. Track 3 is misleading in that it is nothing like any of the other songs.

Daniel at his best
this cd was great .my favorite song is "if you're not the one"
it is a great ballad. if i was having a dance party it would be one of the first slow songs for sure. ... Read more

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Teaming with her most accomplished collaborators, producer-songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson delivers what is easily her finest record since Rhythm Nation--and arguably her best ever. Highlights include jams like "You" and "Got 'Til It's Gone," which recontextualizes samples from War and Joni Mitchell, respectively; the funky memorial to a dear departed, "Together Again"; and a slinky cover of Rod Stewart's "Tonight's the Night." Best of all, though, is "What About." An accusatory throwdown for a lover who beats and cheats even as he professes his love, it swings angrily between tender quiet and raging bitter funk. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (255)

A Nice Effort From Miss. Jackson
The Velvet Rope was released on the 22nd September in 1997. It was at that time considered Janet Jackson's most creative and personal album to date. The first single taken from the album Got Till It's Gone sounded different from anything Janet Jackson had ever done released before.

Overall The Velvet Rope could be described as an ''Inward Journey'' meaning after hearing the album it will make you think about youeself and how you view others as well. The biggest message on the album seems to be about accepting/loving yourself. The Velvet Rope may have a ''depressing'' sound to it, but overall the message behind the album is a positive one. The Velvet Rope also deals with other issues such as sex, the struggle of homophobia, abusive relationship and more. Guest appearances are made by the violinidt Vanessa Mae on the title track and Q Tip makes an appearance on Got Till It's Gone.

The highligts of the album are You with its interesting lyrics and the incredible Together Again. What About is a personal favourite of mine. The song deals with an abusive boyfriend. The hidden track Can't Be Stopped is probably one of the best Janet Jackson tracks to date.

Tracklist

1) Interlude-Twisted Elegance

2) Velvet Rope *** The first song on the album about accepting yourself and realize that we are need to feel unique in our own way /We have a special need/To feel that we belong/.

3) You ****½ The song is about changing yourself and taking responsibility for yourself. According to this song you shouldn't live your life according to others meaning first and foremost you should be true to yourself /You gotta say what you mean /Tryin' to please everyone /Sacrifice your needs /Check in the mirror my friend /No lies will be told then /Pointing the finger again/ You can't blame nobody but you/.

4) Got Till It Gone ***** This in one of the most interesting songs Janet has ever done both musically and lyrically. I particularly didn't care for this track at first, but the more you listen to it the more you are going to like it. In my opinion an excellent choice as the first single off the album.

5) Interlude-Speaker Phone

6) My Need *** Definitely a sexual song about wanting someone /I just want you inside baby /We don't /Need To /Talk about no promises/ My need /Tonight /I feel so tight/. You can definitely heard one big influence on this track, which reminds me of Marvin Gaye or is that just me?

7) Interlude- Fasten Your Seatbelts

8) Go Deep ****

One of the most cheerful songs on the album. Go Deep is about having fun and goung out /We go deep /And we don't get no sleep /Cause we will be up all night /Until the early night/. At the end of the song there is a little A Cappella session.

9) Free Xone ** This one is about the struggle of homophobia. It's definitely a difficult issue to taken on, but I will give Janet her props for touching an issue. Don't expect artists like Britney Spears or Backstreet Boys going anywhere near this topic. I have a huge problem with the music. It's way too messy for my taste.

10) Interlude- Memory

11) Together Again **** One of my favourite trakcs on the album and this is really Janet. These are the songs I adore from Janet (Make more stuff like this Miss. Jackson) and I believe it hit no. 1 in America.

12) Interlude-Online

13) Empty ** As someone else mentioned it does have a certain techno inspired feeling to it. I have to admit this track doesn't really appeal to me. I usually skip this one.

14) Interlude- Full

15) What About ***** Why oh why was this song released as a single. I believe it would have pushed sales up a bit and besides it's a really good track. It's powerful and aggresive in the choruses while in the verses are sung softly.

16) Every Time ** It is bwyond me why she released this as a single when they are othger songs on the album there are at least ten times as good. A tad bring in my opinion.

17) Tonight's The Night ***½

Definitely a nice effort though in my opinio Rod Stewart's version is better. Janet gives the song a different meaning it had in Rod Stewart's version /The secret is /About to unfold /Upstairs before /Night's too cold cause /Tonight's the night /It's gonna be alright /Cause I love You girl /Ain't nobody gonna /stop Us Now/.

19) Rope Burn *** This is probably one of Janet's most sexual songs ever. I listened to it carefully the fist time. The song is ok though it gets a tad bring towards the end.

20) Anything **** I actually like this song. It may not be among her best, but it has potential. It's de'finitely a sexual song and Janet sings it wonderfully.

21) Interlude-Sad 22) Special *** This song only gets three stars. It seems to me this song has been done bfore by numberous artists. The whole stuctur (can't spell) has been done before by a certain Jackson member though I won't name any names.

Hidden Track: Can't Be Stopped ***** The is without a doubt one of my favourite Janet Jackson songs ever. It has a heavy beat to it and a wonderful message as well. This song should have been released. Oh well we can't all have it our way, now can we?

I personally don't think The Velvet Rope is among Janet's materpieces such as Rhythm Nation or Janet, but I do think the songwriting is far more interesting than her previous records.

Janet gets experimental
Janet's 1997 album The velvet rope came as a surprise. Both to the fans and the critics. The campaign for Janet's return to the world of music started with the single GOT TIL IT'S GONE, a song based on a sample from Joni Mitchell's BIG YELLOW TAXI. But that is just the beginning. A lot of musical influences can be found on this album.
Title track VELVET ROPE features an amazing violin part by world famous Vanessa Mae. TOGETHER AGAIN was a world wide no. 1 hit. GO DEEP is a groovy floor filler, WHAT ABOUT is a heavy guitar song telling about domestic violence and abuse of the female sex. And Janet sings the Rod Stewart cover TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT with all the references to girls & boys. FREE XONE is a song against homophobia, very funky and happy. And, one of Janet's trademark, in the end come the beautiful ballads: EVERYTIME (a second AGAIN), the sensual ROPE BURN and the after-love-making, one of my favorites, ANYTHING. The texts of the songs tend to be a little down sometimes, but it's really a very warm album. Very recommended. On the Japanese version you find a bonus track, GOD'S STEPCHILD. If you can't find that one: Check Amazon and look for the HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK soundtrack - Erik.

Janet's Deepest Record...
Even as good of a record as Damita Jo is (read my review on it under the third, fourth or fifth pages, lol), I honestly didn't think that Janet had peaked by the time of this album. Released in October 1997, Ms. Jackson's sixth record in her 15-year music career was deep, raw, introspective and serious. Janet truly had less relationships of love and sex in this album than she had done previously and afterwards with her last two records. In fact, most of the record dealt with depression, bisexuality, domestic abuse, racism, AIDS and self-esteem. This album was truly a shocker for those who had known Janet 20 years ago to be some shy girl backing her family members. This album was the first one that many thought it couldn't have been done by Michael and Jermaine's baby sister and yet at the same time, she confirms that yes, she is a Jackson, and yes, she is MJ's sis, but she was her own woman going through her own problems and was not too scared to reveal them here. This record was also the first that wasn't known for its pop classics but very much known for just being too deep for radio airplay. However Janet managed to branch out classics like "Got 'til It's Gone", which re-introduced the world to folk legend Joni Mitchell, "Together Again", her tribute to friends who died of AIDS, "I Get Lonely", which IMO is one of the greatest R&B songs of all time and "Go Deep", her own take of her brother's legendary "Billie Jean". This was truly an album that showed the quintessential life of a Black music icon in her personal mishaps and how she came out of it and wanted to come out of it. There's pain but there's also joy as she confirms that everyone's special and in the face of adversity and hate, we can't be stopped. Janet is forever an icon and this record proved Janet has true heart as her last three albums before had shown. After this record, I truly think Janet Jackson had nothing left to prove. This album confirmed that Janet was and is one of the greatest singular talents of pop and R&B music ever.

a beautiful masterpiece of an album
Janet expanded on her r&b roots with this beautiful album and created a timeless masterpiece that still sounds fresh today. If you want to hear the real janet jackson, this is the album. She's sexy(without overdoing it), she's creative and she's in control of her music and timeless sound on this album. And she's also very real, you can't get any realer than she did on Velvet Rope, and sadly she couldn't live up to it after this CD.

ONE OF JANET'S BEST ALBUM.
Besides Rhythm Nation, this is Janet's best album. Nuff said. ... Read more

Reviews (1746)

Not the best, but still...
Britney Spears' "In The Zone" was one album I was truly looking forward to this year. Being a fan of hers for years, I purchased "In The Zone" looking for a "Britney." What I found was completely different than anything I've ever heard her release. The only mature aspect of the album are the lyrics. I really resent the fact that people rag on Brit's voice. Yes, she doesn't have the greatest voice, but there are a lot of singers that don't either (Madonna, Jason Mraz, etc.). I believe she is a studio singer, not a live singer. Some of the album's best tracks include: Toxic (I swear this song has to have a sample in it), Everytime (a beautiful ballad that is highly underrated), Shadow, Breathe On Me (reminicent of Kylie Minogue), and Showdown. The other songs are catchy, but lyrically, pretty shallow (Outrageous is one of R. Kelly's weakest efforts; Brave New Girl sounds as though it belongs on the Legally Blonde soundtrack; Boom Boom I would love without the Ying Yang Twins). I'm not sure why there is a remix of Me Against the Music, it is really not necessary. Overall, the album is a catchy dance album, but without much substance.

She has finally arrived...
Britney Spear's 2001 release 'Britney' was an effortless album, composed of filler songs that didn't hold the same bravado, attitude, or grown folk sense as "I'm a Slave 4 u." Shortly after, Britney's credibility as a muscial talent was put on the line. She hadn't seemed to step off of the teen pop assembly line like previous dance divas. A break did Ms. Spears well, as 'In the Zone' proves. Contrary to unflattering reviews, Britney's album is not overtly sexual or nasty. The slick, club-saavy production is enough to make me praise her efforts. But it is Spears voice that has truly transformed. Her nasal, flat vocals have become richer, more soulful, natural, and I daresay capable of giving certain listeners those "chills" that other singers can give.

"Me Against the Music," the lead single from 'In the Zone', is a funky, ready for the club ass shaker. Britney even tries her hand at southern fried hip-hop. Thus comes "I Got That Boom Boom," featuring the jesters of crunk, the Ying-Yang twins. Instead of talking about every song on the album, I will say this. Ms. Spears dabbles in dancehall reggae, R. Kelly produced jams, and electronica masterpieces reminiscent of Madonna's 'Ray of Light.' Balladry is cut to a minimum, with, instead, Ms. Spears opting for a fresher, slicker sound that will appeal to fans that don't purchase Hello Kitty and Aaron Carter. This is definitely a triumph for the former teen sensation, who pens seven of the twelve songs on the album. This makes it deserving

PURE SUCK!!!!
She can't sing, she can't dance, she has not talent in the music business and yet people are dumb enough to be her albums!! She just plain old SUCKS!!!!!!!

boom boom....
boom Boom was the only reason I bought this CD.But when I heard the other tracks,Boom Boom got a little bit boring.Here's how I rate every track: 1.Me against the music-5/5 her first single which impressed millions of people,but don't think Madonna shoudv'e been in the song. 2.Boom Boom-5.5/5 I think it is a weird duet because she did it with the Ying Yang Twins.I love this track,though. 3.Showdown-4/5 don't really listen to it very much. 4.Breathe on me-3/5 TOO S**UAL!!! 5.Early mornin-2/5 BLAH!! I hate this song so much! 6.Toxic-4.9/5 almost 5stars but I didn't like it that much.Better than track 4!! 7.Outrageous-5/5 Was going to be her next single but she ingured her knee while shooting the video. 8.Touch of my hand-4/5 AGAIN,TOO S**UAL!! 9.The hook up-2/5 again,I hate it,but I didn't really listen to it alot. 10.Shadow-4.6/5 one of the slow songs on the album.I'm not a fan of slow beats. 11.brave new girl-10/5 I love this song so much!! The best single. 12.Everytime-5/5 2nd slow song.Her third single.I'm guessing she's talking about ex-Justin. 13.Me against the music(remix)-1/5 Worst remix I have ever heard of!!! OVERALL,I REALLY LIKE THIS ALBUM!!WHILE YOUR'E GETTING IT,ALSO BUY ASHLEE SIMPSON-AUTOBIOGRAPHY,ALANIS MORISSETTE-SO CALLED CHAOS,BEYONCE-DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE,JA RULE-LAST TEMPTATION,MICHELLE BRANCH-THE SPIRIT ROOM,PINK-TRY THIS,CHRISTINA AGUILERA-STRIPPED,AND JOJO!!!Bye!

avoid all her previous,present and future albums
i dont have enough words to decribe how bad this piece of rubbish is.it has to be certainly the worst album ever produced along with who let the dogs by baha men.as said by previous reviewers you could use this awful cd as frisbee practise for fun.GUYS DONT BUY OR LISTEN TO THIS LOUSY CD. ... Read more