Amazon.com essential recording

Picking up where the breakthrough funk-pop of Control left off, Janet Jackson and her production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis laced Rhythm Nation with high-minded references to societal ills--seldom the favored province of dance music, but a daring attempt nonetheless. Songs like "State of the World" and "The Knowledge" follow in the tradition of "free your mind and your ass will follow." Still, aside from the title track, it was the pure pop fare and dance music that stormed the charts: "Escapade," "Love Will Never Do (Without You)," "Alright," and "Come Back to Me" concentrate on the politics of personal relationships, not public policy, while "Black Cat" burns the place down with a fierce burst of hard rock. Rhythm Nation 1814 doesn't necessarily hang together thematically, but it's so chock full of hits, you scarcely notice. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (88)

A Must-Have Classic of Janet Jacksons
Janet Jackson is one of the most versatile music artists of our decade. Her 14 year career has produced five hit albums, including my favorite, Rhythm Nation 1814.

Rhythm Nation 1814 is stock full of hits from the title track to State of the World to The Knowledge to Miss You Much to Escapade to Black Cat, even more. The album has twenty tracks overall, eight being interludes. Rhythm Nation 1814 has the perfect, short, interludes that connect different songs. Another good thing about this album is that all the songs are great. Most albums these days have only a few good songs on them that are the only ones that you choose to listen to. But man, when I don't feel like wanting to switch cds all the time, this is the one I put in my cd player! Rhythm Nation 1814 is a classic, a classic that needs to be in any R&B, rock, or pop fan's collection.

By far her best album without a doubt!
Rhythm Nation 1814 has come out being the obvious winner out of all of her albums.

It's really sad to see her fall to the bottom with her recent stuff but "Rhythm Nation 1814" has remained very powerful amidst the changing ways of the world but there's also a lot of fun with this record.

"Alright" is pure New Jack Swing ecstacy that isn't present anywhere else on any of her other albums and the video remix with Heavy D is actually even better than the record version on here but this version is great on it's own.

Heck, I even enjoy the interludes on this album which actually perfectly transition us between the 'proper' tracks on here unlike those on the three vastly inferior releases that have followed.

"Someday Is Tonight" is by far the best of the sensual trakcs coming off as brilliant, sexy and dark as opposed to the classless trash she's been putting out as of late and I have strong doubts about her upcoming release.

"Rhythm Nation" is the only Janet Jackson album you will ever need. Heck [Forget] her other albums and get this one.

Janet's only great album. Thumbs up!
This is the only Janet album that I still enjoy. Every following release was completely dissapointing and her newest album "Damita Jo" is worst piece of filth I've ever heard. "Rhythm Nation" however is an important and powerful album with really powerful messages of social conscience on the title track and "State of The World" and yet also having lots of fun like on "Alright" and "Escapade". Every song on here is brilliant and this is Janet's strongest outing without a doubt. The Janet and Velvet Rope were boring, All for You was bad and don't get me started on "Damita Jo". RN is the best album to close out the 1980s and is a must have. A pity she never came close to being this good ever again.

We are a part of the rhythm nation...
I was never a huge Janet Jackson fan until I heard the song "Rhythm Nation". I picked up this album and listened to it. I was close-minded when I first bought the CD, thinking that the only song I would like would be "Rhythm Nation". But as I listened to more and more of the songs, I began to like more and more.

There are several songs on this album that sound the same. "Escapade" begins to sound like "Miss You Much" after a while, and so does "Love Will Never Do (Without You)". The disturbing "State of the World" is a rude awakening for our society, as is "Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make)".

Jackson's thin voice is well hidden with loud rhythms and excellent musical arrangements, which actually saves the album in a way. It is obvious that the beats and rhythms in this album play a very important role.

The highlights of the album are obviously "Rhythm Nation" in addition to "Black Cat", "Come Back To Me", and the unlikely "Someday Is Tonight". (After spending 3 hours in a car listening to this CD over and over, I found "Come Back To Me" and "Someday Is Tonight" to be actually the BEST songs on the album, with the exception of "Rhythm Nation".)

For your first Janet Jackson CD, invest a few dollars in "Rhythm Nation 1814". This is Jackson's strongest album.

Janet's Greatest Album of all Time? You bet!
While "Control" was funky, "Janet" was sensual and "The Velvet Rope" was introspective, this album, released in the fall of 1989 was DEEP and raw in terms of its messages on some songs, the New Jack Swing beats that accompanied it, and Janet's own voice which showed much strength here on this album. As a matter of fact, it's Janet Jackson's best album ever. I really don't need to explain why because generally 10 million worldwide seemed to get the message. This album made you think, made you cry, made you fall in love, and made you dance. Janet followed behind Tina Turner, her brother Michael, Prince and Donna Summer by singing a full-fledged rock song. That song was put into the R&B, soul, ballads and hip-hop of the rest of the album and was a perfect mixture. This album also proved to people that "Control" wasn't a fluke and that Janet Jackson would truly be a mainstay. While not all the time political (it has its share of love and relationship songs), this album truly proved to people at the time that this legend-in-the-making had arrived...and she hasn't looked back since. If there's one reason why she should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame years from now, this is it. It don't get better than this. This is the Janet I missed. You really wanna cop the best of Janet, go pick up "Control" and this one and it will take you back or for those who just saw Janet at the Super Bowl or those who thought her first record was "All For You", it's a great history lesson just to tell you who Janet Jackson truly is, this is it! Get the point? Good, let's dance. ... Read more

Amazon.com

At the time of this album, Jamiroquai's second, Britain's soul-funk-acid jazz scene had been firmly established by numerous club DJs and bands like Soul II Soul, Brand New Heavies, Incognito, and Young Disciples. Jamiroquai formed their own voice with strong songwriting, tight ensemble playing, and--most of all--Jay Kay's fluid vocals, which are impressively reminiscent of Stevie Wonder's. As the band's main songwriter, Kay addresses social ills ("Just Another Story," "Manifest Destiny"), advocates enlightenment ("Stillness in Time," "Light Years"), and leads his multiculti band through love songs both bubble-gum funky ("Mr. Moon") and jazzy sweet ("Half the Man"). Unabashedly mixing disco into their funky soul, Jamiroquai even make cheesy synths sound good. --Suzanne McElfresh ... Read more

Reviews (35)

The True Sound of British Soul
While many might compare him to Stevie Wonder, lead singer Jay Kay and his British funk band, Jamiroquai, have broken new grounds when it comes to funk and soul. On this sophomore effort, the Jay Kay and his band truly blast the minds of listeners with all they got. Unlike their debut album, "Emergency on Planet Earth," this album truly established that Jamiroquai had inherited the throne of funk. His vocals are soothing, relaxing, and stirring and his band truly represent British soul music at its' best.

While the entire album is great, I truly enjoyed listening to two tracks specifically. The first, "Return of the Space Cowboy," is a jazzy, soulful song that has many numerous reference of canabis use. If you have never heard Jay Kay sing, this track will be your best way in getting to know his sound.

The second track, "Mr. Moon," is as funky as "Return of the Space Cowboy." The song's catchy beat will keep you humming it for a while, whether commuting to work or working out.

Along with George Michael, Jay Kay is one of Britain's most talented singers. As more and more singers from the other side of the "pond" discover the sound of soul, Great Britain will probably give the U.S. a run for their money. Please check out Jamiroquai's later albums, "Travelling Without Moving," and "Synkronized". They will provide all listeners with the same style of funk found on this album.

Jamiroquai doesn't get any better than this
'Return of the Space Cowboy' is my favourite album of all time. Jamiroquai's second album is its best. It leaves off where their first album, 'Emergency on Planet Earth', ends. It has even more ingenious touches than its precedessor. Not two songs sound alike. This is Jamiroquai's most instrumental album. Make way for the wa-wa guitars, cheesy synk sounds, da-da-da backing vocals, funky keyboards, downbeat horns, 'dodgy didger's' Wallis's trademark didgeridoo, heart-wrenching lyrics, Stuart Zender's world-famous base (pity he's left the band) and of course the oh-so flexible, sometimes furious but never dull voice of front man Jay Kay.
The title song is the most mainstream-orientated of the bunch, and although it is pretty good, on the long run it gets blown away by masterpieces like 'Just another story' and 'Scam'. Especially the former represents the very summit of the abilities of Jay Kay & co. It's Jamiroquai's 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. It spans 8+ minutes and starts as an easy, meagre, even raw, intro to the album, but grows out to Jay Kay's biggest outcry against society in an almost rude fashion. He tackles gangs, guns and drug abuse in a flamboyant way:

'Thinking you're a glory boy
fronting that stupid toy
But you just don't get that it's yourself you will destroy.'

Thirsty for more? Then this album's a must-have (no really). The one most worth having of all the Jam's work. Much more versatile than the relatively monotone 'A Funk Odyssey' for example. This is my uninhabited island-CD, know what I'm sayin'?

The best of the 70's and the 90's put together
It's rare that music can make you get up and move, and stimulate the mind at the same time.Jamiroquai managed to do that on "Space Cowboy" in the tradition of the best disco/jazz/rock fusion of the 70's but layered with turntable sampling and youthful rock bounciness.The music is rich, eclectic but always powerful and fun.There is the same knowledgeable mix as in mid-70's soul jazz, of soulful melodies,twirling synths, jazzy vocal scats, exotic percussions, syncopated beats, flutes, sax,etc.We travel through Space, Brazil, the Amazon, we walk down funky alleys, bounce off a dancefloor and we finally smoothly lift off into another groovy expedition.One of the best works of the 90's.Good vibes for all!

cool and funky
this is certainly the coolest and funkiest jamiroquai album ever. with tracks like mr. moon, the funky yet political track, scam. what else can you ask for.it also has the best jamiroquai track ever... space cowboy. i really love this album that it really rocks! get your copy now before its too late

All - Time Classic
I would just like to say that personally, I am sick of the "Stevie Wonder" comparisons. Jay Kay doesn't even sound like Stevie Wonder. For the sake of making stupid comparisons, he sounds more than anyone else like "Off the Wall" era Michael Jackson. Anyways, this album really is right up there with any of the all-time funk albums. Just listen to the title track if you need furthur proof: certainly this is the most beautiful Jamiroquai song to date. I swear everytime I listen to that track I can't help but put my cd player on repeat for about an hour. The bass lines throughout are incredible, and Toby Smith's rhodes and synth playing was never more tasteful or funky. While I enjoy the later disco-electro flavored albums, this one to me is the ultimate mix of funk, acid jazz, and disco. Jamiroquai gives me hope that people still do care about real, beautiful music, even if it might not outsell Britney Spears or Good Charlotte. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Enrique Iglesias is very definitely a child of the 1980s, and his arena-rock aspirations are prominently displayed on 7. The Latin superstar's third English-language album is filled with fist-pumping choruses, crisp guitar riffs, and rock-tinged pop ditties destined to send fans into serious states of swooning. Aching love ballads occupied much of Iglesias' time on previous efforts, but those are kept to a minimum here. Even the first single, "Addicted," swells with a chorus that seems designed for maximum sing-along potential. Songs such as "The Way You Touch Me," "Break Me Shake Me," "Free," and "You Rock Me" shimmy and sparkle, anchored by Iglesias' ever-improving, always sexy vocal delivery. It makes for a vibrant mix of music, and it will be nearly impossible to resist singing along with more than a few of these gems even after one listen. Rock on. --Joey Guerra ... Read more

Reviews (91)

Enrique and Seven
I am really blown away by Seven. Every album Enrique does you are never disappointed. I know fans this time were expecting something different from Enrique, although we really had no idea what to expect, it seemed details about this CD was really kept quiet, but from the first time I heard his first single Addicted, that was it I knew I was definately Addicted to Seven. Addicted was really different, a change from Enrique's previous music, and I always say Change is good, as long as the artist believes in the material being created, and once again, you can feel Enrique believes in his work. Starting with the first track on Seven "Not In Love", it totally catches you by surprise, and from the first note on "Not In Love" to the last note of "Adicto" you are hooked. Songs on this album are catchy, less popish, with an almost 80ish rock sound to them. They range from care free fun songs to songs with a deeper meaning to them. This album really has something I feel that will appeal to anyone. The whole album is really amazing, Say It and Wish You Were Here With Me are two very beautiful ballads. Be Yourself is another great song, has a lot of meaning to it. I just can't say enough Great things about Seven, once again Enrique has delivered an awesome album, with great music, and a whole new feel of songs. I would HIGHLY recommend this album to anyone. These songs from Seven are going to be amazing to see performed live. Thanks Enrique for another great album.

"NOT IN LOVE" CD Single - Don't Count It As Anything Else!
"NOT IN LOVE" is the Best song from ENRIQUE's 7. I don't understand how he can go from beautiful music like "Bailamos" & "Love To See You Cry" to these songs. Big Dissapointment. "Addicted" is good, but I would listen to No.1 "Not In Love" - great, catchy track and then stop. It's not the same Latin Pop style anymore. I loved "Enrique" and liked "Escape". Hopefully, IGLESIAS will release "Not In Love" as a single, with cool Remixes, and then work on another English album soon!

Good idea, but is Enrique stuck in 1989?!
I haven't heard the album, but I could tell from hearing the song Addicted. It sounded like an overwrought 1989 heavy metal band power ballad. Enrique just doesn't pull it off on this song. It doesn't match with the best of his songs either. I heard some of the other songs--it has that '80s feel, but he doesn't connect with the essence of that decade. Has Enrique run out of songs to write long after that Hero megasuccess? He needs to keep up on that pace rather than turn into some retro mode like he's doing now. I don't mind artists taking chances or risks, but don't sacrifice being in 2004 while your mind is stuck in a time warp doing this '80s retro thing. Sorry if I'm rough, but Enrique's idea for the Seven album just doesn't make sense.

Enrique's SEVEN
Enrique's new album I have to say is one of my absolute favorite albums,I'm surprised that he didn't do that well this time around (sold 357,000 copies in us)Personaly I thought the single ADDICTED was great,My favorites on the album are SAY IT,CALIFORNIA CALLING,BREAK ME SHAKE ME,BE YOURSELF,ROAMER AND LIVE IT UP TONIGHT 10 out of 10.Over all the album is fun and a a great listen,it has an eighties feel to it and with the right singles would have sold better (I think).

Pop perfection
Enrique's third English album can be summed up in one word. And that's brilliant. It doesn't get much better than this. It has an even amount of ballads and rock songs. The ballads are great for clearing your mind and just sitting around and thinking about life. Nothing depressing or suicidal. Which is good. And then the rock/dance tracks are even better. Everything blends perfectly with these songs. The music is catchy, the lyrics are tongue in cheek paradise, and Enriques voice shines. This is definitly a night time album to listen to while driving in your car. It has all the perfect ingriedients for a spectacular pop album. So if you're ever in a bad mood, this cd will cheer you up completly. I guarentee it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The arrival of The Singles demonstrates perfect timing. With the impulse to treat 1980s pop with irony finally dying and cutting-edge American bands such as the Rapture and the Faint directly sourcing Brit synth-pop, this lavish box set now sounds like a key dance-rock primer. Unlike the other major players in the early 1980s British Invasion of America, Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Nick Rhodes weren't afraid to rock. They rocked hardest on their early singles, as the glossy black box of the first 13 singles, lovingly recreated for CD, proves. The first eight--from the turbo-powered disco of "Planet Earth" to the synthetic Beatles-influenced pop of "Is There Something I Should Know?"--work on the tension between the band's mega-pop ambitions and their rudimentary instrumental skills, creating an eerie, erotic desperation. The full compliment of B-sides--particularly a hysterical, uber-youth club stab at David Bowie's "Fame"--charm with their gung-ho ridiculousness. "A View to a Kill" may be slick Bond theme, but this set is so evocative of strange pop times that you'll end up with "Rio" and "The Wild Boys" on a permanent mind-loop. --Garry Mulholland ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Here's the tracks not on their albums, or "Night Versions"
If you're like me, you don't have every single and 12" released by Duran Duran, or a ton of the foreign releases (though I do admit to having several singles, I know I'm still missing stuff). The packaging is very nice, reminds me of the Beatles EP set I bought a few years ago. The first thing I did was of course copy these to my hard drive to make a "B-sides collection" which would have been cheaper to buy, and easier to listen to. Here are the songs not covered by the albums, or the essential "Night Versions" CD that came out a few years ago, roughly in chronological order:

Late Bar
Khanada
Fame
Faster Than Light
Like An Angel
Careless Memories (Live Version)
My Own Way (Single Version)
Hold Back The Rain (12' Re-Mix)
The Chauffeur (Blue Silver)
Rio (Part Two)
Faith In This Colour
Is There Something I Should Know? (Monster Mix)
Faith In This Colour (Alternate Slow Mix)
Secret Oktober
Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) (Recorded Live At Hammersmith Odeon)
(I'm Looking For) Cracks In The Pavement (1984)
New Moon On Monday (Dance Mix)

A Duranie's Dream Comes True: The Best CD Box Set Ever.
To help celebrate the reunion of the five original members of Duran Duran, Capitol/EMI decided to box together Duran Duran's first 13 singles, recreating the artwork and exact track line-up's of each vinyl 12-inch single. They have done a remarkable job! Each single comes in a slim cardboard sleeve, and each cd's artwork (the actual art on the cd) recreates the original record labels that appeared on each vinyl record. Someone has painstankingly worked on finally giving Duran Duran their due: one of the most underrated groups of all time finally has a collection that they can be completely proud of.

Past Duran Duran greatest hits collections have been nice, but haven't been as thorough as they should have been. "Decade" left off the important hit "New Moon On Monday"; "Greatest" presented "Save A Prayer" in a horribly edited version. "Greatest" also had confusing and uninspired artwork which the band reportedly hates. Both cd's left off important singles "Meet El Presidente" and "Do You Believe In Shame?"- which don't appear in this box set because they were released after 1985.

Everything about this singles box set is perfect. The small box that the cd's are housed in easily fits on a cd shelf. The box isn't ill-fitting or cumbersome like a lot of cd box sets. The cd's have all been remastered. These songs have never sounded clearer. If you have the much coveted "Essentials: Night Versions" (which is now out of print) or the import-only "Strange Behavior" (both cd's are remix collections), you still need this box set. There are a lot of non-album b-sides that have never been released on cd before domestically (there was a 2 cd Japanese import that collected four Duran Duran e.p.'s that was released well over a decade ago that contained the b-sides here, but that set has long been out of print). If you are any sort of Duran Duran fan at all, you know that their b-sides are always brilliant.

The U.S. edition of the box set is the same exact edition that was released overseas. The artwork that is contained on the "Is There Something I Should Know?" and "The Reflex" cd's are the same as the import 12-inch singles (the American artwork was different.)

Also included inside the box is a fold-out poster/booklet. One side is a picture of Simon, Roger, Nick, John, and Andy; the other side is the track listing.

Here's hoping that Capitol/EMI plans on following up this release with a second box set, starting off with the "Notorious" singles.

Make sure you look out for the reissues of "Duran Duran" (the first album) and "Seven And The Ragged Tiger" (with restored album packaging just like the version of "Rio" that was released last year) coming this fall!

A must have for any Duran Duran Fan
This box set is a must have for any real Duran Duran fan. I was so happy it included some rare tracks such as Like An Angel, Khanada and Late Bar. I was also happily surprised to hear an unplugged version of Sing Blue Silver which was brilliant. If anyone doubts the talent of Duran Duran they should listen to this. I saw these guys in concert in 1984 and they still have it today.

Greatest Box Set !!!
This is far better than the Beatles box set. Duran Duran need to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Every track on these terrific CD's takes you right back into the early 80's, when Duran Duran first hit the new wave scene with "Planet Earth". This box set is an absolute masterpiece for any fan of Duran Duran or not. The next singles box set 1986-1990 is going to be by far "The greatest accomplishment of all mankind". Simon, Nick, John, Andy, and Roger are the most talented and brilliant musicians the "Planet Earth" has ever had for my generation and many more generations to come. 100 years from now, Duran Duran will still be honored and remembered as the band that started new wave music forever. Gems like these box sets will live on and be handed down and appreciated by future generations of Duran Duran fans from across the world. A definate must have for any retro 80's time capsule. You must buy and own this box set TODAY!!!

turdan turdan gives me the 'roids
This garbage makes me want to scratch my throat and amputate my ears just to make it stop. Avoid this and other things recommended by the reviewer pogo: she's a jokester. Everyting she recommends is actually bad and the stuff she despises is actually good. Probably some depressed and spoiled teeni-bopper. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

TRUE CLASSICS NEVER GET OLD!!!
When Sheila E. first came on the scene in 1984 (I was 14 then), I had the biggest crush on her, and played my "Glamorous Life" 45 at least a hundred times in one day, mimicing her as if I was on percussions. Man! Those were the days of REAL music and REAL artists--and to show you how influential and powerful that LP was and still is, I put it on the other night and immediately began singing the hooks to "Belle of St. Mark", "Oliver's House", "Next Time Wipe the Lipstick Off Your Collar" and "Glamouroous Life." Strangely enough at the age of 33, I was still pretending like I was on stage with the glow-n-the-dark drumsticks Sheila E. used during her fabulous concerts. "Glamourous Life" was truly the pinnacle CD that launched Sheila E.'s career, not to mention her associations with the Purple Rocker Prince himself. "Glamourous Life" is laden with the "Minneapolis-sound", but that's okay because with the addition of Sheila E's cowbell, bongo drums and sultry vocals, it sets her apart from the rest of the talentless artists in Prince's camp at the time.

Prince Strikes Gold with Sheila E.
The debut album from Sheila E. is her best recording ever. The title track speaks for itself as Sheila lays the foundation for her arrival under the purple umberella. Sheila jams from beginning to the end proving that she has more talent than Vanity and Apollonia together. The Belle of St.Mark opens the cd and is followed by the instrumental sounds of Shortberry Strawcake. Noon Rendezvous and Next Time Wipe the Lipstick Off Your Collar are her signature slow songs. We all know the popular and famous dance track Glamorous Life which can bring most parties and dance floors to a standing room only dance scene. Prince found true talent this time and to him I say "Thank You". This talented female drummer and singer proves that her time has come and her reign is forever.

Way to Glamourous
Sheila E hit it on the head with this album. What a way to make a solo debut. From beginning to end the album is a total jam session and it seems that she doesn't lose herself and her own style which has been hard for other Prine Protege's

Withou This,It Ain't Much!
Sheila E's debut is deifinately cemented the the
horn and percussion-fueled,catchy tital track,an obvious product
of the Purple Rain-era Minnapolis sound whipped with Shelia's
bombastic,latin drum work."Strawberry Shortcake" is a pounding
funk instrumental while "The Belle Of St.Mark" is a catchy
pop-rock number.This varried album also includes the very Prince
sounding "Olivers House",the torchy ballad "Next Time,Wipe the
Lipstick Off Your Coller" and on this CD and "12 inch mix of the
famous title track.One of the best of the Jamie Starr,early to
mid 80's Prince productions,mostly due to Shelia E's diverse
musical backround and tough-minded artistry.Take a listen!

a classic in my book
The 1st solo outing for Sheila & her 1st under the purple one's reign. The title cut is, of course, the proverbial 80s classic that drove it to #7 on the pop charts. It's the best song on the album & the ample time given for Sheila's precisioned & energetic percussive solos as well as the fantastic sax of Larry Williams makes it a real jam. The rest was actually NOT filler but worth listening to. "Oliver's House" & "Shortberry Strawcake" provide funk-filled jams showcasing their Prince-fused inspiration. Where "Noon Rendezvous" is slower but equally appealing. "Bell of St. Mark" was another hit but I must admit, I didn't feel that one much. I liked "Next Time Wipe the Lipstick..." because of it's "cute" lyrics. Her singing voice on this one is not her strongest asset but when combined with her exceptional musicianship makes for pop music ear candy. This one is a must-have for Sheila E & Prince fans alike. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Arriving as it did in 1990, before nostalgia for '70s dance music turned from irony to genuine appreciation, Lisa Stansfield's Affection was ahead of its time. Featuring up-to-date clubland rhythms percolating under sweeping string arrangements a la Barry White and classic Philly soul, Stansfield's music struck the perfect balance between looking forward and looking back. "All Around the World" was justifiably the album's smash hit, but more than a few of the other tracks--"This Is the Right Time," "Live Together," and "Poison" among them--are its equal. And it's easy to get lost in Stansfield's supple, soulful voice, which leads the way in making Affection a far more memorable affair than the usual dance trifle. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (17)

the best soul album of the past 15 years period
What can i say about this lady Lisa Stansfield who put out the best soul album (yes that music played by African- Americans before it got corrupted by bad singers and even worse by sexist, violent terrible gangsta rap music)since 1990 if you want to hear good R&B you have to listen to brit singers like Stansfield what can you say about her solo debut (she was in the brit dance collective coldcut) she has done better albums but this her most soulful collection of songs that harken back to African- American music's past but looks foward with british soul that would spawn groups like the Brand New Heavies, Joss Stone,Stansfield, the Heavies, Sade and Omar practically kept this style of music alive until Neosoul saved black music in the late 90's well what can you say about the classic "BEEN AROUND THE WORLD" with it's classic barry white/ gamble and huff type string arrangements but this song does not fly without her beautiful vocal pharsing that harkens back to Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin puntuating with just the right stylings without oversinging and losing focus and "this is the right time" with it's uptempo vibe makes this the best Soul album of the 90's no other album comes close in the decade that black music lost it's focus to Rap Music(not hip-hop) get this album now and you will not be sorry.

Pretty Good solid debut
Lisa Stansfield really sounds good on this Disc.All Around The World was the Jam.You can't deny it was tight.this disc had a very strong Barry White Influence.who happens to be Her favorite Artist.The music gets pretty Predictable after a while.but Her voice is no Joke.

Impressive
This particular Lisa Stansfield CD puts most of today's R&B female singers to shame. Her and Teena Marie make some these new girls seem like karaoke singers!

The voice heard "all around the world" thirteen years ago!
Erupting on the international scene with the hit "All Around the World", Lisa Stansfield was a definite force and this album justly solidified her place in music of the 90's. Her debut album boasts three top ten hits and several tracks that were popular on the world's dance floors. It is an album the consistently delivers and has not lost the spark that it had upon its release in 1990.

While she still records and charts in her native England, Stansfield has been somewhat absent from American radio airplay.

That, unfortunately, is our loss and we are paying for it with the cookie cutter, soulless ingénues' that comprise most of contemporary pop/R & B.

A Great CD!!!!
I have listened to and own many of the Lisa Stansfield's other cd's, but "Affection" is my absolute all-time favorite of hers! I am still, to this day, blown away by Lisa's vocal skills. She is one of the best singers out there. It's a shame that she hasn't released any new material here in the states in a while, but "Affection" fills the void.

Of course, my favorite song is "All Around the World." I don't care how old the song it, it's still a great song! All of the songs on the cd, for that matter, are great! There's not one bad thing I can say about the cd.

Anyone who listens to this cd will not be disappointed. This is definitely a cd to own!!!!! ... Read more

Album Description

2 CDs featuring original extended mixes by New Edition,Cameo, Doug E. Fresh, Gap Band, Kool & The Gang, Blondie,Jermaine Sweet, The Whispers Rick James and more. 24tracks. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Solid Set
I think this is a Cool overall set&covers alot of 80's Jams!! but I don't think that every Act here should have a Long Version.but the Jams that stood out truly only get stronger here.you will enjoy the Bumps&Grooves here.

If you were in high school during the 80's....
My younger brother bought this one. I took a listen and while many of the tracks I relish from the 80's, a good number of the remaining ones suffered from the "extended" versions featured on this compilation.

The longer/remixed versions of Blondie's "Rapture", Rick James's "Super Freak", "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" (The Gap Band) and "Rock Steady" by The Whispers are welcome jams that are timeless.

However, cuts like "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life" (Indee), "Ain't Nothing Going on But the Rent" (Gwen Guthrie), "The Show" by Doug E. Fresh and a few others had their "moment in the sun" in that decade and were more appreciated by my sibling's 30-something-year-old ears than my slightly more "mature and refined" late 40's-year-old ones.

What a difference a decade and a half makes! Sheesh! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Rating 100%
Back in 1990, Rhino records commenced the collaboration of the "Have A Nice Day" compilation series. Ultimately this resulted in a 25 volume set of CD's. All of the discs contain a mixture of top charting hits and obscure classics from the seventies. Many of the discs have come together quite well with a collection of great tracks, whilst some of the other discs are as horrid as my old set of pink flares.

One of the best volumes is number 22. This one contains that guitar stumpin' classic "driver seat" from Sniff and the Tears. What about abit of dance with Hot Chocolates "everyone's a winner" and Nick Gilders "hot child in the City". Feeling romantic? There's Nicolette Larson's "lotta love", John Paul Young's "love is in the air" and Robert John's "Sad eyes". Other tracks include Chris Norman and Suzi Quatro's Duet "stumblin' in" and John Stewart's "gold". I was about age ten when many of these tracks where at the top of the charts. Nothing beats that good old seventies nostalgia. Again a disc that get's a good thrashing at my place.

Rhino sure knows how to pick 'em
One of the outstanding members of the Have A Nice Day collection, this disc captures the feel of a turning point in musical styles. Briefly...

"Hot Child In The City": Seductive, androgynous vocals here from Nick Gilder. Listeners appear to have missed the "cautionary" point of this song...everyone wanted to meet the young girl dressed in black.

"Love Is In the Air": A memorable tune from the late 70's, from Aussie singer John Paul Young. It had a brief renaissance when it was included in the Aussie film "Strictly Ballroom" in the early 90's.

"My Sharona": The Knack gave us a preview of the changing attitudes towards the "disco" late 70's with their "garage band" rock tune. Appeared in the slacker/nostalgia flick "Reality Bites".

"Gold": Great vocals by John Stewart, with backup and "ooo-ooo's" by none other than Stevie Nicks!

"Driver's Seat" and "Hold On" are complex, existentialist "mood" pieces with innovative instrumental and vocal arrangements. Contrast these with Rex Smith's bubble gum "Take My Breath Away".

Robert John's "Sad Eyes" is blessed with muscular instrumentalization and one of the finest falsettos you are likely to hear in the modern age.

Besides that, this CD will prove a "fistful of memories" (hopefully good ones) for anyone who grew up during this era. Don't miss out!

My favorite CD in the series.
Growing up in the 1970s, I was an avid listener to radio (both AM and FM). My dad frequently bought me LPs and 45s (for those of you who are young, you might not remember vinyl *g*) of my favorite songs or songs that he thought I would like.

My favorite songs on this CD are:

Every 1's a Winner (Hot Chocolate). This top 10 hit is by the same group that had a hit with "Emma" and "You Sexy Thing."

Hot Child in the City (Nick Gilder). Number 1 song for the week of October 28, 1978 for one week. This song made the record of the longest time of a song to reach number 1 (taking 20 weeks to go from Number 88 to Number 1).

Love Is in the Air (John Paul Young). This is one of those songs when you were young, you would lip synch in the living room next to the record player. You know you yell out the chorus with arms open wide, "LOVE IS IN THE AIRRRRRR!!! OOOOOHHHHHH!!!!"

Lotta Love (Nicolette Larson). A Top 10 hit in early 1979. This song always reminds me of roller skating at the rinks on Saturday mornings. When listening to the song, I can still hear the skates on the wood floor.

Stumblin' In (Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman). Leather Tuscadero from "Happy Days" recorded a Top 40 hit. This was the biggest American hit for the duet.

My Sharona (The Knack). Number one song the week of August 25, 1979. I had this 45rpm and played it constantly in 1979.

Gold (John Stewart). This is a song that featured Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac. You can't miss Stevie's background vocals while she sings a half a beat behind. My favorite line would have to be: "Well my buddy Jim Bash, he is workin' pumpin' gas and he makes $2.50 for an hour." Wow! What a wage!

Driver's Seat (Sniff 'N' The Tears). This song should be on everyone's "car" or "driving" tape or CD for travelling.

Sad Eyes (Robert John). Number 1 the week of October 6, 1979 for one week. This song was tied with Nick Gilder's "Hot Child in the City" for the longest time reaching Number 1 on Billboard's Charts (entered the charts at Number 85 and then 20 weeks later it arrived at Number 1).

This is my favorite volume in Rhino's Super Hits of the '70s series. It brings back those memories of the late 1970s when I was 8 years old and the freedom of being a little kid during the fall of 1978 and the summer of 1979.

Lovely blend of 70s styles
This is a lovely blend of late 70's styles like disco (Hot Chocolate), big ballads (Rex Smith), wistful pop (John Paul Young, Robert John), power pop (The Knack), atmospheric rock (Nick Gilder), catchy singalong pop (Quattro & Norman) plus a couple of lesser known but still great tracks by Ian Gomm, Nicolette Larson, etc. I remember 1978 as a great year for good music in which singles sales reached a record high, in a decade that I consider the golden age of pop music. Even dance music had personality then and wasn't just mass-produced 4 beats to the bar anonymous variations on a theme. My favorites here include the tense, erotic "Hot Child", the dreamy, hypnotic "Love Is In The Air", the poppy disco of "Everyone's A Winner" and the sensitive "Sad Eyes." Vol. 22 makes a valuable contribution to an excellent series.

Disco, Ballads, Rockers...Take Your Pick!
Volume 22 in this "Have A Nice Day" CD series covers the major hits from the Fall of '78 on through to the fall of '79. There's something for every fan of late '70's music here. You have Disco (Every 1's a Winner-Hot Chocolate), Ballads (Lotta Love-Nicolette Larson, Dancin' Shoes-Nigel Olsson, Stumblin' In-Chris Norman and Suzi Quatro, Love Is In The Air-John Paul Young, Sad Eyes-Robert John and You Take My Breath Away-Rex Smith) as well as some good rockers (Hot Child In The City-Nick Gilder, Gold-John Stewart, Driver's Seat-Sniff 'N The Tears). The only bad song in this collection is Ian Gomm's "Hold On", otherwise, the many above listed songs make this d a must buy! ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

Rumors of TLC's impending breakup were especially worrying in light of this excellent disc, which was even more consistent in its way than 1994's CrazySexyCool. Great singing and the usual huge hooks--not to mention the smarts of songs such as "Unpretty" and "I'm Good at Being Bad"--made Fanmail one of R&B's most striking releases of the year. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (592)

Hands down for TLC, another success!!
TLC is a group with a lot of experience in the music industry, and this acquired maturity shines on their third album, "Fanmail". It's their new and twisted style of hip-hop R&B that clearly shows a lot of effort in the strong, smooth musical and lyrical outcome. Many of the songs are fast-paced, fun songs, but TLC also mellows out to put their heart into a few slower ones too, and a few of the songs have an electronically-altered feel. All around it makes for a great mix, and the best TLC album yet. I've had this CD over a year and it still hasn't grown old, and I doubt it'll start anytime soon. Here's a quick summary of each song:

1. Fanmail: What the CD's all about - the fans; pretty good song, a little slow in the beginning (starts off as an intro) but gets a little more into it throughout - 8.5/10

2. The Vic-E Interpretation (Interlude): Not much to say cuz it's just an interlude (extremely short too); some culture

3. Silly Ho: This song ROCKS!! expresses TLC real strength in bounce-beats and cool lyrics. Proves that TLC are NOT like today's typical music "silly ho", they just know their stuff - 10/10

4. Whispering Playa (Interlude): another interlude, kinda funny

5. No Scrubs: You've all heard this song, so you know what I'm talkin' about. It's real, out there, and the message comes across with the kind of crisp clarity that only TLC can master on these subjects - 10/10

6. I'm Good At Being Bad: Another one of the real highlights on this album. TLC keeps it tight especially with Left Eye's rap, good alternating soft/loud. Great song to be the longest on the CD - 10/10

7. If They Knew: Continuing the streak of faster songs, this song also has a great beat and cool lyrics, but without as much in-your-face; still great - 9.5/10

8. I Miss You So Much: First real slow song, but it's a pretty good one. I'm not as much into the slow songs but this one's a sweet love song - 8/10

9. Unpretty: This song has great classic guitar playing and the hook chorus we all love. Great message that's painfully but still singably (is that a word??) well-sung - 9.5/10

10. My Life: My personal fave - it's really catchy and again Left Eye shines in her rap, that's what it's all about. Explosive - 10/10

11. Shout: Like "My Life", it's got a catchy hook and a tight rap, the kind of song that makes TLC, but the topic's a bit fried. Last of the great songs - 9.5/10

12. Come on Down: another slow song, I don't like this one as much. It makes TLC vulnerable and to me it doesn't demonstrate their real style, still listenable though - 7/10

13. Dear Lie: Also slower, but with more depth to it. It was released as a single but didn't see much success, but is has some potential. In the beginning it sounds like #8 - 8.5/10

14. Communicate (Interlude): Interlude so whatever, it has some point to it but I'm not so sure it's worth it

15. Lovesick: This song seems to be pretty popular, but in my opinion it's missing a little substance. The digital remastering may have been a mistake, but the beat's still good and the hook's catchy - 8/10

16. Automatic: I think this song's cool, the title really fits the song. Kinda robo-ish new techno style - 9/10

17. Don't Pull Out On Me Yet: Also a little slow and the lyrics are lacking. For such a great album they really should've gone out with a bang - 7/10

Even with the few weakpoints on this album, when I listen to the CD I don't skip a single song, I just listen straight through. It's fun to sing along with. In my opinion, Left Eye's raps are the best part because it wraps up the song and keeps it tight, but it's only in moderation or else it'd turn into a rap CD. I think anyone could listen to this CD. If you're new with TLC and you're trying to figure out which album to start with, I recommend this one. I often listen to rock music too, but TLC just does something for me and I hope it does for everyone. As for the slower tunes, just give them time and they grow on you. Trust me, you won't be disappointed - just one hour and you'll be hooked!!!

ps. Rest In Peace, Left Eye

they aren't scrubs thats for sure
TLC rules the charts always and forever. the fact that the three girls are exact oposites and that they get along together and create good music as a whole. as they say in the vibe magazine "if one of us leaves, we can't be replaced because we flow together and it wouldn't be the same." the girls come off a lot stronger now a days on tracks like "silly ho", "i'm good at being bad", and the r+b influenced slow ballad "dear lie". the song dear lie is the best song or one of the best that i ever heard in my life. other songs that are really hot are "no scrubs" the blazing number 1 single, "shout", and "my life". the album features a lot more R+b influenced slow ballads like "dear lie", "come on down", "unpretty", "i miss you so much", "lovesick", and "don't pull out on me yet". it features interludes too including a computer generated voice in "the vic-e interpretation", a whispering playa hitting on Left Eye in "whispering playa", and T-Boz and Left Eye having computer generated voices on "communicate". The album has dance tracks that feature the original TLC like "fanmail", "automatic", "silly ho", "no scrubs", "i'm good at being bad", and "if they knew". it's true the girls are back and let them expect some more fanmail and let us expect at least one more album PLEASE!!!!!!!!

Ahead of its time
When I first bought this album in 1999, it didn't sound like anything else out there. Listening to it today, what's most striking is that it now sounds like something you could hear at almost any time on the radio. I mean that as a compliment. TLC proved with this album that they didn't follow trends, they created them. It's a shame they can never make music anymore, but they did leave behind impressive albums, like this one. "No Scrubs" didn't sound like anything on radio at the time; now it's almost impossible to not find a ripoff of that song on the radio. "Unpretty" was surprisingly inspiring and another huge hit for the trio. My favorite song is probably "I'm Good at Being Bad" simply because it is nasty and completely tuneful at the same time.

This is an outstanding album that was ahead of the curve. It sounds like it could have been made today, and it is that very thing that will ensure that TLC's legacy will never be forgotten.

I Was Great But ...
The Best Tracks are 3 - "Silly Ho"
5 - "No Scrubs"(but not this version)
9 - "Unpretty"
10- "My Life"
and 15- "LoveSick"
I am mad they Didn't put the rap in "no scrubs" but the rest is good!!

FanMail [EXPLICIT LYRICS]
FanMail [EXPLICIT LYRICS]~ TLC is a decent album with good lyrics. However the lyrics seem to have been written in an hour and are sloppy and poorly written. Their vocals make up for this though and the album is alright if a bit uneven. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (83)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (34)

Not one of their best.
Erasure followed up the megasuccessful "The Circus" with 1988's "The Innocents." While the album was even more successful than its predecessor, spawning three monster singles and going to #1 on the British charts (not to mention being a respectable hit stateside), it showed that Erasure couldn't put out an album every year and maintain a high level of songwriting consistency. While "The Innocents" has some undeniable classics ("A Little Respect," "Ship of Fools," "Chains of Love" and "Weight of the World" in particular), the rest of album ranges from good to filler. The real star of "The Innocents" is the arranging talents of Vince Clarke. Stephen Hague's shallow production makes this album seem extremely dated today, but on certain songs, it works perfectly. All in all, a mixed bag.

Luckily, after 1989's "Wild!" (which, though not perfect, is a much better album than "The Innocents"), Clarke and Bell started a winning streak with 1991's "Chorus." Since then, they have yet to release an album that is less than great. Like fine wine, Erasure gets better with age.

If you want to buy Erasure, buy this...
This is, bar none, the finest Erasure album of all time. First, you get the two 1980's blockbusters: A Little Respect and Chains of Love. Secondly, the non-released tracks are as good or better!! Phantom Bride, Heart of Stone, Hallowed Ground, and Ship of Fools are among Andy and Vince's purest and most gripping work.
If you like love songs with some techno flavor and electronica but without the out-and-out synth-pop sound, you'll find "The Innocents" is the only Erasure album you can truly get into and truly love.
"Cowboy", "I Say I Say I Say", and "Wonderland" are all excellent choices... But if you're looking for Erasure's best stuff on one album, you simply gotta go with "The Innocents."
P.S. The album art kicks [tush] too.

The Innocents
The Innocents~ Erasure is an interesting effort. Some songs are great (respect), others just simply suck (ship of fools). So it is not nearly as good as their first one.

An 80s pop materpiece
This is undoubtedly the ultimate Erasure album. It was their most successful and reached No.1 in the UK of course. There were 3 singles, but all this cd is full of hits. It's absolutely fantastic 80s pop!

The best CD ever produced
This is quite simply, not only the best ERASURE CD ever produced, but in my opinion the best CD of all time produced. From the upbeat intro of 'Respect' through the moodiness of 'Phantom Bride' to the quirkiness of 'Witch in the ditch' this CD is a masterpiece. This CD has everything, and will always be at the very top of my CD collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On her eighth studio album, Damita Jo--the title lifted from her middle name--Janet Jackson teams up with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis once again on what is perhaps the most feverish album in her two decade long career. Whether she's taking the listener on a torrid excursion in the four song island suite, or boasting of her sexual prowess on "Sexhibition's" word games lyrics, where she tells fans "relax, it's just sex," the singer tries hard--maybe too hard--to establish herself as a sexual avatar with portfolio. But in "Strawberry Bounce," she seems more like a pole dancer in stilettos than a social revolutionary, as she catalogs the way she plans to make her inamorato lose control, and she just sounds silly on "Moist," which extols the female orgasm.Instead, the best moments on the album are when Jackson comes off as saucy and winsome instead of a heavy breather, like on the down-tempo "Thinkin' Bout My Ex," her collaboration with Babyface, which seems lifted right out of her autobiography, and on the athletic Prince clone "Just A Little While." The title track is Jackson's own version of J-Lo's "Jenny On the Block," and she sounds just as insincere as Lopez when she tried to convince us that she was just an ordinary neighborhood diva. Instead, Janet’s much more persuasive when she joins up with hip-hop savant Kanye West on "My Baby," pairing her breathy, little girl vocals to his sharp, focused rap. Then and only then does Damita Jo sound like love can actually trump sex. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (949)

Ignore the haters
I actually took time to listen to the cd. I think it's great. There's all styles of music on this cd. It starts out with Damita Jo which is hip hop influenced, then the funky, sexy Sexhition which is vintage Prince and that's a good thing. Next is the naughty Strawberry Bounce. Can't wait to see Janet perform this one in concert. Janet has definitely tried some things she has never done before. My favorites are the three songs I mentioned above, Spending Time With You, Island Life, All Nite, RnB Junkie and Slo Love. I must give a special mention to Like You Don't Love Me because Janet's voice sounds so soulful on this song. It has a retro 70s soul sound to it and Janet's voice sounds amazinging in it. Both All Nite and Slo Love are good dance songs that I can see people jamming in the clubs to. RnB Junkie is more rnb dance. My favorite ballads on the cd are Truly and Thinking About My Ex. Warmth and Moist are cool if you're not a prude or find sex vulgar or nasty. I definitely give this cd 10 thumbs up and the critics who bashed the cd are suffering from Superbowlitis.

Damita Jo - another smash for Janet
Janet's 8th studio album claims to take listeners on a journey to discover the "different characters we all have inside of us," and promises to show her "Damita Jo" side, a different aspect of her personality that the public rarely sees. However, this declaration might be a little misleading. The album's constant references to love and sex are nothing new to Jackson's albums.

The album's opening track, the funky, upbeat "Damita Jo," serves as a mini-bio to Jackson's life and asks "Do you like me/Do you want me/Just for what you see?" in her fast-paced, trademark singing style. The album quickly veers into fast-paced sexual lingo with the aggressive "Sexhibition" and "Strawberry Bounce," a song in which Jackson appears to take on the role of an exotic dancer.

The album then focuses on love and relaxation. "I Want You" is a beautiful, laid-back R&B number reminiscent of the Alicia Keys hit "You Don't Know My Name." However, the most delightful surprise on the album is "R&B Junkie," an exceptional throwback to 80's R&B, which proves that Jackson still knows how to party. (...)

Nevertheless, with a few songs aside, the album is full of potential singles. "My Baby," a catchy urban number featuring Kayne West, would work wonders on radio stations, while "SloLove," an irresistible retro-pop tune, and "All Nite (Don't Stop)," a non-stop, exhilarating club anthem, could become huge hits.

TALENT MISFUNCTION!!
Janet has always tried to emulate the career of Madonna, who is far more talented. When Madonna kissed Britney and Christina at the 2003 MTV Awards, Janet tried to top this by simulating herself getting raped at the Superbowl. Are Madonna and Janet desperate? YES! The difference is that at least Madonna pulled her stunt on MTV, where parents had the choice to not have their children watch. The Superbowl is a family oriented event. Janet hijacked this with her no talent antics and it was very shameful. The album, which features her having verbal orgasms, is just as pathetic.

la reina del R&B
vaya que este reina de ebano, esta cada vez mas hot, y con su ultimo disco nio dequeda atras,chequen este ultimo disco, muy intimo y seductor tanto en imagen como en la letra de sus canciones, comprenlo ya...

It's no Velvet Rope...
Damita Jo is decent but mediocre, not quite on par with All For You, which still wasn't anything great, but was just as enjoyable as this album is. Still, don't expect an accomplishment like The Velvet Rope, which was not only by far Janet's best work but one of the best album's of the decade, if not of all time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This ain’t your daddy’s Afrobeat, but a prime sampler of cutting-edge urban dance grooves by African artists. Of course, most non-classical Western styles can trace their essence to the continent anyway. But now, as American and European pop saturate the world’s airwaves and the internet is omnipresent, enthusiastic cross-pollination in the opposite direction has also become commonplace. Ancient tribal traditions are colliding--and colluding--with hip-hop, funk, reggae, and electronica, incorporating every imaginable sound-manipulation technology with compulsively danceable results. The set opens with a spine-loosening, mid-tempo floor-warmer by Mali’s techno Issa Bagayogo, and progresses through a small universe where synth patches, wah-wahs, programmed beats, and manipulated voices coexist with talking drums, balafons, and hypnotic tribal chants. Musicians from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa are all heard from, and the beauty of these tracks is in how their birthrights somehow emerge transformed, but triumphantly unadulterated.-- Christina Roden ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Feels like home
I received this as a gift. As a native of the Caribbean, this album reflects the roots of the music that I grew up with. It reminded me a lot of the reggae, soca, and calypso I grew up with and cherish so dearly. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (34)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (10)

Duran's Third
Duran Duran became mega stars after their second album, Rio, became a smash hit worldwide thanks in equal parts to radio friendly songs and glamorous videos. Their third album, the bizarrely titled Seven & The Ragged Tiger, is again filled with big hooks and hits, but also with a bit more of an edge. The album's first single, "Union Of The Snake" is one of their most challenging and experimental songs. The song has a catchy hook built around a slinky guitar riff and a Moroccan vibe. There is a jazzy saxophone solo in the break and is flush with synth flourishes that give the song a mysterious and sensual sound. It peaked at number three on the charts. "New Moon On Monday" was the second single and is a straightforward song in the classic new romantic vein. The band produced a Thriller like, 20-minute video to accompany the song involving some bizarre underground resistance group in France. It helped propel the song to peak at number ten. The third single became the band's first US number one, "The Reflex". The album version differs from the single, which was remixed, as it doesn't have the female vocals that are some prominent in the single version. It is still catchy and quite memorable and one can tell upon first listen why it was smash hit. Other songs have a shiny sound including "(I'm Looking For) Cracks In The Pavement" and "I Take The Dice". The last two songs return the band to the edgier sound that appeared on the last few tracks on their first album. The haunting instrumental "Tiger Tiger" segues into the hauntingly beautiful "The Seventh Stranger" creating two of the finest moments in the band's history.

Another Reason Why The Music Of Duran Duran Has Touched Many
You are basically buying this for the remastering and although it's not quite as good as some remasters' I've heard I would still have to say it has very good remastered sound. No audio bonus tracks (Or bonus video's like the "Rio" remaster) present. Insert folds out and has the lyrics to the songs but there are no rare pictures of the band other than the original album cover of "Seven And The Ragged Tiger", Which I cannot call rare. Anyways the success here in the States of the Rio albums' hits seemed like a tough cookie to top, But they did it. "Union Of The Snake" slithered up the charts to strike #3, "New Moon On Monday" rose out of the darkness to shine at #10, And finally Duran Duran got the response they wanted from the audience with the stimulating sounds of "The Reflex", Which became their first #1 single. Their only other song to get to that spot was from the James Bond movie of the same name "A View To A Kill". They had seven songs break the top 5 and almost, But not quite, Do that feat. "The Wild Boys" (to name one) stayed at #2 for four weeks. Thanks Simon, John, Andy, Nick, Roger and everyone else that contributed to the success of Duran Duran... What a ride! Cheers.

Terri Jo and JLennon fan have it all wrong
(...)Duran Duran's third album is a postmodern exercise is avant garde rock. Comparing these guys to Roxy Music is insane since Roxy Music would be nothing without Duran Duran. Just get this album now.

Dancing on the Valentine.
By the time Duran Duran's 1983 "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" came out, its platinum success was all but guaranteed. At that point, the Birmingham-based group was already a staple on MTV and had their first two albums in Billboard's Top Ten. Typically, each Duran Duran album sounds different from the one that preceded it, and the weirdly named "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" is no exception. They replaced producer Colin Thurston (who did the first two records) with Alex Sadkin and Ian Little, who were responsible for Duran Duran's smash hit "Is There Something I Should Know." The result is a slightly arty, more sophisticated sound that bears no resemblance to their 1981 self-titled debut. The record spawned three top ten singles, one of which, "The Reflex," went on to become their first American Number One single. Other interesting album cuts are the dynamic "Of Crime and Passion," "Shadows on Your Side," and the sax-flavored instrumental "Tiger Tiger." "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" has been remastered (there are no bonus tracks), and the sound quality is a decent improvement over the original CD pressing. Narrow-minded rock connoisseurs may scoff at both this band and this album, but "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" is still a fine effort from Duran Duran in its original, five-member lineup.

I couldn't let my friends know I had this album
You know, throughout the eighties I was a guitarist into all of the so called "hair bands" of the time such as Motley Crue, Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Ozzy, Sabbath etc. My circle of friends, also musicians, were of like tastes and would shun the likes of a Duran Duran.At leat publicly they would.I say that simply because I loved these guys but would never have admitted doing so at the time.
What does that have to do with respect to Duran Duran or this album in particular?
Good question with a very simple answer.
Its all about the songwriting not the sound and or style.
My personal preferance with respect to style and sound is constantly changing.But a good song is a good song no matter how it is presented.
That being said, this album is full of good songs.
It's as simple as that. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After 16 years in the pop diva business, Kylie Minogue doesn't bother reinventing herself. Maybe that's why Body Language sounds so effortlessly appealing. Confidence permeates the record's savvy mix of modern and retro, implanting slinky tunes like "Slow" into your brain's guilty pleasure section. Aided greatly by producer Kurtis Mantronik's resourceful touch, sparse electroclash rhythms blend easily with Minogue's shrewd pop sense, milking it for maximum catchiness. True, Kylie's barely-there voice remains a weak spot, and her attempt at rap on "Secret (Take You Home)" doesn't quite work (though it's better than you might think). More often, those helium tones are put to effective use; her sighing vocal on "Chocolate" is pure, sweet decadence. Prince himself might be a little envious of how well Mantronik lays down the 1999-style electro-funk, as tracks like "Still Standing" glide along on computer soul and the singer's practiced tease. And therein lies Body Language's most impressive feat: It makes Minogue's plastic sex appeal sound not just like the most natural thing in the world, but like an honest-to-God artistic statement. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (233)

Electronica yet soulful!!
Coming off of the biggest album of your career, most artists tend to repeat the same elements that helped to create that spark that the public loved...

That is not the case with this album, Body Language follows Fever--but in a more experimental sense.

Although she does record a track from Cathy Dennis--(writer of Can't Get You Out Of My Head)--After Dark is not the best track on this cd, nor is it the worst, but it is definitely not single worthy material.

This time around, she works with a variety of producers/writers including from Richard Stannard and Julian Gallagher --(co-writers of Love at First Sight and In Your Eyes)--worked with her on a track titled Loving Days that is introduced with a haunting orchestration reminescent of Madonna's Frozen.

In the past, Kylie has recorded with Johnny Douglas but the tracks they recorded together always seemed to get excluded from the albums, well this time around their collaborations make the cut and the highlight of their collaborations is a pop infused R&B track that is also the second single Red Blooded Woman.

The leadoff track Slow--coproduced with Emiliana Torrini--a mid-tempo electronica infused track that gave Kylie another #1 single worldwide including the US Dance Charts.

While this album contains electronica, classy disco Kylie, R&B Kylie, Indie Kylie, it's all worthwhile to pick this disc up to give it a spin as no two songs are alike on this record not even remotely close.

Pop :: Stop :: Drop :: HOT
Well, Body Language is another step forward for Kylie Minogue. . . (Congratulations on her Grammy for Fever's Come Into My World, by the way.)
It's not Light Years, and it's not Fever. It's different, but not that much more so. It's 80s influenced, and mature, daring, and classy . Some tracks are more R'n'B, some are a bit hip hop, but some are definitely dance. They're all pop. There are the uptempo tracks, there are the midtempo tracks... You can dance, you can relax, or, you can take a drive, as some other people have recommended. This album has got to have something that you want.

Slow is her debut single from the album, which divided her fans upon release -- you either loved it, or hated it upon first listen. But after more listens, some eventually grew to like this sexy, down-tempo, stripped-down electro song that was dubbed a "bold move" on Kylie's part.

Still Standing, which she used as the opening to her Money Can't Buy show in the UK November 2003. "I'm still standing / Keeping you dancing..." Hey, who do you think the lyrics in this dance track are talking about?

Secret (Take You Home) is very catchy in each and every part, and very fun. She raps in this song, but it's all for fun, and not meant to be serious. Not a bad attempt either.

Promises has a cool beat and a catchy chorus. My favorite part: "And the rest is silent..." ...silence... and then it jumps back to the chorus.

Sweet Music is the song about...writing a song. But this is indeed so nicely written and nicely done, that you've got to get up! and start dancing! Even if you didn't like Still Standing, this one has to get you.

Red Blooded Woman is the second single, and it's r'n'b (but that doesn't mean Kylie is ditching her pop). This single is currently having better reception than Slow. It has a faster tempo, and more things going on. The lyrics are about the devil and the angel on your shoulder type deal -- you've been hurt in love before...but I don't care! It also references two of her past singles (Spinning Around, Can't Get You Out Of My Head) and Dead Or Alive's You Spin Me Right Round.

Chocolate features slower, breathy vocals and well-written, more thoughtful lyrics that make it very sexy. Also a favorite with many fans. "...melt me slowly down..." And it feels just exactly like that.

Obsession is my favorite track. It's sung in a lower range, with lyrics about a self-centered ex. The end fades out with the repetitive line, "obsession is a dangerous state of mind..."

I Feel For You was produced by Kurtis Mantronik. It's...unusual, both musically and lyrically. Colorful words, though, and the thunder and the rain in the beginning and end of this song are a nice touch. Another song that I guess can grow on you.

Someday is a slower song; I like the lyrics but could do without some of the weird synthesizer sounds. It features some nice vocals by Green Gartside...

Loving Days is a slowly, ballad-y track that conjures up some nice imagery. If you know the story behind it, you'll understand -- she wrote it after taking a vacation with her boyfriend, Olivier, where they went sailing. Good lyrics, good vocals.

After Dark is a sexy midtempo track... Hmm, I don't know what to say for it, except that I like it.

The US version also features two bonus tracks, Cruise Control and You Make Me Feel (both co-written by Kylie), but I haven't listened to them enough to write them into the review. But, upon the first few listens, I can say this: not bad, not bad...

There are also the two videos on the enhanced CD. There's the music video for Slow, and the Money Can't Buy performance for Can't Get You Out Of My Head.

Body Language -- it's catchy, it's different, it's...wonderfully Kylie. Go buy it, now! :p

Fun songs...but not her best
I've had this cd for awhile. It's not quite as good as her older ones, but it's still a fun cd overall. The best and most catchy are "Red Blooded Woman", "Loving Days" (which sounds more like her older stuff), "Cruise Control", with the best song, in my opinion, being "Chocolate". I like that song almost as much as the real thing. I recommend this cd as a workout cd if you are a walker. It's got a good walking rythmn.

deplorable
i can bet a hundred bucks that my dog makes better farting sounds than her singing.only a loser can give this piece of crap more than one star.all the songs are bad and do not merit a listen on this cd.throw this stupid coaster in your trash can.get any album from the grateful dead instead

Kylie spinnin' around to dance pop!
Being a fan of Kylie for as long as I can remember esp during her Locomotion era, makes me proud of her, as she is able to stand the changes and new competition.

To me, her past two albums did very well in the market, when she made her comeback with Spining Around and then her famous na, na, na song (if you can still remember).

With Body Language, I was pretty 'slow' to recognise her dance tune in her first single and thought this album might be a flop. How wrong was I, when the second single came out and this Red Blooded Woman cant get out of my mind.

Soon, I fell in love with this bitter sweet 'Chocolate'. This kind of tingy feeling and bringing climax of pleasure when she mentioned - CHOCOLATE - Ooo ... I just love this song.

This album has its own taste, so does every box of chocolate that you open. So if you are playing this album for the first time, then this album is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you gonna find, till you taste the sweet sounding voice of 'Mint-not' - Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Pales in comparison to the European release...
Once again the U.S. fans of Ace Of Base get screwed. We only get ONE new track in "C'est La Vie (Always 21)" and three remixes of past hits. I think the only thing that makes this CD worth buying for the American consumer is that it includes "Life Is A Flower", the ORIGINAL version of "Whenever You're Near Me" from the inadequately promoted "Cruel Summer" CD. It also includes the Metro Remix of "Everytime It Rains from the aforementioned CD, and I DO commend Arista for including this, as should appeal to the more dance-oriented fans of the group. Now if we only had a video for it... Anyway, "C'est La Vie (Always 21)" is a great track that should receive radio airplay throughout the country. But a more optimum thing to do would be to make a collection almost exactly the same as this, though replace the two remixes at the end with the two other new tracks on the European release, and replace "Life Is A Flower" with "Whenever You're Near Me", and then include a second CD as a limited edition, which includes various songs such as "Life Is A Flower", "Dr. Sun", "He Decides (European Version)", "Travel To Romantis (European Version)", "Cruel Summer (Big Bonus Remix)", and "I Pray" from the European "Flowers" CD, plus "Love For Sale", "Into The Night Of Blue", "Mercy Mercy" and "No Good Lover", all single B-Sides from that CD. ANd for good measure, throw in "You & I" and the ORIGINAL version of "Lucky Love" from "The Bridge" CD plus "L'amour", a song Ace of Base recorded for a European Christmas CD a few years back. Now THAT would be CD worth buying. This is only worth buying for the die-hard fan or for one who can't get imports.

this cd is great!!!!
i love this cd i dont have it at my house my friend julia her mom has it and anytime i go somewhere we listen to this cd my favorite song is the sign i love that song it rocks wen i get in there car and julia wants a cd in missy her mom says wait a sec we have to listen to katie's song first i also like
the song (all that she wants) thats also a great song ok g2g
:katie-lynn

Ace Of Base - Greatest Hits
Ace Of Base - Greatest Hits~ Ace of Base is a good compilation with their main songs. They recieved som mean criticism for being airy and not bright. Then again that is why you listen to this kind of music. Want esoteric babel then read das kapital, Want to have fun and be fancy free then listen to this album.

The '90s ABBA
The idea of a Greatest Hits for a band like Ace of Base might strike some as ludicrous since 1) They've only had a few hits to begin with; 2) Most of those hits came off of 1994's "The Sign" album, which everybody already secretly owns. If, however, you somehow failed to get swept up in Ace of Base-mania back in the day and are just now discovering them, this is the disc you want. It includes "The Sign"'s three big hits: "All That She Wants," "The Sign," and "Don't Turn Around". Say what you will about those songs, but they were uber-infectious when they first came out. Also included are "Beautiful Life" and "Lucky Love," two of Ace of Base's better songs, as well as their cover of Bananarama's "Cruel Summer". Unfortunately, Ace of Base's limited American success starts becoming apparent when tracks unfamiliar to most Americans--such as the beautiful "Everytime It Rains"--start popping up. Points are also deducted for annoying remixes at the end, an only semi-chronological track order, and the fact that no new songs are included. Ace of Base might be the ABBA of the Nirvana generation, but their Greatest Hits is only so-so

Good but incomplete, get "Singles Of the 90's" instead
Check ebay.com if you don't wanna pay $40 (I got mine for $9.99 sealed), I would suggest skipping the US version of AOB's GH and get the European version instead. You get 6 more tracks, including 2 never before released songs, as well as the original mixes of Cruel Summer and Lucky Love (both superior to the US mixes). It also seemed like it was done with a more labor of love than the Arista GH.

Every track on this sans the remixes at the end are on the Euro version ... Read more

Amazon.com

The second in the Hip-O imprint's series of '80s box sets, this three-CD compilation collects 42 hits from the decade of decadence. For those who want to shake their booty, they can get their freak on to Rick James, "Jump" for the Pointer Sisters, and do a little "Safety Dance" to Men Without Hats. Love new wave? Indulge in Flock of Seagulls, Duran Duran, Devo, and Adam Ant. And for those who want to rock--although not too hard--there's Billy Idol, the Pretenders, Rick Springfield, and Scandal. Yes, many of these cuts are predictable, but there are some surprise entries, like Rockwell's "Somebody's Watching Me," Greg Kihn's "Jeopardy," Peter Schilling's "Major Tom," and Jan Hammer's "Miami Vice Theme"(!).Given this set's diverse artist roster, it's doubtful that you'll love every song; and, truthfully, the third disc is weaker than the others. But as a throwback for the music-video generation, Hit Me with Your '80s Box! makes a hip retro compilation that may finally get pop-culture snobs to admit that they liked many of these songs a lot more than they were willing to let on back in the day. --Bryan Reesman ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great Collection, But ...
This is a great collection of awesome 80's music, but I feel that each disc should have had about three more songs on them. Also, I think the title refers to Pat Benatar's HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT. Strangely enough, the song is nowhere to be found on this set???

I don't understand...
...Why does this box set not contain the very song its title is a reference to? If it were to be truly complete, it would contain: HIT ME WITH YOUR RHYTHM STICK, by Ian Dury & The Blockheads.

Huge collection of 80s hits
Some of them, I am so tired of hearing, and others I'd love to hear again! Nice mix

A great by for Any fan on Eighties Music
Hit me with your 80's box is great box set for anyone who likes eighties music. While it not as good as "Like, Omigod:The 80's pop culture box" It still will take the listener back to a great time in the music industry.

What a great 80's Box Set!!!
Some of the greatest songs of the 80's are on here! I listen to it in the car all the time! Great for 80's lovers!!!! ... Read more