Reviews (22)

What does it mean to be a Doobie Brothers fan?
Because of age and circumstance -- I was in high school at the Doobie Brother's peak popularity -- I couldn't resist buying the compilation from Rhino. To me it was an obvious improvement on the two previous volumes of their "Best" as it omitted a lot of fluff, and much better than the live presentations of hits, either because of poor sound (the farewell tour) or personnel (the repackaged "original band" of the 90s compilations). But listening to this album got me to start thinking: how can any one person be a fan of all the distinct incarnations of the Doobies? The early 70s faux-Southern rock stylizations vs. the late 70s blue-eyed soul? Perhaps only if you're a big fan of Patrick Simmons, who seemed to be the only one that meshed with both styles. Perhaps the consideration of the disparate nature of their hesitatingly adopted styles leads me to believe that the Doobies are a band with little grounding, with little aspiration beyond hit-making, and who ultimately can only be appreciated at some surface level. Still, the music is fun, evocative of an era which abounded in experiment, with a lot of bands romancing eclecticism, if only to the degree allowable by AM pop radio standards. Thanks again to Rhino for providing a digital window on an analog world.

Greatest Doobie Hits!!!
The Rhino released "Greatest Hits" offers an excellent overview of the biggest hits from the legendary Doobie Brothers. While it doesn't include every single hit the band has ever made, it does include the signature Doobie classics, the ones you'd expect to find a Doobie best-of.
Tracks like "Listen To The Music", "China Grove", "Black Water" and "Long Train Runnin'" are all here as well as the later Michael McDonald-led tracks "Takin' It To The Streets", "You Belong To Me", "What A Fool Believes" and "Minute By Minute". There are even two tracks each from the band's late '80s/early '90s comeback efforts, "The Doctor" (from 1989's "Cycles") and "Dangerous" (from 1991's "Brotherhood").
This is a very satisfying single-disc collection from a great band of Brothers. All the best-known hits are here.
The CD booklet isn't too shabby either as it offers a brief but detailed history of the band from the beginning up to 2001. If you don't any Doobie Brothers music on CD yet, THIS should be the first pick.

Nice, but incomplete
Seems that most of these greatest hits collections always leave off one or two hits. This one is no exception. This is a good collection and since a group like the Doobie's has such a large catalog, you will never be able to put all the great songs on a single CD, however, when you are supposedly putting out a "complete" greatest hits CD, it should at least include all the top 40 hits instead of bumping some to include lesser hits or album cuts that didn't even chart. Top 40 hits missing from this collection are Another Park Another Sunday and Sweet Maxine. Some other hits that just missed the top 40 that should have been included are Eyes of Silver, Little Darling (I Need You), and Need A Little Taste Of Love.

Perfect way to start off for a new Doobie Brothers fan
I think that this CD is a perfect choice for those who is starting off as a Doobie Brothers fan and this CD is also recommened for casual fans who are on a limited budget and this CD has all of their songs from 1971-91, about half of the songs contains the Tom Johnston era while the other half contains the Michael McDonald era and for those who like a little variety of music would like this CD and it contains everything from southern pop, hard rock, soft rock and gospel sounding pop.

Although a few more songs would've been nice but this CD is great enough to have.

Doobie Doobie Doo... the Greatest Hits!
Although I was very young when the Doobies were still a band, I distinctly remember some of their hits... namely What a Fool Believes, Minute by Minute and a number of hits when Michael McDonald came aboard. The band is great, the songs? Well, they are great as well. Although I prefer that Doobies when Michael changed their 'sound', the pre-Michael songs are also as good. Songs like Long Train Running, Jesus is Alright... sits well with me as with the Michael era. Some songs I just heard through this compilation, but I enjoyed them as well. Had the Doobies been active during the time I was a teen in the 80s, they would've surely been a favorite band for me then. I learned about the Doobies because I was a Michael fan, and I'm sure glad I did.

Get this compilation even if you are not a Michael or Doobie fan... that's if you love great musci for the soul! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Riding an '80s backbeat and their own velvet harmonies, 112—R&B's answer to the pure-pop boy band—sails into Pleasure & Pain with "Let This Go," a hard-edged charmer that works equally well as pound-the-steering-wheel morning commute music or a sophisticated club jam. The rest of the disc follows suit, detouring here and there for ladies-only love songs ("Nowhere," "That's How Close We Are"), a soul interlude ("We Goin' Be Alright"), and sexy toe-dips into hip-hop ("If I Hit" featuring T.I. and "Closing the Club" featuring Three 6 Mafia). More than anything, this fifth album is a measure of the band's musical mettle: Instead of trading entirely on the 1996 sound that earned them a ride up the charts with "Only You," Q, Mike, Slim, and Daron work it out in a way that says they're as done with the last century as the rest of us. Best of all, that baby-don't-break-my-heart wail that could pay the boys' bills by itself works its way into nearly every track.--Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Good, just a bit too urban though...
No one can deny that groups like 112, Boyz II Men, Blackstreet, Destiny's Child, En Vogue, and etc. can sing.The members of 112 harmonize very well. The main problem is the tasteful nature of the recording.While supergroup Boyz II Men were an urban group, they were a tasteful urban group.They weren't too urban that they bored or lost fans.I personally think that urban music is wonderful and unique, but I also think you shouldn't spoil a recording with too much "urbaness". There has to be a tasteful degree.

Pleasure and Pain is an urban album.Overall, it is a very "pleasurable" listen, but at times it is just a little too urban.That seperates it from better R&B albums in general (aka Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Luther Vandross, & Usher). All of these artists have their urban quailities, but they don't over compensate trying to be urban.

As with most albums, the intro isn't necessary, but how can you fault an artist for 1:30 tops?No big deal."Let This Go" is the perfect mid-tempo urban selection.But you can't help to compare 112 to Boyz II Men, who were truly the supergroup of the 1990s."What If" is really urban, yet enjoyble and one of the better tracks.

"U Already Know" is surprisingly dirty.Upon my first listen of this CD, I didn't capture the sexual innuendos, but they are all over the place in this raw track.As raw as it is, it is another winner."Damn" is a good track.Another raw venture is "If I Hit" feat. T.I. which I'm sure you can use your imagination a figure out whate they are insinuating.

While the album is good, some of the rest of the tracks venture too far urban to be hits, and it is as I stated earlier, quite raw, yet not as raw as say gangsta rap which doesn't leave anything to the mind. It is an enjoyable listen, nonetheless.

Nice RnB album
Now before i start this i must say that i'm not much of an RnB fan, the only thing i listen to is hip-hop, but my brother bought this and he gave it to me tellin me it's really good. at first i didn't pay much attention to it but then one day i just thruw it in my sterio and started checkin out. and i was really surprised how good this album is, i never heard much from this guys before and now i'm gonna have to start checkin out their old materials.
Almost every song is good, and it's not like any of these RnB garbage that comes out these days, these RnB stars need to be more like 112 and make songs like these guys.
my fav song on the album is 'Nowere', i really like tha beat and how good these guys sing, others are 'U Already Know', 'Last to Know' 'My Mistakes' 'That's How Close We Are' 'If I Hit'. other really standout tracks are 'What the Hell Do You Want' and 'God Knows', these two songs are mindblowing, i also like the brilliant 'why can't we get along'.

This album get 8/10 overall. good chillout album.

Peace out.

waste of m oney
I was not impressed at all.Same ole, same ole, same ole......Nothing new or original, in some cases it was just raunchy.I enjoy 112's previous work, but this CD was a real disappointment.

Pleasure-ful and Pain-less
112's 5th album, Pleasure & Pain falls short of being a 5-star disc. With the majority of R&B releases, it has its share of filler. The first half of the disc is the most exciting while the latter half is sunk down with ballad after ballad. Some albums work well with ballad after ballad if each ballad stands out. Here the ballads don't stand out from each other. It just ends up sounding like one long ass song. I do applaud 112 for being one of the few male R&B groups to make it to a fifth album. My personal highlights include: What If, Damn, and U Already Know.

im 16 b****!!
YO THIS 112 CD IS HOTT YALL YOU NEED TO COP IT THESE R MY FAV SO HIT ME UP IF IM WRONG! IntroLet This Go What If U Already Know If I HitWay - Jermaine DupriWhat the Hell Do You Want

Holla at cha gurl! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The self-proclaimed "King of Rock 'n' Soul" upholds his title on this follow-up to his 2002 Grammy-winning comeback, Don't Give Up on Me. At 64, Solomon Burke's voice still has an electric crackle. Every low purr and keening near-falsetto that he applied to a string of hits between 1961 and 1968 that helped build Atlantic Records remains intact. In fact, if anything, he's more persuasive and versatile today. Burke breathes zestful life into material as diverse as the opening stomp, "I Need Your Love in My Life," the testifying "Let Somebody Love Me," a sweet reading of the Band's "It Makes No Difference," and Hank Williams Sr.'s country-gospel "Wealth Won't Save Your Soul"--the latter of which Burke, who's an ordained bishop, takes to church with a soaring organ-driven arrangement.

Producer Don Was draws on the classic Stax and Muscle Shoals sounds, using keyboards and guitars--the latter played by Ray Parker Jr. and Shoals veteran Reggie Young--to underscore Burke's powerful vocal melodies. And the bloodlines of classic Memphis propulsion run through drummer James Gadson's veins. With such superb accomplices Burke doesn't just make do... he makes great music. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Keeps getting better with age
Solomon Burke is my favorite singer and has been practically all my life since we are about the same age. I know people raved over his last effort but for my tastes this one is even better. There isn't a clinker in the bunch and he exhibits his phenomenal range. His lows are on a par with Barry White and his highs are without peer. This CD starts with I Need Your Love In My Life and ends with Wealth Won't Save Your Soul. From beginning to end its a joy.

Don't let this one pass you by
A pleasant surprise.Given the variety of songsand stunning vocals on his last Album, Don't Give Up on Me, I wasn't sure what the King would do as a follow up.But after listening to the new album twice I can testify that he hits the mark quite often here.His anguished wail on "It makes no difference" and his soulful pleas on Fading Footsteps prove once again that this guy sings from the heart and soul.And if you have any doubts about his place in music history, just listen to him tear up the Hank Williams tune "Wealth won't save your soul".Don't let this one pass you by.

Age is no impediment
Solomon teaches the kids how it's done. Turn it up, roll the windows down, have fun.

a REAL soul album
Don't Give Up on Me was fine enough, but it wasn't really a soul album and it was far too subdued. On Make Do with What You Got, Solomon really cuts loose, and he's got a band full of seasoned soul musicians (Ray Parker Jr., who played with Steve Wonder and led the soul band Raydio pre-Ghostbusters, Bill Withers' drummer, Muscle Shoals guitar great Reggie Young, and Solomon's own church organist, among others) with him. The result is stupendous.

The lead-off track is a cover of a Coco Montoya song that sounds just like the Stones circa Exile, but with better vocals. It's just amazing. Fading Footsteps and the title track are both stomping soul number with a slightly more modern (like, mid-seventies) feel. The rest is mostly ballads, including scorching takes on The Stones' I Got the Blues, a Hank Williams gospel song.

This is a fantastic album that any soul music fan should love.

A Classic & A Triumph
I agree with Billboard magazine's assessment - this CD is "a soul classic".The songs are smart & possess quite a kick, and Solomon throws himself into each one - as if he knew how to sing a song any other way.What's especially gratifying is that this is the type of album that gets made so rarely these days.First, it's old-school soul music - 'comfort music' of the first order if you were born anytime from 1950 to 1960.Think Stax, Hi Records, Muscle Shoals - you get the picture.Slippery Hammond B3 organ, snakey rhythmn guitar, tight bursts from the horn section, slammin' drums, all hanging on Rev. Burke's every sung word.Second, it would seem that it was recorded pretty 'live' in the studio, although the performances are all spot-on.In other words, this is a guy who can get it right the first time - he knows what he's doing from note-one to note-last (as he proved on recent appearances on Letterman and Conan). The producer, players, and songwriters are all A-team, but all in the service of bringing the best qualities of the star to the forefront.Dylan, Robbie Robertson, and Dr. John are not only great songwriters, but "What Good Am I?", "It Makes No Difference" and "Make Do With What You Got" are among the best songs they ever wrote.Plus it's a kick to hear him lay into the Stones' "I Got The Blues".Long story short, this is an extraordinary album of great songs, great arrangements, and stirring performances.Buy one for yourself, and another for someone you know who needs a lift.A increasingly-rare slice of funk, fun, and feeling. ... Read more

Reviews (172)

Sharing Shoes
I've enjoyed the entire CD from beginning to end. I can relate to the heart that was put into song from many different experiences. I too am a recovering person that went through some things that could be put into song. "Matter of time" is one of my favorites because I use to live in Detroit, I just close my eyes and the song comes alive. The famous saying still goes forth, "A song writer can't reach his best work until goes through life's experiences". God bless the ones who are still alive to write and sing about the experiences, such as Kem. So sit back after a long day and let the vocals tickle your eardrums and ease your mind at the same time. You'll be surprise what this music would do for your peace of mind. You must buy this CD! I wish I could be on the making of this video(Matter of time) if there isn't one already. Putting picture with the words and music would grab even a larger audience. People need to see the stuggles in life from an everyday person. Kem thanks for bringing music back to earth where I can relate.

Al Jarreau's Long Lost Progeny?
I first heard Kem at a friend's house. Now, being originally from Detroit, I know good soul music when I hear it and it takes a lot to impress a native. But when this brother's satiny vocals started pouring from the speakers, a part of me just melted. The very first thought that cam to my mind was the warm breeze on a humid Detroit summer day (if you've ever been, ya know what I mean!). I imagined a midnight ride along the Detroit River with my love with Kem's voice as our soundtrack. I know it sounds cliche', but this brotha is smooth. He effortlessly blends jazz and soul, gospel and a little bit of coffeehouse vibe, all with that tinge of Motown flavor that makes it so delicious. "Missing Your Love" is one of my favorites because it reminds me of my long distance lover and its just so damn cool. The songs blend into one another like a seamless line. This is grown folk music, y'all.

And I can't end this review without mentioning the fact that Kem is almost a dead ringer for Al Jarreau in his song stylings and mood. Now for the diehard AJ fans, this may sound like blasphemy, but its true. There is that familiarity and effortless melding of lyrics and melody that make me think young Kem might just be kin to the great Al Jarreau, or at lest one of his greatest admirers. You never know...

Pure Pleasure
Alone or with that special someone. Listening or Dancing. No matter where you are, Kem will transport you to another space, timeless and beautiful.

Nothing else matters or exists "in this place".

Best CD I've bought in as long as I can remember!!
I can't stop playing it! If you like jazz, R&B or soul you need to hear this and buy it immediately! Incredible vocal range and a rythm you won't be able to turn off.

Great debut album!

WONDERFUL!!!!!
I LOVE THIS ALBUM THIS IS A VERY NICE ALBUM AND I LIKE AND ENJOY KEM. HE IS MULTITALENTED. HE IS A VERY TALENTED PERSON AND I ENJOY THIS WHOLE CD. THIS CD IS WONDERFUL, EVERY SONG IS GREAT. YOU CAN SEE RIGHT THROUGH KEM ON THIS ALBUM. I LOVE KEM HE IS WONDERFUL AND HE HAS MADE SOME WONDERFUL MUSIC. THIS IS A SOLID ALBUM EVERY SONG ON HERE IS GREAT WAY TO GO KEM!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

With her exotic beauty and steamy voice, Sade couldn't help but be a star. Taking the more sensuous elements of island beats, smooth jazz, and R&B, Sade scored major hits with the continental feel of "Smooth Operator" and the sultry stylization of "Your Love Is King." Her voice was often criticized for being thin, yet she made it work to her advantage with songs like the haunting "Jezebel," on which her delivery added the vulnerability necessary to the song. Sade sounded best when she stuck to the lower register, and there is nothing thin about her dynamic handling of her torch song "Is It a Crime." "The Sweetest Taboo" was one of her last great moments before years of mediocrity, chronicled here by the lifeless "Stronger Than Pride" and the limp "Nothing Can Come Between Us." "No Ordinary Love" was a return to form with the smoky richness back in her vocals and the urban/island feel of her first release. Best of Sade goes right up to her hit "Pearls," which, remixed, became a dance floor hit. The nicest surprise here is "Please Send Me Someone to Love," with Sade proving that although her range may be limited vocally, she doesn't suffer the same fate artistically.--Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (69)

...FROM THE PRESPECTIVE OF A DIE-HARD SADE FAN...
"The Best of Sade",is an essential of life if you ask me.I'm not just saying that because I'm a mega-fan of Sade
but because you're not going to get music this beautiful,clear,
and pure everyday.
All of Sade albums from "Diamond Life" and "Lovers Rock" are all treasures in my vast,very electic collection and they should be in your collection as well.Whether you're into R&B
or a hip hop head or a metalhead,treat yourself to some Sade.

This best-of is a priceless set.Filled with all of Sade's well-known hits."Your Love Is King","Hang On To Your Love","Smooth
Operator","Sweetest Taboo","Is It A Crime",Paradise"(slighty remixed on here),"Nothing Can Come Between Us","No Ordinary Love","Cherish The Day"...all the classics are here.

"Best Of" also features one new track in the bluesy "Please Send Me Someone To Love".
Some songs that I would've liked to see on here are "When Am I Going To Make A Living" and "Feel No Pain".(Both were released as singles too,that's why I'm surprised they weren't included!)

But before I exit,I have a few issues to raise with Steve Gdula's editorial review(above).First of all,I can't believe he
said Sade's vocal range is "limited".What?! Is he talking about Sade Adu or another Sade that I don't know about 'cause I think
'limited' is one word that most do not associate with Sade's voice.
Also I couldn't believe it when he called "Stronger Than Pride" mediocre.Huh?! That's Mr. Gdula's opinion but I just was not feeling it...

Anyway,there's three things you should have in life:Love,Self-respect,and "The Best Of Sade".:)

The Sweetest CD....
I have to admitt, it took time for Sade's work to grow on me. But back in 2000 when "By Your Side" came out, I started to get hooked and after purchasing "Lovers Rock," I went for this. Now, don't be expecting an album full of variety. Sade has always been a consistent artist and her work sticks to the smooth jazz/R&B vein, but at the same time, it's part of what makes her so great. You pretty much know what you're getting.

"Best of Sade" captures her best singles ranging from 1985's "Diamond Life" to 1992's "Love Deluxe." My favorite Sade song and her biggest pop hit is the classic "Smooth Operator" which represents everything that makes her so great. Her other big hit is here also which is the enjoyable "Sweetest Taboo." The other songs are for the most part just as good from the haunting "Jezebel" and "Is It A Crime" to the jazzy "Hang On To Your Love." Sade also had considerable hits with "No Ordinary Love" and "Paradise." Another one of personal Sade favorites is present here also and that's "Please Send Me Someone To Love."

This is a great relaxation album. Sade is definitely a master at her craft. Smooth vocals, mesmerizing songs...a good buy. Give it time and you'll love it. And if you like Sade, I also recommend Enya.

There's only one Sade!
Sade is not only beautiful she's also a very unique artist with a wonderful and sensual voice and a very own musical style with influents from soul and jazz. Many diffrent instruments on the song makes the sound very passionate and beautiful.

Her Biggest hits were without a doubt "Smooth Operator" a song that's still played alot on radio. It's a great contemporary soul-pop song but perhaps her most radio friendly too. Don't expect the majority of the songs to sound like that. "Sweetest Taboo" is another beautiful piece of art, emotional and soulish with great lyrics. My favorite is the beautiful ballad "Your Love is king" which also is well known song for music fans. "Never As Good As the First Time" should also be considered among her biggest successes, it's a typical Sade song.

Not all songs were that big on the charts here, but what i like is that all of the songs are equally as beautiful. Hit's or not they are great and made with alot of heart&soul and passion. Not all of them are as meliodic as "Smooth Operator" either, but let her voice, lyrics and the sound of the songs talk for itself. A memorable collection nonetheless. "Jezebel" and "It Is A Crime" are jazz influented. "Cherish the Day" is one of the most sensual, the music fits perfect with the lyrics. "No Ordinary Love" has the mystcial sound of Enigma and is passionate and wonderful to listen to. "Love Is Stronger the Pride" has flutes and percussion and it's unique in it's own way. "Please Send Me Someone" has blues influents.

I love this album for it's orginality, it's probably one of the greatest "Best of albums" to me made, not all songs were big hits but they were all equally great. I don't expect you to get into Sade over a night, but when you have you stuck on her album.

A string of pearls!
If I were restricted to review Sade's music in just five words they would be sensual, passionate, feminine, melodious and soulful. Removing one word from the list would not do full justice to her style of music making.

The first time I heard Sade was in the early 90's and the song was Smooth Operator. I guess I was late in discovering her music but I knew this was one singer I should not disregard. Over the years and after so many songs one of my personal favourite remains "Cherish the day". I was floored when I heard this song for the first time and could not really make out what was so magical about this that makes me want to listen to it again and again. Later it dawned on me that the lyrics and the bass line were perfectly synchronised at 1:36 into the song when she sings "Show me how deep love can be" and at this very instant the bass guitar kicks in producing very low and deep bass. It is not powerful as on some other tracks notably "No Ordinary Love", but to me it is deep enough having the capability to penetrate the marrow. Another surprise was the voice of Sade suddenly envelops you from all sides instead of the dead centre when again the lyrics are repeated at 3:48 into the song. The other favourite of mine is "No ordinary Love" which I already mentioned earlier. This song has a very good beat throughout, deep and powerful bass, soulful lyrics, and a melody to match the package.

I would say the overall quality of the album is first class. In fact better than some of the complete albums, let alone compilations. I consider it to be one of the best compilations that I have had the pleasure of laying my hands on. I personally detest compilations, as they never do justice to the sound quality. Why? Basically the engineer has to ensure that all the songs more or less have similar output, meaning, the volume remains same all the way from first to the last track. This actually disturbs the sanctity of the original album's dynamic range. Since this CD is not a complete album but a compilation; I must evaluate it accordingly. The mastering engineer has done a commendable job of making this CD sound like a complete album, surely no sign of compression. I would rate this album very highly as I found the sound quality in general to be exceptionally good. Bass aficionados would certainly not be disappointed.

You come across two types of compilations, one being greatest hits, comprising of songs mainly doing well in the charts, the other being best of, songs that are critically acclaimed but not necessarily the hits. This CD is not just a very good sounding collection of Sade's greatest hits but also happens to be superbly compiled with just the best of what Sade has to offer- A String of Pearls!

fluid starting point
THE BEST OF SADE gives an overall earshot of the bands hit discogoraphy.SINCE I ALREADY at the time of this release owned all of the albums this cd offers a chance to hear glimpses of each recording and that is what makes this offering appealing,
in the sense that you get the compact feel of the band instead of the full on touch.HOT SUMMER DAYS COOL CRISP AUTUMN EVENINGS. true quiet solitude or to share intimately.IF YOU ARE A NEWBIE AND CAUTIOUS TO PICK ONE OF THE MANY CHOICES FROM THIS BAND HERE IS A SOLID, FLUID STARTING POINT. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

For those music buyers who have enjoyed Barry White's music since the early 1970s but may not be devoted enough for the three-CD box set Just for You, this 20-track compilation brings together all of White's major chart hits between 1973 and 1979, along with a couple of entries from his Love Unlimited Orchestra. White's distinctive vocal style--a deep, resonant baritone-bass that oozes sex appeal--was the icing on the cake for those hits; superlative string arrangements (courtesy of the late Gene Page) encased White in a lush setting, while White's hand-picked rhythm section (which included many of Los Angeles's top session players) created a groove that was hard to beat.The combination was lethal: hits like "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up," "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe," and "You're My First, My Last, My Everything" made White a chart staple and an early king of disco; his skill as a vocal interpreter was fully evident on a 1979 reading of Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are," another standout on this collection. On the evidence of that track alone, it's hard to believe that, according to legend, White never planned to be a recording artist in his own right and would have been happy to remain in the background as producer and songwriter! --David Nathan ... Read more

Reviews (53)

A MOST SEDUCTIVE COLLECTION OF HITS
If you ever feel romantic and decide to fill half your CD changer with recordings that set in the mood, there are three specific recommendations I have: Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On, Al Green's Greatest Hits, and Barry White's All-Time Greatest Hits. I would suggest three other CD's to fill up the changer and thus make a perfect 6-CD collection, but I'm afraid that nothing else immediately comes to mind.

What makes Barry White's Greatest Hits so great is that the theme of each song is consistent. And that theme is hot romance to the max. Barry White has been able to deliver the message of love as only a true gentleman can. He commands it in a deep baritone voice that can drive the women wild as opposed to those squealing falsetto attempts that never really made it to first base.

Essentially a very thorough compilation of his 20 biggest singles that runs over 75 minutes, Barry White's All-Time Greatest Hits is missing very little. There may be slightly different arrangements in the original LP versions that some listeners might prefer otherwise, but for those who want a definitive collection of Barry White's works, this is about as good as you will ever get.

And some might say that unlike David Lee Roth's A Little Ain't Enough, you definitely can't get enough from this one particular disc. But let's be thankful that we do have this assortment, anyway.

The Bard's Best
I have to admit that I'm not a disco fan. As a matter of fact, I pretty much hate it. But there was one singer of this genre who I could always listen to : Barry White.

Covering the years 1973 to 1978, "All Time Greatest Hits" chronicles his career as a solo artist and with his famed Love Unlimited Orchestra. All the hits are here, from the luscious "Love's Theme" to the smooth grooves of "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Baby" and "Never, Never Gonna Give Up" to the naughty piano intro of "It's Ectasy When You Lay Down Next To Me". Of course, the late Mr. White's two biggest hits are here, the inescapable "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe" and the ethereal "You're The First, The Last, My Everything". Both sound as crip and original as they did in 1974. White also vocally examines the softer side of love with "Oh, What A Night For Dancing" and an excellent version of Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are". In fact, this one song alone is worth the price of the cd.

Whether you're a fan of disco or you just love Barry White and you don't have this cd, take my advice and buy it as soon as possible.

Who doesn't want to get a "groove" on with Barry!
His vioce is pure electric and his songs will live forever.

Best Songs From One CD!
The late Barry White was the one voice easily recognizable during the early 1970s. Just listening to his bedroom lyrics of love would send chills to your spine!

As far as a hits collection goes, it was done correctly. All his Top 40 hits from the 1970s are included along with R & B chart entries. Plus, the songs do work together as a team and even the irony of this collection involes two hits from Love Unlimited Orchestra! This works one of two ways: 1) It will save the buyer (perhaps the casual fan) from buying The Best Of Love Unlimited Orchestra from the same label or 2) on the downside, the fan will complain "Isn't this suppose to be about Barry White, the SOLO artist?" True, and if that's the case, then omitting "Love's Theme" and "Satin Soul" could have been replaced with "I Found Someone" and (maybe the ulimate love intro dialogue) "Love Serenade"!

There are several pictures and liner notes along with song credits and chart entries are included.

great cd if you like soul
this msuic sounds dated, and it';s not my cup o' tea, but for the defoted fan, this cd has all the essentials. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jam Nation hero Ben Harper tones down his lap-slide guitar flash in favor of the holy spirit for this blend of originals and gospel classics, his first full-length album with the historic singing group. They've worked together before, on the Blind Boys' excellent Higher Ground and Spirit of the Century, but here the pairing that Harper has termed "a spiritual soul movement" sounds like an outright tent-revival mission. His fevered wah-wah strutting and sweet high voice take their places in the chorus alongside the raw-throated howl of Blind Boys leader Clarence Fountain and his fellow bass George Scott, who plead for salvation like powerful old lions on "Take My Hand." The group's alto, Jimmy Carter, sails over the funky, hiccupping blues beat put down by Harper's Innocent Criminals on the classic "Satisfied Mind." The best cut may be Harper's "Picture of Jesus," a country-music-informed adventure in old-school church harmonizing with the passionate power to touch souls. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (27)

very good soundtrack
This is an excellent soundtrack to a great movie. The best song is Accidently in Love by the Counting Crows. It is a cute playful song that fits the movie well. This CD has songs from artists I've never even heard of. I loved the song As Lovers Go by Dashboard Confessional. I really liked it, because I thought it sounded romantic. The duet Livin La Vida Loca by Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas is a very funny version of the popular song. Butterfly Boucher sounds really good covering the David Bowie classic Changes. Bowie actually sings on a cover of his own song which I thought was neat. I really like the song Holding Out for a Hero. Jennifer Saunders really sings this song well, because she has such a powerful voice. I'm On My Way is a pleasant song by Rich Price. I think he has a sexy voice.

Little Drop of Poison is a sexy song. I think it is a good song to slow dance to if you have a partner. Funkytown is a great disco classic and a good addition to this soundtrack. People Aint No Good is a sad song sung with a lot of emotion. I really liked it too. Shrek 2 is a fun soundtrack with a nice variety of songs. I loved it!

Good enough for the car!
Jennifer Saunders, Jennifer Saunders, Jennifer Saunders... So nice that they added the songs from the movie. She is so talented, and the songs are brilliant. Also, gotta love "Accidentally in love" I don't care how old I am thids CD is so much fun.

Captures the essence of the movie
I love this soundtrack! I felt it was very representative of the movie. It was a wonderfully eclectic compilation of songs that just make you feel good. The opening tune by the Counting Crows, which also opened the movie, is infectious rock. I also really enjoyed the remake of "Funkytown" and the songs from the movie.

Jennifer Saunders is remarkably talented. I love her version of "Holding Out for a Hero" and who can't smile at the Disney-parody "The Fairy Godmother Song"? The line about the bichon frise cracks me up every time!

great cd for a great movie!
this movie was awsome and the music was equally awesome! all the music was well placed and they only put music from the movie on the soundtrack! a thing not many movies do but it makes people already familiar with the music! i like all the songs but my fave is accidently in love. i highly suggest this soundtracvk to everyone. even if you didn't like the movie. (whih you should have)

Eclectic
I enjoyed this CD very much. It is rather diverse and has many different types of music on here. The best track is Holding Out For A Hero by Frou Frou and for comedy, Livin' La Vida Loca with of course Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss-N-Boots (Antonio Banderas. I am a big David Bowie fan however but was dissapointed by the cover of Changes. I enjoyed his vocals but Butterfly Boucher is atrocious. One of the worst female voices I have heard in a long time. But otherwise a good CD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Blue-eyed soul crooner Michael McDonald gave his career a much-needed shot in the arm with 2003's Motown, a commercially well-received collection that matched the one-time Doobie Brother and '80s solo star's rich vocals with songs from Hitsville's peak. One year later, McDonald again delves into the Motown bag to come up with another 14 selections from such giants as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson. McDonald is a distinctive enough vocalist to bring something to these classics, as tough as that task is. Unfortunately, the uninspired production and stilted musicianship keeps the likes of "I Was Made to Love Her," "Tracks of My Tears," and Nowhere to Run" from being anything more than dubious offerings to McDonald partisans. Motown became a hit factory as much on the strength of its foot soldiers as it did its commanding stars, but producer Simon Cline employs thin and lethargic backing tracks where some of the most inspired pop playing in history once stood. Return to the Motown source to hear inspired pop soul music. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Description

The renaissance R&B group from Minneapolis is back with another classic release! Livin' the Luxury Brown is a continuation of the R&B, rock, jazz alternative, hip-hop sound that the band developed in 1989 with their breakthrough album Meant to Be Mint, which included the hit single "Pretty Brown Eyes." Mint Condition continued to grow their loyal fan base with songs like "U Send Me Swingin'" on the album From the Mint Factory and the song "What Kind of Man Would I Be," their platinum single from the gold album Definition Of A Band. Including their last release, Life's Aquarium, Mint Condition has sold over 3.8 million records. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Mint Condition / Living the Luxury Brown
Mint Condition has absolutely out done themselves with their latest release "Living the Luxury Brown". I Love this group for one they're talented enough to have a band they're not a Studio group these guys can play an instrument, where would our music industry be with out instruments? It's not sex, drugs and lifestyles that I'm going to the store to purchase but the soul of music in every form and these guys have it. Smooth listening, to Rock to jazz in one take one song. Ilove you Mint.....

Back and better than ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Being a musician. I want to be in Mint Condition when I grow up!!! (OK I'm already grown and it's too late for that but if you sing or play you know what I mean.)They are the last R&B band. (Not to mention they'realso a jazz, rock and latin...bascially WHATEVER THEY WANT TO BE BAND!!) How do you pick favorites when ever song is the bomb in different way!! Luxury Brown is another benchmark album by the band that really SHOULD be setting the standard for R&B. I wish the rest of the Hip Hop and R&B acts out there didn't save all the live instruments for the road. Put some live drums on a uptempo cut.....Nuf Said. The world needs more tastes of the Mint !!!!!
AG in SD

The return of "REAL MUSIC"
Mint Condition. The name itself is the personification of excellence. I grew up on the Mint sound and I was somewhat surprised 2 hear the new single "I'm ready" playing on the radio one day while I was in art class. I just couldn't wait until the whole cd dropped and boy was i satisfied.
Mint Condition has always been known 4 their extremely beautiful ballads and they continue 2 create those ballads on "Livin' the Luxury Brown" I've always said that the best ballad Mint had ever done was the song "So Fine", but I think that there has 2 b an adjustment in that category now that "Livin'" has been released. I can truly say that my best song 2 date from Mint has 2 b "Fallin' Apart". This has 2 be the best slow jam that they have ever done. I like the way Mint combined rock with the slow jam enviornment. The song starts off as any other slow jam would and then it suddenly switches 2 the guitar thang and then it calms back down. This was really intresting 2 hear and it solidified itself in my heart as the best slow jam Mint has ever done.
Another 1 of my favorites on "Livin'" is 1 Wish. I kinda think that they included this song as a personal message 2 ex-Mint member Keri Lewis who' 4 some odd reason, decided 2 leave the band. " If I had the chance 2 do it all again, wouldn't have left my friends, wouldn't have left the band that I was in." Hmm.This song also has that rock flavor and Mint performs it so well.
Another favorite would b "Love Your Tears Away." This, again, shows Mint @ it's best.
"My Sista" is another 1 of my favorites. This song really caught my attention. The beat is just perfect and the lyrics r like icing on the cake. Other favorites include "Whoaa", "Half an Hour", especially the song "We got Us", hell, the whole cd is tight.
In this day and age of the garbage I call hip hop/ rap, it's really a relief 2 hear real music again. 1 thing I admire about Mint is that unlike other ole' school artist who combine 2days hip hop scene in2 the songs they create so that they may keep up with the ever-changing atmosphere of music, Mint sticks with what has made them 1 of the best , if not the best live , real music-playing bands out there. All I have 2 say is that I hope they continue 2 create the type of music that has made them the best @ what the do. Yall keep up the good work fellows. It was well worth the wait. And oh, don't make us wait another 6 years again dudes. That,s torture.

I'M DOWN WITH THE MINT!!!
Mint Condition is Back!!! These Minneapolis boyz know how to JAM A PARTY! Wow. An eclectic set that runs the gamut of pop, soul, rock, blues, jazz. Whatever your taste, you will find it in this band's latest release.Definitely a better follow up to their previous one-off outing on the Elektra label, independent production is surely the way to go for these cats - brothers with an uncompromising vision for being true to themselves and their unique artistry. Had the pleasure of meeting them at an instore promotion recently, and they are as humble as you'd expect. Very glad that they have had the perserverance to stick it out in a very fickle "flavor of the week" industry. Track picks: "Sista", "Runaway", "Doormat", "Fallin Apart" & "We Got Us."As a bonus, check out the included in-concert dvd featuring the band doing their signature hits as well as cuts from the new cd.Excellent!!!

One of the best releases of 2005
This is a tight and strong collection of songs MC put together. The musicianship is excellent. I like the different genres of music that MC covers, particularly the rock sound. I have a feeling that MC will do more rock songs on future releases, which is not a bad thing because songs like Runaway and Falling apart are awesome. My favorites songs are My sista, Love your tears, I'm Ready, Luxury Brown, Fallin apart, Runaway and Sad Girl. If you like real music played by real musicians then go get this cd. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Our Kind of Soul, the follow-up to 2003's VH1-propelled Do It for Love, is mostly a can't-miss proposition: Daryl Hall's smooth, expressive voice, synonymous with the Philly soul sound, is so well suited to this material that it feels shrink-wrapped overtop. "Can't Get Enough of Your Love," the Barry White classic, is given a breezy makeover (and, maybe more impressively considering that most artists wouldn't touch it, not mangled); Teddy Pendergrass' "Love TKO" is dusted off and tinkered with till it takes on a signature H&O sound; and "After the Dance," one of Marvin Gaye's most cryptic compositions, comes across like a solved mystery--there's a gentleness and a reverie in the reading will prompt thoughtful listeners to return to it more than a few times. That said, a couple of these covers--the O'Jays "Used to Be My Girl" and Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady"--seem cursory, and the duo can count on a cranky contingent decrying their lack of fresh material. But the strength of three songs introduced here should keep them at bay. First track "Let Love Take Control" gutsily and convincingly glides into Four Tops' "Standing in the Shadows of Love," "Soul Violins" strikes notes at once heartfelt and spontaneous, and "Don't Turn Your Back" has the classic Hall & Oates marks of their-kind-of-soul songs like "Out of Touch." --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hall and Oates often enlivened '70s and '80s radio with sharp pop concoctions that drew on a wellspring of R&B influences picked up in their hometown of Philadelphia. They scored frequently enough, in fact, that this 20-track collection--intended to supplement or replace the earlier Rock 'n Soul, Part 1 with post-'83 winners--doesn't capture all their finest moments. (Where, for instance, are "She's Gone," recorded for another label but licensed by RCA for Rock 'n' Soul, and the terrific new wave/funk fusion "Your Imagination"?) Still, much of what's here is fine music that should appeal not only to those who carry fond memories of radio and MTV playing it the first time around, but also to a good-sized handful of their kids. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (35)

The Kings of Blue- Eyed Soul!!!!
This was a dynamic duo Darryl Hall and John Oates this is one of the best duos w/ blue eyes that I have ever heard and did very well with remakes of "Tavares" More than a Woman" and the "Intruders" Cowboys to Girls" ; and Hall and Oates did original material as well they could dance and sing and I really did enjoy them in the 1980's they had a lot of hits that I had liked and I enjoyed them so therefore if you like Rhythm and Blues or Rock then you will enjoy this album!!!! It contains One on One, Rich Girl, Say it isn't so, Family Man I can't go for that(no can do) Adult Education, Sara Smile, Method of Modern Love and the remake of You Lost that Lovin' Feeling from the Righteous Brothers this cd is really missing a few songs Posession Obsession,Cowboys to Girls, and She's Gone this is still a nice collection if you enjoyed them in the 1980's then I would definitely recommend that you buy this cd!!!

A way excellent Hall & Oates collection!
Forget my review on the previous brief CD I did of 1983's Rock 'N' Soul Part One Greatest Hits. This is even much better it adds seven songs with all eleven favorites not counting for the missing "She's Gone" which it isn't on here but includes Daryl Hall and John Oates doing a sixties cover ballad classic version of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" by the Righteous Brothers. Also from the Big Bam Boom album is "Out Of Touch" with "Method Of Modern Love" plus "Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid". There's also "Did It A Minute" a studio not it's live version but the original "Wait For Me" and "Family Man". I really enjoy listening to the rest of the tunes that were very popular like "Maneater", "Sara Smile", "Rich Girl", "Private Eyes" & "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)". So in my own opinion for the improvement and expanded digitally remastered eighteen tracks from it's RCA record label that they did is a pretty good job here. I would give it "Thumbs Up!". Let's see if these two guys I think should release and put out another compilation volume of more song highlights they recorded together from their 70's and 80's albums someday soon!

Lyrics from the Heavens
In my opinion, the lyrics sung by Hall and Oates have been handed down by the hand of God and sang by Angels. Songs like Private Eyes and Man Eater truly bring back feelings of times that were easier and life was a bit less stressful. There is nothing like singing Private Eyes on a mix tape (because they are the future) while wearing cutt off jean shorts and cutting the lawn. Hall and Oates brought the mustache and the Soul Glo Mullet back in style. The cover of the CD shows Daryl Hall and John Oates glancing into your eyes telling you, no DEMANDING you to listen to this CD and listen to the intelligence that songs like Private Eyes instill. If there is only 1 CD that you must have for your collection, it is this one. The CD is truly inspiring.

I give it 4 stars because it is missing songs
This is an incomplete version of the greatest hits. What happened to "She's Gone" and "You lost that lovin' feeling"?

The Very Best
This CD is exactly what it says it is- the very best of Daryl Hall and John Oates. Any fan of Hall & Oates should have this album. A definate must in everyone's CD collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

She may be beautiful, but Alicia Keys is a musician first andforemost. She plants herself firmly behind the piano keys on her debut,unlike many of the booty-waggin' junior divas who are crowding the R&Bvideoscape these days. Though many of the tracks on Songs in AMinor are embellished with adolescent angst, this 20-year-old'ssubstantial, gorgeously soul-drenched alto putties the cracks betweennotes with astonishing ease. "Fallin'," the album's first single,showcases Keys at her best. She wails plaintively and passionately overrolling blues chords, in the tradition of the greats that this youngtalent clearly wants to align herself with--Stevie Wonder,Donny Hathaway,and Aretha Franklin.She swoops and soars over the spicy, flamenco-fueled melody that opens"Mr. Mann," one of the many winning tracks gathered here. And she digsdeep into a remake of the beloved Prince B-side, "HowCome U Don't Call Me Anymore?" packing more heat into her melismaticwails than most singers twice her age. --Sylvia W. Chan ... Read more

Reviews (702)

Magazine Music Reviewers Got This One Right
Belive or not, I bought this CD without hearing one song from it. (No, I'm not living under a rock, but where I'm currently stationed in military makes hearing new music difficult.) I read the pre-release album reviews in various magazines and so I was looking forward to hearing it. I've been wanting to hear an album that features an artist with some "real" talent, like "Jill Scott." I'm happy to say that the reviews were correct in describing Alicia Keys and her music. I love her use of the piano in her music. Her CD feature songs with some great beats, just checkout "The Life, Jane Doe, Mr. Man, and Rock Wit U." She does a great job in remaking Prince's "How Come You Don't Call Me." She also has some nice slow tempo songs with "Goodbye, Butterflyz, Troubles, and Why do I feel so sad." (I really like "Why do I feel so sad" even though it's not the strongest song on the CD.) The only reason I give four out of five stars is because I feel the lyrics could of have been a bit better in some songs. Other than that, this is great CD, and I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. I look forward to her second CD, which I hope features even more of her piano playing.

Very Impressive....
....to say the least. This CD is a classic for sure. It has all the right combinations for instant repeat of all the tracks. I don't know where the industry was holding this talent captive but I am one fan who is sure glad she escaped. The entire album is just fabulous. Anyone with an open mind and an ear for music would surely feel as though they've gotten their monies worth. I've even witnessed grade school girls making up routines off of some of the songs I thought were more geared towards the adult audience. I say that to say that there is something for everyone. Anyway, if you like Sade, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and/or Mary J. Blige then buy Alicia Keys 'cause you'll find she is a combination of all these talented women and will certainly blaze a trail herself. 5 stars ***** The CD should be Songs in A++ Minor

Great CD! High recommendation!
Great Cd! I do think some of the lyrics could have been better. The profanity in it was not necessary at all. she can express herself better with out it. the top 10 songs on the cd are:

10. Caged Bird
9. Jane Doe
8. Mr. Man
7. Womans Worth
6. Butterflyz
5. How Come U Dont Call Me
4. Girlfriend
3. Fallin'
2. Why Do I Feel So Sad
1. Never Felt This Way

P.S.: this is just from the top of my head and from my point of view. i didnt pick fallin as #1 because i wanted to give all of the other songs to stand out and to kind of come to your attention more. anyway, i think all of the songs are pretty good and i think it would be a great buy for you or a friend!
i also highly recommend her 2nd cd.

KEEP LISTENIN 2 IT
wen i 1st bought this cd, i didnt really listen 2 the songs + just skimmed thro them, but wen i actually sat down + listened to it properly and the words, i couldnt believe i had actually even considered this was "rubbish". Alicia talents could not have shined thro more amzazingly + beautifully. Everythin from the lyrics to the beat of the songs themselves, are written so soothingly.
Theres a real calmness 2 this album, so if ur goin thro a stressful time + just wana wind down 2 som calming but cool sounds then this is an album 4 u!

HOPED MY REVIEW HELPED U MAKE THE RITE CHOICE! ***

ALICIA - GREAT TITLE, GR8 SOUND, GR8 EVERYTHING!
If uve read any of my other stuff, ul know im about to go fru all songs...

1. Piano & I - a beatufil is cheesy piano-opening 2 songs in a minor. 4/5
2. Girflriend - a lovely funky starting song. 4.5/5
3. How Come U Dont Call Me - a gr8 rendition of Prince's song. 4.5/5
4. Fallin' - amazing & soulful. 5/5
5. Troubles - a nice, ballad-type song with gr8 lyrics and vocals. 4/5
6. Rock Wit U - long opening, then gets real gd. 4.5/5
7. A Womans Worth - a nice song about different sexes. 4/5

8. Jane Doe - gr8 funky song. 5/5
9. Goodbye - i like it. 4/5
10. The Life - ditto. 4.5/5
11. Mr Man - worst song. 3/5
12. Never Felt This Way - beautiful cover of brian mckinghtely, also interlude. 5/5
13. Butterlfyz - 1st song she wrote. quite gd. 4/5
14. Why Do I Feel So Sad - im lovin it. 5/5
15. Caged Bird - amazing! 5/5

best songs (top 5)
5. Y Do I Feel So Sad
4.Jane Doe
3.Caged Bird
2.Never Felt This Way
1. Fallin' ... Read more

Amazon.com

Californian Etta James decided against accepting filmmaker Martin Scorcese's personal invitation to sing at The Blues gala in New York in early 2003. The well-celebrated soul and blues queen makes amends here with what is one of the most blues-centered recordings in her expansive discography, bringing her big, no-nonsense voice and her feisty, proud woman's point of view to bear on classics, many identified with Chicago. The likes of Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightnin'," Jimmy Reed's "Hush Hush," and Muddy Waters's "Got My Mojo Working" may be hackneyed choices, but she seizes each of a dozen as her own, and clearly, as she says herself, these are the blues songs that touch her the deepest. No argument here. --Frank-John Hadley ... Read more

Reviews (3)

ETTA JUST KEEPS GETTIN' BETTA'
The legendary Etta James has said that she was inspired to record this album after seeing the PBS TV series "The Blues" produced by Martin Scorcese.

Referring to the series James said, "What I found was so full of what life is about: being born and dying; joy and sorrow; salvation and sin......As I started reaching deeper I realized that most of the blues of that day was done by men. Women just didn't have the nerve. So I thought it was about time to show them what these songs might sound like coming from a whole different point of view."

Surely can't comment on the differences between points of view but I can say this is one terrific album - a must-have for blues aficionados. "Honey Don't Tear My Clothes" is unbelievable, as is "Don't Start Me Talking."

Featured on the album are James's sons Donto James and Sametto James; guitarists Josh Sklair and Bobby Murray plus harmonica player John "Juke" Logan. Liner notes are by Martin Scorcese.

This one's a keeper!

- Gail Cooke

Style and instrumental magic
Etta James oozes style and toughness with grace and her music is all about her perfect tempo timing. This cd is delicious combinations of rhythum and musical magic that is the epitome of Ella the woman but her voice has a rougher texture to it now that you may or may not appreciate compared with her voice from 20 years ago. I love the instrumentals, the arrangements and the emotional intensity of this cd. I have adored many tracks Etta has poured herself into and although this cd is not my favorite, it's still a spectacular gift to the library of recorded music.

Love Etta and love blues to the bone
This is awesome. Everytime she comes out with a cd I think that it's the best she can do and then comes a new one that is even better. I love her voice, I love her style and I love seeing this woman in concert. These songs rock and Little Red Rooster is awesome. I love her jazz stuff too, but when she does a blues cd (like this one) it blows me away. Get this cd and rock out! ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Nobody sings the Blues like "Miss Peaches"!
Etta James shares her devine gift of a voice with millions who appreciate her wonderful music. The heartfelt "At Last" is the definitive wedding song. The rendition of "Stormy Weather" rivals the Lena Horne version, and "A Sunday Kind of Love" proves that Etta James is American Blues Royalty. When you listen to a heartbroken Etta James declaring "All I Could Do Was Cry", you feel the pain of a hurt teenager. -- "Miss Peaches" is one of the great R&B/Jazz singers of our time. This CD covers 14 of her best loved songs. It is a treasured part of my music collection, and I can highly recommend it!

Pure Sexuality!
Wow! If you're looking for a new way to romance the one you love, look no further than At Last by Etta James! Forget Bolero, lite rock and smooth jazz! Her voice is raw and powerful and will reach into the deepest part of your "soul." Most renditions of Stormy Weather try to be Lena Horne sound alikes and it just doesn't work. Etta James takes the song and turns it into pure heaven with her delivery and straightforward style. I knew she sang At Last, but when I heard the Diet Coke Commercial with I Just Want to Make Love to You -- I knew it was her and just had to find out more! This one cut is worth the price of the CD if you like your blues down and dirty. Many Cds engineered from older sources have the scratchy background (just like an LP). At Last is clear and has an excellent quality. I've listened to other Cds of Etta and this one, in my opinion, is her best. Each song showcases her remarkable flexibility and power to take a simple melody and make it memorable! Buy this one NOW.

American Blues = Lady Day, Pearl...and "Miss Peaches"!
Few voices in R&B History rival that of the lovely Etta James. The Blues Legend shares her devine gift of a voice with millions who appreciate her wonderful music. The heartfelt "At Last" is the definitive wedding song. The rendition of "Stormy Weather" rivals the Lena Horne version, and "A Sunday Kind of Love" proves that Etta James is American Blues Royalty. When you listen to a heartbroken Etta James declaring "All I Could Do Was Cry", you feel the pain of a hurt teenager.

"Miss Peaches" is one of the great R&B/Jazz singers of our time. This CD covers 14 of her best loved songs. It is a treasured part of my music collection, and I can highly recommend it!*****

Ms. James Is Exceptional!
My goodness. Etta is a goddess! Her voice sounds like an angel straight from heaven. Although Etta's voice is raw and powerful, it has a beauty to it that is completely unique to her. Not to mention, how can you forget the classic songs on this album, like "At Last" and "Sunday Kind of Love". You must check out this album. Etta's voice is like no other!

wonderful wonderful
I love this CD. I had never heard of Etta James until I heard this CD recently and within an hour I was online ordering it. Very bluesy. Love every song on it. I really recommend it to anyone who loves blues or jazz. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The perfect timing of Beyonce Knowles’ career moves continues with the release of her debut solo album. Dangerously in Love’s best music is wildly up-to-date, craftily designed for both maximum street acceptance and positioning as some of the most cutting-edge stuff on current radio. The brash first single, "Crazy in Love," melds Jay-Z with an unstoppable Chi-Lites horn sample, shape-shifting into something brand new. Collaborations with Outkast’s Big Boi and Sean Paul also prick up the ears, while changes of pace like "Be with You" and "Speechless" achieve their aim with credibility. The disc becomes far too ballad heavy in its second half, but the key stuff is the noise she brings.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (704)

A Force of Nature...
The only mistake Beyonce made with her debut solo album is that trying to pass the first five tracks is a difficult task. Because the dance numbers are lumped at the beginning of the album, and the ballads overtaking the rest of the project, it feels too tiring trying to get through this good but uneven debut. Of course my review comes a little late, seeing as how nobody gives a damn what order the songs appeared in on the album, Beyonce is a bona-fide diva. Having headlined a tour alongside Miss Keys and Missy, it was truly Beyonce's year. For anyone expecting this album NOT to be highly stylized and well made for mainstream listeners, you need look elsewhere, because as much as I love Miss Knowles, she is as mainstream as they come. That's not to say the woman isn't talented. She was at the producers helm, crafting her album and making it her own.

Beyonce knew what sounds were the hottest, as evident on the wildly successful and funky tune 'Crazy in Love.' The classic horns sample, along with Jay-Z's chilled flow skills makes it a great song. Dancehall music was of course the genre of 2003 and continues to dominate 2004 along with crunk. What would a dancehall track be without Sean Paul? 'Babyboy' actually took awhile to appeal to me. Because dancehall riddims were everywhere and anywhere during the single's release, it became quite redundant, but nonetheless it is a great dance tune.

'Hip-Hop Star' and 'Naughty Girl' wear out their welcome quite quick. On 'Naughty Girl', Beyonce tries to hard to be...well... naughty, and while her homage to Donna Summer is appreciated, it doesn't mean the track holds through for a long amount of time.

What would an r&b divas album be without ballads. Most original is Beyonce's female empowering 'Me, Myself, & I', it is a great track with its vintage soul sound and Beyonce's soaring vocals. On the sensual "Gift From Virgo", Beyonce's lush voice fuses with Missy Elliots always innovative melodies. It is another standout track. 'Be With You' is also well done, with it's groovy, vintage beat and Miss Knowles slinky vocals.

All in all, Beyonce is your run of the mill diva. As much as I love her sound and watching her perform live, she is in every way a mainstream songbird. If you like slickly produced, and at times souless r&b, Beyonce fits the bill almost too perfectly. She certainly struck while the iron was hot, and she owned the year. Dangerously in Love is a good CD, but if many music buyers are still wary of its quality, I say buy the singles at your local Media Play, Sam Goody or whatever... because they are the strongest and best cuts from the album.

Beyonce Left Me "Speechless"
Beyonce Knowles, 1/3rd of Destinys Child, out did herself on her first solo debut album, entitled Dangerously In Love. This a a wonderful CD, that will be a classic, such as Aaliyah's, Aaliyah. The craftsmanship that she put into the album is evident with the first track, Crazy In Love. Beyonce is a true entertainer, and will be written down in history. Many people say that they dislike her, but I dont believe they really do, its just that she is a beautiful, talented, young woman, who is doin her thing, at such a young age. She has the mind, and vocals of a more mature woman. Her writing skills have improved tremendously, and vocal range has broadened. Every track on DIL, is a track to listen to more than once. My favorite tracks are Gift From A Virgo, Me, Myself, and I, Yes, Speechless, Naughty Girl, Daddy (beautiful ode to her father). Daddy is a change of pace for tributes to parents who have helped artists get where they are. A lot of artists have songs for their mothers, but no fathers. So this is wonderful. Beyonce really outdid herself, on this album, and I enjoy every track on. It was worth the pushbacks, and the money. Go get another copy. And just leave it in the packaging. Cause it will be worth something in the mere future.

THIS CD WAS GREAT
EVERY SONG WAS GOOD!THE BEST SONG WAS SPEECHLESS. I GUESS YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE IN LOVE TO UNDERSTAND.

Nice effort
The album was ok, I thought it was gonna be better. I like a few of the songs and thought they were well written but I expected something huge. She's a great artist,performer,singer,and person. She deserves all the grammys and success that God can bless her with but this album was a little disappointing to me.

Wonderful Artist and Person - Horrific Album
Depending on why you were a destiny's child fan to begin with, you will either love this album or hate it.

I became a fan when DC did the survivor album because they had a diverse amount of the background sounds/instruments and lyrical topics (like they really do love each other like family, people need to get their act together, you need to find god, true love is the best, and last but not least you need to party too). DC was also really good at being totally serious on a song and then being really cheesy (but have it still be fun to listen to) on another song.

Before this album came out I was really hyped up for it because Beyonce did a big chunk of producing and writing for the survivor album.

Since the survivor album was the first time she did most of the behind the scenes work I assumed this album would be similar in terms of what kind of vibe you got from it.

Man was I wrong, on most of the singles she is in Foxy Cleopatra mode (what she did in Austin Powers). It was cool to see that routine in the movie (because that was a comedy), but not on here (this wasn't supposed to be a comedy). Another major problem is most of the songs that were not ever on the radio are really bland ballads that are totally forgetable.

The sad thing is whenever you see Beyonce in interviews she is one of the few celebrities that really does come off as smart, kind, sexy, and mature. But if all you knew about her was from this album you wouldn't think this because way too many of the songs don't project that kind of feeling at all. Because of this the songs things sound contrived or really cheesy (in a bad way) most of the time (Naughty Girl is the worst offender, I laugh uncontrolably every time I hear that song).

So here is the final verdict, if all you are looking for is some songs to play at a party or you follow only top 40 stuff then get this or some compilation CD that has her singles (seriously, you will probably love it). If you are looking for a great album that you will continue to play years from now then avoid this and buy DC's Survivor album if you don't already have it. ... Read more