Amazon.com

Julia Stiles (The Devil's Own) and Sean Patrick Thomas (CruelIntentions) star in this romantic musical drama about an interracial couple drawn past cultural barriers and united by music and dance. The soundtrack has no shortage of notable R&B and hip-hop performers. However, as the title Save the Last Dance implies, this is primarily a platform for the art of the slow dance. Rappers Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and the late Notorious B.I.G. (featuredas part of 112's track, "Only You") represent the harder end of the spectrum (however, Snoop is paired with Q-Tip and Lucy Pearl for a smoother ride than usual). But the dramatic shuffle of the soundtrack's first single, K-Ci & Jo-Jo's "Crazy," represents the best of what's offered here. Pink's playful "You Make Me Sick" andDonnell Jones's "U Know What's Up" are among the other tuneful highlights. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (89)

So many hits!
First of all, this movie looks great, and second, the soundtrack is chock full of awesome r&b hits. It's a very good buy. Here are the tracks: 1. THEME FROM "SAVE THE LAST DANCE" (by Fredro Star): This is a pretty good rap/soul song. I can see why it was the theme for the movie. It's very possitive and movie soundtrackish. Does that make sense? 2. YOU (by Lucy Pearl): I love this song! It's the best that I've heard from this group and it's a single now. Snoop is really cool in this one. So soulful. 3. BONAFIDE (by X-2-C): Nice name. Anyway, this is a really cool upbeat r&b track from an up-and-coming(?) boy band. 4. CRAZY (by K-Ci & JoJo): I love this song so much! This is one of the reasons I got this album. I love the soulful melody and the synthesizers work excellently with the vocals. 5. YOU MAKE ME SICK (by Pink): My girl Pink!!! She is wonderful and this song is wonderful! It's gonna be a huge hit because it's such a great, upbeat song. 6. U KNOW WHAT'S UP (by Donell Jones): I'm a little disappointed that this isn't the version with Left Eye in it, but it's still a great dance track. It's got a great beat! 7. MOVE IT SLOW (by Kevin Edmonds): This is a really nice r&b ballad, and usually I don't like these kind. It's got a cool "bounce" part towards the end of the song. 8. MURDER SHE WROTE (by Chaka Demus & Pliers): I haven't heard of them but I want to hear more! This is an awesome reggae flavored track with a great beat. 9. BREATHE AND STOP (by Q-Tip): This is a great party song by Q-tip. I'm sure everyone's heard it. Hey! Check Q-tip out on Janet Jackson's "Velvet Rope," the best album ever!! 10. YOU CAN DO IT (by Ice Cube): This is a favorite! It's like a brainless party song with an irresistable beat! Great for dancing and great sound effects! 11. MY WINDOW (by Soulbone): This track is okay. It's pretty slow and has a real soulful sound to it. It also has kind of a whistling sound to it. 12. ONLY YOU (by 112 w/ Notorious B.I.G.): This is a great uptempo song with a great beat. It's got that whiny boy band thing going on, but it's still pretty good. 13. GET IT ON TONITE (by Montell Jordan: This is yet another huge hit! It's a great party starter with a great beat. I mean, it's practically a modern classic! 14. ALL OR NOTHING (by Athena Cage): This is a really great uptempo r&b song. You've heard this on all the previews for this movie. I know you have! It's very good. ~ no lyrics included

A soundtrack which perfectly reflects the film!
The soundtrack to Save The Last Dance is a 98% perfect accompaniment to the film itself. The theme Shining Through by Fredro Starr and Jill Scott is a track that fits wonderfully with the plot of the film. The other slow jams such as Crazy by K-Ci and Jo Jo and Move It Slow by Kevon Edmonds remind those who have seen the film of the love between Sara and Derek whilst tracks such as Murder She Wrote by Chaka Demus & Pliers and You Can Do It by Ice Cube & Miss Toi bring back memories of the scenes in 'Steps', making you simply want to get up and dance. The 2% that the soundtrack is lacking is Faith Hill's wonderful 'Love Like This Before' which doesn't appear on the album or it's follow up 'More Save The Last Dance'. Other than that the album is an excellent buy recommended to people who loved the film and have found a love for hip hop through it. It is also perfect for true fans of the music who want classics such as 'U Know What's Up' and 'Get It On Tonite' in their collection.

i wanna find out the name of a song
i wanna know the name of the song when sara goes to the club the first time when it goes throw ur hands up or something cause i havent been able to find the name of it email me if u know what song it is younf_buck229@hotmail.com thanks

Not Bad.
This is a good soundtrack. There are hits (Get it On Tonite, All or Nothing, Murder She Wrote, Breathe & Stop, Bonafide, etc.), and there are misses (You Make Me Sick, Move It Slow), but there is one song that sticks out. Soulbone's "My Window" is by far the most beautiful song of all time. I don't know who he is, but this song eclipses every other song on the soundtrack. It's slow & mellow with lyrics that have meaning. I wish he would put out a CD or something, because this song is head & shoulder's above the rest of the CD.

Top 5 Songs:
5. All or Nothing
4. Only You
3. Get It On Tonite
2. U Know What's Up
1. My Window

All in all, it's a good soundtrack to pick up.

Lovin it
I just got the Save the Last Dance Soundtrack and I love it! THis is my fav CD ever. My fav song is...You make me sick by Pink. I love all the songs tho. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Now 3 is better. Still, very good choices.
1. Britney Spears-Baby One More Time 8/10

2. New Radicals-You Get What You Give 9/10

3. Robbie Williams-Millennium 9/10

4. Semisonic-Closing Time 10/10

5. U2-The Sweetest Thing 8/10

6. Sheryl Crow-My Favorite Mistake 10/10

7. Fatboy Slim-Praise You 8/10

8. Garbage-I Think I'm Paranoid 10/10

9. Cake-Never There 10/10

10. 98*-Because Of You 7/10

11. Spice Girls-Goodbye 8/10

12. Blackstreet feat. Mya-Take Me There 9/10

13. R. Kelly-When A Woman's Fed Up 9/10

14. Everclear-Father Of Mine 10/10

15. Sublime-What I Got 10/10

16. Backstreet Boys-I'll Never Break Your Heart 9/10

17. Jay-Z-Hard Knock Life 10/10

18. Baz Luhrmann-Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) 9/10

Not What I Excepted When I Listened To It
1....Baby One More Time Britney Spears-ok song 3 stars
2.You Get What You Give New Radicals-I like the lyrics. 4 stars
3.Millennium Robbie Williams-WHAT? 1 star
4.Closing Time Semisonic-EXCELLENT 5 stars
5.Sweetest Thing U2-The tune is poor but the lyrics is excellent 2 stars
6.My Favorite Mistake Sheryl Crow-ok song 3 stars
7.Praise You(radio edit) Fatboy Slim-Um....Blah 4 stars
8.I Think I'm Paranoid Garbage-Heard On Gran Turismo 2 It's a good song 4 stars
9.Never There Cake-I Hope He's Never Here Again 1 star
10.Because Of You 98 Degrees-ok song 3 stars
11.Goodbye (single version) Spice Girls-The Spice Girls Don't Even Deserve 0 stars. below 0 stars
12.Take Me There Blackstreet feautring Mya,Ma$e,and Blinky Blink-ok song 3 stars
13.When A Woman Is Fed Up(clean version) R.Kelly-C'mon C'mon R.Kelly! 1 star
14.Father Of Mine Everclear-It's so clear they get 5 stars.
15.What I Got(clean version) Sublime-Excellent! 5 stars.
16.I'll Never Break Your Heart Backstreet Boys-(see number 15)
17.Hard Knock Life(edited)Jay-Z-I love this song! 5 stars
18.Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen(edited) Baz Luhrmann-WHAT? 1 star

The best of Now!!
This is the best of the "Now" series because for some reason these completely unrelated tracks flow really well together, kind of like the ultimate mix tape. Someday this should be in a time capsule to conjure the mood of pre 9/11 America.

It was an ok cd
1. Britney Spears, Baby One More Time: I like this song. I don't care what people think of her this is one of her best hits. A+

2. New Radicals, You Get What You Give: It was an alright song I have no complaints. B

3. Robbie Williams, Millenium: I really didn't care for the song but I can see where some like it alot. C

4. Semisonic, Closing Time: I loved this song in high school and I still love it today. A

5. U2, The Sweetest Thing: It was a good song by U2 I bought the cd this was released on. B

6. Sheryl Crow, My Favorite Mistake: I was not impressed with this song. I always skip it. D

7. Fatboy Slim, Praise You: I am not a fan of Fatboy Slim and like the previous song this one gets skipped too. F

8. Garbage, I Think I'm Paranoid: It was alright but they overplayed it. C-

9. Cake, Never There: This song was great and I still like it. B

10. 98, Because Of You: It was ok my girlfriend at the time always listened to it but it got on my nerves. D+

11. Spice Girls, Goodbye: I like this song cause it reminds me of when I left for basic training. A

12. Mya & Blackstreet, Take Me There: They needed to leave the Rugrats music off of here. I thought this was a Rugrats promotional disaster. F

13. R. Kelly, When A Woman's Fed Up: It is a good song and I liked the meaning of it. B

14. Everclear, Father Of Mine: This is a good song and I still listen to it all the time. One of the best on the cd. A

15. Sublime, What I Got: The one Sublime song I actually like and I would give it an A but since it is edited... B

16. Backstreet Boys, I'll Never Break Your Heart: The song always reminds me of my senior prom. It does bring back bring good memories. A

17. Jay-Z, Hard Knock Life: Yeah it is a ripoff of Annie combined with rap but it is a good song none-the-less. B

18. Baz Luhrman, Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen: I am from the class of 1999 and this song repulses me. Baz needs to stick to directing not singing and this was a bad choice to end the cd. F

I review: NOW 2
NOW 2:

1. Britney Spears, Baby One More Time: Brit can't sing. At all. She will NEVER be able to sing. And this song does not please me. At all. Torture. F

2. New Radicals, You Get What You Give: Nice song for the softer top-40 stations. B+

3. Robbie Williams, Millenium: Absolutely great dance-pop that sounds vaguely like the direct decendant to Coldplay's "Clocks". And of course, there's the trademark Robbie campy vocals. A+

4. Semisonic, Closing Time: Great soft alt-rock that still is fresh today from one of my favorite one-hit wonders. A

5. U2, The Sweetest Thing: Campy. I like the vocals, but the flamboyant melody just screams camp. B-

6. Sheryl Crow, My Favorite Mistake: Typical Sheryl Crow. If you like her, you'll like this. If not, don't bother. B

7. Fatboy Slim, Praise You: Fun techno party song that serves its purpose. B+

8. Garbage, I Think I'm Paranoid: Good, if not forgettable pop that nets points for originality. B

9. Cake, Never There: While a blatant rehash of Cake's usual sound, I like the group, so the song comes off as good, if not vaguely derivative. B+

10. 98, Because Of You: Cheap Backstreet Boys knockoff. Never to be heard of again. D-

11. Spice Girls, Goodbye: So pathetic, it's almost amusing. Until you remember how painful it is to listen to it in the first place. F-

12. Mya & Blackstreet, Take Me There: An Urban take on Rugrats. Right. Moving on... F-

13. R. Kelly, When A Woman's Fed Up: About as interesting as picking your fingers. D-

14. Everclear, Father Of Mine: I think I prefer "Learning How To Smile", but this little gem from the "Afterglow" days is still... Everclear. No other top-40 group describes broken homes better. A-

15. Sublime, What I Got: Using the term loosely, this is a masterpiece. I could whine about how the edited version disturbs the flow slightly, but it's one of my latest obsessions. The perfect, hooky blend of rock, rap and reggae forces you to play this one over and over and over and over... A+

16. Backstreet Boys, I'll Never Break Your Heart: Forgettable BSB ballad from back when there was a new one every week. D-

17. Jay-Z, Hard Knock Life: While I lack feelings for the rap, it makes the quirky and addictive sampling even more rewarding. Come for the delivery, stay for the chorus. A-

18. Baz Luhrman, Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen: While technically not even music, this unorthodox spoken-word poem is brilliant and full of wisdom. The "lyrics" are genius. A

-The Good: Baz Luhrman, Sublime, Jay-Z, Robbie Williams, Semisonic, New Radicals
-The Bad: Britney Spears, Mya & Blackstreet, Spice Girls, R. Kelly, 98
-Overall: Avoid the manufactured pop and you've got a solid compilation. Plus, anything with What I Got and Everybody's Free can't fall short of praise. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great song
In response to John P. Thompson's comment about them not receiving American radio time, I guess it just depends what you listen to.If you listen to BPM on XM radio, this song gets a ton of play time.

It's a great song in the classic Erasure style.

Purely Beyond Erasure
It is just so amazing when you look at so many artists that really don't sound great these days, when the image alone is what sells. That remains unfortunate because those songs don't have any feeling. Unlike most manufactured acts, Erasure really became as a surprise to me. Their recent single, Breathe is a unbelieveable surprise. The songs has more meaning than Britney Spears has in love. The song is very upbeat and beautiful, where its video is very sad at times, upon a homeless girl who just tries to stay warm. I really don't think a lot of people actually are going to enjoy this song, but it is just a great change for anybody who is interested for what is hot. Breathe by Erasure is better than hot.

Song: B+

Return to form for the Synth Pop duo.
This is the latest classic by Andy Bell & Vince Clarke better known as Erasure. This song did very well in Europe and now it comes to the US via a great cd single. This maxi cd recently hit number one on the Dance Sales Chart on Billboard and that was the first time since 1988's "Chains Of Love". The song seems likely to also reach number one on the Club Play chart as well and that hasn't happened to Erasure since 1987's "Victim Of Love" their only number one so far. So what is making the song so successful is the fact that it classic Erasure-- pop /dance music with real lyrics. Following Blondie and Duran Duran as classic acts with great new singles-- "Breathe" will also be likely ignored by top 40 radio as well like those two were. The main reason for the cd single are the 3 remixes here. They are very well done --especially the Manhattan Clique remix. That is the best mix of the song.

1- Breathe ( Radio Mix) 3:45
2- Breathe ( Album Mix) 3:50
3- Gone Crazy (Bonus track) 3:24
4- Mr. Gribber And His Amazing Cat (Bonus track) 2:43
5- Breathe (Acoustic Version) 3:58
6- Breathe (Pete Heler's Pheta Mix) 7:13--- very electro inspired mix.
7- Breathe (LMC Extended Mix) 6:12--- the most classic sounding Erasure mix on the cd single. Very NRG/Euro club mix.
8- Breathe (When Andy Bell Met Manhattan Clique Extended Mix) 7:19--- beautiful remix. Most normal house mix with bits of trance thrown in. A+++++ remix.
BUY!!!!!

Pure pop
If the Eighties are back, then the Nineties can't be far behind. Erasure, who straddled the end of the Eighties and the beginning of the Nineties, should be a logical candidate to lead a new charge into another decade's revival.

The pair has a knack for crafting pop songs that revel in unabashed cliché (unlike the Pet Shop Boys). But that is not a fault. Actually, in an age of posers smitten with irony, Erasure's defiant smattering of the sweet, the melancholy, the honesty, is refreshing in the extreme. If you're looking for vintage--no, pure--Erasure, then this latest album should reconnect you deeper, by way of the superficial, to the 90s.

breathing is simple but powerful
a stunning single that proves awesome in the effective way that it plays on words (It's bitter without you - I can't live without you) and drives along to a steady beat. Like an audible zen koan, the words transform in your brain as the bass tones gently, but profoundly, work their magic on your neurons. One could perceive it as uni-dimensional and repetitive, but therein lies its power. The moody, haunting sounds deftly emulate the themes of addiction and love/hate components of relationships.

This single, on one hand, is simple and straightforward, yet complex and riddled with delightful ambiguity. Erasure has evolved within a framework that annoys certain magazine and newspaper reviewers who cannot seem to understand that lasting electronic music coalesces the simple within the complex; and that Erasure has mastered this formula. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Every now and then, a band releases a best-of album that makes the previously unimpressed see what they've been missing all along. On Like the Deserts Miss the Rain Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn of Everything but the Girl have created a personal blend of big hits, obscure b-sides, album tracks, and remixes that amounts to the best record of their 20-year career. We may know that they began as lefty student bossa nova interpreters, grabbed unlikely success as Sade-for-bedsits with 1984's "Each and Every One" single and 1988's Idlewild album, and went successfully house and drum & bass with "Missing" and Walking Wounded in the mid-1990s. What we perhaps missed is how subtly and powerfully they've developed their style, how even the most MOR moments have contained some kind of edge--a vocal yearning here, a rhythmic muscularity there. Thorn's lyrics are a particular revelation--defiant, angry, funny and true--and her moving expression of sisterly love on "Protection" sounds more at home here than on the Massive Attack album of the same name. In short, this is a deep and entertaining pop record that shows exactly why they've survived and thrived for so long. --Garry Mulholland ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Missing ...
Well it's easy to forget what a band was famous for when its biggest hit hinges on a remixed track that wasnt gonna be a hit in its original form. Prior to Missing, EBTG has been towing hard in the '80s with its own brand of acoustic / alternatice rock that had garnered them a circle of fans. One of their 780's hit, a re-recording of Rod Stewart's I Don't Wanna Talk About It is missing here for good reason. Their own songs are much better.

It's more exciting cos by the 90's Tracy THorn and Ben Watt have emerged as one of the most revered trip hop/dance artists in the music scene. Their Amplified Heart album sports their biggest hit Missing but the real winners here are Tracy Thorn's collaboraton with Massive Attack on Protectuion and the songs that came from their Walking Wounded (1996) and Tempermental (1999). For a rather complete history of the band, this is the disc and Rhino Records sweetens the deal witha 4-disc bonus CD unavailable elsewhere!

Major Hits...
Everything But The Girl.....Most widely-known for their 1994 hit ''Missing'' and Thorn's collaborations with Massive Attack on the track ''Protection''-- a song that was well received at the Brit Awards during that time.

Foremost...Tracy Thorn's voice has so much technique to it-- and here it shimmers perfectly along with Ben Watt's admirable studio work. I also can't relate to those reviewers who complain about the remixes--- because one of the best things about this band is the remixes they've received from several worldwide Producers/Dj's such as Chicane, Omni Trio, Todd Terry, Deep Dish, Peter Rauhofer (Club 69), Hex Hector, Mac Quayle, Ralphi Rosario...etc.

I really hope that EBTG comes out with a new album soon, Because I've been waiting impatiently for quite a while now...Nevethless, this is a great compilation but there's allot missing here--- for instance the amazing ''Better Things'', ''Walking Wounded (Omni Trio Remix)'', even though ''Tracey In My Room''...is included I would have liked to have seen the original version of ''Wrong'' here.

But don't let that deter you from getting this, because there are great songs on here like; Protection, Tracey In My Room, Corcovado, Single, Missing.

Overall, a good collection that will surely please many fans or new-listeners.

Simply Magical.........
This CD is for two groups of people, fans of EVBTG and people who want to discover EVBTG. If you heard a couple of their songs on the radio and are looking for those songs, this is not the CD to get.

At the end of the day, this is an incredible collection of songs, some of which were hits and others are b-sides. All of them have been re-mixed and re-worked resulting in an extremely moody collection that progresses from acoustic to electronic while paying homage to bossa nova and Chet Baker in the same hour. Truly magical if you are up for it.

Folk Music for the DJ -Minded
Most often, singles collections tend to be rehashed hits designed to bring more cash to record labels. "Like the Deserts..." is a welcome exception from one of my personal favorite bands, and does a great job of mixing previously unreleased or rare material, remixes, and older songs onto a compilation that fits into the collection of either the fan with several albums or one who's never heard a note of their music.
Most apparent is Thorn's and Watt's center of songwriting: whether it's the acoustic ballads like "My Head is..." and "Rollercoater," or the drum and bass melee of "Missing" and "Walking Wounded," the lyrics are from the heart, cleverly writen, and underscored by great melodies. Tracey Thorn has one of the most striking voices out there, and this CD allows you to track the evolution and refinement of her abilities; she's gained much control and technique without compromising a drop of emotion.
Other highlights are "Corcovado," a bossa nova tune to beats (and Thorn in portuguese!), "Protection," a Massive Attack song I've heard in a thousand tv shows it seems (and now you don't have to buy that album, which isn't MA's best at all), and "Tracey in My Room," which is so cool it alone is worth the fifteen bucks!
EBTG are just great, and this CD is an testament to their talent. I usually always recommend an actual album (and yes, I still call them that!) to back up a "best-of," but you almost don't need one with the strength of the material; however, "Amplified Heart" (which marks the transition from their eighties work) is a good place to start.

Everything And A Hit
This is a greatest hits compilation from Britain's chill out band, who only received world-renowned success with their one big hit "Missing." But other than the band's fast metamorphosis from straight-forward songs to dance gurus, there is little to be appreciated. In fact, their most striking work is only delicious after being reconstructed by a mastermind remixer or is a collaboration.

"Missing" becomes a hit only after Todd Terry recreates it into a dancefloor-wise tune and the Photek remix does "Single" wonders.

The other songs lag and you'll find yourself skipping a lot until you get to the half-hit "Walking Wounded."

"Protection" is the strongest number on the collection, but then again it was created by trip-hop gods Massive Attack with the Everything But The Girl's lead merely guesting. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Love her or loathe her, uber-diva Jennifer Lopez knows how to deliver on record. She understands how to make the most of her limited vocal range, choosing to surround herself with able producers Rodney Jerkins, Timbaland, Big Boi and Cory Rooney, who oversaw Lopez's first album, On the 6. The mix makes Rebirth far more enjoyable than it should be, coasting on midnight-groove ballads and polished dance tracks. Lopez's fourth studio album offers little insight into her much-gossiped-about persona, but it's an undeniably fun ride anyway. A blaring James Brown horn riff drills first single "Get Right" into your head almost immediately, and soon enough, you'll find yourself bopping to the beat. The Middle-Eastern flavor of "Step Into My World" is undeniably seductive, and it's actually enhanced by Lopez's wisp of a voice. "Whatever You Wanna Do" and "Cherry Pie" are solid dance tracks, the kind of grooves JanetJackson made before she became a Superbowl afterthought. Elsewhere, the album is peppered with R&B ballads, much like Lopez's 2002 opus, This Is Me ... Then. Rebirth is hardly a groundbreaking affair, but it continues to showcase Lopez's skillful trend of producing solid, catchy, R&B-laced records. Nothing here ever sounds forced or canned, and in the world of MTV and radio edits, maybe that does make Lopez a bit of a revolutionary after all. --Joey Guerra [Note: This DualDisc version includes: CD AUDIO SIDE: Entire AlbumDVD SIDE: Entire album in enhanced stereo and exclusive video content only available on Dual Disc:1. Rebirth documentary 2. Get right video 3. Get right video fet fabolous This disc is intended to play on standard DVD and CD players. May not play on a limited number of models.] ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Half-Baked Pop Product With Few Fun Moments
As with her last album, "This Is Me, Then," Jennifer Lopez's latest foray into music is a half-baked pop product with few fun moments to offer. The reason for this is quite obvious: Her lack of talent.

The few pieces of listening pleasure on this disc are certainly not owed to Lopez, who also did not pen any of the tracks, which is certainly a peculiar thing, since she referred to herself as a musician on her official website only a short while ago. Indeed, its the studio players who make lead-single "Get Right" the lovely piece of pop confection that is, what with their urgent, funky jazz horns.

Other tracks that are enjoyable, or at least listenable, are the lyrically sour "Cherry Pie," which nevertheless has a an awesome hook, and "Whatever You Wanna Do" which has rambunctious production and a savory melody that makes the most of her wisp of a vocal range. "I, Love" is also digestable, but only due to its rhythmic drumming.

The rest of the tracks are lazy, mid-tempo, anemic R&B that is unadulteratedly trashy. Even "Step Into My World," which has an infectious Middle-Eastern groove, falls flat. "Hold You Down" is extremely contrived; who does she think she's fooling?, and "(Can't Believe) This Is Me" tries to be the show-stopping ballad of the album. All it manages to underscore is that Lopez can't sing.

In short, if you absolutely must purchase a copy of this album, you are on the page for the correct version to buy; the DualDisc version. The video for "Get Right," which is included on the DVD side, is downright hot; it's impossible to keep your eyes off her. Isn't that what it's all about, anyway?

Don't buy this CD!!!
I am one of the few people that buys all of his music (instead of illegal downloading) because I want to support the artists that I like. When I buy a CD I always make a copy so I can burn a back-up, play it in my portable player, make my own mixed cd,etc. These new "Dual Discs CANNOT be copied/ripped on a computer!!!!! I have tried 4 different programs and it wont work. In my opinion it ruins the way that I want to use the music I purchased. I will NEVER again buy a dual disc. What sense does it make if you cant listen to the music the way that you want to enjoy it.

BE WARNED. BOYCOTT THE DUAL DISC!

a masterpiece only in a certain reviewer's mind
rebirth is the perfect example of the depths the music industry has plunged to where the record companies unleash such crap as music.you have to really tone deaf to enjoy this music.THIS REEKS.it is obvious that this awful woman just cant sing for nuts.this is even more worse than her previous lousy albums .A MUST AVOID.get the dark side of the moon from pink floyd instead.minus one billion stars for this disaster.

JLO's rebirth..The BEST!
This is the best cd I've ever heard from JLO..I really love the Step Into My Worldsong..

Another Jennifer...
I had the marvelous oportunity of listen to it before it come out, and I bought it recently. This album contais great R&B, Ballads and Hip-Hop samples, It's a great comeback, althoug it had several critics. I like it. Respect Usher's problem I don't care "Get Right" has had good critics, and y'all know what really happended. If people likes it, nobody can do anything
I must say this is a new Jennifer, she has matured
Tracklisting:
GET RIGHT +5/5
A groovy R&B track I loved it since I heard it at that amazing audition party
STEP INTO MY WORLD +5/5
A mid-tempo song similar to Come over, Amazing
HOLD YOU DOWN +5/5
A Hip-Hop ballad, Fat Joe does a magnificent work here, the lyrics are inspirational and amazing
WHATEVER YOU WANNA DO +5/5
Perfect, sounds like Eazy-E and Ice Cube
CHERRY PIE 2/5
Odious, I don't know how she recorded this horrible song, the beat is bad. I don't like it
I GOT U +5/5
Another mid-tempo with a great flute.
STILL AROUND 4/5
It's just good
RIDE OR DIE +5/5
Kinda melancholic, I love it
I, LOVE +5/5
One of the best songs of the album
HE'LL BE BACK 4/5
Just good
(Can't Believe) THIS IS ME 5/5
Produced by Marc Anthony, one of her best melancholy tunes to date
GET RIGHT Remix +5/5
Both songs are awesome, this is a great resaon to become a Fabolous fan.
The DVD contains a mini-documentary about "Rebirth" and the videos of "Get Right" ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Where is Alexander??????
Hi people...Does anyone know what alexander oneal is doing now? Wether he is still producing music or if he has any gigs coming up? Even some general info about him currently would be appreciated...

ALEXANDER IS THE MAN!
Oh I'm such a fan of his from way back, but over time I've misplaced the tapes.Alas, is his greatest hits album.Brings back memories.Alex will always be the man, so underrated, a true musician...and cooler than cool.

Alexander O'Neal Awesome
I originally asked for this album for Christmas, and man am I glad I got it. My taste in music somewhat differs from my peers, I tend to like older music or things with a retro sound, and for me this is just one of the elements that makes Alexander O'Neal's Greatest Hits such an awesome album. The fusion of electric guitar jams and overall funky sound combined together with O'Neals amazing voice makes great music to listen or dance to (which I often do in the kitchen while cooking). There are quite a range of songs on the album, with some great hits like 'Innocent', 'Fake', 'Criticize', and 'Saturday Love' while I also love 'If you were here tonight', this is my favourite song. If you're familiar with some of his songs and like them then definitely buy this album, you won't be disappointed.

A GREAT SINGER THAT NEEDS TO BE HEARD!
This compilation is just a "sample" of the talent that is Alexander O'Neal.Gritty yet compassionate, forceful yet reflective, the singer possesses a voice that should be envied by other so-called "soul singers."

O'Neal had a string of 80's hits and then seemed to disappear from the public after 1991's "All True Man."Though he released two subsequent albums, he has yet to match the power or sales of his earlier releases.

That is due, in part, to changing musical tastes and record labels concentrating on "younger artists.O'Neal's apparent estrangement from producers/writers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, responsible for the singer's successes as a solo artist and a duet partner with Cherelle ("Never Knew Love Like This" and "Saturday Love") hasn't helped resusitate his career either.

Perhaps, this package will stimulate commercial sales and get the artist back into the forefront.

A voice as dynamic as his doesn't need to remain in obscurity.

Anyone with any sense knows...
Alexander O'Neal is the bomb..and that's why he automatically gets (5) stars.But who in the heck put this compilation together? I had to buy it because it has a few songs that are missing from my other Best of AO.There are at least (3) Best Of's out there and I don't see the one I own even listed here (probably because I bought it while in Europe).Anyway, it's disturbing to find this CD doesn't contain his songs, Sunshine and Aphrodisia?It should be against the law!Hmmpf! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Agree 100% w/ Frederic White
Worth it just for the Jackie Moore track, 'This Time Baby'...
one of the great lost songs of the era.

Worth the purchase for JACKIE MOORE
If you are a DISCO fanatic then this collection is worth the purchase due to the closing track. It is a rarity. JACKIE MOORE's "THIS TIME BABY". Get this and remember what it was like to stare at yourself while struttin' on the dancefloor.

Nice selection of Disco Hits at bargain Price
This cd contains some great Disco Hits, some of which are in their fully extended form (and some are extended, but shortened slightly). Songs such as "Born to be Alive", "In the Bush", "Hot Shot", "This Time Baby", "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "Rock Your Baby" were massive. I went to lots of discos in the 70's and the clubs were all playing these songs. This cd brings back all those good memories! Highly recommended!

good times
ok true i was born in 1981 after all these songs were made but, i love this cd and most of the songs are as popular as they were 30 years ago. My favorites would have to be You make Me Feel and don't leave me this way.

BRILLIANT SHOWCASE OF AN ERA
What a fantastic disco album! The following were massive chart hits: Born To Be Alive, Rock Your Baby, You Make Me Feel, Don't Leave Me This Way, Macho Man, Bad Girls, Greatest Dancer, while Hot Shot, Planet Rock, In The Bush and the others all went top 5 on the dance charts way back then.(Hot Shot was definitely a No. 1 on the Disco Chart). Well worth the price, as this collection represents a dazzling range of styles and beats. This was when dance music still had a lot of soul and personality. Highly recommended for parties and for listening enjoyment. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Just One Thing Wrong...................
This CD has it all. From the 80's classic "Operator"," No Parking on the dance floor". And my personal favorite " Freak a zoid". It also covers their sweeter side with "Slow Jam" and " Midas Touch". This cd is a must buy for any Midnight Star Fan. But for us who are just a little bit more "HARDCORE". What is reason why " Electricty" is not on this cd?. Can someone please tell me why one of the greatest party jams was ignored from this fantastic line up? They could have taken out the "Slow Jams" Live version to fit that classic song on otherwise an incredible cd. But for those who are serious fans, you allready have it on cd anyway. But for those who don't have this cd. Here's is your chance to enjoy one of the greatest live bands around.

Another "star" group of the '80s!
This album is a must have for people that truly love great r&b music. All of the songs that are on this album are true masterpieces. This group represents an era when the beats were infectious, and made you wanna get up and dance. The sound quality is exceptional-even though they are older recordings, the remastering has really treated these songs with much deserved respect. Midnight Star was, and will always be one of my fave r&b groups of the '80s.

Can anyone get 80's back?
Well, If I had a chance why not, cos I've been fed up with the gangsta rap and notorious r&b. Everthing is the same and repetitive, most of them contain explicit lyrics and stuff.Even some r&b albums have!In a word, I dispise the way they do nowadays. Where's my lost 80's?I wanna get my headband, old school adidas and my portable stereo on my shoulder, put my shell-toe sneaker on and listen to Midnight Star all night long. Dance floor is just 2 steps ahead. Some breakdancers have been waiting us for ages. Ok, let's begin with 'Midas Touch' and then 'Wet My Whistle' ,hey dont touch this beat girl:'Operator'. You're getting used to well now but you need to put some slow jams on chilling-out.'How about 'Slow Jam' or underrated 'Move Me'(which is not on this cd) or 'The Love of my Life'? And let's finish the party with 'No Parking On The Dancefloor' and 'Hot Spot'...Next time you're invited to groove with Cameo, Atlantic Starr, BB&Q Band, Slave, Aurra, Break Machine, West Street Mob, Glenn Jones, Kool & The Gang, Alexander O'Neal, Grandmaster Flash, Lakeside, Shalamar, Rocksteady Crew,Whispers and many more...
Every track is first class on this cd. Therefore it deserves 5 star. Midnight Star will bring the memories back as you listen to this excellent cd.

Wasted My Money
I like to buy the Greatest Hits CD's from all of my favorite groups from back in the day, but it just doesn't seem like those who put these things together are really in touch with what was being played on the radio. Maybe I just wasn't as big a fan of Midnight Star as I thought. My two favorite cuts are "Wet My Whistle" and "Midas Touch". But, for those who were big fans of theirs, I'm sure you will enjoy "Make It Last" and "Freak-A-Zoid" and others. I was more into The Sylvers (which I still have there albums but would like to find a good compilation CD), Switch, and Shalamar.

ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION MIDNIGHT STAR
MIDNIGHT STAR IS AND WAS THE STEP OUT ON THE FLOOR AND GET DOWN,SO TO HEAR THESE SONGS AGAIN HAD ME REELING!! I LOVED IT THEN AND LOVE IT NOW AND WILL FOR EVER!! MUSIC TODAY IS OK, BUT I HAVE TO SAY MY FRIENDS AND I GET TOGETHER MAKING EXCUSES SOMETIMES JUST TO HEAR THE GOOD MUSIC OF THESE TIMES!! ATLANTIC STAR AS WELL!! WHISPERS, AND ONE GROUP THAT UNFORTUNATLEY FOR ME HAD TWO RECORDS OUT AND THEY ARE NO LONGER IN PRINT, CALLOWAY!! I LOVE ORDERING THIS MUSIC BUT IT DOES GET HARD TO FIND! IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW TO GET A HOLD OF MUSIC NO LONGER IN PRINT I WISH THEY WOULD CLUE ME IN!! THANK YOU FOR KEEPING MIDNIGHT STAR ON THE SHELF, I DONT THINK I WILL EVER TIRE OF THE GOOD MUSIC.... I MEAN GREAT MUSIC! !! THANKS FOR LETTING ME VOICE MY OPINIONS!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The second volume of Prince's collection of singles (and a couple of outtakes) has sex on the brain, and a few other places. Apparently aimed at, shall we say, the harder-core fan of the Artist, this disc still ends its parade of R-rated sallies ("Dirty Mind," "Sexy M.F.," "Head") with a cleansing "Purple Rain." And just to blur things even more, among its Top 10 hits are candidly horny moments like "Kiss" and "Little Red Corvette"--songs that add new twists to the African-American store of body-talkin' funkin'-blues poetry. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Funkalicious Prince
This is THE HITS 2, released as an individual disc for fans who didn't want to shell out the extra money to buy the 3 CD set which also included a b-sides disc. This is a great buy for casual fans who want a general overview of Prince's music. Hopefully after hearing it, you'll want to look into his other great albums!

The disc contains 16 of his hits, and 2 new songs. The songs are illogically sequenced, in no real special order from release of the singles (which would have made it more coherent). The new tracks, "Pope" and "Peach", don't really fit with the other songs, or the other new songs from HITS 1, but they are great songs nonetheless.

Some highlights among the set include "If I Was Your Girlfriend", "Raspberry Beret", "I Would Die 4 U", "Controversy", "Dirty Mind", "Little Red Corvette", "Kiss", and of course "Purple Rain". Other hits on the set include "Delirious", "Do Me, Baby", "I Wanna Be Your Lover", "Cream", "Gett Off", "U Got The Look", "Sexy M.F.", and more.

THE HITS 2 is a stronger collection as whole than THE HITS 1, but if you buy this one, it goes without saying that THE HITS 1 is also a must buy.

Great for the casual Prince fan!
Given the prolific nature of Prince's career a hits package was overdue and in order to do it justice two CDs of material would be needed. These were available as casual fan-friendly single CDs or as a 3CD set (The Hits/The B-Sides) that gave the more serious fan the chance to own both volumes along with a collection of Prince's finest B-sides. Also included are two previously unavailable songs on each Hits CD.

However even this relatively extensive format would mean cut backs and edits were made to the longer tracks, this would probably not be noticed by casual fans, though many hardcore collectors saw this to the detriment of the CDs.

The more explicit material of "Hits 2" CD here is a good summary of the dirtier minded Prince output. And coupled with Hits 1 is a comprehensive overview. The two new tracks, the hard rocking blues of "Peach" and the funky-rap of "Pope" also prove invaluable to the collector.

The familiar classics are here. "Kiss" to "Raspberry Beret", "Little Red Corvette" to "Purple Rain". The music remains timeless in quality and scope to this day.

The choice as to whether to go for the two single Hits CDs, the boxset or perhaps neither, all depends on your love for Prince music. Rest assured though that this music successfully chronicles highlights of the eclectic Genius that is Prince Roger Nelson upto 1993 and in funky hands could prove to be an addiction that stays with you for life! :)

Hits 2 Die 4.
This may not be overall as good as the 17 track "Very Best Of Prince", but between this and "The Hits 1", this is the better of the two. It's alot sexier anyway. Every song is good, but you can't live without "Controversy", "Kiss", "Delirious", "Cream", and "Purple Rain". Again, every song is excellent. If nothing else, this includes "U Got The Look", with the classic lyrics "Your face is jammin', your body's hecka-slammin', if love is good, let's get to rammin'". Essential.

His Royal Purple!
I love Prince...I love this CD. It is perfect for someone that you are trying to get hooked on Prince. I love "Head" with its funky-funk groove and dirty lyrics! It is just wonderful! Red Corvette is of cources a classic in book as well as Rasberry Baret, those 2 jams are timeless and refelct the fun side of His royal purpleness. Sexy MF is soo groovy with it's bass cello in the back ground and saxaphone blaring i almost feel like I'm at some live funky, smokey, jazz cafe back in the days.
This is a definte plus and a must have if you love Prince.

The Darker Side of His Royal Badness.
Even though "The Hits 2" is just one-third of the set "The Hits/The B-Sides," this single disc compilation has enough brilliant material to stand entirely on its own. It's a freaky ride through the darker side of Prince's music during the Warner Brothers years, and at least half of these singles have "masterpiece" written all over them. Groundbreaking tracks like the eyebrow-raising "Head," the flawless "Kiss," and "Little Red Corvette" (one of the great American rock singles) show that Prince was one of the most vital musicians of the 1980s. Not only was he prolific (he released one album every calendar year), but he's the only artist in the 1980s to release FOUR classic albums in one decade: "Dirty Mind," "1999," "Purple Rain," and "Sign O the Times." Madonna couldn't do it. Neither could Bruce Springsteen. Michael Jackson came close, but still no cigar. Even Prince's "lesser" singles like "Sexy M.F." and "Cream" had more to offer than much of Top 40 radio. Of course, diehard fans are strongly recommended to get his 3 disc set that has a slew of his b-sides, but first-time listeners can't go wrong with picking this one up. ... Read more

Reviews (83)

An Overlooked Album
Whenever you think of Mariah's albums some of these names come to mind, "Butterfly", "Music Box", "Daydream", die-hard fans (like myself) know every album and could probably list every song and interlude off of the albums but most people forget this album and I can't understand why. It had it's good moments and it's bad moments but it wasn't a major flop and Mariah did go over that dreaded "Sophomore Album" slump to regin as the most successful singer of the 90's.

"Emotions" is true to it's name. Lots of emotions, spill out of this baby. The title track, a fitting tribute to the real group, The Emotions, has Mariah climbing those high notes once again and giving a stellar performance. "And You Don't Remember" is straightforward with a gospel feel, that most of this album leans towards. "Can't Let Go" (which I think is a much overlooked song, it should have been a #1 hit)is a beautiful song about breaking up and still hanging on to that person, worth one star alone, this is the real reason to get this album. "Make It Happen" is another great song, with it's driving beat and spiritual words and Mariah belting out how "you can make it happen", a great motivator! "If It's Over" co-written by one of my mom's fave singers Carole King is good, another gospel sounding song, but I recommend the version on "MTV Unplugged" it's slightly better. There were some low moments on the album, such as total cheesiness from "You're So Cold" and "To Be Around You" that make you wonder why these were put on this album, it's just weak filler guys. "So Blessed" is the weakest ballad on here,yet another gospel tinged song,this song is complete forgotten once you hear the best of the ballads "Can't Let Go", "The Wind" and "Till The End Of Time". "Till the End.." is a beautiful song that has Mariah belting it, I mean really belting it out. "The Wind" is a surprising song, it is haunting and has a great jazz feel to it, I like this song, what a perfect way to end her 2nd effort.
Although some of the gospel sounding music sounded alike, it's still worth buying. I recommend this album to anyone who wants to look outside of Mariah's commercial hit albums "Butterfly" and "Music Box" for something totally unexpected from Miss MC.

"Emotions" shows deep emotions
"Emotions," Mariah Carey's sophomore collection, shows her deep emotions and puts her on the next level after her debut effort, "Mariah Carey." I will take my review song by song. Emotions: The album's title track, and one of the best songs on here.It shows off her astonishingly high range, almost overflaunting it, but it's still an incredible song. And You Don't Remember: A slow, sweet waltzing ballad. With sweet lyrics and nice vocals, it slows things down and sets the mood. Can't Let Go: Sweet and sorrowful, this ballad also sets the mood and enchants the listener. Make It Happen: Mariah's hit single from this album is inspiring and cool. An infectious beat and smooth, hopeful vocals pushed this track to number 1. If It's Over: The song that Mariah wrote with Carol King is definitely in Carol's fashion. Bluesy and sweet, this track is so emotional and deep. You're So Cold: This track is theatrical in its arrangement, and gives off a theatrical vibe in its vocals. This track is incredible. So Blessed: This track is amazing and enchanting. It's waltz tempo is sweet and the vocals are so amazing. Press repeat for this one. To Be Around You: Not her best work, but still listenable. Nice lyrics make up for a blah vocal arrangement. Til the End of Time: Slow and sweet, this ballad is soothing. A nice follow-up to the previous track. The Wind: Another piano-vocal track. Very bluesy. With good, but unoriginal lyrics, this is not a good way to end the record. Better off live. This album was a good effort, with a few not-so-good tracks, but it carries itself nicely. Overall, it is not as good as her debut disc.

She's Got me Feelin' Emotions
Mariah's sophmore album shows that she still has the drive to make a comeback, and that she used it. Her upbeat tracks ("To Be Around You", "Emotions", and "Make it Happen" to name a few) are free of Hip Hop collabs and are wonderfully written and sung. The ballads are the highlight of this album, though. "So Blessed" is one I listen to everyday. It is a wonderful song, best on the CD. "You're so Cold" is SO funny, and "The Wind" is a great remake with a twist of jazz. "Till the End of Time" is the second best on the album. Most of these songs are on my MP3 player!

Worst Mariah Carey Album
Mariah Carey started off with a mega sucessful debut in 90'. Her follow up promised to be better but one listen made your toes curl.

Sure, no matter what album she records, she displays her beautiful talented voice. She is actually one of my favorite singers right beside Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Vanessa Williams and Alicia Keys.

Yes the title song Emotions was great but became to repetive and annoying. No other song provided much. Music Box was way overhyped while this one wasn't. Her best album to date is Butterfly and new album Charmbracelet which embraces hip hop, a music I DON'T care for much.

check out my site: http://www.mjacksononline.tripod.com

Underrated treasure
Mariah's sophomore disc, Emotions contains 10 majorly underrated songs. Though Mariah did have a hit with Make It Happen, Emotions and Can't Let Go, this album didn't get the recognition it deserved.
From beginning to finish, this album isn't very different musically styled than her debut, however this was overlooked. Beautiful ballads such as And You Don't Remember, Can't Let Go, If It's Over and Till The End Of Time are some of Mariah's best ballads.
Definitely a must for any fan, if you liked her self-titled debut, songs from Music Box or #1s/Greatest Hits, definitely get this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This two-man Manchester supergroup--New Order's Bernard Sumner and the Smith's Johnny Marr--made one of the best debuts of the '90s with Electronic. More New Order than Smiths, the album was a blend of plangent fretwork and frenetic sequencing, with bleak lyrics intoned in Sumner's clean, boyish tenor. "Get the Message" was orthodox '80s pop, but the heartbreaking "Gangster" was an electro-rock masterpiece. The album featured engaging cameos from the Pet Shop Boys on "Getting Away with It" and "The Patience of a Saint". --Barney Hoskyns ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Combination of many talents all in one........
This is Electronics first album. I bought it ten years ago and love it like its a day old. New Order's Bernard Sumner,the Smith's Johnny Marr, Pet Shop Boys's Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe formed togather and made a MASTERPIECE OF ART. This albums is nothing less than perfect. Every song is a smash. "Idiot Country" and "Tighten Up" shows Johnny Marr's talent in full affect. "Reality" really touched me the very first time I heard it and has Bernald's voice at its peak. "The Patience of the Saint" and "Getting Away With It" shows the magnificent coordination of the voice of Neil and Bernald as they perform togather. This album shows the progress of synth-pop and new-wave sound to a new level. There is a mixture of songs that have more electronica and others with more acoustics and guitars.
There is a varity for us all in this great album.
Also check out other albums by Electronic.."Raise the Pressure" and "Twisted Tenderness"

OH YA...................
This is Electronics first album. I bought it ten years ago and love it like its a day old. New Order's Bernard Sumner,the Smith's Johnny Marr, Pet Shop Boys's Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe formed togather and made a MASTERPIECE OF ART. This albums is nothing less than perfect. Every song is a smash. "Idiot Country" and "Tighten Up" shows Johnny Marr's talent in full affect. "Reality" really touched me the very first time I heard it and has Bernald's voice at its peak. "The Patience of the Saint" and "Getting Away With It" shows the magnificent coordination of the voice of Neil and Bernald as they perform togather. This album shows the progress of synth-pop and new-wave sound to a new level. There is a mixture of songs that have more electronica and others with more acoustics and guitars.
There is a varity for us all in this great album.
Also check out other albums by Electronic.."Raise the Pressure" and "Twisted Tenderness"

The last synth -pop masterpiece
It just doesn't get any better than this. I miss the days when music was this good. This album was the last big hurrah for the synth-pop genre, as the decade of the 90's would soon be flooded with grunge.

Electronic Rocks!
I have been a longtime fan of New Order and I have always enjoyed The Smiths. This album is the brainchild of Bernard Sumner, New Order's vocalist with Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr. This album also had an assist by Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys. While Tennants influence is felt on a few tracks, Electronic is a unique creature unto itself borrowing the best from its respective bands. With Marr's amazing guitar riffs and Sumner's Brit-boy vocals, the self-titled album emits great feeling, despite being synth-pop. However, the lack of organic instruments do not detract from the sound. Through and through, you will find that the album is mostly up-tempo and will make you want to move. However, if you listen to the lyrical content, you might find yourself feeling a little down. Between the two contradiction, the album will leave you in the aftermath of an emotional rollercoaster. I highly recommend this to any who appreciate the music of the Manchester scene in England.

The best from the best
However I look it's clear to see I love this album !!! Fantastic vocals fantastic taste in instrumental organisation, this album is as catchy as it can get but also with very deep meaningful lyrics,

Don't listen to Getting away with it when you have just split with someone though, especially as its so damn good a song,

If you like the the eletronic scene from the late 80's with the like's of Depeche mode, New Order, Pet Shop Boys then get this album it has your name all over it !! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The Sound Of A Young Bright Britain
Rick Astley made his US debut with a little song by the name of "Never Gonna Give You Up" which not only became one of the best pop songs in 1988 but also arguably one of the best pop songs of all time. Combined with the production and writing skills of Stock/Aitken/Waterman, Rick came, Rick sang, Rick conquered the top of US charts with 2 consecutive hits ("Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever") and in the process became the first new male artist of the 80s to accomplish such an achievement. This compilation includes all the US singles including all the singles released only in the UK. It's nice that they have included the mixes of the songs rather than the album version which I'm sure most of the fans have already in their collection. The bonus track is of course the first track Rick made to be released on the RCA label "When You Gonna". An experimental track at best, it's a typical 80s production with Lisa Carter on the vocals. I had hoped that some of the B-sides would be included but I'm satisfied that BMG Heritage decided to do justice to Rick by releasing this collection. Nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy in 1988, it's sad that the music industry did not reward Rick for his vocals. So much soul coming from a white man, it's easy to assume Rick as a black gospel singer. The best tracks are Never Gonna Give You Up, Whenever You Need Somebody, My Arms Keep Missing You, Together Forever, It Would Take A Strong Strong Man, She Wants To Dance With Me, Take Me To Your Heart, Hold Me In Your Arms, Cry For Help & Hopelessly.

Rick Astley - the Glory Years
1987 was a good year for Rick Astley and producers Stock-Aitken-Waterman, who hit the jackpot with the international hit, "Never Gonna Give You Up." It turned Astley into an overnight star, thanks to the catchy single and his ultra-deep barritone. Platimum records ensued, and people were even so bold as to align him with other, more seasoned, r&b vocalists. The following year, he released his second album, and while it spawned a couple hits, it didn't sell as well as its predecessor. The next year, he severed ties from Stock-Aitken-Waterman, and tried to make it on his own before he faded out of public consciousness. The Rick Astley story is not uncommon, but, at long last, we finally have a hits collection that throws together his hits and some well-known tracks. While I'm happy to see that "Together Forever," "Never Gonna Give You Up," and "Take Me to Your Heart" are here, the big surprise is the appearance of the b-side "My Arms Keep Missing You." This song is dynamite and is one of Rick's very best songs. Not surprisingly, the strongest songs on this disc are the ones produced by SAW, although "Cry for Help" is a pleasant, if unspectacular, ballad. Regardless, this album comes recommended: it's a well-put together package featuring one of pop's brightest hopes of the late 1980s.

All His Hits, Together Forever
Back in the late '80s, Rick Astley caught a lot of (undue) flack for his music, but everybody was secretly entranced by the infectiousness of his singles. His two biggest--"Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever"--are obviously included on this Greatest Hits collection, and that will keep the casual fan satisfied. However, Astley had a few more aces up his sleeve as a listen to this album proves: The groove-driven "When You Gonna" is worth checking out, as is the oddly catchy ode to broke-heartedness "Giving Up On Love". The album sleeve also contains a mini-bio and USA/UK chart positions for his songs; neither are all that essential, but they're both fun.

Grunge music effectively killed Astley's career, and as such he's usually nothing more than a footnote in musical history. But for a few years in the late '80s, back when pop music ruled the world, Rick Astley was a star, and this hits collection will show you why.

A Right-Wing Conspiracy, No Doubt
While Reagan wrought havoc on the environment and continued to ignore the AIDS epidemic, Rick Astley came onto the scene.
I submit that it was all a Republican conspiracy.
And, my friends, you cannot get any lower than that.

Dreamy
Rick Astley, what a dreamy voice. Even though a guy I work with doesn't think his voice is low, I think it is arguably SUPER low, and makes me want to get down and dance to his 80's tunes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (984)

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (6)

SHE WAS R&B SUPERWOMAN!
Karyn White's debut album followed the trend of funky-R&B artist crossing over to the pop charts. Warner wisely team up White with the winning team production of L.A. Reid and Babyface(of course if you listen to this album you will realize you're listening to a style capitalized by Paula Abdul, preeceded by Pebbles and Watley), White had come from the hit single "Facts Of Love" with Jeff Lorber, and has signed a record deal, that in fact, promised to make White into the new Watley of the 1988, although this album has such huge funky classic's like "The Way You Love", the innovative "Secret Rendesvouz" and soulful "Superwoman", different from Watley's debut, a lot of this highlights got lost in filler cuts, that were courtesy of the same producers, wich she got rid by her second album(by that time White has already married superstar producer Terry Lewis of Janet Jackson). Even though all the fillers make this album one of those that you can't hear thru beginning and end, it does carries classic music gems like the ones mentioned before and R&B classic # 1 "Love Saw It".

Great Artist!!!
I started love this voice from 'superwoman'.Powerful but soft.I hope everybody would hear this song then you will like it very very much!

Karyn White
This is an excellent album by Karyn White. It is excellent because it has strong producers behind it, when you have Kenneth "BabyFace" Edmunds and LA Reid producing songs its excellent anyways. "The Way You Love Me" and "Secret Rendezvous" are classic and the rest of the songs are too. I suggest you buy this.

Definitive Superwoman
This is the definitive karyn white album. LA and Babyface were getting there feet wet at the time and she became one of their first big successes. Veering from the make you dance "secret rendezvous" to the more mellow and verrry smooth "slow down". And also try on the romantic "Love Saw It". However, the highlight of this album and the one karyn will probably always be remembered for is "Superwoman", and deservedly so. When that hit came out every female I knew, myself included ran around singing that song--the anthem of the strong but not to be abused woman. Although some of the last songs are forgettable they don't detract from the overall flow of the album. A wonderful album altogether.

Karyn "Superwoman" White's decent debut...
Karyn White's self-titled debut album showcases the singer's strong but sweet voice over the sounds of L.A. and Babyface. Hits such as "The Way You Love Me," and "Secret-Rendezvous," simply make you wanna dance. On the other hand, Karyn slows it down with her no. 1 hit anthem, "Superwoman," also produced by L.A. and 'Face, a song about the independent female in a relationship. White also duets with Babyface on "Love Saw It," which would also become a big hit. Karyn's voice + LaFace sound = pop classics never to be forgotten. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The soundtrack to the best movie ever made about strippers nods to the second-best, with a new version of Irene Cara's theme song from Flashdance, and to another famous cinematic striptease, with Tom Jones's cover of "You Can Leave Your Hat On." The bulk of the score, though, consists of songs that are more or less real-world stripper classics. It's hard to hear Hot Chocolate full blast and not bump and grind at least a little. Trivia note: Anne Dudley, who wrote the movie's incidental music (two pieces are included here), used to be in the Art of Noise.--Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Get up and dance!
If you loved the movie, you'll love the soundtrack. I play this one in my car on a regular basis. It's a great mixture of dance songs and they also bring alive some memories of great scenes in the film. You just can't sit still while this one is on. Once you've seen the movie, can you EVER hear Donna Summer singing "Hot Stuff" and not see the guys in the unemployment line? Buy it, you'll like it!

Full Monty Review
"The Full Monty," is the soundtrack to a movie of five men who are in need of money. Hey, what better way to make money than by simply STRIPPING?. That's basically the theme and the style of the music on the CD. Great! It is the perfect party CD, because the beats are fast and the lyrics become stuck in your head straight away. My favorite song on the CD is "You sexy thing" by Hot Chocolate, but there are many other cool songs on the CD. I highly recommend it!

This soundtrack is "Hot Stuff".
The truth is, this is a great disc to have if it's your favorite movie, or if you just really love to strip. Most of these tracks are well known, and each one is more fun to dance to than the last. There's a few oddballs here, but most of it's oldies/disco era tunes, and all likely to put a smile on your face, and a jump in your step. My favorites are "You Sexy Thing", "Land Of 1000 Dances", and "Rock N' Roll, Part 2". Of Course it's hard not to like "Hot Stuff" and the "Flashdance" tracks too. After this, all you need is a good stereo and a stripper's pole.

A great movie deserves a great soundtrack
With a mix of rock and roll types from the 70's to the 80's, one can't help but like The Full Monty soundtrack. The original songs written for the movie are also wonderfully unique in their sound. And, with titles like "The Lunch Box Has Landed" how can one go wrong?! =) (The song is actually quite good). Though the redo of "Leave Your Hat On" isn't quite as good as the original, it does have a nice flair to it. A feel-good compilation! =)

A fun, up-beat album
A great mix of classic songs like "You Sexy Thing" by Hot Chocolate, and a great remake of "You can leave your hat on" by Tom Jones. There are also 2 tracks that are from the original score, composed by Anne Dudley. This is an album that will make you wanna get up and dance, with it's semi-camp 70's disco songs, and the final song may even get you to doing your own version of The Full Monty. Just make sure that the curtains are closed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nirvana made a lot of things irrelevant when Nevermind was released in 1991. Among the most unfortunate casualties caught inside the blast radius were the B-52's. Just two years prior, they had released their very first mainstream breakthrough album, Cosmic Thing. This album was featherweight, sun-kissed, playfully pansexual and, most importantly, danceable. Tracks like "Love Shack" and "Roam" reminded us there could be fun without responsibility. Alternately kitschy and lazy (I still insist that "Deadbeat Club" was a slacker anthem long before Beck's "Loser"), Cosmic Thing took the B-52's signature Trekkie-camp sensibility and slowed it down just enough to click on MTV and portable radios wonderfully. And let's be honest, anyway: would you rather road-trip to Kurt's sad refrain of "Well, whatever, nevermind" or Fred Schneider belting out, "The whole shack shimmies!!" at the top of his lungs? On second thought, don't answer that. --Todd Levin ... Read more

Reviews (34)

A return to for....no, wait, scratch that
In 1989, the B's suddenly returned with a completely new image, revitalized and full of a bunch of Nile Rodgers/Don Was-produced dancepop. And hey, despite the obvious cries of "sellout!" that are perfectly deserved, this is still a very good album. It's most heavily remembered for the hit "Love Shack," which is an infectious song that suffers a bit from constant overplay and an overlong running time (it doesn't need that "bang bang" part at the end at all), as well as the gorgeous, solid pop song "Roam"("Boooy Mercury, cruisin' throoough every degreeeee"). For the most part, the songs on here are very well-written in spite of their slickness ("Bushfire," "Channel Z," "Deadbeat Club"), the only real gripes being the kind-of-dull studio creation "Dry County" and the fact that on the catchy title track the band tries to mix a political message ("Don't let it rest on the president's desk!") next to lyrics like "SHAKE YOUR HONEY BUNS!" Still, overall, an album well worth buying and one of the better releases to come out in the overproduced year of 1989.

Cosmic Hit!
This album features the B-52's biggest hit ever,LOVE SHACK. The video is quite awesome also. The song was even heard in the 1991 Paramount film FRANKIE & JOHNNY. I even heard another hit,ROAM in one or two television commercials. The title track is cool so is DEADBEAT CLUB. Another hit is CHANNEL Z. The instrumental FOLLOW YOUR BLISS was probably inspired by Todd Rundgren's HELLO IT'S ME(they both sound almost identical). After this album,band member Kate Pierson would join R.E.M. recording ME IN HONEY on R.E.M.'s 1991 multi-platinum OUT OF TIME.

a last gasp
not bad for a belated "comeback". the bees hadn't yet sold their souls to the flintstones, so all was not yet lost. "roam" is still a pop masterpiece of the 80s, and maybe someday people will realize that and quit playing that infernal "loveshack" at weddings.

Love Shack Overplayed But Album Quality Can't be Overstated
"Love Shack" is the one song from this album that you probably can name without any hesitation. That's because to this day it's overplayed -- how many flashback lunch hours, etc., belt out this tune daily? Too many, considering that there are other great B-52 tunes that are hardly obscure ("Roam" from this album, "Rock Lobster", "Planet Claire", and "Private Idaho" from previous ones) that could be played.

But I digress . . . that "Love Shack" is overplayed is hardly an indictment of this album. Though not groundbreaking or history-changing, this album definitely is a must-own. Why? Simply because of the fun factor! It's a delightfully fun album from start to finish.

"Love Shack", if you manage to avoid the iterations on the radio dulling its impact, is a contagious party tune, as is "Roam" (which I prefer just because it hasn't been played to death). Of the remaining album, I also really like "Deadbeat Club" (a slacker anthem), "Junebug", and "Bushfire" -- all very up-tempo, fun songs.

As a fan of the B-52s, I can't say they've ever put anything that wasn't good. This is probably their second-best album behind their self-titled effort. It's fun, breezy, and something any serious music fan should have in their collection as a result.

Insanely great
The B-52s are great, and this cd is definately their strongest. The songs are crazy, with the classic wild sounding tone that shows up again and again in songs such as cosmic thing and love shack. The calmer songs, deatbeat club being the best, show emotion on a level that is amazing for the b-52s common image as crazy people. this cd is great in also that the way the songs are arranged, the hit songs arent the first and second tracks, but they're spread throughout the whole cd, keeping your enthusiasm to keep listening to the cd going. this is a great cd ... Read more

Reviews (46)

A great comeback for a classic group!
"The Wedding Album" signifies a listenable return for Duran Duran, with the ensemble being (at that point, 1993) Simon, Nick, John, and Warren. "Too Much Information" begins the album, which is fast, and begins to show the senior DD members' political side, i.e. "Destroyed by MTV, I hate to bite the hand that feeds me." Next up is the romantic ballad (but not too slow) "Ordinary World". Then "Love Voodoo", a mysterious song. "Drowning Man" isn't very good, to me at least. Ditto with "Shotgun". "Come Undone" is up next, a moody song, but is addictive. "Breath After Breath" is interesting, in that some of the song is sung in Portugese. Next, my personal favorite, "UMF", which is the sexiest thing I've ever heard! Fellow female Simon LeBon fans, this is worth the album alone. Lyrics like "Put it to me baby, you can feel love tumblin' down," and "I just wanna wrap myself in ya baby, we can tell the world we're foolin' around" really prove that Simon is totally irresistible. A cover of "Femme Fatale" follows up next, which is pretty good. "None of the Above" is all right, and "Shelter" is good, another sweet wanting song. "To Whom it May Concern" and "Sin of the City" are strange, the former being almost completely awful. The latter is alright, but I don't particularly prefer listening to it. Another political song, about a New York nightclub going up in flames. BUY THIS ALBUM, if you're a long-time DD fan, or even if you aren't. Even if you just got into them, as I did, this album is a MUST! *By the way, to set you straight (DD haters) Duran Duran were the second most popular "Teeny bop" group (besides the Beatles). And besides, "Teeny bop" is an okay phrase to use with them, though not accurate. It better describes a singer/group who COULDN'T play an instrument, a.k.a. Debbie Gibson, Menudo (Ricky Martin when he was a teen; awful, just like he is now), and of course, the unforgiveable Osmonds in the '70's. At least most of DD could play an instrument. And the "Boy Band" title for them makes a bit more sense, mostly attributed to their looks. (Come on, would YOU say that Justin Timberlake is hotter than Simon LeBon?!)...Not to mention that Simon can sing one hell of a lot better. But I don't know why people call N'Sync and BSB "Boy Bands" when none of them can play an instrument. Sure they can sing...just not that well, and like girls. Simon has a sexy, MASCULINE voice. Unlike Justin...but I'll stop comparing now, though I've gone on a rant. Anyway, just keep in mind that Duran Duran set the stage for classic music videos on MTV, and awesome fast pop songs.

Wow. What A Comeback. What Happened?
This album surely deserves a place with the few 80s artists who managed to make a 90s comeback (some of the few others who come to mind include John Mellencamp's surprising 1994 top 5 hit with "Wild Night" and Adam Ant's almost hit in 1995 with "Wonderful"). "Duran Duran" seemed inspired! "Duran Duran" was catchy and emotional! "Duran Duran" was actually quite the album!

"Come Undone" is truly the centerpiece of the album and even people who hadn't much cared for them previously were into this song. It's moodiness and darkness was ironically a bright spot on radio. First single "Ordinary World" was a close runner-up with it's sweeping guitar work that was nearly as affecting as the guitar solo in Guns N Roses' "November Rain".

"Drowning Man" was an interesting idea... and though I like the "Na na na"s that sound like something off of a Halloween CD you use to scare kids away from your door... the words were lacking a bit. 3rd single "Too Much Information" also fell into that line... a great sounding track, and while the insightful lyrics were plainly about the band "Destroyed by MTV/I hate to bite that hand that feeds me/So much information", they kind of obscure what might have an excellent instrumental. But the song is still considerably better than average. "None Of The Above" is also a pretty good song.

Oddly enough, though... everything else is borderline average. Which is why this is a 4-star album. With the obvious powerhouse singles really showcasing the album well... everything else is decent, but not to the same magnitude. But it's a hell of a lot better than everything else Duran Duran came up with post-Wedding Album.

Let's just say "Thank You" and "Medazzaland" didn't exactly post similar figures to this set... and the songs therein really reflected that.

I hesitate to use the word "comeback"
I have not listened to all the songs on this album but I've listened to most of them. This includes Come Undone, Ordinary World, Drowning Man, Love Voodoo, Shotgun, Too Much Information, To Whom It May Concern, Breath After Breath and Femme Fatale. That's nine. There can't be too many more. Anyway just about all of these songs were good. Femme Fatale was annoying but that's the exception.

Come Undone-Classic. One of their best. Great lyrics. Great music that has that sound that makes it seem as if you're hearing it while underwater and this goes along with the video that takes place in one of those aquarium rooms with a woman singing underwater (something I wouldn't actually think you'd want to try). But it's a beautiful song.
It's played on the radio still. It's that song "Who do you need, who do you love when you come undone".

Ordinary World- I think this was even more loved in its time than Come Undone and it is great. Not very catchy or upbeat, and I don't like the tune as much, but the lyrics are beautiful and uplifting.

Drowning Man- I actually thought the lyrics of this song were very interesting (and I had a sense of dejavu actually) which is why I got hooked on the song. I believe that if you like the lyrics of a song enough that's really all you need. But that just might be me. Anyway it reminds me of this piece this girl once did for Speech when I was in high school about this guy who made a living by putting on a show each day where he'd pretend to be a "drowned man". I say this because the song is really freaky and includes lots of background vocals that conjure up the image of a man drowning (which is the metaphor of the song, basically anyway but the background vocals in DD's songs are always great).

Breath After Breath--Most of it is in another language but the chorus is in English. It's a beautiful song, doesn't sound at all like Duran Duran. The lyrics are great. The words "Alone we live and die, we love and fight. Breath after breath we carry this mortal coil" says it all for me.

Too Much Information--Basically Simon says "Destroyed by MTV, I hate to bite the hand that feeds me". It's about consumerism. Great song. Catchy and full of sharp insight. Well, obvious insight but still, stated in a witty way.

Love Voodoo---Not as good as some of the others but freaky. A toss-up.

To Whom It May Concern--The beginning reminds me of Crank-Yankers with the dial tone and the "Telephone call for Mr. Bones" said in a cartoonish way. But the rest of the song is very good. Great lyrics. Catchy tune.

Femme Fatale--Don't like the tune but the lyrics are pretty good.

Shotgun-Not about riding in the passenger seat, which I assumed when I first saw the title. So take a wild guess what its theme is. Only 54 seconds. I like it all right.

I've also read the lyrics for Sin of the City. Looks interesting. Like I said before, lyrics are one of the most important parts of a song for me. UMF looks interesting too and the title (I figure I know what it stands for) is edgy without going over, I think. Shelter doesn't look too spectacular (the words don't speak to me), but oh well.

So overall, this is a great collection from what I've heard of the songs. It's the only album of Duran Duran that I think people can admit to being a success (even if it's grudgingly). I think even DD-haters have a hard time saying anything really negative about it. I hesitate to call it a comeback album though because though it helped Duran Duran regain success, they'd still been around for years before this and I felt that their earlier albums were very good as well. It helped bring them back in the public's eye (favorably perhaps) so in that way the word "comeback" does fit. I'd call this record "proof" that they have talent.

The comeback kids
Duran Duran bombed quietly with 1990's "Liberty" and then disappeared for three years, leading many to think their careers ended with the Eighties. So everyone was shocked when in 1993 they stormed back to the top of the pop charts. Their comeback success was deserved: "The Wedding Album" is Duran Duran's most colourful, dynamic and diverse offering, and ranks with 1982's "Rio" as one of their best.

I can't quite describe my feelings upon hearing the dreamy, soaring ballad "Ordinary World" for the first time in early 1993. It was like an old friend had returned after an absence of many years. Over ten years later, this first single from "The Wedding Album" retains all its anthemic power.

And then a funny thing happened: the second single, "Come Undone," was just as good! For the first time in nearly ten years, Duran Duran had two hit singles from the same album. The comeback was complete.

Fortunately "The Wedding Album" is more than just a "singles" album. As they did with "Notorious" (1986) and "Big Thing" (1988), Duran Duran continues to break new musical ground. Standout tracks include the Latin-tinged Milton Nascimento collaboration, "Breath After Breath," the Prince-style funk of "U.M.F.," and the hip-hop/ambient fusion of "Come Undone" and "Love Voodoo." More than just experiments, these songs are thoughtful compositions that successfully synthesize diverse genres with Duran's inimitable melodic sensibilities.

A minor complaint about "The Wedding Album" is that the weakest tracks, "Drowning Man" and "Shotgun," appear early on, disrupting the record's consistency. But the album quickly recovers with "Come Undone" and never looks back. "The Wedding Album" ends with a bang: the incendiary "Sin of the City," an epic tune about the tragic Happyland dance club fire, is an angry and passionate statement about urban exploitation. It's a scathing social comment that dispels the notion of Duran Duran as self-absorbed pretty boys.

More than merely a commercial comeback, "The Wedding Album" reaffirms Duran Duran's place among the premier pop bands of their generation. The wait was worth it.

this album is great
DURAN DURAN'S THE WEDDING ALBUM IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME. THIS ALBUM WAS A GIGANTIC SUCCESS IMMEDIATELY UPON ITS RELEASE. THIS ALBUM CONTINUES TO BE A GIGANTIC SUCCESS. THIS GREAT ALBUM SPAWNED 3 AMAZING GREAT SINGLES- ORDINARY WORLD, COME UNDONE, AND TOO MUCH INFORMATION. ALL 3 SINGLES WERE MASSIVE SUCCESSS STAYING IN THE TOP OF THE BILLBOARD POP ALBUM CHART FOR A LONG TIME. THESE GREAT SONGS ARE TIMELESS. DURAN DURAN'S TREMENDOUS SUCCESS WAS VERY OBVIOUS THE YEAR THIS GREAT ALBUM CAME OUT, EITH THE BAND RECEIVING A STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME THE SAME YEAR THIS ALBUM CAME OUT. THIS ALBUM IS GREAT. ANYONE WHO LISTENS TO THIS GFREAT ALBUM WILL SEE WHY DURAN DURAN ARE ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS IN HISTORY, AND ARE LEGENDS AND SUPER LEGENDS. ITS EASY TO SEE WHY DURAN DURAN'S POPULARITY KEEPS GROWING YEAR AFTER YEAR, DECADE AFTER DECADE, CONSTANTLY BECOMING MORE SUCCESSFULL, AND MMORE POPULAR, CROSSING OVER TO ALL GENERATIONS. I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS GREAT ALBUM TO EVERYONE. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Nice mix from funk
A lot of good tracks here. Sounds like an hour from commerical free radio on the night your favorite DJ is spinning the records. Put it on and close your eyes. You'll think you've traveled back in time.

I know what I like
A lot of the other reviewers have blasted this CD because it is not a true funk compilation. Well, maybe so. I don't know. I'm not a connoisseur of the art form. All I know is that I enjoyed the hell out of these songs (with the exception of Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust," which I could happily live the rest of my life without hearing again). I was exclusively into metal when these songs came around the first time, so it's a pleasure to be exposed to so many great pop songs that I was only dimly aware of, if I had heard them at all.

Soft and commercial
Seems like they sold too many of the first volume, and have produced a second just to try to rake in a little more. Hardly any of the tracks on this album are funk, and as for Queen being the opener... it speaks for itself. To me, funk is typified by an active bass line, compelling beat and sharp guitar or brass; any or all of these are lacking on most of the tracks here. What you get instead is a collection of slothful, disparate songs, hardly conducive to dancing. Save your money.

Not FUNK!!!
This is, in no way, shape or form, funk!!! I mean,how the hell is "Another One Bites The Dust" funk?! My God!!! This is sure as hell not "Pure Funk", this is soft, white funk!!! (...)

pure non funk 2
funk is that kinda vibe you eat hotwings and groove at fish fries funk is when you come out of church's chicken jamming, sorry but half this cd is not funk, d train is bubblegum pop, gap band outstanding is not funky enough, but hits, why is queen on here they was not a funk group, the whispers no way hose, carl carlton's she's a bad mama jama is not a funk classic, i always said these funk compilations does the artists injustice, if you wanna learn what funk is check out the original recordings well i'll list a few, the entire catalog, and entourage of james brown, parliament-funkadelic, sly stone, larry graham, bootsy collins, barkays, ohio players, chaka khan and rufus, cameo,curtis mayfield, mandrill, earth, wind fire, war, the list is endless. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Though they've worked with plenty of accompaniment, the heart of Everything but the Girl's music has always been simple: a voice (usually Tracy Thorn's), a simple melody, and enough emotion to keep Kleenex in business for decades. On Acoustic, Thorn and Ben Watt strip things down to the bone, and the starkness makes the music even more affecting than usual. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the material they've chosen to work with is pretty affecting to begin with. The five covers are fantastic (Mickey and Sylvia's "Love Is Strange," Bruce Springsteen's "Tougher Than the Rest," Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," Elvis Costello's "Allison," and Tom Waits's "Downtown Train"), but the five originals, all of which appear on other EBTG albums, hold their own; and three of them--"Driving," "Apron Strings," and "Me and Bobby D"--do much more that that. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (19)

BEST EBTG SET BEFORE LA-LOCA-ELECTRONICA SET IT
I have always loved Tracy thorn and Ben Watt, but for some reason, I had this sneaking feeling that Ben Watt sings the better songs himself and leaves Tracy the rest.

Songs like The road (language of life) and the night I heard caruso sing (idlewild?) are prime examples... I mean both Ben and Tracy are great singer songwriters. Even at the advent of them jumping into dance music (walking wounded and beyond), they still manage to make their music real.

I prefer the old stuff though. I loved them when I first heard cross my heart (baby the stars shine bright album), and it was downhill from there.

On ACOUSTIC they sing songs by other artist and made them their own. ALISON and TIME AFTER TIME are just the best tracks ever.

So, if ever you will be buying an EBTG album soon. PUT THIS ONE IN YOUR COLLECTION. Its the best thing they ever put out before they went la-loca-electronica.

A Simple Album that is Simply Amazing!
"Acoustic" by 'Everthing But the Girl' is one of those CDs that just picks you up no matter what kind of mood your in or day you've had. It is a mixture of acoustic renditions of both original and cover tunes.These songs are done with an adherence to simplicity and beauty. Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn use nothing more then a guitar, piano and those beautiful harmonizing vocals. Many performers in the past have attempted to do 'covers' albums and they often fall flat on their faces, because they can do no more then attempt to reproduce the originals.That is not the case with this album. Ben and Tracey take these covers (everything from Bruce Springsteen to Elvis Costello) and deconstruct these songs and make them their own. You get the feeling that these two performers really love these tunes and sing and play them with a sense of truth, honesty and conviction that comes from the heart.A good example of this is the old tune "Love is Strange", which Tracey and Ben sing with such a sense of naivete'and wonderment.I also really enjoyed the acoustic renditions of the group's original music. My personal favorites include the very emotional reading of "Come on Home" (what an amazing vocal!) and also a very entertaining and fun, "Me and Bobby D". I can't say I know 'Everything But Girl's' catalog well enough (but that will soon change!)to make comparisons to the original versions. I will tell you, that as a whole this is an amazing album, that you will listen to over and over again.

More Here than the Covers
For the first few listenings of the very subdued and eloquent Acoustic the covers caught all my attention. They are well-selected. Love is Strange from the near dawn of rock and roll still sounds fresh as Mickey and Sylvia sang it, but this update proves that the song transcends time and place. Tougher than the Rest is one of the Boss' less overexposed songs and Girl brings out all its determined beauty. Time After Time? Well, whether it's this version, Lauper's original, Eva Cassidy's or the Strictly Ballroom soundtrack, they're all worth hearing time after time. Alison is another inspired pick and while I prefer Rod Stewart's version of Downtown Train for its edginess, Girl gives the song a softness that also works.

Those five songs are so diverse and superb that they still dominate the collection, but two of the originals come close to their quality. One Place praises the joys of being anchored in a race-around life, Apron Strings does the same for a family life not lived. Both are memorable and grow with each listening. Me and Bobby D is not quite there yet, but it's starting to assert itself too.

Absolutely Wonderful
I was copying some tracks off of my copy of this CD to send as part of a wide ranging "collection" to a friend who's currently deployed.
I happened to read an online review which said "Acoustic is a pleasant sounding, inessential Everything But the Girl album".

Well, it's most certainly not. It's beautiful.

One of the best albums ever
EBTG has always been talented, vocally and lyrically they consistently transcend other singer-songrwriters. However, their earliest albums have all suffered from a very overproduced and dated sound. Acoustic finally allows the lyrics and vocals to take stage, unencumbered. The arrangments of the covers are so dyamic, it is easy to forget that they are not uniquely EBTG's. The orignals stand even stronger, Driving and Come on Home may be two of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Acoustic is a timeless, lovely album. This is a must have. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (315)

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

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

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

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

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

Highly recommended!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You go, Celine! ... Read more