Reviews (85)

kindred puts real meaning back into music
When I first heard "Far Away" last spring, I had only heard it ONE time!! I never forgot the song. I searched and asked everywhere, but no one knew what I was talking about. Then, by chance, last summer, I was watching VH1 Soul videos, and there they were. I made it a point to remember the name of the group and immediately went to the music store. Lo and behold I found the CD and I havent stop playing it yet. Every song, EVERY song is beautiful!!! The melodies, lyrics, rhythms, everything is tight! I've turned plenty people onto Kindred, but the true test was my mother. She refuses to listen to most of today's music. When i played KIndred in the car on our way to New Orleans, she fell in love. She bought her own copy as soon as we got there. I'm thirty years old and my tolerance for a lot of today's music is dwindling. And, like others, I've been searching for real music for our generation. Thank you, Kindred, for putting meaning back into music.

4-1/2 stars -- Surrender to Kindred
Jill Scott went to a local club one night and saw a performance by Aquil Diya and Aja Fatin, a husband-and-wife duo. She was so impressed with them that she immediately signed them to her record label, Hidden Beach, under the name Kindred the Family Soul. I'm not sure whether or not they had that name to begin with, but regardless, Surrender To Love is definitely worth your time.

What's the best song? Pick one: "Stars", "Meant To Be", "What Happens Now", and the list goes on. The music is great, and the lyrics ain't bad either. There's the woman's anthem "I Am", the creative title track, and, of course, "Far Away". And although I love "Rhythm Of Life", the remix blows the original out the water, particularly because of the extra flava (and I didn't say flavor, I said FLAVA). Even guest raps work well on this album, as evidenced by "Party's Over".

If only this album weren't so long (74 minutes), I could give it five stars. Oh well, Surrender To Love is still classic in every sense of the word.

Anthony Rupert

Exceptional Grown Folk's Music
There is no complement too great for Kindred. This album is incredible from beginning to end. It's hard to name a favorite, but I will: It's the track " If I". Oh my God it's the truth. See for yourself.

Surrender To Buy This Album
Yet again, Hidden Beach finds an eccentric talent. Kindred is just an adding of fresh air to Soul and R&B music. From the crowd-waker "Surrender To Love", the passionate "Stars", the jazzmotion of "If I", the heartfelt "Weather The Storm", and the down-hop "Party's Over", the album is just totally great and a MUST LISTEN TO for all generations and ages.

It's really rare to hear genuine Soul and R&B music. With Kindred, Musiq, J. Scott, I. Arie, E. Badu, and other others in their equivalent, it's about allowing human ears and emotions to feel good. That's what music should always be about.

Buy the album as if it's a treasure. Because when listening to it, you will have a treasure.

Dont Let This Album Slip Pass You...
I had this album for about a month now, but never got around to listen to it, I was going through my tons of CDs and said to myself, that me listen to this album and get a true feel for Kindred, I could kick myself in the behind for letting music this good get pass me for so long...The lyrics, the sound, the LOVE coming from this album, now I can't stop playing Kindred, I haven't felt this free and spiritual and so much emotion since India Arie's last album...Trust me, and I'm very critical about music (you have to be, nowadays), you can't go wrong...BUY THIS ALBUM NOW, or miss out forever.....Don't let this album slip pass u.... ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Philly soul sister and onetime Jill Scott backing singer Vivian Green nails a jazzy supper club vibe--as she does on songs like "What Is Love?" and the impossibly sad "No Sittin' by the Phone" from her lovely Love Story debut--you feel more elegant just listening to her. Green has one up on her hero, Barbra Streisand--she writes her own songs, credibly draws on the rich tapestry of gospel and R&B, and she can play. "24 Hour Blue" is equal parts funk and soul; "Superwoman" is a fluid, string-boosted call-to-arms for unappreciated women everywhere; and "Music" is an impossibly hip midnight-hour declaration of love for her craft. Manicured but never bloodless, slick but not austere, A Love Story stands as one of the most confident, accomplished, and sexy urban debuts in memory. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (115)

G'on Girl
You know how you get all hyped up to buy a CD and you get it and only like 4 songs on it? It is very rare that buy a CD and not skip through to avoid the "garbage" tracks. The last CD I was able to do that with was Tweets "Southern Hummingbird".

That was until I heard "Emotional Rollercoaster" on the radio one day and I listened to the dj to find out who this girl is. Soon after, I got her CD "A Love Story". It gives me a little bit of everything. The songs are simple, honest and overall refreshing. And this child can SANG!

I also liked the style of the music accompanying the lyrics, it was very well chosen, and highlights for her voice. Very adult, very contemporary, very (truly) R&B in rare form. I probably won't hear any of it in the club, but that's fine.

I just hope no one has the bright idea to hook her up with (For Example) Murda INC and put Ja Rule in a remix, that would just ruin it for me.

In short, a well deserved 5 stars. This girl is off the hook.

Excellent debut
I bought VG's cd mainly out of support - knowing that she was one of Jill Scott's former back-up singers & was not disappointed. It's good to see that some companies still try to roll out artists who are original & genuinely talented singer/songwriters. Viv's songs are deep & soulful with a jazzy bent which I love and I agree that she & Heather Headley along with groups like Floetry & Kindred are breaths of fresh air to the music world.

That being said on an initial listen, I felt that the songs melded one into the other seamlessly - there is a great balance of mid-tempo and slow love songs on this disc and it is definitely worth a listen. Out of 14 tracks there were only 2 that I really cannot get into (No Sittin By The Phone & Complete).

The tracks that stand out to me are: 24 Hour Blue, What Is Love?,
Emotional Rollercoaster, Affected, Fanatic & Ain't Nothin But Love

It's amazing to me that this album did not get any kind of Grammy consideration.

A Strong Debut
I bought this CD when I heard Emotional Rollercoaster playing on the promo for some TV show. The song really stood out and I went out and bought the CD. I was a little worried that would be the only good song on the album. Turns out I was wrong! This CD is very personal and very good. It's a very relaxing CD, but that doesn't make it boring. Her voice is very unique and simple. She doesn't oversing on any of the songs. The sequencing of the songs is also very good. All the songs flow well together and you can tell she really feels the songs. Off the top of my head, the standout songs are Emotional Rollercoaster, What is Love, Affected, No Sitting By the Phone, and Fanatic. All the songs are good, though. It's a shame this album wasn't more popular. If anyone deserves mainstream success, it's Vivian Green.

Enjoyable Listen
I really enjoyed listening to this album the first time around! Usually it takes a while for music to grow on me. I particularly liked her lyrics even though sometimes they were a little different from the average love song. Her songs are so relatable. Buy it! You'll be happy, I know I am! I'm looking forward to her new CD.

Nice Voice but she should sing someone elses material
I don't get it. The first song has to have the lamest lyrics I've ever heard in any pop song. "I wanna laugh until tears fall down my face and my abs are aching" or how about "I hope the children I sponsor down in Chile get the money I send and I wanna fly to Paris...with my husband"

Achh!! Please hire a song writer. Almost all of the R&B divas of past sang professional songwriters compositions. Now we expect them to write their own and this is how we pay for it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The very epitome of "been there, done that," LL Cool J also has the distinction of having originated (or, at least, being the most proficient at) half a dozen rap styles. On the hits collection All World, all the phases are represented: he was "hard as hell" on 1986's "Rock the Bells" and again on 1991's "Mama Said Knock You Out"; on 1987's "I Need Love," he was the painfully sappy precursor to Boyz II Men, but he had the formula down pat for 1990's "Around the Way Girl" (and then he went sappy again on 1995's "Hey Lover," a collaboration with the Boyz); and 1988's "Going Back to Cali" found him stylin'. He's had his ups and downs and managed to produce only a couple of truly killer albums, but LL's first dozen years show that he's left his stamp on nearly every facet of the hip-hop world. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (37)

This album will "crush you like a jelly bean".
In receiving this album you'll be blessed with 16 classic rap tracks from probably the greatest of all time. It starts off with "I Can't Live Without My Radio", the first track off LL's debut "Radio". THEN you get the most famous line of old school rap:"LL Cool J is hard as HELL!" It really takes you back. LL goes hard on tracks like "I'm Bad", and on 1990's "Mama Said Knock You Out". He takes on Kool Moe Dee with the diss-fest "Jack the Ripper" and "Jinglin', Baby", where he tells Dee to "pass the wine cooler you big black....". Of course, no LL album is complete without the slow, affectionate songs dedicated to the ladies. The first is "I Need Love", his first hit to top the charts, then comes "Around the Way Girl", which is possibly the best hip-hop ballad of all time. Then, big L chills with the classic "Going Back to Cali" and then on the upbeat "Boomin' System", all jams full of life today. This album will be played over and over again, mainly for the variety you get. The only downside is that 1989's "I'm That Type of Guy" is missing, and it is sorely missed. But songs like "Big Ole' Butt" and "Back Seat" make up for the egotism displayed on that track. Don't miss it. Crank "Mama Said Knock You Out" and then decide who's the G.O.A.T. LL's been through more bull than any other rapper, and "All World" is just a start of what is to come.

GOAT? Maybe.
In 1987, I was nine years old and this older kid that I knew gave me a bunch of 45s that he had. One of them changed my life forever. The record was by this guy named LL Cool J and the song was "I'm Bad." It was the first time I'd ever heard a hip hop record and I've been hooked (obsessed?) for the past 15 years.

Uncle L has gone through several incarnations and I really don't like anything that he's done since MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT (except for the brief period when the lion was re-awakened by Canibus) but fortunately all the classics are here: "Radio," "Rock the Bells," "Mama Said Knock You Out," and of course "I'm Bad" showcase the self-proclaimed baddest rapper in the history of rap itself, while he still speaks to the ladies with "I Need Love," "Jingling Baby," "Around the Way Girl" and depending on how you look at it, "Big Ole..."

Yeah, LL Cool J in 2002 isn't the same that was LL Cool J in 1991, but nothing great lasts forever. But his work changed my life and I can always relive that with this.

Pretty Good......But
One of LL's strongest suits is that he could take on all comers in the rap game, step his game up whenever and crush 'em (see Canibus). However, one diss record in particular got left of this compilation which was more deserving than "Jack The Ripper", and that was "Till The Break of Dawn" originally on the House Party 2 soundtrack. That record pretty muched sealed Kool Moe Dee's fate and put Ice-T in his place for even thinking he had enough lyrical skill to battle LL. Of course, since this LP came out in '97, I guess we'll have to wait for the song 4,3,2,1 as well as the ultimate diss that ruined Canibus's brief career on his G.O.A.T. LP. However, the remix for "Rock the Bells" is one of the most vicious singles ever released in hip hop and should have been put on this cd as well as the remix for "Doin it". I guess you can't have everything I suppose. But it's an okay compilation.

DYNAMITE ALBUM OF LL's HITS!!!!!
I went and got this album when it came out in '96! Very dynamic album of his hits! He was RUN-D.M.C's stiff competition from 1985-1988, but he had his own agenda in rap. The '85 songs are still raw, the '87 music is still mesmerizing, the one '88 offering is still blistering, the '90s songs were all unique. He proved that rappers could do ballads and still keep their uptempo hardness with I Need Love. I saw him in concert last year and he really tore it up. Excellent revolving lights swirling behind him and his DJ was hot. He had the crowd on its feet too! He is a testament to longevity in rap and most of today's competition needs to use him as a model for their ongoing success. His songs are diverse and he's always challenging himself too with his songs. This is a dynamite album for its 73 minutes--he selected the right and best songs for this collection!!!!!

THE WORLD OF LL.COOL J.
I LOVE THIS CD I LOVE LL COOL J. I LIKED HIM DURING THE 1980'S AND EARLY 1990'S HE DEFINITELY HAS MAD SKILLS I LOVE JUST ABOUT EVERY SONG ON THIS ALBUM . BACK IN THE 1980'S HE WAS ALL OF THAT . I LIKED HIS MUSIC AND I ESPECIALLY LOVE HIS LIPS HE OWNS A SET OF SEXY LIPS ; NOT TO MENTION A HOT BODY AND HE HAS SKILLS TO GO ALONG WITH IT. I USED TO LIKE TO SEE HIM WITH HIS KANGOL, HIS THICK ROPE CHAIN, HIS GOLD RING THAT WENT ON ALL FIVE FINGERS, HIS ADIDAS SWEAT SUITS, AND HIS ADIDAS TENNIS SHOES W/ FAT LACES."OH MY GOODNESS!!!! MY FAVORITE IS GOING BACK TO CALI I LOVE ALL OF THIS MUSIC LL.IS ALL OF THAT MY GOODNESS HE STILL LOOKS GOOD AND STILL CAN SING WELL !!!

MY FAVORITES ARE : GOING BACK TO CALI, RADIO, I NEED LOVE , AND ,MANY OTHERS. THEREFORE IF YOU ARE A LL.COOL J FAN OR IF YOU WERE ONE BACK IN THE 1980'S THEN THEREFORE I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU BUY THIS CD!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

great soundtrack with wide range of music
This soundtrack is perfect in many ways. It has a wide range of music but sticks to the classics and oldies. This is a good CD set for someone who enjoys like I said oldies and rock. Great songs like "Respect", "California Dreaming" And even "Mrs Robinson" appear on the cd's. There is also some extra tracks only on the cd version of the soundtrack. This is a great cd to add to your collection if you like rock, oldies ,and just enjoy good music. The movie is great too! Pick them both up it's a good buy the cd with see plenty of play time trust me.

Great soundtrack but incomplete.
Although the movie soundtrack is truly great, featuing a cross-section of the greates music of the 60's and 70's, the CD is incomplete. It lacks several tracks which were in the movie, including the Jimi Hendrix version of "All Along the Watchtower," and "Red, White and Blue." However, the presence of the other featured greats more than make up for it.

This CD is like a box of chocolates.
This is a good selection of rock and roll, but I don't think it's essential, unless "Forrest Gump" is your favorite movie of all time. There's no point in complaining about what's not here since that would take weeks. But what was selected, was done so because I think it said something about the times, the way people were feeling, and about what was going on. I don't think anything was included just because it rocked. "Elvis" of course because he's the king. "CCR" probably because of wartimes. "The Doors" and "Beach Boys" might represent that California vibe. "Dylan" and "Baez" for the folk and beatnik scenes. I'm sure many of these artists mean different things to different people. The song I connect to the most is Nilsson's "Everybody's Talkin'". For some reason it made me quit the military and move to New England. Of course all these songs can just be enjoyed without getting too deep about them. If you're looking for an eclectic mix of music from the 50's to the 80's, you should get your hands on "Forrest Gump".

Music for US History
I use this in my US History classes to set the mood for seveal decades in the modern era. Good Mix.

THIS SOUNDTRACK KICKS ...
OK WE ALL KNOW THIS MOVIE WAS ONE OF THE BEST! THE SOUNDTRACK IS AWESOME ON THIS MOVIE, THE BEST IVE HEARD IN AWHILE. I MEAN YOU GOT ALL THE GREAT HITS ON THIS CD! ANYONE WHO DIDNT LIKE THIS CD OR HE MOVIE HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEM. I GAVE THIS CD 5 STARS AND HOPEFULLY ONCE YOU LISTEN TO IT YOU WILL TO AGREE WITH ME! ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hard to imagine two more talented hipsters than Floetry singer Marsha Ambrosius and emcee Natalie Stewart, a.k.a. the Songstress and Floacist. The U.K. duo's Floetic debut has it all--smooth R&B, soulful jazz, hip-hop, spoken word, supple ballads and a warmth that cradles the listener from beginning to end. In short, it's exquisitely, decidedly feminine. The pair occasional raise the roof with sizzling rhymes and beats, but they clearly place a premium on vibe, evident in Floetic's mostly chilled, after-dark feel. Jill Scott and Michael Jackson have already benefited from Floetry's deft songwriting; Jacko covered Floetry's "Butterflies" on his Invincible disc. A demo version of that song is included here, but that's the least of the bounty. "Hello" is pure honey with the women's silky voices braided in harmony while the dreamy, gently gurgling "Sunshine" is like a soundtrack to a daydream. Comparisons abound (Lauryn Hill-meets-Dionne Warwick as scored by a blunted De La Soul maybe?) but perhaps the best description of Floetic yet unearthed is "sass and soul." And, at almost 70 minutes long, it's a steal. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (134)

Best debut I've ever heard!
I must say I was very impressed wit this album from the very talented Floetry - quite frankly I was blown away, even after I dismissed the first single "Floetic". Every track is brilliantly prepared, and the 2 bonus tracks (Butterflies demo and Now You're Gone) are excellent. Even if you are not a fan of Natalie's spoken flows (which are very good), Marsha's voice is enough to keep anyone listening, Here is my analysis on each song:

1. Big Ben - hypnotic intro, but you'd prefer to skip it after the first few listens
2. Floetic - i was NOT feeling this song. i do not like it at all. its sound is not very catching, especially for a 1st single
3. Ms. Stress - wonderful! nat and marsha work very well 2gether on this song.
4. Fun - upbeat, nice song. it doesnt knock you off ur feet but still a nice song
5. Sunshine - this song makes you think. very relaxing
6. Headache - also very good. not too mch to say about this record, but its good
7. Possibilities - kinda like the intro, you'd prefer 2 skip it over after the first few listens. not that its a bad song, yo'd just be in a hurry 2 hear the better songs after it. emotional song, inspiring
8. Say Yes - hypnotic! this should've been the 1st single. very sexy song and its a definite "cut jam"
9. Hello - not much 2 say about this song. its wonderful tho
10. Getting Late - another cut jam... its got a innocence to it. very pure, but still sexy
11. Hey You - everyone can relate to this song. its another floetry slow jam, and its wonderful
12. If I Was A Bird - very pretty. almost predictable lyrics, but the way marsha sings makes it seem all brand new
13. Opera - ok song... u have to be in the mood for it, but if u are then its grade a quality
14. Mr. Messed Up - faster song where marsha takes the lead. nice song
15. Butterflies (bonus track, demo version) - if u heard the micheal jackson version, you heard this. they sung the hook on mj's version and aside from a lil difference in the vocals. still good tho
16. Now You're Gone (bonus track) - one of the best songs on the album. THERE IS SO MUCH EMOTION IN THIS SONG! Its my personal favorite. i cried the first tyme I heard it

GO GET THIS ALBUM! ANYONE WHO KNOWS GOOOOOD MUSIC WILL APPRECIATE IT! ITS ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES OF 2003

Positive Lyrics & Uplifting Messages Welcomed
The Philly females that make up Neo-Soul RnB/Rap group Floetry are very talented women, women who still have positive insights on political issues, love & the world. If you pop this into your cd player, you won't hear no drug dealing, no sexual encounters, and absolutely no bullets flying through the air. Just inspirational lyrics over smooth instrumentals that would be right at home in smokey underground jazz clubs that open their doors at midnight. As usual though, the true musicians in the industry today will be overlooked for artists that sell strictly on their look alone, and its a shame, for this album should not be slept on.

The ground-breaking special effects in the video for the album's first single "Floetic" was a very smart move. Without these, the video most likely would not even get noticed, because the women that make up Floetry actually keep their clothes on in the video, something rare in the world today. The album is very diverse, the topics range from many different issues, however songs are still enjoyable instead of feeling like your in school. Tracks like "Fun", "Sunshine", "Headache" & "Possibilites" are all hot as hell and will definetly keep the attention of fans of Erykah Badu or D'Angelo.

The album is also laced with gorgeous ballads such as "Say Yes", "Hey You" & "If I Was a Bird". Fans who don't understand the metaphors & poetic invisions imbedded in the Neo-Soul music will think these girls are insane and speaking some form of gibberish, but for those who can, they will find themselves agreeing with their opinions & spiritual offerings.

The debut album from these women is very impressive and I hope to hear a great deal more from them in the future. Its rare today in this industry to find artists that can keep it real, by speaking of topics that affect everyone's lives. No matter what age you are, listening to this album will benefit you. These soul sistas are doing something truly amazing and I can't wait for them to hit us hard again. Keep an eye on Floetry because they are doing their thing, while also advancing the Neo-Soul movement.

The reviewer that said the CD is ok is crazy
The CD is excellent!!!! This is grown folks music. Turn off the lights and light a candle to listen to this CD. I will buy anything they release.

You need to release stress....
I love this CD, the beats are mellow and so soothing. You won't be disappointed.

actually not that good - but the six songs that are are...
AMAZING. Many songs on this album are a drag, and are extremely boring. But the six good songs are catchy, meaninful, with a soulful beat - great hip hop. I absolutely love "Floetic" "Big Ben" "Ms Stress" "Say Yes" "Hello" and "If I Was A Bird". I especially love "Floetic" and "Say Yes". Little drops of sweet heaven. All in all, quite a bland album with some genius songs, though. I guess it is worth buying for those songs. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

Of all the great male '60s soul singers--a short list that includes Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and James Brown--only Solomon Burke still actively records. More amazing, he's produced his best full-length album with Don't Give Up on Me. It's easy to give some credit to the album's star songwriters, who include Burke fans Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Brian Wilson, and Bob Dylan. But really it's the quality of the songs and Burke himself, one of the most versatile and charismatic singers around, that make this album so special.

The 11 songs range from the lazy, seductive plea of the title track and the gravelly gospel of "Diamond in Your Mind" to the country-soul of "Other Side of the Coin" and the civil-rights-era urgency of "None of Us Are Free." Joe Henry's production is suitably subdued, and the instrumentation--generally guitar, bass, drums, organ, and piano--is sympathetic throughout. And if you doubt that Burke is the real star in a room crowded with those folks, consider this: the two slightest tracks here were written by Wilson and Costello, while one of the best, the album-closing "Sit This One Out," was written by someone named Pick Purnell. A great album not fixed in the past or fully of this decade, Don't Give Up is a crowning achievement of an R&B pioneer who has returned to reclaim his self-bestowed title from the '60s: "The King of Rock and Soul."--Keith Moerer ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Ear Candy
What do you get when you combine the voice of Solomon Burke with the songwriting abilities of Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Nick Lowe, Brian Wilson, Barry Mann, and Elvis Costello? The best ear candy of 2002. The songs run from down and out blues, thru gospel, and contains some of the best soul singing since (fill in the blank).

Never Gonna Give Up On You
Solomon Burke sounds as good as he did in the last century. Maybe even better. The title track, "Don't Give Up on Me", is an excellent example of the timelessness of great Soul Music. This song is also a perfect venue to showcase Burke's formidable vocal range. I was hooked early on, when during his pleadin' & beggin' he slips into an effortless falsetto worthy of singers less than half his age.

The tunes from Van Morrison, "Fast Train" and "Only a Dream" also provide Burke with ample opportunity to sing from his soul.
"Flesh and Blood" is an interesting Dark Blues psychedellica. Like something right out of the late 60's at The Fillmore with a light show in the background. On "Diamond In Your Mind", Burke does Tom Waits better than Waits himself.

Brian Wilson's "Soul Searchin'" is a catchy tune, but a bit too lite for my taste. Nevertheless, Burke seems to have some fun with it--as he did with the Dylan song, "Stepchild". "The Judgement" by Elvis Costello is a terrible song that Solomon Burke couldn't even resurrect. I edited it right out and wondered why Joe Henry didn't do the same.

"None of Us Are Free" is a powerful song with a message that most who rule the world still don't get. With help from the Blind Boys of Alabama, Burke is just the person to send it out again.

Joe Henry has succeded in producing an album of Real Music and I appreciate the no-frills live session. Critics of the mix should listen to some of the later Stax Volt sessions for an example of how it sounds when you turn up the music at the expense of the vocals.

Finally, with all due respect to the songwriters who have contibuted to this album, the masterful Solomon Burke certainly doesn't need their celebrity to sell his albums. Solomon Burke's singing is reason enough to buy this cd.

All beautiful songs by sincere musicians
This cd has two "sunny" sides.
- All the material is performed with an uncommon soulfull sincerity.
- The songs are in fact beautifully produced with very gifted musicians.
There are no drawbacks with this cd. Just press "play" and "repeat".
I saw Solomon Burke live at the North Sea Jazz Festival. It was an impressive first encounter with this remarkable man.
I recommend the DVD of his concert at the NSJ festival to everyone.

none of us are free!
THIS CD IS GREAT IF YOU HAVEN'T PURCHASED IT SHAME ON YOU THIS IS BY FAR HIS BEST WORK YET. MR. BURKE DID RECEIVE A GRAMMY FOR THIS PROJECT WHICH IS A LONGTIME COMING TO HIM!

Soul Music at its Best
One of the best records i have ever heard hands down. This one ranks up there with some of the best ever. As for Solomon's voice it is better than ever, and the songs are all top notch. ... Read more

Album Details

Freestyle, house music's close cousin, exploded in popularity during the early 1980's. With artists like Stevie B, Trinere & TKA cranking out memorable jams like 'Party Your Body', 'I'll Be all You Ever Need' & 'Maria', fans went absolutley wild. This 1997 SPG label four-disc set captures the essence of the freestyle genre, featuring the hits from the artists mentioned above, plus songs by Nice & Wild, Pebbles, X-Posed, Debbie Deb & much, much more. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Freestyle fans this cd is for you
Freestyle was a sound different from the mainstream.It was a latin hip-hop sound in which at times seem like sugar to the ears.But it was the sound that with help shape the eurodance sound of the mid to late 90's.Freestyle was the teen pop of many latino and non latino kids in the city.Withs its theme in love and heartbreak over latin flavored hip-hop.It was a moment in time and a sound of the late 80's teenager. Even know it never got as big as new jack swing it did leave its mark on dance pop.If you listen to the eurodance artists like amber,the real mccoys and labouche you will hear the keyboard licks of freestyle.As an Dj i'm always asked what music did i start playing first when i started djing 16 years ago.Freestyle was the first music i spun back in the day.All the songs on this cd was what i spun and they were popular.For me this cd really gives you the flavor of freestlye when it started going mainstream.Also when the sound started to die out.So pick it up and party your body

where's Coryne Eyse?
This Album could be so much better if u added the song"A little bit of luv" By Coryne Elyse realesed in 1991 on OnnaRoll records!The song is on Metroplolitan presents the best of Onnaroll Vol. 1

An Essential For Freestyle Fans
If you're anything like me and love freestyle but want diversity in the voices you hear - this is the CD set for you! You get all the classic freestyle hits from tons of artists without buying tons of individual CD's. You get some of the best freestyle songs ever made and for around [price]. If you find better -- let me know!

freestyle greatest collecton.#4 cds.
I came from my country in 1985. And I didn`t speak or understand english . I started to listen the radio in english,at that time the music that was playig, it was freestyle.Like I say I didn`t understand english,but all the beat`s,the music,the voices of the singer`s,made me love it till know & forever I used to like disco music,like the BEE GEES,DONNA SUMERS,GLORIA GAYNNOR,THE COMODORES,K.C &THE SUNSHINE BAND.They were good, but like the decade of freestyle,it`s never going to be.I just hope,we the people who like freestyle we never let`it died

A must-buy 4 freestyle fans
This cd set is the best deal around. For under 30 bucks you get 4 cd's with all old school freestyle classics. If you're a freestyle fan you have to get this cd. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

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

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

Reviews (79)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

Pop-soulful in an archaic, '60s manner; mildly provocative at the time of their appearance due to singer Mick Hucknall's uncloseted status; Simply Red are global superstars masquerading as an urban sophisticate cult item. Fans from the U.K. and other countries already know this. But in the States we don't quite believe that a group like this can be suave without being cheesy. America, here's your proof once again: the No. 1 smashes "Holding Back the Years" and "If You Don't Know Me by Now," packed with a smattering of overseas chart hits. But where's "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye?" If you like this one, also try Picture Book, the band's 1985 debut. --Gavin McNett ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Do The Right Thing.
Unfortunately, Simply Red only had a couple of hits in America, namely "Holding Back The Years", "Money's Too Tight To Mention" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now." However, as this fantastic compilation attests, they are much more than just three hits. This greatest hits package has everything a casual fan would want. At 15 tracks it's well worth the money. Plus, no one can sing like Hucknall can. Pure white soul, and great music that already sounds classic. This is a must have for any rock collector.

Some pretty good English Rock-Pop is included here!
I had never know much about Mick Hucknall's Simply Red, except for the fact that I heard both "Something Got Me Started" and "Stars" on the radio in 1991, being two of my favorites by this group. Actually, I also remember their remake of "If You Don't Know Me By Now" from sometime in the '80's, a song which I absolutely cannot stand, as it's just the wrong kind of slow song that I don't like. My other favorites are "Holding Back The Years", "Money's Too Tight To Mention", "The Right Thing", "It's Only Love", "A New Flame", "Thrill Me" and "Your Mirror". The others are fair and so-so. Now, I do really think that this collection is quality material indeed, so I recommend it highly. Some decent R&B-style music is good to hear now and then!

Simply Great Red
As a singer I Love this guy, "Holding Back The Years" an all-time
Classic! Mick is the vocal brother of my other all-time fav
Daryl Hall. Two of the BEST EVER!

Props to a Real Soul Man
I have always had a "thing" for cool guys with red hair, so Simply Red has always been on my bacground radar. With all due respect to their wonderful cover of Harold Melvin & Co.'s "If You Don't Know Me By Now" as well as other well-done covers, I really purchased this CD for their slammin' interpretation of "It's Only Love". It was a real shock to discover that the original was written and recorded by the late, great Barry White! Trust me on this--Simply Red's version is much better. My only complaint is that there is a longer version of this somewhere--and I wish I could find it! The rest of the cuts are tuneful, elegant and totally put me into a groove when I listen. Simply Red rocks. And now I am addicted to "Sunrise"....

If you don't know them by now, get this cd.
"Simply Red" is one of those bands I never thought too much about, until I picked this up. I didn't expect to know much besides "Holding Back The Years" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now", but was suprised at the amount of other hits, and great music in general. Other well known songs include "Money's Too Tight (to mention)", "Right Thing", "A New Flame", and the superb "Stars". Other favorites of mine are "Something Got Me Started" and "For Your Babies". There's also "The Essentials" best of, but this disc is much better than that. Basically, this is really just filled front to back with great pop/soul songs. It's well worth it even for just the two big hits, and should be in any music lovers collection. ... Read more