Reviews (8)

Everchanging Masterpiece
I really don't seem to hear a lot of older acts anymore these days in R&B. To me, that is nothing more than a tragedy. Some of those older acts are really much more exciting to listen to right now, because the younger Beyonce''s, and the Britney Spears wannabes have overzellously, oversexed themselves out. Still, everlasting change in music is a constant. That was the case with Atlantic Starr in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. They've had as many changes to their lineup as Chicago, Menudo and others have had in a lifetime of a career. Still, the music enough is well really enough to enjoy over and over again from the bottom of the heart.

The Ultimate Collection of Atlantic Starr, is arguably the best out of very much every single Atlantic Starr compilation and record you'll ever need. The album ultimately highlights the constant changes the R&B group endured while keeping the music fresh to all alike. The songs are great from classic ballads like the #1 song Always, which was ranked #50 on VH1's 100 Greatest Love Songs, as well as other great songs like Send For Me, the modern cult R&B song, Love Crazy, the soulful and tearjerking Masterpiece, Touch A Four Leaf Clover, Circles, and many more great songs from their eras with Warner Brothers, A&M, and Reprise as well.

It is just a shame that Atlantic Starr is considered as a guilty pleasure act right now, but the music is still well enough to escape with. I just don't really hear much of their music right now, but I still wish people could rediscover them all over again. The Ultimate Collection of Atlantic Starr is a great Greatest Hits album, and is really worth the soul.

Very good but still missing some essentials
I was a HUGE Atlantic Starr fan in their heyday. Their music was always smooth, even the uptempo songs. This collection contains some very good cuts including a few rarely heard songs like "Love Crazy", "Masterpiece", "My First Love" and my favorite "More, More, More". However, their most enchanting gem, "Let's Get Closer", is notably missing. Also excluded are the sweet "My Sugar" and the fun, uptempo cut "Think About That". The albums from which these cuts originate are no longer in print or are just plain impossible to find. Even the Millennium Collection doesn't contain much more than this, nor do any of their other collections, so don't waste your time or money. Thank goodness I have some of these songs on cassette single. Oh sure, it doesn't compare to having them on CD but it's better than nothing!

Ultimate Collection~ Atlantic Starr
Regarding the smooth sailing, heart warming, soulful sounding group, Atlantic Starr, they have always topped my list of favorites! I wouldn't miss an appearance of the group, if I knew that they were to be on Soul Train or even televised music awards! The DJ's played their tunes again and again! Atlantic starr has a song called "Masterpiece", and it is an heart felt song! I would like to purchase all of their music, for I love all of the music that they have made!

crasy
I like the group very much.They are one of the best goups.I am just crasy about their music.My favourite is 'secret lover'.I go crasy whenever I hear thet song.I am looking for their album called 'Time'.I feel thet was their best album ever.If their is anybody ou there that can tell me where I can bought that CD.I would really apreciate it.

Cool!
Atlantic Starr was the real band back in 80's! From their early tracks such as late 70's funk 'Stand Up' or 'Let's Rock & roll' to 80's super hits uplifting 'Circles','Freak-a-ristic' or 'Love Me Down' with the super slow jams smooth 'Secret LOvers','My First Love' or 'Touch A Four Leaf Clover', this compliation is outstanding. Every Atlantic Starr fan should have it. Sharon Byrant & Lewis Bros. were underrated talents during when they were popular. This cd brings back the memories from good-old-times. A must have! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like a lot of second-wave funk bands, Earth, Wind & Fire were adept at balancing slickness and rawness. While their albums were occasionally spotty, the outfit achieved truly miraculous moments like the rocking "Shining Star" and the gloriously syncopated "September."(Come to think of it, the screaming guitar of the former was also nicely set off by its rhythmic flow.) In a have-you-never-been-mellow decade, their positivity seemed mostly realistic. With something like their powerhouse transformation of "Got to Get You into My Life"--pulling one of the great Beatles covers out of the awful Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie--they could make even the most churlish listener believe anything was possible. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Pure musical bliss.
What can I say? This is music heaven. This is one of the discs you'll find in God's jukebox. Every single track on here is perfect, but if I had to choose a standout, it'd be "September." I simply cannot resist the urge to dance everytime I hear that song. The two Megamix's at the end, edited together from snippets of songs on both this disc and others, are very nice, especially if you want to listen many Earth Wind & Fire songs but don't have the time.

Highest possible recommendation!

All The Elements
Earth, Wind & Fire were a large ensemble that incorporate, jazz, soul and funk into their music. Their first volume of greatest hits contains their brightest and best and shows the various stylings that they could get into. "Got To Get You Into My Life" is a funkified cover of the Beatles' hit, "Fantasy" is soaring, uplifting number with great harmonies and "Can't Hide Love" is sensual ballad. "Getaway" is a percolating number with a blazing horn riff, "That The Way Of The World" moves on smooth tip and "September" is bright bouncy and catchy ear candy. "Shining Star" was their lone number one pop single, "Reasons" has a torch song quality with Philip Bailey hitting some extremely high notes and "Sing A Song" sums up the band's positive attitude.

Great ANY Month (Even September)
Earth,Wind & Fire made spotty albums,huh?Well I MUST be dreaming because I have ALL of EWF's 1970's albums (including
their two legendary Warner Brothers CD's) and can't find a bad moment on ANY of them so guys-PLEASE speak to your critics!
This isn't bad either since you can't find the classic "September" or the simmering "Love Music" on any other
album.So don't listen to critics! (and see my other EWF reviews).

Timeless
I forgot how great this CD is. I used to have it in my player a long time ago and lost it in a move. Every track just makes you smile and sing....a must have.

Got To Get This Into YOUR Life
This is like an old album that feels more like a real LP than a hits compilation. The records still sound refreshing and top notch. The band was top notch and still is when you listen to their new stuff "The Promise" The standouts here are the dreamy "Fantasy" and the gorgeous "Can't Hide Love". For an Intro to this exciting band this is a real winner! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A must for Donna Summer fans
This is a great album which spans Donna's entire career and showcases all the great songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s up to today. I don't think there is a single song on here which isn't fantastic and it was interesting to hear some her non-dance tracks from the early 80s when she was re-inventing her sound.

If you're a true Donna Summer fan, you must go out and get this.

The Best Summer Compilation Available
Now this is more like it. Yes, I know a lot of the North American and European fans are moaning about the number of Donna Summer compilations available. Well here in AFrica we dont have that problem the last one was 1994's Endless Summer...this one however DESERVES an international release as it perfectly updates 1993's ANTHOLOGY and encapsulates Donna's groundbreaking 70's work, more experimental 80's, 90's and 2000's return to dance. Unlike the others available this one includes almost ALL the major hits and deserves 5 stars for including DINNER WITH GERSHWIN and THERE GOES MY BABY, MELODY OF LOVE, I WILL GO WITH YOU and WHEN LOVE CRIES all major hits out here.

Having said all of the above though...2003's You're So Beautiful, and I will Live for Love show that Ms Summer still has what it takes and its time for a MAJOR NEW ALBUM...in order to show all these wannabe divas how its done.

Another 2 CD Anthology?It's time for a 5 CD Box Set!
Stop the insanity!No, this is not an infomercial rather this reviewer is getting tired of single and double disc CD compilations of Donna Summer!This collection is TOO similiar to her 1993 Anthology (which I like better!)I do feel it is high time to give the fans a FULL PORTRAIT of Donna Summer with her music now spanning over 30 years!Without further ado, here is my suggestion of what my version of Donna's box set should be:

Disc 1

1. Love To Love You Baby
2. Full of Emptiness
(from "Love to Love You Baby" [1975])
3. Try Me, I Know We Can Make It
4. Could It Be Magic
(from "A Love Trilogy" [1976])
5. Spring Affair
6. Winter Melody
(from "Four Seasons Of Love" [1976])
7. I Remember Yesterday
8. Love's Unkind
9. I Feel Love
(from "I Remember Yesterday" [1977])
10. Once Upon A Time
11. Fairy Tale High
12. Rumour Has It
13. I Love You
14. Happily Ever After
(from "Once Upon A Time" [1978])
15. Theme From The Deep (Down, Deep Inside)
(from "Live & More" [1978])

Disc 2
1. Last Dance
2. With You Love
(from "Thank God It's Friday" soundtrack [1978])
3. MacArthur Park
4. Heaven Knows
(from originally "Live & More" [1978] later "The Dance Collection" [1987])
5. Bad Girls
6. Hot Stuff
7. Dim All The Lights
8. Sunset People
9. Walk Away
10. Our Love
(from "Bad Girls" [1979])
11. On The Radio
12. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)
(from "On The Radio - Greatest Hits Vol. I & II" [1979])
13. The Wanderer
14. Cold Love
15. Who Do You Think You're Foolin'
16. Night Life
(from "The Wanderer" [1980])

Disc 3
1. I Believe (In You)
2. I'm A Rainbow
3. Don't Cry For Me Argentina
4. Romeo
(from "I'm A rainbow" [1981], released in [1996])
5. Love Is In Control (Finger On the Trigger)
6. The Woman In Me
7. Protection
8. State Of Independence
(from "Donna Summer" [1982])
9. She Works Hard For The Money
10. Unconditional Love
11. People, People
12. I Do (Believe I Fell In Love)
(From "She Works Hard For The Money" [1983])
13. There Goes My Baby
14. Supernatural Love
15. I'm Free
16. Cats Without Claws
17. Forgive Me
(from "Cats Without Claws" [1984])

Disc 4
1. Dinner With Gershwin
2. All Systems Go
3. Voices Cryin' Out
(from "All Systems Go" [1987])
4. This Time I Know It's For Real
5. I Don't Want To Get Hurt
6. In Another Place And Time
7. Love's About To Change My Heart
(from "Another Place And Time" [1989])
8. When Love Cries
9. Mistaken Identity
10. Friends Unknown
(from "Mistaken Identity" [1991])
11. Carry On
(from "Forever Dancing" [1992])
12. Melody Of Love (Want To Be Loved)
(from "Greatest Hits" [1994])
13. Christmas Spirit
(from "Christmas Spirit" [1994])
14. Love Is The Healer
15. I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro)
(from "VH-1 Presents Live & More Encore" [1999])

Disc 5
(rarities, unreleased songs, and unreleased live tracks)
Suggestions: "Face The Music" (b-side of "Supernatural Love"), "Framed" (Original title album for "Cats Without Claws"), "You'll Never Walk Alone" (saved for a Possible future gospel album according to donna-tribute.com), "Sometimes Like Butterflies" (b-side of "Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)"), and songs from "Lady Of The Night" from 1974.

As you can see, there is a lot of ground that STILL needs to be covered!It's fine if you buy this, but only if you don't have any of her music on CD.

EXCELLENT COMPILATION AND SOUND
PROBABLY MOST OF YOU WILL FIND DISSAPOINTING TO SEE THAT ANOTHER DONNA'S COMPILATION WAS RELEASED, BUT ONCE YOU HAVE THIS "GOLD" IN YOUR HANDS YOU WILL LOVE IT, THIS ONE IS EXCELLENT. I'D RATHER HAVE A COMPLETE NEW ALBUM THOUGH, WE FANS DESERVE IT.

Deeper Into Donna
There is just so much that we reflect on from the 70's and the feel of Disco. Yet, with all the feel of the 70's, we really think of very few acts that still showcase very well within the depths of Disco. Out of all of them, nobody has been able to capitalize on that feeling like Donna Summer has. She has been known as one of those acts that always comes back by surprise. Yet, so manymay feel that she has released oo many hits collections under her belt. Although that might be a bad idea to so many, there are very few that really reflect on the Disco diva from Boston to its limits.

Donna Summer: Gold, the 2005 hits collection contains all of her standards that have been widely recognized from her career in so many wanys including She Works Hard For The Money, No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), The Wanderer, On The Radio, and other great songs. The collection also includes some tracks that were overshadowed from other Donna Summer hits collections including Supernatural Love, and Unconditional Love with Musical Youth to name a few. There are so many good songs here, but some might feel that there are just too many hits collections that reflect Donna Summer's career. Yet, some might obligate to choose the 2003 The Journey: Very Best Of Donna Summer collection instead of this one, or any other one Donna has released.

Yet, while so many people are into divas that seem like they're manufactured and there music is worthless like Britney Spears, Ashanti and Lindsay Lohan, it is sometimes too easy to forget about guilty pleasures like Donna Summer. Donna Summer: Gold is a great collection for anybody young or old alike who hasn't heard her music before, or for those who want the definitive Donna Summer collection.

Album Cover: B

Price: B

Remastering: A

Songs: A

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

Amazon.com

Exactly what was Pink Floyd's The Wall? Rock opera? Concept album? Performance art? Mere entertainment? While the truth may lie in a combination of all of the above, during the band's tour of 1980-81, The Wall was a bona fide spectacle. More than anything, Is There Anybody Out There? captures the volume, the bombast, and the grandeur of these famed performances with remarkable accuracy. Meticulously recorded, these concerts are astonishingly faithful to the band's studio versions and flow out of the speakers with practiced authority and absolutely fantastic sound. That said, there are few new revelations to be gained from hearing The Wall live that can't be gleaned from the studio version. Some moments do have an additional spark, however. "Run Like Hell" is launched with blistering intensity, and the first notes of "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1" will surely raise a shiver. The release also includes two tracks ("What Shall We Do Now," "The Last Few Bricks") left off the original release due to space constraints. Essential for Floyd fanatics as well as those wishing to hear just how terrific a live concert can sound. --S. Duda ... Read more

Reviews (114)

A MUST FOR TRUE FANS
This is live version of the wall is definetly worth the price, each song is played to true perfection. i do suggest, however, that before you buy this disc(s), do make sure you have the timeless classics, Dark side of the moon, wish you were here, and the wall studio edition. Pulse is also a very worthwhile live album although it lacks the presence of roger waters. Highlights from Is There Anybody Out There include Pink Floyd's definitive cut "Comfortably Numb", Run Like Hell", "Mother", and Another Brick in the Wall Pt 1". If you have the opportunity to see waters mind blowing live show, do it. Otherwise, this is the next best thing. Oh, yeah, the sound quality is a triumph, its almost better than the studio edition.

Shall We Buy Is There Anoybody Out There(The Wall Live)?
Ah, when you say Pink Floyd the 1st thing that comes to your mind is "The Wall". A cult classic in many ways,depicting a picture of a Rock God on a downward spiral from fame and fortune, and a perfect soundtrack to many of our lives. The way Roger wrote The Wall is mind boggling, infact so much that to fully understand it you need to see the live show, complete with Gerald Scarfe's amazing art work. These Cd's are gaurnteed to send shivers up your spine. Now, the first song In The Flesh, the gutuiar work has never sounded better, but the vocals aare a bit rusty but thats ok. The Thin Ice is perfect, obviusoly it took Roger a second to warm up. Another Brick In The Wall pt. 1, very good you feel the real emotion (this being dedicated to his father going off to war) of the song. Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2 its ok, but the solo never ends! 4.Mother, its good, kudos to roger on this 1 5.Goodbye Blue Sky very good...you can defintley see the spiral begining. Im gonna go on and skip to my fav song on thins cd WHAT SHALL WE DO NOW? The RAW POWER of this song is overwhelming. Goodbye cruel world, very good (showing he has hit rock bottom)then all the songs are great up to run like hell...AMAZING Roger and David switching off vocals every line! It is UNBELIVABLE! and then outside the wall ends it all and is a perfect ending

great live rendition of the wall
is there anybody there is one of the best live albums from floyd after the excellent pulse where there do a classic rendition of the dark side of the moon.the live versions of comfortably numb,another brick in the wall,run like hell and mother are absolutely delightful and i would recommend that all floydian fans should possess this masterpiece.very highly recommended.

THIS IS REALLY REALLY A DUMB JOKE
When I heard this I couldn't believe my ears : YIKES!!!!This is really BAD BAD music, very BAD and UNINSPIRED.
It is just a bunch of UGLY DUMB sounds and the guitarrists can't even play and the drummer sounds like Terry from my class who had ADHD and the girl who sings sounds like she has to go potty all the time.
I like music but this is oreful!

American Rebel be Damned
While I don't rate this CD as high as 'The Wall' itself, it is always a treat to hear great studio productions taken on the road successfully. Having seen "Pink Floyd" (minus Mr. Waters), David Gilmour Solo (about face) and Roger Waters in concert, I must admit I always go away feeling like a little of me was empty. With this CD you get the full treatment. Gilmours tasty guitar sound coupled with Waters biting snarl. Gets four out of five because I wasn't there and I am jealous of whoever was!!! Buy it and enjoy!!! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

GREAT for SPINNING CLASS
We use this in our spinning class at the gym and it is GREAT!!!! We never stop moving......

Terrible Music
After listening to Cardio 2 which was very good, Cardio 3 was a real disappointment. It did not sound like original artist music to me. The beat was fast, which was okay, but I tried listening twice, and I couldn't stand it. I like disco, but this was garbage.

Horrible Music
BMP to fast for ellipitcal or treadmill. Music was of poor selection. I wasn't moving and grooving. But, it does keep you instep.

The pace is moderate to quick
People ought to know that the pace of this cd runs from 136 beats per minute to 144 before cooling down.

Deep Water Aerobics
I have been using deep water aerobics for my fitness routine, and while this CD starts out a little fast (I just cut my bps to 1/2 time for the first two songs for warm-up), it really gets you moving! I was able to adapt my entire routine to this CD - and highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Perfect for Valentines Day.
I'm not usually hot on love songs, but I like this because it has the most beautiful balads ever recorded. I don't know about Endless Love, because that song gave me the chills two years ago, and I don't intend for that to happen ever again. I like all the others, and I think that this is perfect for Valentines Day. If I were you, and wanted to listen to this. I'd skip the song Endless Love if you don't want this to give you the chills. I highly recommend this album to future music fans.

Women dig it
My friend got this cd for my birthday and it works great! All the ladies that hear these soothing love songs totally dig it... and then they dig me. Even though this is a 2 cd set, the music usually runs out before we're done. I with they had a volume 2 or something.

Thanks, JenH.

Definitely the best love album!!!
I bought this a year ago when it was first released,and I still find myself listeneing to it everyday,and falling asleep to it everynight. The ballads on here are beautiful and touching. Especially,"I'm Not in Love"by 10cc & "I Wanna Know What Love is" by Foreigner. I recommend this album to everyone!

Excellent as compilations go
Excellent selection of songs is transformed into a must have by the inclusion of the FULL versions of these songs. I have purchased many compilations from Amazon, but this is one of a select few that actually contain the full versions of the songs (with the notable exception of Nights in White Satin): 10cc's "I'm Not in Love" is 6 minutes, Stephanie Mills "Never Knew Love Like This Before", and Peaches & Herb's "Reunited" is 5:42. I only wish it had "Sara Smile" by Hall & Oates. Recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Good Loving
This is an absolute essential album to own if you are in love. It has a reputation of being the classic make-out record of all-time, and classify it as that is just not fair -- it is much more than a cheap way to get the vibe going. It is an excellent, soul-making album of the finest order. Listen to it with someone you love, and share the greatness of the cool sounds of Barry White.

Original Greatest Hits Collection
Although there have been recent hits compilations, the original greatest hits album from 1975 still works just fine! What I like about it is it contains "Love Serenade" (just listen to his spoken intro as he is in the bedroom with his lady! You'll be jumping for joy!)

If you are just a casual fan who only wants one CD but feels the 1994 "All-time Greatest Hits is too much (20 songs), then these 10 will be what you need. However, be warned: you'll want more!

Note: This collection only contains Barry White as the SOLO artist.

Always loved Barry!
Great CD. In the old days I owned the cassette. I just wanted to update my stuff! Barry makes me feel romantic and it works on my husband also! God Bless Barry's soul now that he is gone, but never forgotten. He will always be in my house!

Barry...the voice.
I don't think that there's someone who doesn't know one of Barry's songs. He's voice was incredible, the lyrics fantastic and the rythms amazing.
This collection includes his best best songs until 1975. You'll find here classics like the #2 "What I'm gonna do with you", the #1 "I'm gonna love you just a little more", the 1974 #1 hit "Can't get enough from your love" that actually returned to the Top 20 in 1993 performed by Taylor Dayne. Another song that was also covered was "Never, never gonna give up". The song was covered in 1997 by one of the most important singers in the U.K, the great Lisa Stansfield. The song made it to #3 in the U.K (performed by Lisa) and Barry took it to #1 in 1973 in the U.S.
My personal favorite song is the #2 "You're the first, the last, my everthing" the song is simply incredible.
This Greatest Hits version has been certified Multi-Platinum in the U.S and even though Barry recorded more albums in the 80's and 90's this one conteins the essencial.

Rest in peace, Barry
This album is the perfect compliment to one of the greatest voices in pop music history. All of the songs are wonderful, from "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Baby" to "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up." But "You're the First, My Last, My Everthing" is the best example of his timeless, beautiful talent. It is this gift that will stand the test of time. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Not exactly a concept album, All 'n All (1977) nevertheless was Earth, Wind & Fire's biggest attempt yet at making a big statement. With several interludes providing musical links--and cultural and spiritual heavies such as Shakespeare and Buddha depicted on an inside-cover spread--it had all the trappings of a major extravaganza, while keeping the songs at radio-friendly lengths. That those songs included the perfectly named "Serpentine Fire" and the Stevie Wonder-style brotherhood anthem "Fantasy" helped make the record one of EW&F's most popular: as of the mid '90s, 3 million copies had shipped. This sparkling remaster includes three bonus demo, live, and alternate-mix cuts. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Simply and utterly fine
EWF's 70s' LPs were just outstanding, and this may be the best (aside from I Am -- I'm indifferent on the two personally). Leading off with "Serpentine Fire," the band segues into "Fantasy," which may be the best ever EWF tune. "Fantasy" is a musical masterpiece, combining harmonious vocals, funk, and horns into one of the most thoroughly enjoyable refrains of all time. After that, it continues to please -- "Jupiter" moves and moves and MOVES, and then evolves into the slower "Love's Holiday" and then to the wonderfully brilliant Philip Bailey vocaled "I'll Write a Song For You." "Runnin'" is easily one of the best instrumental contributions I've ever heard, with outstanding trumpet and saxophone solos.

A crowning achievement
From start to finish, "All n' All" is one of Earth Wind & Fire's greatest works. From the opening notes of "Serpentine Fire" to when the last notes of "Be Ever Wonderful" fade away this album takes you on an incredible journey that you'll remember long after it's over. Stand out tracks like "Fantasy", "Love's Holiday", and "I'll Write A Song For You" have become standards in the EWF songbook. Even Shusei Nagaoka's cover art(too bad they didn't reprint the poster that originally came with the vinyl pressing) still looks stunning after all this time. A double Grammy winner, and the bands third album to reach multi-platinum status, "All n' All" ranks with some of the best albums released during the 70's, and holds up extremely well more than 20 years later. Beautifully remastered, it sounds better than ever, and all I can say is "Sony, where's the rest of the catalog? If it were possible to give it more than five stars I would, but you should listen, and decide for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Fabulous Exquisite
This album goes directly into your bones (the funky cuts) and into your heart (the ballads). Being an EWF fan since the relaese of Raise (just to find out that earlier records from EWF then was even better!!!), this is THE album from EWF, closely followed by "I am" in my opinion. "Fantasy" IS the most beautifull song ever recorded - I can listen to it daily - "Jupiter" is so powerfull - the original EWF gang just melts every single cut into a stunning piece of musical art work in this genre - go get it !!!

The Blueprint Of All Earth, Wind, & Fire Classics
Let me start by saying that I've never heard an Earth, Wind & Fire album like their 1977 album, All 'N All. It's beautiful, diverse, exotic, mystical, and mind-blowing. With All 'N All, Earth, Wind & Fire mixed brazilian-influenced rhythms with pop, jazz, funk, and R&B. From start to finish, the songs are diverse, different, and consistent. The opening, "Serpentine Fire" is a smoking, latin-funk jam with some killer horn work. It is a dynamic classic. Next, there's "Fantasy", which is a soaring, spiritual tune with great and rich harmonies. It's probably one of EW&F's most famous tunes. "In The Marketplace" is a exotic interlude with Maurice playing his kalimba and humming a tune. That is followed by the mystical, but jumpy, "Jupiter". The song has some great horn and powerful bass lines. Then, there's the sexy ballad, "Love's Holiday", which is another EW&F classic. "Beijo", which is credited as the interlude, "Brazilian Rhyme", is probably their most excellent and famous interlude, by far. What can I say about the brilliant love song, "I'll Write A Song For You". Philip Bailey's vocals sound fresh and clear than ever. "Magic Mind" is a catchy funk jam with great vocal arrangements and mind-blowing horns. Then, there's the fusion-jazz instrumental, "Runnin'", with its complex and tight instrumentation. It also has some outstanding horn arrangements. The second "Brazilian Rhyme" interlude is diverse and beautiful. "Be Ever Wonderful" is a beautiful slow jam with some great vocal arrangements. The remastered version of All 'N All has 3 bonus cuts including a rare demo version of "Love's Holiday", the alternate mix of "Runnin'", and the 1980 concert version of "Beijo", which is called "Brazilian Rhyme". The album, "All 'N All", is probably the apex of Earth, Wind, & Fire's career. This was where Earth, Wind & Fire was more diverse with music styles. You could see the diversity on the beautiul album art with the pyramids, Egyptian statues, and even the cosmic spaceships. All 'N All tops all of the other EW&F classics like That's The Way Of The World and the live album, Gratitude becuase it's a concept landmark. This is probably EW&F's most popular works. The remastered version of this album sounds great and believe me, this is one album that will never leave your disc player. A+

Timeless classic
I first heard this album in 1981 - four years after it's original release. I was amazed how the sound transcended the years and that is still true today. "Fantasy" is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded and EWF at their absolute best. Every song is a winner including "Love's Holiday", "Jupiter", and the thrilling non-lyrical "Brazilian Rhyme" and "Runnin'". You must get this! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Diva Diana
Diana Ross' "The Ultimate Collection" is a great collection of music. It's missing a few things, but nonetheless is a fantastic representation of her work. From her Supremes classics to her solo highlights, it is easily one of the most wide-ranging single-disc compilations on the market today. Highlights of the 20 tracks include "Reflections," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Upside Down," "Endless Love," "Chain Reaction," "When You Tell Me," "If We Hold On Together (from Land Before Time)," and "The Best Years Of My Life." It also features a new techno remix of "Someday We'll Be Together." which is a nice way to bring her career retrospective, and the disc itself, full closure. An essential disc for any CD collection.

The Lady's Legacy
If there is one complaint to be made about Diana Ross' "The Ultimate Collection," it's that the 6 Supremes tracks included should've been omitted. Blasphemy, perhaps, but there are plenty of Supremes compilations on the market. Had those 6 numbers been sacrificied, then perhaps "The Boss," "I'm Coming Out" and "It's My Turn" could have taken their rightful place in Ross' "ultimate" collection. But no matter--what IS included is, by and large, excellent. Never truly recognized as the pop pioneer that she is, Ross' remarkable versatility has served her well through the decades. Those pesky 6 Supremes songs still stand as cornerstones in American pop music; "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "You Can't Hurry Love," "Reflections" and "Someday We'll Be Together" (included in its Frankie Knuckles remixed format) are universally recognized, the soundtrack to a generation and then some. Ross' solo career ranges from the defining diva moment, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," to the gorgeous MOR ballads "Touch Me in the Morning" and "Theme from Mahogany," to the boogie fever of "Love Hangover" and "Upside Down." Admittedly, the collection lags a bit when it covers Ross' post-1981 singles; "Missing You" and "Chain Reaction" stand the test of time, but Ross' uninspired remake of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" was ill-advised from the start. And while the most recent songs included here--"When You Tell Me That You Love Me," "One Shining Moment," "If We Hold on Together," "The Best Years of My Life"--are all strong performances, they suffer from the monotonous sequencing of too many ballads in a row. Still, this collection serves as an able primer for anyone interested in knowing just why Diana Ross is one of the most instantly recognizable voices in the world.

Diana Ross' UK # 1 album
This album peaked at number 1 in the UK album charts for two weeks in january 1994 and stayed in the charts for more than a year - 66 weeks. It sold more than 1.2 million copies in England alone and gathered quadrupel platinum. Selling well throughout Europe as well (eg. it peaked at #6 in the danish album chart) it became her her biggest seller of the 90's, ultimately selling more than 3 million copies in EU. But the album title is somehow misleading. What is ultimate? The songlist does not even include all of her US charttoppers! Diana Ross has simple had so many hits that a double-set would have presented her history and impact on popular music far more satisfying. Actually 22 of her songs (perhaps more) have made it to number one somewhere on the globe. Diana Ross is indeed an international sensation - eg. she was the best selling foreign artist in Japan for two years during the first part of the 90's! What is great however is, that this collection covers both her Motown years and her years with EMI/RCA. On the american edition the songlist is a little different - leaving out I'm still waiting (U.K. #1 song) and two "new" songs, and including two more Supremes songs and Missing You. As far as sound quality goes, you make a better deal with All The Great Hits - but then again it only covers 1970-1981, and Dame Diana has so much more to offer!

She is The Greatest
I just got this album a couple of moths ago. When I first listenned to it, it felt like the songs where just new releases, Diana has a very sweet voice and a talent that's just amazing. This album is COOL

The inclusion of "Missing You" makes it Supreme!
For the money, this is the best single-disc Ross collection available. The licensing of 3 hit singles from RCA fill in her mid-80s career, whereas other collections have this huge void from '81-'89 when she "returned" to Motown (although overseas, she stayed with Capitol/EMI).

"All The Great Hits" makes it seem as though the great hits stopped when Ross left Motown, but that is not the case, no matter how brief the remainder of her time in the top 40. "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" and "Missing You" are essential filling in the 80s gaps. They were huge hits (the latter reaching #1 R&B and staying on the Pop chart for 29 weeks) and are also artistic successes. "Chain Reaction", the third RCA single here, became her last Hot 100 hit in America, but it hit #1 in Britain and Australia, and recreates the feel of classic 60s Motown.

I would prefer that one or two of the 90s ballads be replaced with the consummate "It's My Turn" for a ballad, and it needs one more disco/funk song to break the ballad monotony--either the single edits of "I'm Coming Out" or "Mirror, Mirror"--both were funky and made the Top 5.

All in all, a great starter disc for the new Ross fan! ... Read more

Album Description

The ONLY Human League best-of available in the US! Definitive collection, with ELEVEN previously unavailable cuts! 17 tracks total! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Don't You Want Me?
The Human League have always been referred to as an 80's band, but the truth is that they've been recording since the late 1970s.With Heaven 17 and Depeche Mode, the Human League (fronted by Phil Oakey with backing vocalists Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley) were not only one of the leading pioneers in synth pop, they also released a small handful of classic singles, many of which were big hits around the world."The Very Best of the Human League" has the obvious hits, including their twin peaks "Don't You Want Me" and the Jam & Lewis-produced "Human," but real standouts include lesser known singles such as "Tell Me When," "All I Ever Wanted," "The Lebanon," and "Empire State Human," which could easily be mistaken for a modern-day electro jam.The songs on this 2005 compilation have been remastered, giving the listener the chance to hear "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" like they've never heard before.Those who don't like electronic music will (incorrectly) dismiss the Human League's music as icy and synthetic, but nothing could be further from the truth.Unlike some of their peers, the Human League delivers fine pop music with heart and soul.

Great--but not definitive--List of Best of Human League
It's always nice to see a really deserving band--especially one from the early-to-mid 80's--receive some 21st century recognition.I love every cut on this album, but could never recommend it to someone unfamiliar with their work as the definitive collection.The failure to include "Seconds" is nothing short of sabotage by the marketing manager of Human League's record company. Buy the original remastered DVD copies and skip this inadequate set list altogether.

A Really Good Overview of Human League
Yes, I know, it doesn't contain any tracks from there first two releases, Reproduction and Travelogue but most American fans won't be familiar with those albums either way.They were a somewhat different sounding band on those first two albums and those songs probably wouldn't mesh well with this compilation.The bottom line is that this is an outstanding collection of songs from their 80's catalog and beyond.I really don't recommend their albums from 86 onwards aside from individual songs and this album does a great job of compiling the songs I would personally recommend while still giving the listener the essential tracks from their earlier albums.If you have this album as a casual fan you would be all set.If your a fan of their earlier works but want certain later tracks then, again, you would be all set as well.

Its hard to point to specific stand out tracks because they are all outstanding in their own way."Don't You Want Me", "Life On Your Own" and "The Lebanon" are personal favorites that most fans will be glad are present as well as a few suprises such as "Together In Electric Dreams" and "Louise" which I didn't expect to be included here.As far as the later tracks are concerned its really up to the listener as to whether they are truly their best.Of course, their smash 86 hit "Human" is included but many fans would argue whether the rest of the later cuts pass muster.Regardless of all that, the real treat is how impressive the sound quality on this compilation is.Adam Nunn did an outstanding job of mastering these tracks and I have never heard these tracks sound any better.In fact, the remastering of this album is why I gave it 5 stars instead of 4.A lot of compilations are well done with regards to song selection but usually fall short when it comes to remastering.Human League fans have been spared this fate. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A microcosm of the barren wasteland that was 70s pop "music"
In a mood to increase my repertoire of fave catchy tunes, I turned to this particular CD to bring me a step closer to completing my musical library. I didn't care much for the first seven tracks-- they were all pretty schmaltzy. Especially horrific among this septuple-threat of lameness is 'Kung Fu Fighting', the seventies version of 'Pac-Man Fever'-- a moronic novelty tune that attempted to cash in on the Bruce Lee craze going on at the time. Although I liked the light, slow-groove instrumental part of 'Emma', the lyrics left a lot to be desired. And Leo Sayer's 'Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)' always annoyed me whenever I heard it on the local classic pop station, so skipping that track is a no-brainer. The rest of this Satanic Seven don't even register as real music in my mind, so I won't even discuss them. My advice: avoid 'em like the plague-- unless you're some sorta sick weirdo who wants to experience the absolute worst chart-busting tunes the mid-70s had to offer!

Actually, I've discovered that the best mid-70s pop tunes ain't all that much better than the worst ones. But, for some reason, the former have a strange hold on me that I just can't seem to shake. They're kinda cheesy and downright sappy at times, but they also have a bizarre charm that maintains my attention. Y'know, kinda like that weird relative that nobody in the family except you likes to hang with? Yeah, NOW you're grabbin' my meanin', ain'cha?

Weak analogies aside, the decent tunes among this ocean of schlock are present in four of the last five tracks. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils' 'Jackie Blue' was especially seductive, and was the primary reason I decided to give this compilation a whirl. Just days before purchasing this CD, I heard 'Jackie Blue' over the muzak sound system at the local Carl's Jr., and the lyrics got stuck in my head and droned on and on nonstop, forcing me to the brink of insanity. When this happens, I try to exorcise the song by listening to it a zillion times in a row so that I get really sick and tired of it, and it no longer bothers me. Now don't you all go blowin' a few neurons trying to figure out the logic of how repeatedly playing a song I have stuck in my head ad nauseam will rid me of the cranial annoyance-- 'cuz there's absolutely NO logic to it at all! Let's just say it works for me and leave it at that, hmm?

Then there's the other four tunes that I didn't need to have forcibly removed from my mind. Who can forget Michael M. Murphey's sappy, tragic ballad of the pony named 'Wildfire', and the woman who loved him (not in THAT way you sickos!)? I tell ya, every time this pathetic track plays, I find my testosterone plunging to dangerously-low levels as I hold back the tears. Thank God this song isn't part of the soundtrack to 'Snoopy, Come Home!', or else I'd be a sobbing mess of a girly-man right now. I also finally got the chance to listen to Pilot's 'Magic' in its entirety, which was something I never before experienced. I heard the "Oh-Oh-Oh It's Magic... You Know-ow-ow" part on some commercial or other, and wanted to take my ear to the entire tune. Sadly, it wasn't as good as I'd hoped it'd be- 'Magic' ain't quite as bad as this disc's first seven cuts, but it's not quite as good as the other songs on the back end of the play list. Finally, there's 'I'm Not In Love' and 'How Long', both of which are rather enjoyable, if not highly laudable pop diversions.

Now I'm bettin' that, after having read all of the stuff above, you're probably wondering why I gave this CD the lowest possible rating that Amazon.com allows. Well, I have a very good reason: it's because I discovered that three of the four tracks I like on this collection are cut-down radio edits, instead of the full-length LP versions. And I HATE it when I don't get the entire song! 'Jackie Blue' has a verse missing that brings it down into the 3:30 range (the full-length tune is over four minutes in duration). The LP rendition of 'Wildfire' is nearly two minutes longer than its bastardized-for-AM-broadcast version which (dis)graces this disc. Finally, 'I'm Not In Love' has had over two minutes excised from it when it made its transition from wax to the broadcast airwaves.

Bottom line: Unless you actually enjoy listening to a CD chock-full of mostly lame songs with a fair helping of decent tracks that have been gutted when there was no reason to do so (Rhino® is infamous for skimping on the goods), I suggest you look elsewhere to complete your collection of mid-70s chart-climbing tunage. You've been warned!

'Late

Vans, Jaws, karate and other mid-'70s themes.
An above average selection of songs from the H.A.N.D. series of CDs. The songs span 1974-1975. I got this CD mostly for "I'm Not In Love" since it was combined with lesser heard tracks that I'd not seen in other collections. Some comments on the individual songs: I didn't recognize "Emma" until it hit its eerie chorus, then it all came back to me. "Chevy Van" has a pleasant sound that recalls the era when vans were still very popular--a carryover from the late '60s / Ken Keesey / Woodstock wandering lifestyle. This song was also used in a Chevrolet commercial in those years. Three songs I never liked since they were overplayed and had weaknesses are "Long Tall Glasses" (completely stupid story song with no moral), "Jackie Blue" (excessively mournful bent guitar notes), "Magic" (too jerky, too aggressive, too commercial). "How Long" has a really good sound throughout and guitarists universally loved its phase shifted lead guitar solo in the middle. "Wildfire" was a favorite of a high school girl I knew then, as it probably was for all girls who were horse lovers. Definitely pretty, whether you like horses or not. "I'm Not In Love" is a bit spacy and weird, but has a nice sound and a lot of memories since it was played so often. A fragment of that song was used in a humor song about Mr. Jaws, derived from the 1975 movie "Jaws."

Ho, Ho..It's Magic ---The Groovy 70's!
Another Groovy Collection of 70's Hot Wax from the folks at Rhino. This one is worth the price of admission for Ace's underrated pop-classic "How Long", Pilot's McCartney-esque "Magic" and the atmospheric wonders of "I'm Not in Love" by 10cc. Also worthy is Michael Murphey's "Wildfire", a haunting ode to a pony which was one of the most memorable hits of 1975. Sugarloaf's "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You" not only rips the Music Biz, but also rips-off the Beatles' "I Feel Fine". (Quite humorously I might add...) Of course, the real treasures of these "Have a Nice Day" discs are those dreadful "only in the 70's" songs which are so bad that ultimately you just gotta love 'em. Volume 14 serves up two such "classics": Sammy Johns' stoned-out hippy anthem Chevy Van" and Carl Douglas' "Kung Fu Fighting". Both are laughably dreadful. In fact,"Kung Fu" may be the worst song of the 70's but, I must admit, camp-classics like these bring me back to the "Have a Nice Day" series over and over again! This one's a keeper -- a trip down memory lane draped in bellbottoms, black-lights and lava-lamps.

Must For Baby Busters
Overall a solid, representative example of what life in popular music was like after Elton John got "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" out of his system. I'm sure Ringo Starr didn't mind Jerry Corbetta's snub of him in "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You:" After all, Ringo had two hits of his own ("Only You" and "The No-No Song") sandwiched around Corbetta's offering. The cute little "boingy" sounds featured on "Up In A Puff Of Smoke" bring to mind the DeFranco Family's "Abracadabra" of a year earlier, only they're more effective - and more mature-sounding - here. "Long Tall Glasses" did for this generation of high-schoolers waht "Up On Cripple Creek" did for the previous batch, and "Wildfire" has to rank among the top ten "death pop" records ever (see what you started, Gilbert O'Sullivan?). Don't try to figure out what it was about 1975 that brought out all these "magic" and "miracle" songs - Barry Manilow's "It's A Miracle" and "Could It Be Magic?" and Jefferson Starship's "Miracles" - in addition to Pilot's "Magic." Just enjoy the Pilot cut - it won't be difficult. The lone complaint here concerns "Jackie Blue:" This CD uses the 45-rpm edit rather than the LP version, which contains an additional verse.

A Must For Baby Busters
Overall a very representative example of life in popular music after Elton John's cover of "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds." I'm sure Ringo Starr got over Jerry Corbetta's snub of him in "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You;" after all Ringo had two hits of his own ("Only You" and "The No-No Song") sandwiched around Corbetta's offering. The cute little "boingy" sounds heard on "Up In A Puff Of Smoke" bring to mind the DeFranco Family's "Abracadabra" of a year earlier, only they're far more effective here. "Long Tall Glasses" did for this generation of high-schoolers what "Up On Cripple Creek" did for their predecessors, and "Wildfire" is definitely among the top ten "death pop" entries of the '70s (see what you started, Gilbert O'Sullivan?). What was it about this era that brought out all these songs with themes of "magic" and "miracles?" (In addition to Pilot's "Magic," other examples include Barry Manilow's "It's a Miracle" and "Could It Be Magic?" and Jefferson Starship's "Miracles"). Don't try and figure it out - just enjoy the Pilot cut, which fits in perfectly with the rest of the titles on the CD. The only complaint concerns "Jackie Blue:" They used the single edit and not the LP version, which has an additional verse. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

daryl grady
how i find out more about daryl grady
i think hes in heatwave
email
dalelynnje@aol.com

Excellent CD!!
Heatwave was a very good Funk/Soul/Disco group and they really had tons of talent.They were a blend of Funk,Soul,Disco and Quiet Storm.Some of the songs make you just want to get up and dance the night away.The slower,sweeter songs,such as "Always and forever" and "Look after Love",have almost a Philly soul sound,sounding kind of like the Stylistics,Delfonics or Chi-Lites.All of the songs on this CD are excellent and I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves old school funk,soul and/or disco!

The Best of Heatwave: Always & Forever ~ Old School Music
Very happy with CD. Packaged well. Shipped fast! Thanks!

Always and Forever
This song was sung to me by a DJ at a Graduation party back in 1978. I fell in love with the song. Everytime I hear it, it brings back memories of that night. I've also enjoyed the other songs by Heatwave.

they were one of the best
I have become a fan of Heatwave since Boogie Nights hit the charts in the 70s. This album reflects their contribution to the disco era. Unfortunately, Heatwave is one of those groups that did not get enough credit that they really deserve. Listening to songs such as Mind blowing decisions or Where did I go wrong, still brings a smile. From my point of view, they are in par with the other 70s great soul bands. The problem with this album is where are the other songs from their album "Candles", such as Dreaming You etc. Apart from that, it is still an enjoyable album. I am still searching for their "Candles" album on CD. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Slammin Set
Taste of Honey were a Bad Duo.these Sisters threw down on there Instruments&brought alot of flavor with there vocals.they got songs that you know anywhere you go.you can groove to them&then get Mellow to them.

Taking me "back in the day..."
OMG, I loved A Taste of Honey when I was in high school (during the late '70s). Recently, I've been nostalgic for those kinder days and I've been purchasing quite a few classic CDs...I found this and purchased it immediately! I'd forgotten how truly beautiful Janice Marie Johnson's vocals are on songs such as "I'll Try Something New," (cover of a Smokey Robinson tune), "Sukiyaki," and "Rescue Me".

Whatever happened to these ladies?I think they still have a lot of good tunes in them... ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Earth, Wind & Fire were consolidating their jazz influences into a tighter meld of funk and rock when Gratitude appeared near the end of 1975. Still, the improvisatory spirit burns hard on the three-quarters of the set taken from concert performances in the wake of That's the Way of the World's success. Highlights include hot takes on "Shining Star" and "Sun Goddess," as well as the studio cuts "Sing a Song" and "Can't Hide Love."--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (19)

EWF's Best Effort
Hey, I was a high schooler and college student in the 70s, and Earth, Wind & Fire was THE BAND, even better than P-Funk. Saw EWF live each and every year beginning in 1972 at Fairleigh Dickinson University, then Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum, then Madison Square Garden, New Haven Coliseum, etc.

I think my point is, as has been pointed out by other reviews posted here, EWF was at their best on stage. If there was any of the dozen or so EWF LPs I have that I would rate over all others, it is "Gratitude," which captures them live and performing their great songs of the time. I think their live version of "Sun Goddess" with Larry Dunn on keyboards surpasses their 1975 studio collaboration with Ramsey Lewis. "New World Symphony" was a great innovation, and the studio "new" release "Can't Hide Love" -- can't tell you how many times "the brothers" and I used to sing that ending -- even hittin' those high notes! The opening "Power/Africano" medley cooks, and sets the table for the run of the LP.

The studio cuts are almost anti-climactic, as they cocncluded the original LP on its 4th side The tunes are good, though. They followed this LP/CD with the near-great "Spirit,", and like other reviewers here have said, started sliding into a slick, commercial formula.

I have always preferred harder edged, hard driving music. "Gratitude" fits that bill and is possibly my all-time favorite live LP/CD.

A type of live album people just don't make anymore
"Gratitude" is a bold example of how bands don't work onstage like they used to. It's also a clever packaging idea, the album offers both hits & new material, and it offers live & studio recordings (the bulk of the album is live). Hearing this album - or even looking at the sleeve photos - will really make you wish you saw them live in the 70's. The band is in top-notch form, playing loud & loose but never letting go of the groove. "Devotion" features an especially impressive vocal performance. The instrumental songs performed live sound better (and longer!) than they do on their original albums. Of the studio contributions, the new songs are just as favorable. "Can't Hide Love" once again displays EWF's supreme talent for harmony arrangements, the song fades in a "Hey Jude" style that suggests it could go on forever.

After this album, the band would record "All 'N All", altering their sound and slowly moving away from funk. This is a must have for EWF fans or anyone looking to hear what it must have been like to hear a concert from the 70's heyday of funk.

A very good live album
This is the kind of live album that shows that Earth, Wind & Fire was a strong combo on stage, featuring a dynamic set with lots of improvisation and hot playing. Just listen to Sun Goddess, Africano or Reasons. Unbelievable! isn't it? Definitively of one the best live albums ever.

We Give you Gratitude EW&F
They don't make them like this anymore. EWF has always been known for their live performances. Unfortunately, hardly any were recorded in those days and even fewer video taped. Which makes this classic disc even more of a keeper. As always, let's look at it song by song:
Intro/Medley (Africano/Power): This album was all about the excitement of being at a concert and that excitement starts from the very beginning. The crowd is cheering, overwhelmed by anticipation. MC Perry Jones announces them, "Presenting, Earth!...Wind!...and Fire! With that, the band comes in with that funky/jazz style that would later become their trademark. They launch into Africano first. In the midsection, the horns bellow out (literally) the intro to Power. The title fits the song, trust me. As usual, Verdine is really thumping that bass on this one. All in all, a great intro. Yearnin'and Learnin': One of my favorite songs by EWF and it's done even better live. During this time, the band had two drummers and if you listen closely, you can hear one set of drums in one speaker and the other set in the other speaker. The horns, always a strong point with EWF, really sour and bite hard on this one. Again, a great song made better live. Devotion: One of the more spiritual songs from the group, this song done live shows the communal part of an EWF show. When the ladies are singing "Yeah, yeah, yeah", it sounds like the ocean itself. Truly amazing. If you're a fan it makes you feel like you're there. If you're another musician, you envy it! Sun Goddess: This is a cut originally done with Ramsey Lewis, Maurices old stomping partner. Again, the sound of the crowd is as musical as the band itself. Larry Dunn's keyboard solo is great and just as good as Ramsey's original. Of course, Verdine just keeps rumbling along. Reasons: This live version I feel is one of the best songs of the 70's. The band is so much in sync, the crowd is again completly into it, and Philip Bailey's falsetto has never been better. Besides the the sax solo, which is grea, listen to the bass part. Verdine keeps it interesting to say the least. Sing A Message To You: This is a live interlude. It last about a minute and is repetitive but still cool. Check it out. Shining Star: Okay, I know I'm going to get it for this but.... this is probably my least favorite performance from the live set. Don't get me wrong, I love the song and think it's one of the best of the decade but in it's original studio form. Shining Star is such a studio creation that it just doesn't sound right outside of the studio. The best Shining Star live performance I've heard is on the EWF Greatest Hits Live disc but even that doesn't get a complete thumbs up from me. New World Synphony: This is a gift. From EWF to us, the listener. It is the best cut on the album. It shows the band as the jam session band that they were. It also shows the jazz influences they possessed. The last section is the best. Verdine White, or as he's known to his friends, the Fire, takes over on bass here with a lenthy solo that finnaly burst at th seams in the climax. But wait, that's not all! The band comes in to re-state what Verdine just did and finally the song is over. The cheers and screams heard at the end of this masterpiece is amazing. When Maurice says to the crowd "Can you say yeah?", they answer with a deafening sound. Again, a gift. Sunshine: A good, catchy pop song, with a great performance by Philip Bailey. Sing A Song: Another good pop tune with a sing-a-long type chorus. Nothing really special though. Gratitude: This is just low down funk. Verdine lays it down on the bass and Maurice takes care of the main vocals. Celebrate: Another funky yet eird tune about celebrating life in general. Chek it out and see what you think. Can't Hide Love: The best new song on the disc. Another gift from the elements. Maurices singing is awesome, Verdines bass intro is amazing and the horns, well, they're the EWF horns! The new CD includes a live set from a TV show but it pales to the concert. My only regret about this album is that the entire thing wasn't live. But if that was the case, we wouldn't have gotten Can't Hide Love in the package. So let's leave it like it is.

Earth,Wind & Fire Sing A Message To You!
And the "message" is positive energy over the funkiest tunes in town!Over it's live side "Graditude" just drips of EWF's early
funk flavors-ripping through the frenetic "Power/Africano",a
far faster,funkier rendition of "Yearnin',Learnin'",the to-the-point but energetic "Sing A Message To You" and a mighty version
of "Sun Godess"-the overall effect is more like that of a ritual
then a concert!And the studio cuts have classic hits like
"Singasong","Can't Hide Love" and other trancendant chestnuts such as the deeply grooving tital song,the latin-ish "Celebrate"
and the happy vibe of "Sunshine".Just throughally remarkable from
beginning to end and a true testement to what this band really
thinks of its many fans and fellow travellers! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Ooooh Marvin, Marvin
My father was a Marvin Gaye fanatic and we had every album he ever made and they were played (beaten to death) very often in our home. In 1976 I was 8 years old. On a long road trip that year from Chicago to California, the 8-track tape of 'I Want You' played over and over and over in the car. I liked it a lot but got a little embarassed with all the sensual moaning and such. After the return from our trip and years after that, I didn't hear much of this album being played except for the hits 'After The Dance' (lovely) and the title cut. I basically forgot about it.

Well, 15 years later I decided to buy this 'album' and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It literally had me squirming with delight! I didn't understand as a youngster what Marvin was getting at but I 'shole' do now! Not only are the senusal rhythms and lyrics mind-blowing but the beautiful strings and melodies are awesome! Without getting too personal, my husband and I had a 'good time' listening to this. My favorites are 'Come Live With Me Angel' 'Soon I'll be Loving You, 'Since I Had You' and 'All The Way Around' - oh forget it, I like EVERY song on the album although I was very dissapointed that 'I Wanna Be Where You Are' was shortened. Well I have since found the track in it's entirety! Woo Hoo!

This album is sooooo underrated it is a crime against Marvin and Leon Ware's successful artistic accomplisment. Like another reviewer mentioned, I absolutely LOVE "What's Going On' and get very, very upset when it's not getting it's just due in history as the best album ever made (my opinion because of it's timeless music and message still relevant today). It's a masterpiece - but MY FAVORITE album from Marvin is "I Want You".

a simple touch of genius.
How many of you claim to know a lot about good soul music and what's it all about? If we are talking about soul's great evolution, the one man that pops into my head is the incomparable Sam Cooke. Sam's innocent and romantic style paved the way for the likes of Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye to take the music to another level. "I want You" may not be as rich as "what's going on" in regards to production, but it has to be the most personal and versatile work Mr. Gaye has ever put out in his days. His approach filled with blunt honesty and lusty attitudes that would put a spell on anyone who is lucky to hear this truly amazing album. This package is filled with gems like "come live with me angel", "after the dance", "when we're making love" and "since i had you". You will not find a better example of the depths that soul music reaches into the skin. This one is for the keeps.

ELVIS IS DEAD...MARVIN IS ALIVE!!!
It's already been said....nothing else to say. This is HANDS DOWN the best Marvin CD. I'm in love with a dead man. #2 on my list is actually the sound track to Trouble Man. I'm not too enthralled with his duets...the obsession only works when he's singing alone. Genius, pure genius.

Best Gaye album ever
I agree with other reviewers here. This is the best of Marvin's albums in his illustrious career and that's saying a lot with Here, My Dear, What's Going On and Let's Get It On. It is also one of my 10 favorite ablums of all time.

Erotic Sensual and simply intoxicating!
I fell in love with Marvin all over again after listening to this cd. I can't believe that now I'm having sexual fantasies about a dead man. His voice and style are beyond magical. With every note he hit I felt some "things" lol

No one will ever be able to replace this man! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Coulda' Had More
I'm sure alot of fans have been waiting for this collection for years but even for the CASUAL fan this isn't enough by a long
shot.What's here is great-I cannot fault "Blame It On The Boogie","Enjoy Yourself"-"Walk Right Now" is HERE!!!And there's
the classic "HEARTBREAK Hotel" but NO "Different Kind Of Lady"?
NO "Torture" and why the bland saccrine of "2300 Jackson Street"
is here over the lean electro-funk of "Art Of Madness" I don't
understand.And why so much live material?Certainly more stuff
from the Jackson's first two CBS/Epic albums would be welcomed.
So long story short-this shoulda' been a two-CD set (making it an
essencial purchase) and more rarities should have been included-
purposed B-sides,unreleased songs (I KNOW they're out there) to
give this dynamic 'band of brothers' some credit.Besides it would
give those N'Sync fans something useful to listen to.Anyway for now stick with the full-lengh Epic CD's because they're worth it.

Great Jacksons Collection!
This CD is excellent. Sure, it doesn't have "Torture" or "Body", but it still shows a broad spectrum of the Jacksons' music. Plus, all of the tracks have been remastered. Also, "Heartbreak Hotel" has been labeled as "This Place Hotel" because of the connection to Elvis. However, Michael Jackson claims he wasn't thinking about that at all when he wrote the song.

Anyway, even though not all of the Jacksons' greatest hits are on this CD, it still shows a good timeline of their music. I don't look at which songs are on the CD and which ones are not. As long as the songs ON the CD are good choices, it's fine with me.

My only other beef with this CD is the live version of Mike's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". Don't get me wrong, it's actually one of my favorite songs, but I thought it was unnecessary to put the track on a Jacksons album. The regular version of the song on "Off the Wall" is much better and longer. Plus it was recorded in a studio rather than live in concert, so the sound quality is better and there's no audience in the background.

Although there are some big tracks left off this album, I'm sure Sony just slapped together a few songs from each album anyway. I'm just waiting for Epic to release a complete greatest hits package, much like Motown's Jackson 5 Anthology. Overall, I'd still give this album 5/5 stars because of the songs that WERE included.

The Essential Jacksons
I was pleased to see this collection from the Jacksons based on their Epic Records releases. I would liked to have seen more songs from 'Victory,' such as "Torture" and "Body." Also noticed that "Heartbreak Hotel" is listed as "This Place Hotel." I definitely bought this cd!

MISSING MORE than "Torture"
I aggree with the last review in asking where is "Torture" But what about "Body" and Hello?!....."Heartbreak Hotel"! I know I am missing a few more but right now, those two stick out as songs that just could not be ignored. This was a total rush job and you could have done us all a favor and left off "2300 Jackson Street". My 5 year old niece could have written a better song.If you would have cover those two songs on this CD. Then you could have held your head up high and said...."Yes, this is the "Eccential Jackson CD". Looks like I will heading towards the imports once again.

WHERE IS "TORTURE" ?!?!?!?!?!
Am I blind or did the creators of this compilation severely miss the biggest Jacksons hit ?!?!?!?!
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS "TORTURE" ?!?!?!??! ... Read more

Amazon.com

An Atlanta jazz band with funk underpinnings, Brick's claim to fame was their No. 1 R&B hit "Dazz." Basically a light funk groove, with jazz instrumentals on top, and a unison vocal, this tune set the stage for Brick's vision of discofied jazz: they followed that first hit with "Dusic" (what else, "disco meets music" much as the prior hit tackled jazz) and then shifted into a straighter funk direction with followup hits like "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody" and "We Don't Want to Sit Down, We Want to Get Down."The Best of Brick is a very consistent hits package, though once past the hits there's some filler. Still, for fans of Old School funk, this is an essential band and album. --Tom Vickers ... Read more

Reviews (7)

dusic, dazz this is good baby
everybody and their mama sampled dazz along with the rest of these songs on here brick was a good group and gave up the funk and it shows here rapfans might be shocked that snoop jacked these beats along with hammer, ice cube and plenty others.

this band is banging
it is sad that dazz is chopped in half and that sweat isn't on here.but this disc is still funky and banging.the flutes are on time.while hardly the first to incorporate this instrument into there music they did make it a strong trademark for there grooves.and they did help put atlanta on the musical map.

way before atlanta was the soul mecca
yes i was sad by the fact dazz is less in time and what about sweat till you get wet from 81? that was one of ray parker jr's last great funky jams.but this disc will do better than nothing at all.another tight group from back in the day who had grooves for days.

Good, but Dazz fault is unforgivable
Tha album is good with most of the favorite Brick classics. Indeed, Dazz is the single version, plenty of room on the CD for both. Shame on Sony Music. If you want the full length version, check out Rhino's Millenium Funk Party CD. Full length Dazz, better source tape and/or mastering + 19 other well selected funk tunes.

IT'S OK BUT SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTING AS WELL
There was plenty of time on this CD for them not to do what they did.

First, they definitely could've added a few more cuts to the 12 they already have on this collection. There's nothing from the albums "STONE HEART", "AFTER 5" and the classic "SUMMER HEAT" which is a shame because there was alot of jamms on those albums.

Then, "DAZZ"; their most memorable song, is cut short.

Still, since none of Brick's albums are out on CD; if you're a fan like I am, I guess you have no choice.

Anyway, the jamms that are on the CD is a great selection none the less. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When this material originally resurfaced in an earlier Rhino-celebrates-the-'70s program, many rock scribes contorted themselves into revisionist pretzels: this isn't so bad, they argued--none too convincingly. There'll be none of that here: much of the music on this colossal box set is godawful. The world doesn't miss the likes of Sammy ("Chevy Van") Johns and Sammy ("Candy Man") Davis. Or at least it doesn't miss the records they cut during the decade of disaster flicks and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. That said, this elaborate box is something to behold. The lovingly compiled 92-page booklet provides background on the ridiculous (David Soul, C.W. McCall, Carl Douglas) and the sublime (Parliament, James Brown, the Staple Singers), and the music swings on the same pendulum, with Harry Chapin, Bill Withers, and Cat Stevens sitting amid Wayne Newton, The Captain & Tennille, and Meco's jittery electro-take on the Star Wars theme. Seven discs, 160 selections! To paraphrase a popular ad slogan of the era, you won't believe you listened to the whole thing. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Right Down To The Puke Green Carpet
Being born in 1970,and growing up around alot of this music,HAND had to be in my music collection.
Hearing these songs bring back memories good(The Candy Man)& bad(Disco Duck,Convoy)as well as introducing me to long forgotten tunes(Chevy Van,Alone Again)as well as those that should've remain forgotten(Afternoon Delight).
But like all era compilations not everything could fit or be licensed(Springsteen,Elton,solo Beatles).So for every song I wanted on HAND(Tighter,Tighter,Loving You)there are those I'm glad wasn't included(Playground on my Mind)

Break out your polyester leisure suits and platform shoes!
This is one "boss" collection that puts to rest the old pessimistic saying: "you can't go home again". Memory Lane is NOT a dead-end street, but is in fact a super highway which you can cruise via this 7-disc set. This music caused us to walk around with a transistor radio stuck in our ear. This music was king before FM radio became cool. The box set contains 160 of the greatest hits from the 70's, plus an unbelievable collector's book, featuring clips about the artists, the songs, and what was going on in America at that time. Whoever thought up the packaging with the cover made up of a smiley face mini shag carpet deserves a raise of major proportions. On a scale of 1-10, I give it an unqualified 11. Buy it...you'll love it!

A great way to revisit to joys of '70s AM radio
Perhaps my favorite box set. This reminds me so much of listening to KYA or KFRC (two top-40 stations in San Francisco in the 1970's), when you would here rock, then country, then pop, then novelty songs. A fantastic blend. Favorite songs include: Popcorn, Chick-A-Boom(hadn't heard this since the '70s), Love Goes, More More More, Love Rollercoaster, School's Out, Dueling Banjos, Candy Man, Rose Garden, and I could go on. One star is missing due to

a. Some songs are cut
b. Some songs I would have liked to see(licensing would have been an issue on some) include
My Sharona by The Knack(biggest hit of 1979)
Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees
Bennie & the Jets by Elton John
Escape(The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes
I Think I Love You by The Partridge Family
Gonna Fly Now(Theme From Rocky)
Silly Love Songs by Paul McCartney and Wings
Beth by Kiss
If You Leave Me Now by Chicago
Dancing Queen by Abba
We've Only Just Begun by The Carpenters
(Take Me Home) Country Roads by John Denver
Nadia's Theme

All of the above were major top 10 hits(most were big number #1s)

Gotta Love The 70s
If you buy this Box Set, you'll get 160 songs on seven disc's. If you've already bought all 25 Volumes of the Have A Nice Day collection, you will notice that the Box Set and the Volumes have 73 songs in common, but I would buy the 25 Volumes because 227 songs DON'T appear on this Box Set.

My formative years have been spent listening to these songs through neighbors and friends who had the albums and also through many of the long car trips to and from family gatherings. I recognize most of the music, although there are a few songs that I don't. For me, personally, listening to these songs is a wonderful journey I like to take every now and then. If you feel the same way, I recommend buying this set.

FOR HEAVY METAL FANS - There's no AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Ted Nugent, UFO, early Van Halen, KISS, etc. This Box Set and the Volumes concentrate on the less heavier side of the 70's. Those hoping to find these groups should avoid buying this.

FOR THE 70's COMPLETEST - Buy this Box Set new, but buy the 25 Have A Nice Day Volumes used. In my opinion, the Volumes aren't worth more than $8 each. The Box Set disc's have over 20 songs per disc whereas the individual Volumes only have, on the average, 10 to 12 songs per disc.

A Fun Hodgepodge of 70s Rock & Pop
Sure, the decade of the 70s was kind of cheesy-particularly the fact that everything was BIG & LOUD(the clothes, the shoes, the hair, etc.)! It was also a fun decade in that I was in high school from late '69-'73 when more than half of these tunes were huge radio hits. All in all this is the soundtrack of my teenage years. Once I ventured out into the working world in the summer of '73 the latter half of these songs were either on my turntable or in my 8-track player(God, who can forget those annoying things & their incessant CLICKS). As always, RHINO put together a fine mix of songs, but for my money, the 70s collection ROCK & ROLL RELIX is far superior because they've mixed in plenty of soul/r&b hits among the rock, pop & novelty tunes. Still highly recommended for collectors of 70s hits. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Nice listening music
I liked this CD. As far as the music goes, it's good for listening to. However, the beat didn't really fit my workout needs.

Disappointment from start to finish
I was so unhappy when I got this cd. The songs are not complete and play like one continueous song. Don't waste you money.

Can't wait to get Vol.2
The music just makes you want to keep on working. Love it. I would give it 5 stars if it had more great songs on it.

Excellent!
This is a great workout or dance tape for that matter. The songs are from the late 70's/early 80's when dance songs filled the radio airwaves. One song in particular, "Makin' It" by David Naughton might have been a one-hit wonder, but it is an incredible dance song that is hard to get off your mind once you've heard it! The sitcom that it was designed for was a dud, but the song is not! The other songs on this CD are great also except for the irritating "I Love the Night Life" by Alicia Bridges, I could have done without this one. It's a great CD though, and I highly recommend it! ... Read more