Album Description

You want your '80s! Fer sure! This is the mother of alltributes to the era of skinny ties, Reaganomics, andPac-Man! Seven CDs, 142 hit songs, from New Wave to Pop toR&B to Hip-Hop to Novelty, including an incredible 49 #1tracks! Starring Queen, New Edition, Duran Duran, RichardMarx, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Men At Work, Toto, The Cure, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper, Bryan Adams, Simple Minds,Bangles, New Kids On the Block...and many more. Plus a90-page book with hundreds of historical photos, facts, and memories from the decade that wanted it all! Limitededition sculpted rubber cover! Approx. 10 x 8 x 3/4 inches. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Doesn't compare to Rhino's 70's box
Okay, I'll concede this point: If you like a lot of 80's pop, from "new wave/new romantic/synth pop" to metal to plain-old top 40, you'll enjoy the music. I'll also concede that the art direction is both amusing and top-notch, in typical Rhino style. Their box sets are beyond compare in terms of presentation.

The problems: Almost all of these songs have been released on other 80's compilations, and many on Rhino's own product. Billy Crystal's novelty song is probably the rarest thing here. This is a general beef with Rhino, which reissues the same one or two tracks by a certain artist over and over as opposed to picking a lesser known hit. My guess is that most people likely to buy a package like this probably has at least some of Rhino's "Just Can't Get Enough" series, perhaps some of their Billboard 80's discs, and some other companies' compilations. I end up feeling like I pay $10 to $20 per song, or end up buying a package because I like the packaging! (It's true -- suckers are born every minute.)

What's most disappointing, however, is that Rhino did a much better job with their 70's box set. The 70's box set DID contain a few rarities from some big name artists. In fact, their "Have a Nice Decade" box is the ONLY place I'm aware of that one can buy the single version of David Bowie's "Fame" on cd. Similarly it was one of the first cd's to feature the single edit of Gladys Knight and the Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia." These are just two examples. The only unusual sounding mix I heard on this box was the Romantics' "Talking In Your Sleep", and I didn't listen closely enough to be sure that there was something different about it.

The 70's box also had many interesting sound bites from the 70's (Nixon, Patty Hearst, etc) placed at amusing points during the program. The 80's box contains NO sound bites. This makes this box set more of a collection of tunes and less of an "experience." Sure, the music alone evokes nostalgia but sound clips from Reagan, Bush, Quayle, or "Murphy Brown" would have been interesting. Imagine a soundbite from the news of the shuttle exploding right before Peter Shilling's "Major Tom (Coming Home)". That's the kind of fun the 70's box provided.

I also thought the first essay in the booklet was lame, but that's neither here nor there.

I know that my critique may seem overly harsh to some. If I were reviewing this only for people who didn't have any 80's music on cd and wanted a great amount and variety of tunes, I'd certainly recommend this at the 5-star level. Somehow I don't think that is the primary market envisioned for this.

Is this enough '80s music for you?
My biggest gripe is this: there are seven CDs in this package, and my CD player only holds five CDs! :-(

OK, seriously, this is quite a comprehensive collection of 80's music, and just about every genre is represented to some extent. There's Eddie Rabbit, Blondie, New Edition, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Devo, Simple Minds, Duran Duran, just to name a few. Of course, though, it is heavy on the pop numbers, and it certainly brings back memories of high school for me, particularly since the collection seems to lean heavily toward early to mid '80s music. There's not much on it after 1987, which doesn't bother me personally, but I would have liked, for example, "We Didn't Start the Fire," by Billy Joel.

Indeed, that is the one problem with this collection, but that can be said for any collection. For all the wonderful songs on there, so many more were left off. There's nothing by A Flock of Seagulls, Journey, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and each artist that is there is represented only once. Why was The Thompson Twins represented with "Lies" and not "Hold Me Now" or "Doctor Doctor"? Where was Howard Jones? Still, it was well worth the money.

Now, I just need a CD player with more spaces . . .

Nice overview - may be addictive...
Be forewarned, the sugar-coated empty calories found in the LIKE, OMIGOD... box set from Rhino will just leave you wanting more. 142 tracks across seven CDs and it just scratches the surface on a shallow, yet oddly endearing decade.

LIKE, OMIGOD... hits almost all of the popularly acknowledged high points, including "867-5309/Jenny," "Tainted Love," "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," - as well as great novelty numbers and underground tunes like "Pac-Man Fever," "Da Da Da," and "Turning Japanese." While not in strict chronological order like Rhino's 70s set, HAVE A NICE DECADE, LIKE, OMIGOD... is well-sequenced and provides a relatively satisfying trip - as well as a great set for any party. No need for "random play" here - just load this set, hit "play" and dance away.

While this set is almost certainly a one-stop shop for the music fan simply looking for a well-balanced 80s collection, the completist and discerning collector will no doubt view this as the tip of the iceberg. Those such as myself, more enthralled with the simultaneous New Wave movement, will find lots more to love (approximately 300 tracks worth - with minimal duplication) in Rhino's 15-volume JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH 80s collection. Even then, LIKE, OMIGOD... will spur you on to fill up your shopping cart with with entire albums by Billy Squier, Duran Duran, The Fixx, Pretenders and more.

The only downside to be found is that LIKE, OMIGOD... also forces the listener to take the bad with the good (or the worse with the bad?), presenting end-of-the-decade stinkers such as New Kids on the Block and Richard Marx toward the end of the seventh disc. For this listener, those musical tragedies are still too recent, too terrible to revisit with any degree of nostalgia.

As gaudily packaged as the decade it represents, LIKE, OMIGOD... is presented in a hardcover book format identical to HAVE A NICE DECADE and contains a similar full-color booklet complete with essays, trivia, 80s timeline and notes on each of the performers and songs included. The sound of the CDs, as with all Rhino product, is pristine. As for the sound of some of the music - well, you can't blame Rhino...

FREAKIN' AWESOME COLLECTION!
I can't tell you how many 80's compilations I have and, aside from each of them usually having the same couple songs, like The Fixx or Squeeze, (which isn't on here), you're always surprised when you listen to a compilation by which songs you hear that you never knew the name for and all of a sudden you're "like, omigod! (no pun intended) That's THAT song!?! I KNOW that song!" LOL...hearing a lot of these brought back some great eighties memories for me, even though I was only a kid back then. This compilation had most of my fave 80's songs on it, so I could just copy the one or two songs off my other compilations, make one CD out of them, and sell the rest. I advise anyone who's interested in this to do the same. But read Amazon's list of songs first, if you haven't already, to make sure your favorites are on here. Definitely worth the money, considering you're getting seven CD's, so it equals out to about ten dollars or so per CD, (I got mine for $73). As further proof, I'm letting my co-worker listen to disc 6 right now and she's so impressed, she's downloading it to her hard drive at work and will be purchasing it with her next check to bring it home! :-p If you love 80's, get this compilation. No collection is complete without it. Plus, the awesome booklet it comes with gives you a little info on each song, a historical timeline following the songs, and many many many colorful photographs! Impressive and worth it!

A must for any 80s fan!
Like, OmiGod! This set is awesome! It has almost every song that came out from any one hit wonder during the 80s like You Dropped a Bomb on Me (The Gap Band) and Turning Japanese (The Vapors). It's definitely a pop culture box with its songs on General Hospital, Pac Man and Valley Girls. This is a must for anyone who still dwells on the decade of E.T. and The Breakfast Club. Not to mention that I'm a huge Star Wars fan and it has a medly from The Empire Strikes Back. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (10)

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

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

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

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

Don't waste money on this!!

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

Reviews (14)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music is a universal language of peace!

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

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

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

Album Description

58 all-time disco classics in a deluxe 3-disc set!

Many rock critics declared "death before disco," but the general public knew better. Disco was catchy, exciting, and most important, fun. Shout! Factory celebrates disco's '70s explosion and peak, as well as a few early '80s aftershocks, in the 3-disc set Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion. Each disc is crammed with the biggest hits of the day, as well as cult favorites. This companion set to the PBS concert special of the same name is a blast from the past that still sounds amazingly fresh today. ... Read more

Album Description

UK soundtrack to the #1 2002 box office smash. Called the best British comedy since 'Bridget Jones' Diary'. It tells the story of an 18 year-old London Indian girl & her desire to follow her hero, David Beckham into a life of football. Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, former All Saints star Shaznay Lewis & Bollywood superstar Anupam Kher. The soundtrack is a mix of western & eastern pop, with exclusive tracks by Victoria Beckham 'I Wish' & Melanie C 'Independence Day' alongside Gunjan 'Kinna Sohna', Partners In Rhyme feat. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 'Tere Bin Nahin Nahin Lagda', Bally Sagoo feat. Gunjan 'Noorie', Curtis Mayfield 'Move On Up' & Blondie 'Atomic'. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Excellent CD...definitely get the import tracks
I was debating whether getting the USA release version or the English version. I made my choice because there were more tracks in the English version. I realized my decision was a good one!!! The CD is full of very diverse music soundtrack featured in the movie Bend it like Beckham (duh!). Alot of indy style pop music and it is very cool!!! If you watch the movie and like it...get the sound track because this soundtrack are guranteed FUN!!

Awesome CD!! I love it!
Well this CD that I got has the "Move on Up" song by Curtis Mayfield (track #9). Overall this CD is excellent, especially the ones by Victoria and Texas. I wish it could have "I Turn To You" by Mel C. Nevertheless, if you like the movie a lot, you should buy the soundtrack cause it's got some of the dialogues and great tracks!!

which one to pick? american? import? indian version?
for all of you who were extremely confused on which version of the soundtrack you wanted to buy (as I was ), there's hope. There are 3 versions...the american version, import from UK, and a version sold in India (the one I got). The american version has less songs ( a list of which can be obtained from the amazon site). The Import version has a few more songs ( a total of 22), but neither version has the Curtis Mayfield song. NOW, the INDIAN version which you can find by clicking on the icon for other price options under bend it like beckham import...you will see that under the seller's comment, it says 21 tracks...this is the Indian version. this version is not expensive at all and the case of the cd is one of those singles cases and yes, it does contain the Curtis Mayfield song. for the dilemma of which one to get, which one would get you the most songs...well, each version has a song (I think) that none of the other versions have. I think the UK import would be the one which is most complete in terms of songs, but it's also more expensive...but if I were to do it over again, I would have gotten the UK Import, even if I had to pay a about 10 more dollars. I personally loved the movie and so I had to have the soundtrack. But other than that, if I didn't have it to bring back memories of the movie, I would not have gotten it.

Excellent Soundtrack
I enjoyed the music in the movie so much I had to buy it. This is a great disc, I listen to it on my way to work and I feel happy by the time I get there. Based on the reviews here at Amazon, I only wanted the UK version. But at $25+ I wasn't buying it. FYI-I got it for under $10 on Half.com or Ebay.com

Help me with this CD
I bought and love this CD, but is there anyway that I can burn a copy without those ANNOYING tacks of dialogue?! I saw the movie three times, so I don't need to hear the mother screaming about cooking. Can it be done? It would make the music so much better especially track 7, my favorite. Help. ... Read more

Amazon.com

While Best Of may not be inclusive enough for the avid collector because it focuses more on Blondie's new wave dance hits than on their punk beginnings, songs like "Heart of Glass," "Dreaming," "The Tide Is High," and "Call Me" display the diverse musical styles this band embraced. It's a new wave album, a reggae album, a dance album, a punk album, and a rap album. Rock-solid songwriting and Debbie Harry's sultry vocals hold the CD together despite the stylistic reaches of the tracks. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Solid collection of songs
I was never the biggest Blondie fan in the world, so I am glad to own "The Best of Blondie." It contains all of the band's top material on a single disc and is all most casual fans will ever need to hear. Blondie was first and formost a new wave pop band. Their best recorded efforts were all in their singles. And some great singles they did in fact record. The best on this collection are "Heart of Glass," "The Tide is High," "Sunday Girl," "One Way or Another" and "Call Me." All of these were staples of rock radio in the late 70s and early 80s and as well they should have been. Though their new wave sound is a bit dated today, this is still a fine collection singles.

Good, not great... but I can't complain.
The "Best of Blondie" hits package is good, especially considering the status of the many of the actual albums. Since only "Parallel Lines" was reissued in a proper fashion, hits collections are the only domestic outlet for such early classics as "In the Flesh" and "(I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence Dear". However, this means that other essential tracks from the lost albums will go unknown to a new audience. Sure, some are avaliable on other, lesser, hits compilations, and most of the albums are available on the import market, but this does nothing for the casual fan, and ultimatly, Blondie's legacy for the future. If any proof exists that they were more than simply a throwaway pop act from the eighties new wave scene, they are not readily available. The above mentioned songs are perfect examples of excellent ballads in Blondie's early style. The offerings from the first album ("In the Flesh" and Debbie at her catty best on "Rip Her to Shreds") are the only to feature the incredibly tasteful basslines of one time bassist Gary Valentine, who better compliments Clem Burke's drumming than any other in Blondie's history. The retro-rocker "X Offender" would have been a strong selection from this era, but is available on other disks, luckly. Another 'missing' track would be the superb "Fade Away and Radiate" with King Crimson guitar genius Robert Fripp. He adds stellar guitar to this song, which could be considered more of a departure from the pop-disco legacy Blondie has left. This omission could be excused if the incipid pop-reggae cover "The Tide is High" weren't on the album. Because of this song, Blondie's reggae influence is overexaggerated, but also appears on the equally horrible, and thankfully missing, "Die Young Stay Pretty". However, "Dreaming" is possibly one of the best songs Blondie ever recorded. This song, and the other "Eat to the Beat" offering "Atomic" make for an engaging listen, and represent that album well. Unfortunatly, the early period is underemphasised in favor of easily available "Parallel Lines" pop songs, like "Sunday Girl" and "Hanging on the Telephone", that are enjoyable, but leave a hazy legacy. All and all, a great and enjoyable album with practically no problems with what is included, and only slight problems with what is not included. Most widely released "Best of" compilations cannot even brag that.

Great songs!!!!!
This is the definitive collection! They are not repetitive like so many artists' CDs. You WILL know most of the songs on this CD.

Here are the songs you may know: HEART OF GLASS, THE TIDE IS HIGH, RAPTURE, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, CALL ME, and RIP HER TO SHREDS. Love that last one!!!!

Great Songs with No Filler!
I have had this cd for a long time and it's terrific. Every song on the CD is good. Sure, the Greatest Hits may have a few extra songs that this doesn't, but this CD has the BEST songs. You won't have to skip any "boring" songs. As for the sound quality, I've never had a problem with it on my decent, but kind of old stereo, or in my car that has a really good system. These songs were made a while ago anyway. They originally came out on vinyl, so I'm sure the CD is an improvement from that. Anyway, you can't go wrong with this collection.

had it, sold it
This collection may be for the casual fan, but that said, who would want to be a casual fan of Blondie? Nearly all of their albums are worth getting. I bought this album thinking that I was getting their best stuff, but a lot of my favorite tracks are album cuts! Basically with this as my introduction to Blondie, I was left a bit unsatisfied. I would highly recommend starting with their self-titled debut album, or for those who really really just love "Heart of Glass", i suggest getting Parallel Lines. But seriously folks, these songs are great, but it's just not enough! Getting into Blondie could change your life! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Lively, upbeat walking workout for intermediate walkers!!
I've been an aerobic walker for about 8 years. It's very hard to locate music designed for an aerobic walking workout performed by original artists. This CD is a find!!! It starts at a pace of 120 beats per minute and builds to 134 beats per minutes in 11 selections. The last selection is the cool down at 120 beats per minute. This pace is great for an intermediate walker - a workout, but not fast enough that you feel you need to jog. It is an hour-long workout and the songs are "blended" together so there's no gap in the music. Most of the 70's songs are easily recognizable and I find myself singing to them as I walk. I'm sure you'll enjoy the CD.

Great to get you going! LaVanda from GA
After walking for exercise for over a year, I was getting bored with the music I had. This CD is wonderful for keeping your pace, starting slower, picking up to 4.3 mph and then slowing to cool down. Even though these songs are from way back, it's great to hear again. I will try more of these CD's.

upbeat music
I've had my cd for a week now and I love it. It starts out a little slow, but then again, I hate to warm up so it is probably good for me. I like to hit the trail walking at a brisk pace so I usually start on song #3. I love the music and I probably look crazy to people driving by. This cd has definately added a quickness to my step and an energy to my walk. I plan to buy more music!

Great for Aquatics
I teach an aquatic shaping and toning class and this is my favorite CD. The class, which varies in age from 30 - 70, enjoys this music and it contains nothing objectionable. I only wish SHAPE would put out some more of this great stuff.

Great songs, mid tempo walking
I have 3 of the Shape walking CD's and this is a good one if you like disco. This CD has a good pace if you are wearing ankle weights and pushing a stroller (as I do). If you are just walking on your own though I'd recommend one of the faster Shape CD's. Modern rock is a good one. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Given the pace of Michael Jackson's post-Thriller release schedule, it's striking that Off the Wall appeared between two albums with his brothers, Destiny (1978) and Triumph (1980), on which the twentysomething phenomenon was also fully engaged. Aided by richly detailed but not overdone production, Off the Wall redefined how much Michael might do.

Tracks like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Rock with You," the title cut (all Top 10 singles), and "Burn this Disco Out" not only consolidated his dance-floor power, but showed just how soulful and varied his vocals could get on uptempo material. Artistic role models like James Brown and Jackie Wilson echo through the mixes, but these were Jackson's leaps forward. The addition of pure pop confection--Paul McCartney's "Girlfriend," Stevie Wonder's "I Can't Help It"--further fleshed out the star's young-adult persona and helped make Off the Wall among the most fondly remembered of all his solo work. This special edition features two magic home demos and entertaining, insightful interviews of producer Quincy Jones and "Rock with You" composer Rod Temperton. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (79)

Off The Hook!!
Michael Jackson's first solo album as an adult tops many peoples list as his best yet. It's an incredibly strong and innovative album that set the mold for the greatness to come. This special edition reveals the album as it's never been heard before.

The clarity of sound presented here is astounding! Especially when you go back and listen to the original release. From the swirling cackles in the title track, to the bass on Burn This Disco Out, to the layered voices in Don't Stop, the sound enveopes you in it's crispness and rishness. It's pure aural candy!

The special edition includes a booklet with 4 new photos (one featuring Paul McCartney), a brick design on the cd itself, and 18 minutes of bonus material including, interviews with Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton and, the best treat, two demo recordings.

Both demo's run about 4:30 and feature Randy and Janet on rhythm and sound efects. There is a hillarious spat between Randy and Janet at the begenning of the Don't Stop demo that had me roaring in laughter. These demos really give a sense of the Jackson family as a whole, fun, musically inventive, talented and wanting to help each other out. They also showcase Michael's strong song writing skills. The rhythms and arrangements are completely fleshed out but the lyrics are barely there. What you can hear of lyrics is very different from the final recordings and seems like MJ made it up as he went along in the song (Is he really singing 'Keep on with you hot dog' in Don't Stop Til You Get Enough?). The demo's highlight his talent as a rhythm arragner and song builder rather than a lyricist.

On the down side, the interviews aren't that enlightening and I can't imagine wanting to listen to them more than once or twice. Also nowhere in the booklet or on the jewel case is the bonus material given track numbers. There are a total of 19 tracks here with an announcer, interviews and demos. A track listing would''ve made it alot easier to find the demo's later. One final nitpick, I would've liked to have seen a picture underneath the cd's clear tray in the jewel case. Instead all we get is black. Oh well, it hardly detracts from all the great things about this sepcial edition.

If you're a MJ fan or have an older copy of Off The Wall, then you have to have this for the incredible restoration done, it's historical value and the insightful demo recordings. For the rest of you, don't miss out on this strong, innovative, fun and moving album. The sepcial edition is the one to have!

off the wall is off the chain!
this is such a groovy, soulful, dance/r&b album. It was huge in the late 70's, early 80's and it remains a timeless classic with unforgettable hits like Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, which was michael's first #1 to have been written by himself; and the sweet, soulful rock with you. As great as these 2 songs are, the rest of the album is really underrated. Tracks like Working Day and Night and Get On the Floor were also written by michael and are extremely catchy in melody, in fact I think I like them better than 'Don't Stop' and 'Rock' Off the Wall and Girlfriend are soothing disco songs you can relax too. She's Out of My Life is a sweet ballad. I Can't Help it was written by Stevie Wonder and michael does an awesome job singing it. It's the Falling in Love and Burn this Disco Out are also good. Buy this album today! If you don't, you're wacko! ;)

Off the Wall [Bonus Tracks] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
Off the Wall [Bonus Tracks] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [EXTRA TRACKS]~ Michael Jackson is my favorite Jackson album. I love disco muisc and this is awesome disco music that can be compared to the likes of ABBA and Bee Gees. I love it.

A SOUL CLASSIC
Back in the day this record was all over the clubs. A SOUL CLASSIC and Michael's best dance record. So why does EPIC have to gum it up with commentaries? Put that kind of stuff on a separate disc if it must be included. This kind of stuff is all too prevalent in remastered reissues. Record companies should just LEAVE IT ALONE. Put out the reissues the way they were intended. I just wanna hear the music, man.

so fresh, so carefree and so creative
Off the Wall just has great disco numbers with great musical production, yet they don't sound overproduced in a way that gives you a headache. Pure brilliance. Also there are chill r&b and soul jams with hints of disco and even a little jazz, and the best part is that there is live instrumentation and michael's vocals are great on this album. Definitely a must buy, and a great way to relieve stress. Enjoy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The brainchild of producer/songwriter Frank Farian--best known for later coming up with Milli Vanilli--Germany's '70s hit machine Boney M scored a string of disco singles with a strong Caribbean flavor. Granted, it takes an iron will to stomach upbeat numbers about the troubles in "Belfast" or such endearing figures as "Ma Baker" and "Rasputin," but at their best, Farian and the four West Indian session singers he recruited made a great dance-music outfit that was able to give an over-the-top Euro-disco spin to pop nuggets ("Sunny") and infectious originals ("Gotta Go Home"). If you want to send your next '70s-themed party into overdrive, give this 18-track hits collection a try. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Danceable to anyone
When I was a high school student,I liked disco music
very much.And I like their S&M taste album jacket so much.In the 21st century they still shines like a big star in the sky.I liked SILVERS,HEATWAVE,KOOL&THE GANG.The GOLDEN DISCO AGE is here.The songs are very up tempo and easy to kepp pace with.So I used to dance till dawn.My mother always told me not to kick the wall of my room many times.I was a dance craze.This is worth listen.Don't judge a book by its cover.This album is a lot of fun.

Good even in 2004; will there be a comeback due to a movie?
I am inspired, late, to review this album after seeing "Touching the Void" on the big screen recently and being reminded of a great album.
This CD and this band were never given full appreciation in the US - - the band and their music were better known in the Caribbean and Canada and Europe.
"Rasputin" was probably the biggest hit they had here in the US, which is surprisingly on one hand, but not so surprisingly, as it is a great song!
Nowadays, this music is often considered "too retro" or "too disco", but anyone who hears this should enjoy the music for what it is - - good FUN!

why didn't the reviews mention this?...
This is a great album and should have been given a 5 star grading. However, the only flaw, and the greatest unforgivable flaw to me, is that 'Rasputin' faded out long before it really should have ended. (in other words, you will not hear the sarcastic moaning of "OH, those Russians" at the end of the song)I just could'nt figure out why this song, which is probably the best of the best of boney m's masterpieces, received such cruel treatment and nobody cares to point it out. Maybe many will think the version now existed on this album is long enough and the deleted part is just repetition. Well, God bless these so-called boney m 'fans'...

How bout getting all their songs out on CD?
After listening to the CD, I had to dig out my old Boney M Records
I bought while in Spain in the 70's and listen to them on a borrowed "hi-fi" and try to get someone to put them on CD!

Why didn't I discover this sooner???
Yes, I was one of those late 1970s adolescents who, upon discovering cool artists like Elvis Costello and Tom Waits, thought himself just way too hep for music that made the rounds in discos. And every now and then, I come across an artist or band that fit that discotech mode, and I learn that I missed out on some great music because my pride got in the way.

Boney M is one of those groups. After hearing "Rasputin" blaring on somebody else's stereo, I hit the nearest music store and took a chance on this greatest hits CD. After spinning the entire CD, I found that a greatest hits compilation is not enough Boney M for my collection. Boney M explodes style, music and kinetic energy all it's own!

Seriously, this music perked me up from track #1 and did not let up. As this group was a creation by a man named Frank Farian,I have read several groups comparing Boney M to Milli Vanilli. NOT EVEN CLOSE! There is no guise of down-to-earthiness here, this music just makes you want to move. When I find photos of Boney M on the web, when I listen to their music, I drink in a creation meant to be loud, over-the-top, bright and as kitschy as neon! The singers' voices are passionate, and even the lyrics voicing concern (Belfast) are empowering. This is pure unapologetic dance music!

Boney M, and Boney M specifically, makes me confess what I have resisted confessing for over twenty years: I want to dance to "Rasputin" and "Daddy Cool" in the loudest and gaudiest disco I can find!

Best wake-up song: Daddy Cool... Best Workout Song: Rasputin... Best "In the Present Moment" Song: Sunny ... Read more

Reviews (15)

To Answer Your Question ...
Yes, this CD has the original, full-length version of "Time Is Time," which I agree is one of Gibb's better songs. Despite the change in title, this is actually the CD version of "Andy Gibb's Greatest Hits," an LP that was released in 1981 or thereabouts. It also includes the non-hits "Me (Without You)" and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," the latter cut probably the best duet Gibb ever performed. (I found his songs with Olivia Newton-John to be among his worst vocal performances; his voice was embarrassingly softer than hers -- no mean feat, that.)

Unfortunately, this CD does not include "All I Have to Do Is Dream," Gibb's duet with Victoria Principal, or "Man on Fire," which appeared on Gibb's previous greatest-hits package, so it's hardly inclusive. I guess those songs, and others no doubt hidden in a vault somewhere, will turn up in time for the inevitable boxed set.

A New Release Of His Greatest Hits
Polydor released "Andy Gibb" (greatest) in 1991 with one new song, "Man On Fire" (a polished demo). This new collection does not include this song, nor "Flowing Rivers". However, the duet with Pat Arnold (back-up singer from the Bee Gees "Cucumber Castle" CD), "Will You Still Love Me", also from Gibb's "Greatest LP" is included. It's a nice refreshing duet. One low charting single is also not released; the infamous duet "All I Have To Do" with Victoria Principal. Note that she is not a singer and allegedly helped Andy Gibb's downhill spiral. It's not a surprise this is excluded (besides being just God-awful). But all the #1 and Top Ten hits are here, plus other Top 40 wonders. A great collection!

Great pop music
I never really took him seriously but now that time has passed i really enjoyed all these songs. I like the longer version of Time is Time. I prefer the single version of Love is Thicker than water (This version goes on too long at the end). His brothers were really great songwriters and producers. Andy could have contributed so much more to his short music career but threw it all away. In only about a four year period he recorded all these great songs. It would have been nice if they included All I have to do is dream.

Andy Gibb - The Forgotten Bee Gee
I discovered Andy Gibb when I started filling in gaps in my Bee Gees Collection. I vaguely remember hearing some great style Bee Gees Songs on the radio, but couldnt see them in any of their album collections - until I discovered Andy Gibb and then the pieces fell into place.It was great to hear songs like "Shadow Dancing" and "Everlasting Love" that I grew up with for a second time and they were like new. Its sad a lot of people have never heard of Andy Gibb. In my opinion I think he was perhaps the greatest of the Gibb brothers at that time with his own similar but uniquely different style blending soft rock and disco. To anyone learning about Andy Gibb for the first time, let me clear up some confusion. Andy Gibb was never one of the Bee Gees, he was a solo artist in his own right. He was the youngest of his brothers and his greatest notoreity was for a couple of years in 1978/79. His older brother Barry with whom he shared an uncanny resemblence often produced much of Andy's work and can often be heard in the backing vocals of Andys songs. I remember seeing a program on the Bees Gees with one of them saying that the door was always open for Andy if ever he wanted to join his brothers. Truly an outstanding singer and performer in his own right, his life tragically cut short by an untimely death. Always complementing the outstanding success of his other brothers, never eclipsing them, one cannot help but reflect on what might have been. Following the introduction to this album I went on to get the rest of his 4 albums. Worth listening to as a taster of what the other albums consist of - enjoy!

not bad
Andy Gibb seemed like such a loser.I mean he had a good family,a great career and the love of Victoria Principal..but what does he do? He throws it all away for drugs and alcohol! I dont get it.Anyway,this CD is a good listen. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good walkin'
This is an excellent walking tape. I use it on the treadmill at the gym, and I can normally walk about 3.5 mph on this one. I break a sweat by the time it's over...and yes, it is lively music; just the kind you want to walk to!

Too slow for me
I go to an advanced-step aerobics class at my gym. We usually work with songs with a 140-145 bpm. I'd heard that this was a great CD for that type of class...boy was I fooled!! It is just way too slow for me. The highest bpm in this CD is 126. We don't even warm-up to that! I know, the CD even said "Moderate Pace", I should've known. Also, these songs are very lame. I don't know what happened to SHAPE this time. These songs can be anything you want, but hits they are NOT. Anyway, if you really want a CD for an fun, fast-paced aerobic work out, I don't recommend this CD.

Upbeat music but not exactly "hits"
When I think of "hits," I think of songs that hit and stayed on the charts. Most of these songs don't fit that category. In fact, I didn't recognize most of them.

That said, this is a lively mix of music that keeps you moving. It won't be my favorite in my exercise collection, but I will use it and enjoy it.

Great Pace, Good Music
This is really a great workout CD. The songs are very lively and motivating and the pace is pretty steady and consistent. It runs at about 125 beats per minute which allows for optimum performance of step aerobics and kick boxing workouts, but also works well for running, ab workouts, etc. I highly recommend this CD for anyone who wants to workout and have fun at the same time!!

Keeps you motivated
Great collection, the music flows from one cut to the other without losing the beat, very important for maintaining your stride. Upbeat tunes, fun to dance, walk to, EFX, treadmill my favorites. I've now got all of the Shape CDs and they are the best! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If the one-disc All-Time Greatest Hits leaves you panting for more, but the three-disc box set Just for You proves that one can, in fact, get enough of Barry White's love, well, then the two-disc Ultimate Collection is the anthology for you. An entire slow-jams industry has been erected in White's wake, but no one has done it better. Call it "funkzac"--an inimitable fusion of lush strings and suave brass dancing on a bed of funk and disco rhythms, with the manly maestro mixed prominently atop his seduction soundscapes. Ultimate Collection serves up enough cherry Barry to produce another baby boom. --W.C. Sweeney ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Let The Music Play!
This collection speaks for itself! Thirty songs and not a single dud! What is here is essential and entertaining. If there is any flaw I can find it would be this: Is this collection suppose to be just Barry White: SOLO artist? There are a few collections from Love Unlimited Orchestra, but still I don't have a problem with it.

The really great thing about its collection that it included his 1990s hits "Practice What You Preach" and "Stayin' Power" which is better than his 1994 "All-Time Greatest Hits" on one CD. If you are a fan, but are still not sure about his box set, then this is your ideal pick. Highly recommended!

Two discs of pure BW
Its rare that a best of collection gets it right, but when the artist is involved that usually helps a lot. That was the case here & Barry White oversaw this two disc set of his best work put together lovingly & with care. What an awesome style The Maestro had back in the day. Lush strings, heavy beats, guitar riffs, and that nice blend of his deep bass vocals with the female back up. The Man could really create an atmosphere and he made an awesome body of work in the 70s, bringing both soul & FONK. Most of the singles are included, and it also captures his work in the late 80s and his big comeback in the 90s. 'Practice What You Preach' is still the killer jam of 94.

This is a great and near complete overview of The Maestros sound & career, and a perfect introduction to his back catalogue. In my opinion everyone should check out all 8 of his classic 70s albums but ifyour wallet says no this is a great piece to own. How I miss this guy, there will never be another Barry White. R.I.P.

Unlimited Barry
This is an excellent set of songs that defined era. Barry White, the granddady of rap, disco and soul, has had his music justified with this 2 - disc set ranging from 1972 to 1999. It features 30 tracks, each of them great for the perfect romantic dinner or in the bedroom with your lover.

Disc 1 spans from 1972 to 1976, when Barry was a major force on the Hot 100 as well as in the studio. Just about every big hit Barry had is included here - "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby", "Never Never Gonna Give You Up", "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe", "You're The First, The Last, My Everything", and "What I'm Gonna Do With You" still sounds as fresh and energetic as they did over 30 years ago. Combined with three Love Unlimited instrumentals and songs that failed on the pop charts but were big hits on the R & B charts, the first disc is grand - slam Barry.

Disc 2 kicks off with two of Barry biggest hits between 1974 and 1977, the lushly arranged "Love's Theme" and the odd thump of "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me" (which was something of a late - in - day hit for Barry), before delving into the final 22 years of his career. Here is where you'll find such uncharted gems like "Playing Your Game, Baby", "You're Sweetness Is My Weakness", "Love Serenade, Parts 1 And 2", "It Ain't Love Babe (Until You Give It)", "Practice What You Preach" (his last top 20 hit in 1994), and "Staying Power", his last chart single in 1999.

The producers of this disc also included a beautiful booklet featuring brilliant liner notes, intimate pictures of Barry, a timeline of all his albums, and chart listings for each of these songs. I think that this is the essential Barry White collection, full of timeless music that will be heard on radios all over the world for centuries to come.

What's wrong with you guys?
...Well, I guess it's like the old saying goes: people don't realize what they have until it's gone. By the way, this is the best introduction to Barry White besides the boxed set. "The Ultimate Collection" has 30 wonderful songs which are immaculate in groove and hypnotizing in vocal delivery. Barry was truly "the Man." It's too bad he had to die before people finally decided to figure that out.

R.I.P. Barry

This collection is as good as it gets
I've always been a huge Barry White fan, but had forgotten just how many of his songs were true smashes and are as relevant today as when they were originally released. Equally enjoyable for me, were some songs that I had never heard and all I have to say is if song number 7 on the second CD does not bring a combination of laughter and a more than a little heat to your loins, then maybe you are not human... All in all, the collection is not lacking any important songs in the Barry White song book and truly merits a 2 disc set, which can't be said even about other favorites of mine who have done it before. Also, no true fan should be without the star-studded "Secret Garden", which was a single off the Quincy Jones' most recent Grammy-winning CD or Barry's duet with Tina Turner from her "Wildest Dreams" release. ... Read more

Amazon.com

OK, "Macho Man," after you are "In the Navy" and you've spent the night at the "Y.M.C.A" in New York City, you should "Go West" to "San Francisco" where they "Can't Stop the Music" and then, when it gets too foggy, head out for some sun in "Key West." All the great Village People classics are in this collection. Whether you fancy yourself the Construction Worker or the Native American, you'll be happy with this raucous collection of grandly cheeky hits. These are big disco songs, with thinly veiled innuendoes; the flamboyant and triumphant lyrics will get you on your feet, arms in a "Y," in no time. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (18)

The memories alone make you smile!
The memories alone make you smile! I didn't know that Village People had more hits than just YMCA, Macho Man and In The Navy. I saw a list of Hot Cop, San Francisco/Hollywood, Can't Stop the Music in "villagepeople-official" website and it got me to thinking that there was more to this group. The CD is clean, fun and very danceable. From start to finish, I could sing along. That's a fun CD.

Village People... Fight For Your Right
Producer Jacques Morali had a vision for a group that would speak out for the concerns and sensibilities of the (then) unsung Gay populace that was struggling to find a voice in the late 70s. Village People was the end product of that vision. Ads were taken out and actors were hired to play 6 arch-typical (or stereotypical) Gay male types; icons, if you will: A Soldier, A Biker, A Cop, A Construction Worker, A Cowboy, and An Indian. Four songs were constructed and made into an album: Village People. The songs celebrated four hotbeds of Gay male activity: San Francisco, Hollywood, Fire Island, and Greenwich Village. The songs were also trendsetting and funky, filling dance floors from coast to coast. This was the start of The Village People, and all four of those songs are included in this greatest hits package. That first album was really the creative zenith for the group. Lead singer Victor Willis soon took over as the lyricist for the guys, and he came up with a big, big song for the follow-up album. Macho Man gave The Village People their first crossover success, going top 10 on three charts. To me, it was their last song worth a damn, but the Macho Man album did so well, it was ripe to be cloned. And it was cloned not once, but twice, on the albums Cruisin' and Go West. Cruisin' contained the campy "Y.M.C.A.", which topped the charts and spawned the most ridiculous dance sensation since The Freddy! Go West had on it the cartoonish "In The Navy", which was picked up as a recruiting tool by the U.S. Navy, until it was explained to someone of high rank, just what it was about the Navy that The Village People were championing! After a great first album, The Village People's three follow-ups all had one big hit and a host of other songs that we'll magnanimously refer to as "filler." Nothing else they put out as a single ("Ready For The 80s" "Can't Stop The Music" etc.) was even close to being
a hit. But for what it's worth, the hits are here. And since the entire first album is, too, I give the whole thing four stars. If you didn't know that The Village People had a life before "Macho Man," then you need to check out tracks 4, 5, 9, and 11 on this CD. Knowing that this group once had a strong direction, a strong message and a strong groove, it was hard for me to see them commercialized and homogenized, and turned into (what amounts to): An all-male group of male impersonators that masquerades as itself. Can you dig it?

Awesome!!
I love this album. It's fantastic. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys great music.

Party on a platter!
If the Casablanca record label was the Monarchy of the Disco Nation, The Village People were their finest ambassadors. More than any of the prefabricated disco machines that the decade produced, it is the VP's cavity provoking bubble-gum dance records that made strobe lights and disco balls accessible and acceptable to party people of all stripes. Add in the undeniable fact that the innuendo laden singles and their stereotyped get-ups made gay subculture visible and you can actually add the term "culturally significant" to the Village People's list of accomplishments.

But all that pales when placed next to the vibrancy of this solid collection of 12 inch singles and dance mixes. Like all of the best dance floor confectionary creampuffs, the songs here convey a kooky innocence (the Navy had to let in on the joke before they backed off their decision to use "In The Navy" as a recruitment jingle) that remains timeless. And in the post-AIDS decades, the more obvious 70's call to the disenfranchised like "Go West," "San Francisco" and "In Hollywood" are even poignant.

Deny it if you dare, but secretly you know this stuff is great. Just see if your limbs don't start contorting into the alphabet next time "YMCA" gets played on some football arena PA or at your next company party. I double dog dare ya.

My dad is not proud of me,
Oh, the music that changed me. I was there, sitting in the corner, sucking on a beer, when I heard 'Yummie', and...and something tweaked inside of me. I looked down at my steelcaps, looked down at my beer, looked at my tough long johns, and began to question myself. I looked at men there. The music made me look at the men there! I looked at them!!!!!!!!!! I have NEVER looked at men there before, but the music made me do it! I will never set foot inside a tractor again. I am unworthy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Did the Bee Gees get too big too fast on their second run at fame? This compilation suggests the answer is yes; their early self-reinvention as a disco-soul act yielded fabulous singles like "Jive Talkin'" and the unstoppable Saturday Night Fever trilogy of "How Deep Is Your Love," "Stayin' Alive," and "Night Fever," but by the end of the '70s the inspiration was gone. Bland follow-ups like "Too Much Heaven" and "Love You Inside Out" are at a minimum here, though, making Greatest for the most part an honorable alternative to the SNF soundtrack, should you want one. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (48)

The definitive collection of their disco music
There have, of course, been many compilations of Bee Gees music but this one focuses specifically on the late seventies disco phase of their career.

The recordings here begin in 1975, when the Bee Gees were just starting to get into disco music, and end in 1979, when this phase of their career ended. All the famous songs from the period are here including Jive talking, Night fever, Tragedy, You should be dancing, Staying alive, How deep is your love and Too much heaven.

Also here are the Bee Gees' original versions of songs that became hits for others. These include If I can't have you (a transatlantic hit for Yvonne Elliman), Love me (a UK top ten hit for Yvonne Elliman), More than a woman (a transatlantic hit for Tavares), Rest your love on me (an American country number one hit for Conway Twitty) and Nights on Broadway (a UK top ten hit for Candi Staton, but an American hit for the Bee Gess).

There are some other great songs here that you won't normally find on other Bee Gees compilations - songs like Love so right, You stepped into my life and Children of the world.

You can get the big hits on a career-spanning compilation covering their music over several decades and you can also get many of these songs on re-issues of the original albums on which they appeared, but there is something appealing about this compilation. It sets its own mood because the songs all fit together so well. If you are only interested in the Bee Gees for their disco music or if (like me) you appreciate being able to play their disco music separately from all their other stuff, this is ideal.

The best Bee Gees Greatest Hits collection ever!
An excellent disco era faze collection with two great double CD's has all the brothers Gibb Barry, Maurice and Robin. Boogie classics style funky music hits ever. Like songs they sing are highlighted with "Staying Alive", "How Deep Is Your Love", "You Should Be Dancing" and "More Than A Woman" from the Saturday Night Fever movie soundtrack phenomenon trilogy. These were most popular tunes that I remember back then from the past. Again the best works compilation disc ever included with 20 song tracks in this Bee Gees mid seventies CD right here!

It's Surely Greatest
Bee Gees finished off with the disco era with their album Spirits Having Flown. After writing the song Don't Throw It All Away (Our Love) for Andy Gibb, their younger brother, they released this double LP. All the songs in this album are picked from Main Course (Night on Broadway, Jive Talkin', Fanny (Be Tender With My Love), Wind of Change), Children of the World (Children of the World, Love Me, Love So Right, You Should be Dancing, You Stepped Into My Life), Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack (Stayin' Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, Night Fever, More Than a Woman), and Spirits Having Flown (Tragedy, Too Much Heaven, Love You Inside Out, and Spirits (Having Flown)). With some songs from the singles A and B sides: Stayin' Alive (If I Can't Have You),and Too Much Heaven (Rest Your Love on Me).
Don't Throw It All Away was recorded during this LP since it was never released elsewhere before other the Andy Gibb's CD.

Well - actually the best stuff from their greatest period
"Bee Gees Greatest" covers the work of the Brothers Gibb during their most successful period of their careers, 1975-1979. This was the period when the Bee Gees adopted their trademark sound and became associated with the forefront of the "Disco" movement. This greatest hits collection contains 20 songs encompassing four albums: "Main Course", "Children of the World", "Saturday Night Fever", and "Spirits Having Flown". There are also 2 "B" side singles and one 'unreleased' song that are a part of the 20 songs. The nice thing is that this CD basically contains every song you would expect from a Greatest Hits collection by the Bee Gees with really the only weak point being that the work from their early period is missing. This collection was released in 1979. It is worth noting that the Bee Gees had put out several Greatest Hits albums already covering the early work and that there is a Boxed Set entitled "Tales From the Brothers Gibb".

My feeling is the strength of the Bee Gees has always been the vocals. Yes they had some catchy beats, but it was the unique harmonies of the Brothers Gibb that made those catchy beats and Disco-esque rhythms work. This collection will represent those strong vocals well - and of course contain those catchy beats.

The singles from "Main Course" are well represented. The album "Main Course" really launched the 2nd phase of the Bee Gees career which is what the "Greatest" collection focuses on. It contains the hits "Jive Talkin", "Nights on Broadway", "Fanny (Be Tender With My Love)", and "Wind of Change". The latter two songs "Fanny" and "Wind of Change" often are forgotten songs, but are two of the better songs done by the Bee Gees - both contain some great harmonies. "Fanny" reminds me of a "bridge" between the early work of the Bee Gees and what was still to come in the late 70s. "Wind of Change" has some absolutely terrific harmonies by Barry Gibb.

The album "Children of the World" is often forgotten when looking at the history of the Bee Gees, but "Greatest" represents it very well. "You Stepped Into My Life", "Love So Right", "Love Me", "Children of the World", and "You Should Be Dancing" are included. Yes, "You Should Be Dancing" was on the Saturday Night Fever album and movie to follow, but it was actually a 1976 song by the Bee Gees. Apparently John Travolta used this song to rehearse his dancing in SNF and lobbyed hard to get it included in the movie - thus it was included in the soundtrack.

All of the big hits from "Saturday Night Fever" that were contributed by the Bee Gees are here. These need no explanation here. "Stayin Alive", "How Deep is Your Love", "Night Fever", "More Than a Woman" (Bee Gees version), and "If I Can't Have You" are on here. "If I Can't Have You" was actually sung by Yvonne Ellman on the SNF album, but it also was a B side to "Stayin Alive" (the Bee Gees are the actual authors of this song). Simply put - the Bee Gees version is superior and I am glad they included it on this collection (part of it almost sounds like a precursor to 'Tragedy'). Technically "Jive Talkin" and "You Should Be Dancing" were also on the SNF album.

"Spirits Having Flown" was the monster follow-up to SNF. That album was the last big selling studio album done by the Bee Gees. "Too Much Heaven", "Tragedy", "Love You Inside Out", and "Spirits Having Flown" are represented on here. There is also a B side from "Too Much Heaven" called "Rest Your Love on Me". I find this song most interesting - it has almost a country-western feel to it. It is a nice change of pace.

The unreleased song is "Our Love (Don't Throw it Away)". This technically wasn't an "unreleased song". This song is most remembered on the incredible 1998 album "One Night Only" in which the Bee Gees 'sing' with the recorded track of their late brother Andy Gibb. In that performance I remember feeling the emotion of how they lost their younger brother. This song was actually a song written by the Brothers Gibb for Andy Gibb's "Shadow Dancing" album. The version included here is the Bee Gees recording of it.

As for the layout of the collection, one thing that is also disappointing is that the songs are not in chronological order. I usually prefer a greatest hits collection to follow a sequential format and with today's CD randomization capabilities, I will then let the technology randomly select my songs. Perhaps the Brothers Gibb were looking to mix things up back in the days of LPs, 8 Tracks, and Cassettes which was the norm for this period of time. It is also worth noting that when this collection was released in 1979, it was released as a double LP. This collection is also a double CD and each CD contains 10 songs. The liner notes do a nice job at listing the songs and credits. It also does a nice job at mapping the albums back to the songs. The weak part is that the lyrics aren't included. I also would have liked a writeup about this period of their careers as well - but I do realize this was originally an LP and not a CD and that just wasn't as common back in 1979.

If you are looking to capture the hits of the Brothers Gibb at their peaks, this is the CD to buy. Keep in mind it does cover a limited period and doesn't fully represent the body of work the Bee Gees would do from a recording and a songwriting standpoint.

Bee Gees Gold,Volumes 2 & 3
In the mid-70's,the Brothers Gibb released GOLD,their first compilation on the RSO label. The songs on that album were all previously released,originally on their first label,Atco. On this later compilation,GREATEST,are their hit songs from 1975 to 1979,the year of this release. This was a 2 LP set,a single cassette and a 2 CD set. 20 ass-kicking tunes that will make many people move! From MAIN COURSE are NIGHTS ON BROADWAY,the megahit JIVE TALKIN',WIND OF CHANGE and FANNY(BE TENDER WITH MY LOVE). From CHILDREN OF THE WORLD are the title track,YOU SHOULD BE DANCING,LOVE SO RIGHT,YOU STEPPED INTO MY LIFE and LOVE ME. It should have BOOGIE CHILD on it since it was a Top 20 hit also. From SPIRITS HAVING FLOWN are the title track,TRAGEDY,TOO MUCH HEAVEN and LOVE YOU INSIDE OUT. From the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER soundtrack are STAYIN' ALIVE,HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE,NIGHT FEVER and MORE THAN A WOMAN. The original tracks on this album are their own cover of IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU which was a hit for Yvonne Elliman and the B-side of STAYIN' ALIVE,Barry Gibb's personally penned REST YOUR LOVE ON ME,which the late Conway Twitty would record also and a cover of OUR LOVE(DON'T THROW IT ALL AWAY),which was a hit for their late brother Andy Gibb. Except for OUR LOVE,REST YOUR LOVE ON ME,WIND OF CHANGE,YOU STEPPED INTO MY LIFE,CHILDREN OF THE WORLD and SPIRITS HAVING FLOWN,the songs on this album would appear on the Gibbs' ultimate compilation THEIR GREATEST HITS-THE RECORD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the most consistently enjoyable and successful of '80s dance-pop acts, Shalamar still sounds fabulous on this hour-plus set of classic singles. From the late-disco era "Take That to the Bank" and "Second Time Around" to the New Wave-like "Dead Giveaway," Greatest Hits is a stellar listen and a reminder of the days when Solar Records was in the forefront of modern R&B. Only the empty-calories Motown medley "Uptown Festival" and the movie theme "Don't Get Stopped in Beverly Hills" slow the flow. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Great Collection
This is a fairly comprehensive collection of Shalamar's hits. "Take That to the Bank", "The Second Time Around" and "A Night to Remember" are all fantastic soulful dancefloor grooves that you can't help but love. Jody Watley was the vocalist who went on to have a short but successful solo career in the late 80's, but this stuff is even better and certainly more mellow. Sample the tracks above (perhaps not the forgetable "Uptown Medley")and I'm sure you will like!
Oh yeah and i agree the cover art is dreadful!!

Finally! A compilation worthy of Shalamar
It's been a long time coming, but Shalamar finally have a compilation worthy of their legacy. And what is that legacy? Along with Ray Parker Jr., they made some of the best black-pop of the late70's/mid-80's. All the hits are here, and even if the final 2 tracks (which don't feature Howard Hewett) aren't much this is still a great listen. One note to Right Stuff. How about dumping the cheap cover art, which are also on the Lakeside and Whispers compilations. Shalamar and the rest of the Solar gang deserve better.

Back To The Past
I am a fan of Shalamar. Their music always take me back to the days when life was simpler and easier. I will recommend this collection to the casual fan. This collection has all their biggest and even some minor hits. When Shalamar was rocking the charts, I was only a small kid. But their music lives on in the me and puts a smile on my face. I don't need to collect all their albums, just give me their best. If you feel this way, then this collection is for you!

Very good, but read this first ...
The music deserves five stars & this collection contains all major & minor hits that the great group had, but the reason for the 3 stars is that all songs are in their 45 rpm versions! This may not bother some, but for the TRUE fan (like me), this will be very annoying.

For those of us who need something more, buy the 12" collection here on Amazon. This is an import from Canada & a little more expensive (about $$$), but MUCH better. This one also collects all the hits & all of the long versions at that. To have Uptown Festival in its' complete form after all these years is great!

See what kind of a fan you are & make your decision off of that. Hopefully you will make the 12" choice ...

great collection!!
their best work on,"take that to the bank","second time around', "a night to remember""make that move",everybody get on up n get down, get down tonight!!joey hoffman , dover pa ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though best remembered as the act whose "Fantastic Voyage" was transmogrified into Coolio's mid-'90s plea for urban peace, Ohio-based funksters Lakeside deserve to be recalled for more. For instance, their album covers usually pictured them in some movie-inspired getup or another--see 1982's Untouchables, which even backed up its Capone-era gangster concept for more than one song. This collection gets a little dull when they slow down, except for an inspired ballad rendition of the Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand." But if you're looking for something entertaining to complement your James Brown, P-Funk, and Earth, Wind & Fire discs, you could do worse. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (9)

fantastic voyage!!
it is a fantastic voyage!!j.h. of dover usa

raid everybody on the dance floor
lakeside was another funkdafied group that gave up classic funk jams which survived through rap samples fantastic voyage, raid and all the way live are bumping to this day and they are bad cop this and put some funk in that trunk.

Incredible group spins excellent grooves
I just picked up this CD last week and I'm blown away. I knew very little about "Lakeside" before my purchase other than "Fantastic Voyage" and "It's All the Way Live", but man, these guys have so much more than those two great tunes.

This CD has a tremendous blend of funk and soft soul. It's tough to do both well, and these guys are as good as I've heard at producing ballads as well as danceable grooves.

A huge plus for this album is the sequence of songs. For once a compilation puts it together just right. They don't fly you off the soft stuff too quickly into funk, and they don't go straight funk forver and suddenly slow you down. There's a nice progression throughout the whole CD. (Best tune is "Something About That Girl.")

I stuck gold when I bought this CD. Others should do the same, this is classic stuff.

ONE OF OHIO FUNKIEST BAND'S
BORN AND RAISE IN OHIO ESPICALLY IN THE 70's YOU COULDN'T HELP BUT BREATHE THE FUNK.WHEN YOU WAKE UP!YOU TAKE A DEEP WIFF OF LAKESIDE O.P's SUN,SLAVE AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.LAKESIDE REALLY FLOATED OUT THE "LAND OF FUNK".WHEN THEY LEFT THE SHORE'S OF THE OHIO RIVER FOR THEIR PARTY CRUISE"FANTASTIC VOYAGE"ALL OF US WERE ON ONE FUNKY BOAT THAT COULD KEEP THE SHIP A FLOAT.EVERY PORT KNEW WHEN THAT FUNKY CRUISE SHIP CAME IN.BECAUSE THAT CREW BROUGHT HARMONY,RYTHM AND FUNK!LOOK OUT THEY MIGHT JUST BE DOCKING AT PORT NEAR YOU.

The best of lakeside
This cd Grooves. I realy injoy I wanna hold your hand.but I love all the songs.you must add this one to your collection.it jams ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (22)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (15)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (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