Reviews (240)

Not bad...but AI is losing its touch
This CD is ok, all the contestants are GOOD singers. But they do not compare to seasons 1 or 2, which were GREAT. Actually in my opinion the best and most talented season was actually season 1. Anyways onto the cd...

(1) Fantasia - She sounds awful as usual! If she wins I aint watchin season 4.

(2) George - One of his bests. I'm not a fan of his nor will I miss him but very good.

(3) Diana - My favorite this season, good sonf for her.

(4) La Toya - Without a doubt the one who SHOULD win this competition.

(5) Jennifer - I can't stand her, she ahs an attitude and she oversings everything, including this song.

(6) Amy - She was sooo good and shows it on the CD. Its ashame what happened to her.

(7) Jasmine - Cute song, just like her...but nothing amazing.

(8) JPL - Its ok, just ok. I was disappointed in him.

(9) Camile - What can I say the gal cant sing?

(10) Matt - Sorry skipped over matt. One of the songs I tend to also skip when listening to the cd! Haha! What a coincidence.

(11) Leah - She was very disappointing on the show, she shouldve done much better! I will never forget when she sang "I Have Nothing"

(12) John - Never been a huge fan but he actually sounds pretty good here.

Fun CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Fantasia Barrino...Chain Of Fools...great! 5/5
2. George Huff...Me and Mrs. Jones...pretty good for George! 4/5
3. Diana DeGarmo...I Heard it Through the Grapevine...I'm a Tasia fan, but this is spectacular!! She has grown so much! 5/5
4. LaToya London...If You Don't Know Me By Know...beautiful! 5/5
5. Jennifer Hudson...Neither One of Us (Wants To Be the First To Say Goodbye)...blech. only so-so. a boring track. 1/5
6. Amy Adams..You Make Me Feel Brand New... she's a mediocre singer...1/5
7. Matthew Rogers...(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay...OMG, this is awful, he cannot sing for beans! go back to football, please! 1/5 ps- but this is surprisingly fun to listen to...huh!
8. Jasmine Trias...Midnight Train To Georgia...she sounds nice, but she's kind of whining. She has tons of potential though! 3/5
9. Jon Peter Lewis...My Girl...as one reviewer said, he is an entertainer, not a singer! this is embarassing. He is totally off-key. Please go into acting or dance, but not singing!! 1/5
10. Camille Velasco...Until You Come Back To Me...she is too nasal, but she has a pretty voice...2/5
11.Leah LaBelle...Betcha By Golly...she is really not a very good singer...1/5
12. John Stevens...You Are Everything...he sings like he is sixty, not sixteen! ~eye roll~ 2/5 because he would have been great 80 years ago! plus becuase he is only sixteen!
13. All...Ain't No Mountain High Enough...great start by George and Diana...you can really hear Fantasia and quite a bit of Jennifer when they all sing...when Fantasia talk/sings, her voice is beautiful...fun listen...this is George's song really, but it's still good...our worthy top two shone like the stars they are...5/5 definitely!!

It's The Music That's Important!
Let me just begin by saying that I wish that some people would stop bashing the idol contestants. We should all give them the credit that they deserve for actually getting into the top 12. I think that it bears repeating that AMERICA put them there, and it was AMERICA that chose the winner. It shouldn't be 'so and so should have won because blah..blah..blah..' or 'how did so and so get voted out?'. We should end this and concentrate on what's most important... the music.

As a fan of the series, I did read what everyone else had said, but I decided to buy the cd anyway so that I could judge for myself. Although, I admit that I had my favorites on the show, but I gave everyone a chance to redeem themselves. This is what I thought as I listened.

Chain of Fools-Fantasia: While Fantasia put her own special spin on the track, it just didn't 'wow' me like I hoped it would. Don't get me wrong, it's fun to listen to, but it just disappointed me a little bit. Her personality didn't shine as brightly as it normaly does. 8/10

Me and Mrs. Jones-George: George blew me away with this song. You can tell that he poured his whole heart and soul into this performance. His raspy voice shines with brilliance as he hits every note with pure ease and perfection. A flawless performance. 10/10

Heard it Through the Grapevine-Diana: A pleasant song to listen to, but at times would shout the lyrics instead of singing them. Especially with the higher notes. I liked her better as a live artist than a recording one. 7/10

If You Don't Know Me by Now-LaToya: LaToya's version of the song is beautiful. There isn't really anything bad that I can say about it. Sometimes simple is better, and she proved it. Well Done. 9/10

Neither One of Us-Jennifer: Jennifer overdoes this song I think. She has a very unique voice which is what makes her such a great artist. However, she oversings it quite a bit. It's like she still has something to prove to the masses. 6/10

You Make me Feel Brand New-Amy: Amy's voice is so pure that she makes this song shine. Although she plays it safe throughout the song, she makes it work for her. What makes it stand out for me, is that she really feels the song that she's singing. When I listen to it, It's like Amy is singing it to me, not into a mic. A romantic classic!One of my personal favorites. 10/10

Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay-Matt: The albums first downfall. I'm not saying that Matt doesn't present his song well, it's just forgetable. It didn't leave a very good impression on me. Besides, the whistling at the end is very corny! I usually skip this one. 4/10

Midnight Train to Georgia-Jasmine: A very sweet song from Jasmine. Again, a safer song. I wanted to hear more of her upper range with this song, but she stays a little lower than that. I'll admit that I didn't like it at first, but the more I listened to it, the more I like it. An enjoyable song to hear. 7/10

My Girl-JPL: Another song that takes a little getting use to. Granted, I don't like it NEARLY as much as some of the others, but it is growing on me. I give him all due respect for getting as far as he did. His voice is nothing to write home about, but he knows he's limited vocally, and works with what he has. For that, I give him credit. For the song though it gets 5/10

Until you Come Back to me-Camile: Surprise is the the only way to describe this song. I was so impressed with Camile's vocals on this track. It's just too bad that she couldn't get a grip on her nerves. Her recording voice is incredible and I'm sure that we will hear more from her soon. She really shows us her ability as a singer and her skills as a storyteller. It became my favorite track after the first time I heard it! Camile fans would be proud!! 10/10

Betcha By Golly, Wow-Leah: Leah, Leah, Leah, what happened? I'm sure that the songs were picked for the contestants, but why did they pick this one for her? The song and her voice just don't blend well at all. Besides that, I don't think that she sang it all that well to begin with. I gave the song a fair chance, but it just wasn't enough to keep my attention. 3/10

You are Everything-John: Again, I give him the credit he deserves for getting into the top 12, but he just doesn't flow well with the other performers. Granted, he does well with what he has, but it's just not enough. His voice becomes boring really quickly. 2/10

Ain't no Mountain High Enough-All: What I don't get is why they call this an ensemble? What they should call it is "Divas battle while the others sing backup". The song is fun to listen to and can easily get you up and moving around, but it focuses mainly on a few people. George proves that he is the leading man of the group with his contributions but Fantasia, LaToya, and Jennifer all try to outsing eachother in order to get the spotlight they so eagerly desire. JPL and Camile both have small cameos but are drowned out by George and the Divas. I was just expecting to hear a little bit from everyone. 7/10

(I wrote this review and posted it earlier, but I made some changes after listening to the album a bit more. I decided to repost it to give everyone a better feel of the album)

Good genre, bad idea
Actually most of these songs are classics with good reason. However, it is unrealistic to expect children to understand what a song like "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" means. It has nothing to do with being technically good or bad singer, however to sing about life you must first have one. George Huff does a plesant, if dull, "Me and Mrs Jones." However, the only must have track on the whole cd is Barrinos and you can get that elsewhere. The rest of the cd is full basically decent covers that are just a little too close to their distinctive originals.

My take on this CD
Good overall, considering they're a bunch of amateurs.

1. Chain of Fools - Fantasia: Never liked her squeaky voice and tasteless performances. Grade: F
2. Me and Mrs. Jones - George: Nice big voice. B+
3. I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Diana: Too bubbly personality, but has lots of potential. B+
4. If You Don't Know Me By Now - La Toya: Consistently good performer despite fake personality. A
5. Neither One of Us - Jennifer: Her over-the-top style gets old fast. D-
6. You Make Me Feel Brand New - Amy: Okay. B
7. The Dock of the Bay - Matt: Okay. B
8. Midnight Train to Georgia - Jasmine: Sweet, beautiful girl with a great future ahead. Good. A-
9. My Girl- John : Good. B+
10. Until You Come Back To Me - Camille: Surprise! Suprise! Excellent recording. A+
11. Betcha By Golly Wow - Leah: Okay. B
12. You Are Everything - John: Good voice, actually. B+
13. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Ensemble: All I can hear is Fantasia's annoying voice. F ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Never mind that Van Morrison is one of the most indelible songwriters of the 20th century--take each album on its own terms. On 1968's seminal Astral Weeks, a twentysomething Van Morrison can be found belting his gospelly, bluesy vocals in just as fine a form as he would be 20 years hence. In the sociopolitical context of the times, the album cried out about such ubiquitous '60s themes as cultural oppression and social upheaval. But it is Morrison's vocal dexterity and passion that maintains such timeless appeal. Take tracks like "Madame George" or "Cyprus Avenue" and you'll find such beautiful mourning, it'll be clear why modern songwriter Sinéad O'Connor once publicly exclaimed: "Van Morrison should be friggin' canonized." --Nick Heil ... Read more

Reviews (175)

Look at the reviews:
If popular sentiment means anything to you, 62+ people have written reviews for this CD. They tout it as the greatest, sweetest, best album of all time. My opinion echoes this. I love this album and everything about it. I love the sloppy offbeat harpsichord. I love the fact that "Madame George" is 12 minutes of the same three chords. I love Van's garbled rants of love and life. The album sways from folk to jazz in a seamless Van Morrison style. I have come across people who haven't liked this album or Van Morrison in general. Their reasons are that most of the songs don't have a beat and they can't understand what Van is saying. It's true most songs don't even have percussion and "Beside You" barely holds to any tempo at all. And how many times did you have to listen to Madame George to understand the lyrics? But, the album isn't really about having a great dance beat or easily accessible lyrics. I take this album as a more personal statement. For the most part, it isn't radio friendly. But if your only criteria for a good ablum are dancable beats and catchy generalizations as lyrics, them I wouldn't recommend this album anyway. "Astral Weeks" is timeless. It has a pureness to it that a lot of people have identified with. It is probably one of the most perfect albums ever written because of its rough edges. And to think that it was done in a week...

Childlike Visions Leaping Into View
This is probably my favorite album of all time. I've listened to it countless times, and it never gets old. Those other reviewers who don't "get it" make a few valid points:

1) It isn't perfectly played.
2) The songs aren't polished.
3) It isn't Van's strongest collection of songs.

First of all, it isn't necessary for great music to be note-perfect. ASTRAL WEEKS is about the magic of improvisation-- the suspended thrill of playing (and listening) on the cusp of discovery. In that way, the album is a perfect marriage of music and lyrics, as Van bends and twists the language in an effort to TRANSCEND the earthly significance of his words, to conjure a piece of heaven out of the frustration and pain that wracks his existence. Like Ray Charles did 15 years prior, Van fuses gospel and blues, the sacred and the profane.

For those of you hear only hippy-dippy (...), you're obviously missing the unbearable heartache that haunts these songs. Cypress Avenue deals with unrequited, perhaps forbidden love. Madame George captures the mixture of joy and sadness that comes with lost innocence, getting on "the train" that takes one away from a place of safety and comfort. Ballerina is a burst of effusive passion, but the object of the singer's affection is separate from him, a spectral fantasy that he can only gaze on with paralyzed amazement. Thank god these rough gems weren't polished for radio consumption-- their unique, spontaneous quality would have been ruined.

I concede that this isn't Van's strongest collection of songs, but it's hard to think of these tracks as "songs" in the conventional sense-- impressionistic sketches, maybe, but they hardly lose any artistic merit because of that. ASTRAL WEEKS is not a jazz album, but it certainly brandishes a jazz mentality-- the triumph of feel over form, emotional release over craftsmanship. If that's not your cup of tea, then proceed directly to MOONDANCE. But if you're searching for a true musical journey-- in the truest sense of the word-- then ASTRAL WEEKS is the apogee.

Eternal
I have only recently got into Van Morrison, I have to say, so this review is coming from a 23 year old from Belfast, who is only beginning to realise the impact Van's music has had. I must also admit that I had a strange bias against Van, for only a few years ago when playing his (and my) hometown he turned his back to the audience for his entire performance... While I was not there, that arrogance and ignorance really put me off the man, and unfortunately, that little portion of his music that I had heard...

So now, having given this album a chance; my friend recommended it as one of his favourites of all time; I have to admit that, no matter what stories I have heard of this artist, his music is something absolutely eternal and mesmerising.

From the stunning opening chords to the title track, through the absolutely seminal "Cyprus Avenue", "Madame George", "Ballerina" and "Sweet Thing", I have found an album with such undeniable heart and warmth that I know it will stay with me forever as one of the very few albums to have changed my perception of music.

Perhaps it is the unbelievable vocal talents of the man, the jazzy and superb musicianship or just maybe the fact that I can (100%) identify with the visions this man is painting through his lyrics... It is not something I have experienced before whereby a lyric such as "Down on Cyprus Avenue" or "Sandy Row" can conjur such vivid and mesmerising images to my mind... I live just 5 minutes from the lovely Cyprus Avenue and I know it well. Thankfully I do not know Sandy Row too well; a scummy, horrible area of Belfast these days, I am proud never to have ventured deep into it. I do also know the house where Van grew up however, my father having taken me and my friends many times passed the house (which is now adorned with a brass plaque with his name) in east Belfast, just around the corner from my own house. It is maybe these insider views of the area I know that Van grew up in that help the pictures become clearler and more poignant... But his voice and passion can never be denied... It is truly something to behold, whether it be the vast epic of "Madame George" or the fiery jazz bombast of "The Way Young Lovers Do", you can never deny this man doesn't hold perhaps the most original, impressive voice in music... ever.

This album, it must be said, seems (to me at least) to be his absolute masterpiece... Moondance is an album I have always heard since I was growing up... I never listened to it specifically, but it was always on in the kitchen when I was a kid...and, while I have yet to hear much of his later work, it is a journey I am going to fully enjoy and cherish. A man, a genius and an absolute legend. Beautiful album.

Van gets lengthy and ambitious
All of Van's stuff from this era is brilliant. Astral Weeks is considered to be his masterpiece. It is very good. But, do we really want to hear Van break into one of ethereal chants for five minutes? The songs are great but they suffer from this kind of self indulgence that the other albums don't have. Van' really at his best when he's to the point. He can still manage the whole zen thing if he wants to, just tone it down. "Warm love" is perfect on this one.

The best Van album, so good it's spiritual
I must admit that I haven't heard every single Van album (I missed hearing alot of his earlier albums), but this is the best I heard--better than Moondance, Wavelength, and all his newer stuff--by far. A few years ago I picked up Astral and Moon at the same time and Moon hardly gets spun.

There are some quality issues with the recording where some sonic distortion appears, but I never really noticed it after the first listen. I actually kind of like it, it's so unlike today's over-produced stuff. Van went into the studio, laid down the album in 2-3 days, and it was done...and the magic comes through. ... Read more

Album Description

1986 collection, deleted domestically, 11 tracks showcases her biggest ballads. Atlantic/WEA Int. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Excellent (But Missing Jesse and You Are My Love)
Dang, I love Roberta Flack. That husky, soulful chocolate flavored voice, that wonderful piano playing... she is an American treasure, and unfortunately, she doesn't get the respect of today's radio programmers. That's why a Roberta's Greatest hits is an essential element in a CD collection.
This Cd has many classics, all sung in that husahed, warm voice with quiet, subtle instrumentation that made you stand up and pay attention the first time you heard Roberta's voice. "Killing Me Softly" and "The first Time Ever..." still sound as fresh as when they first appeared 30 years ago. The great Donny Hathaway, Roberta's best duet partner, makes "Back Together Again" a gem, and "Where Is The Love" is a perfect vehicle for their voices. This CD covers later Roberta work as well, when she went beyond her traidtional approach to adult-oriented reggae ("Set The night To Music", with Maxi Priest), and her misguided, but still beautiful sounding venture into disco ("Look Out Here It Comes). They are good songs, but I'm kind of stunned that the programmers of this disc chose those tracks over two of Roberta's classics, "Jesse" and "You Are My Love" "Jesse" in particular, was long a staple of Roberta's live shows, and is as elegant a recording as she ever laid down. And "You Are My Love" (again with D. Hathaway) was probably the best of their duets.
I've long wondered why Roberta, who is still a vital artist, hasn't earned the respect of the "diva-goddesses" (Chaka, Aretha, Gladys and Patti) from the neo-soul movement. With the love of live instrumentation and the recognition of the value of quiet over bombast, it seems Roberta was the true pioneer for artists like Jill Scott, Angie Stone, et al. Her music still sounds beautiful and haunting, and is waiting for a new generation to discover.

I Still Got Love For Roberta, But...
...I'm just not feeling the entire CD. I got the CD because my *favorite* songs were on there (1-6 and 9). Seeing that this is Roberta Flack and all, I thought the rest of the CD would be just as wonderful as it was in the beginning, but it wasn't. The songs toward the end of the CD sound like she was just chillin' at home, jamming on a keyboard in her bathrobe. I never really liked the song "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Peabo Bryson; it's too corny and mushy for my liking. Roberta is actually before my time, so I may not have a profound appreciation for her like older people do. She has a nice voice and style, but the CD is only worth getting if you're a die-hard fan. But if you really think it's worth having because of the first six songs then I guess it would be worth it too.

Roberta - the finest voice...
I had the wonderful opportunity to see Roberta Flack live last night in NY at BB Kings. What a show, what a voice. Later, I thought about all of the songs that she did not sing, including "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," perhaps the most soft and chilling song ever recorded. I got home and listened to this CD and then this morning, I listened to her masterpiece "Killing Me Softly," at only 8 songs, some may think it's not worth buying, but it is. This happens to be her most intimate album ever and should be the first on your list. Buy this remastered hits CD after you listen to the Killing Me Softly CD (which is a better introduction to this exceptional artist). Where else can you get the beautiful "Jesse?"

Start here....For your 'Roberta Flack' Collection!!!!
Probably best known for her "Killing me Softly" song (later covered by 'The Fugees'), but on closer inspection, Roberta has a presence and delicate singing tone, that shone beyond her contemporaries. "Where is the Love?" duet with Ralph McDonald is a exceptional torchbearer of a song, poignant, silky smooth vocals & hushed instruments reveal a truly sensitive side to Roberta. "The first Time Ever I saw your face" has been covered so many times before, that it's surprising that Roberta's version still remains the definitive version of this magnificent track. "Back together again" is the probably the most dance friendly track on here, with a Soul-Disco fusion being splendidly focused into a 5 minute classic. But as truly amazing as Roberta's duets were, it's the heart warming ballads that leave the lasting impression with Roberta's beautifully soothing voice, being as remarkable as any female vocalist in the last 20 years.

KILLING US ALL WITH THIS WORDS...
Something that is missing today, are classical songs, with words that would take you to a different world. Today is all about the music video or the beats. But when you discover people like Roberta Flack, you will realize there is more. Robert'as finest Greatest Hits is filled with classical, inspirational songs. Her voice is so tender and sweet in a jazzy way. This album is totally worth it, and perfect to chill out night, highlights in this album are "The FIrst Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Killing Me Softly With His Song", "The Closer I Get To You", Roberta Flack is one of the finest vocalist of the 21st century. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

The very best!!!
Finally we can buy a Greatest hits album from this fantastic singer. Here you'll find almost all her hits, I say this because "Spanish guitar" and "How could an angel break my heart" aren't here.
This cd contains the following tracks:
1- "Give u my heart" (with Babyface)
2- "Love shoulda brought you home"
3- "Another sad love song"
4- "Breath again"
5- "Seven whole days" (live)
6- "You mean the world to me"
7- "How many ways"
8- "You're making me high"
9- "Let it flow"
10-"Un-break my heart"
11-"I love me some him"
12-"I don't want to"
13-"He wasn't man enough"
14-"Just be a man about it"
15-"Hit the freeway" (with Loon)
16-"Whatchu need" (new song)
17-"The little things" (new song)
18-"Un-break my heart" (remixed version)

Toni has released 5 studio albums in her career. The first one was in 1993 with the tittle "Toni Braxton". The album won 3 Grammys and was certified Platinum x8 (sold 10 million copies worldwide). The second album was "Secrets" from 1996. The album was also certified Platinum x8 (sold 12 million copies worldwide) and won 2 Grammy awards. Then after some troubles with her label Toni released "The heat" in 2000. An album fresher than her first 2, once again Toni released a hit, the album was certified Platinum x2 in the U.S (sold 4 million worldwide) and won a Grammy for the song "He wasn't man enough".
In 2001 Toni released a holliday album called "Snowflakes". The album was certified Gold.
So finally in 2002 "More than a woman" came out (for me this is a very good cd) but eventhough the album was certified Gold, it went nowhere, the only single "Hit the freeway" only reached #86 in the Billboard's Hot 100. But really that doesn't mean that the album isn't good. Actually it has more hip hop but sounds very good. I think that the problem with that album is that it didn't have a good promootion and Toni was pregnant when it came out.

Finest Recorded Moments From One Of The Finest Pop Vocalists
Over the past 10 years, Toni Braxton has released four proper studio albums, which have each been mixed bags in terms of both genre and quality. For the most part, Ultimate Toni Braxton cuts the filler and presents a decades-worth of pop/r&b hits by one of the most recognizable voices in recent music history.

"Another Sad Love Song", "Un-Break My Heart". "Breathe Again", "He Wasn't Man Enough", "You're Makin' Me High" and "You Mean The World To Me" are all radio staples worth revisiting, and several of the songs found here, including "Let It Flow" and "Love Shoulda Brought You Home", have enhanced the films in which they were originally featured. ('Waiting To Exhale' and 'Boomerang', respectively)

As a perk, the versions of songs on Ultimate are the versions heard every 30 minutes on the radio back in the 90's. It's often disappointing to pick up an artists CD, only to realize there are an additional two minutes of the hit single(s) that you don't (and don't care to) know.

This is the only Toni Braxton release to contain her debut single, a collaboration with Babyface (not so much a duet...there's more Toni than Kenny) from the 'Boomerang' movie soundtrack called "Give U My Heart".

In addition, there are two new recordings. The fun and essential Rodney Jerkins production "Whatchu Need", is easily Toni's best song since 2000's "He Wasn't Man Enough", while "The Little Things" is a yawn-fest R. Kelly rehash of "I Don't Want To", the song he penned for her in 1996, already included on this CD.

The grand finale is a previously unreleased radio cut of the Hex Hector remix for "Un-Break My Heart".

More effort could have been put into the sleeve art, but Ultimate Toni Braxton is a solid collection worthy of a place in any pop music lovers collection.

LONG OVERDUE! All of Toni's hits and rarities are on here!!
For those who lost or wore out their copy of "Toni Braxton", her debut, this album more than makes up for it! All those hits she had in the '90s and up to 2003 are on here! I still love Another Sad Love Song, Breathe Again, You're Making Me High, Unbreak My Heart and her other ballad hits. But I like her dance numbers such as "He Wasn't Man Enough", the no-nonsense "Hit The Freeway", "Give You My Heart" and others. Most of her hits were with Babyface and LA Reid, but I liked the ones she did with R. Kelly, 3 Boyz from Newark, The Neptunes, Rodney Jerkins (who really funked up her sound a bit in 2000!), David Foster, Keri Lewis of Mint Condition and others. Her vocal stylings and torch-driven delivery are what make these songs listenable. I also like the new songs she did for this album too. She's overcome bankruptcy and other problems and got herself back on top with more hits as an artist and platinum albums. This album justifies what made her famous the past decade. Please get this album soon when you see it on Amazon!

Nice album
Well this is a good album, worth your money. I liked Toni since 1996 'secret'. Very nice voice.:-) My only gripe is I couldn't back up this CD. :-(

An Excellent One!!
I personally think that this CD is a great compilation of her greatest hits. I could not wait to go out and buy it. She has all of my favorite's on there, with the exception of "Spanish Guitar". I also enjoyed the two un-released tracks "The Little Things", and "Whatchu Need". She is a talented artist and I doubt if she is anywhere near through. So if I could sum it all up, THIS ALBUM IS A MUST BUY!!! ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Nice Chain Letter
Honestly if you wanna compare Brooke to Ciara I would say that Brooke has the upperhand seriously. She may not have the popularity but in the end Brooke is much more talented and diverse music wise. Im not a big fan of either but I would hold Brooke down before Ciara for the fact Brooke can sing better and her album is more diverse and creative. I have listened to both albums and honestly I liked Brooke's album better then Ciara's but thats just me. On onther note Brooke may be able to sing better then Ciara but her voice isnt strong. Brooke has a medicore voice and there isnt too many ballads she can sing besides the generic ones she has on her album. I can see a future for Brooke because she seems to take intrests in her music and I respect that, I can sense some talent shinning there. I think Brooke is a good artist but she is way too mainstream for my taste.

brooke...a good start off...
I loved the album, it had its downs though, im pretty sure her taste in music ranges from pop to r&b, to a lil bit of rock. Although the album shines the most in tracks like girlfight, I want you dead, Long as you come home, cover girl, and dying of a broken heart, it couldve left out some of the tracks...

the album would have been much better if the track listing were this:

1.girlfight
2.taste of dis
3.long as you come home
4.blah blah blah
5.covergirl
6.playa
7.ghetto superstarz
8.tell me why? (you dont love me)
9.million bucks
10.I want you dead
11.dying from a broken heart

and thats it ,i think laugh "till i cry" isnt a strong ballad like dying from a broken heart, "american girl" doesnt belong here, "pass us by" is a hard attempt at making a record, and "whatcha looking at" is forgettable, i love the album minus a few songs...
all in all its a great album must buy!!!!

Spred the Chain Letter
Brooke valentine is amazing her songs are increditable to hell wit tha other reviews I love this cd, it has its party songs like BLah BLah BLah and it also has those songs were u just wanna slap a b!tch like GirlFight and Whatcha lookin At, but to my liking was the ballads on the cd i think it could have been more slow songs I fell in love with Laugh til I cry the first time i heard it and I want u dead are two that are very relatible so do yourself a favor and buy the Chain Letter is worth it, and for the guy who said they'd rather buy Ciara -- HEY! ciara and brooke are 2 different women of very different taste so u can't compare the 2 just because they're both from the South.

Rather listen to Ciara
This album is ok that's it nothing spectacular about it.I'll pick up Ciara album before i give this a second listen.Get it bootleg don't waste your money on it.

Not Another Pretty Face
Well, when I first heard Girlfight I thought, "now Crunk&B is da nu thing, so every pretty face who does that kinda music gets all the attention". After listening to her album I realize that she has true talent, she has voice, I also saw live perfomances and she really can handle a note, and now I love girlfight, the album is a mix between Hip-Hop, R&B Pop, Urban in general.

1 Girlfight (9/10) Im really feelin this song, I like the big boi verse, and the beat is cool.
2 Taste of dis (8/10) This is a mix between pop and R&B, its an enjoyable track, nothing special, its upbeat.
3 Long as you come home (7/10) It samples the same song that samples Angie Stone on Lovers Ghetto, its a nice track, album filler
4 Blah Blah Blah (10/10) Features the late Oil Dirty Bastard, I love this track. It samples Sweet Dreams My La Ex (Rachel Stevens) I love the chorus, everything, very catching.
5 Cover Girl (10/10) This is my fav ballad of the album, I saw her performing this song and she is really good. I luv tha lyrics, this track showcases her vocal ability.
6 Playa (9/10) Hot, upbeat, club banger, features Jermaine Dupri, sexual, thats all.
7 Ghetto Superstar (8/10) It has a strange vibe to it, the beat is rare, very upbeat, I like the vocals on the chorus.
8 Tell Me Why You Dont Love Me (9/10) I love the beat, one of the most R&B tracks of the albums, upbeat song. The chorus is so catchy.
9 Million Bucks (8/10) I like this track, it features Queen Deliz, a latin rapper, I like the chorus, and the rap verse. Upbeat song.
10 I Want You Dead (6/10) I dont like this song, it doesent sound urban, I dont like the beat. But I like her voice on it.
11 Dying From A Broken Heart (8/10) Nice ballad, it touches your soul.
12 Pass Us By (7/10) Upbeat song, with a rock beat, I like the guitar in the intro.
13 Laugh Til I Cry (6/10) Another ballad, not so good.
14 American Girl (8/10) I like this track, I like the saxo in the intro, and the beat is crazy, her voice sound fu... good.
15 Watcha Lookin At (7/10) Very R&B and Hip Hop, nothing special ... Read more

Amazon.com

Now we have Greatest Hits, a 22-song collection of Cooke's pop hits in addition to the 13-song Best Of collection and the 28-song The Man and His Music. Only The Man comes close to presenting a complete portrait of the legendary soul singer: At least there are examples of Cooke's gospel and R&B material. (Any collection without "A Change is Gonna Come" is an automatic failure.) Cooke's melodious voice and deft songwriting touch are worthy of more than a single-disc compilation. If you want just the pop smashes, the sublime ballads, and infectious mellow grooves, this set will suffice. Otherwise, The Man offers a more comprehensive and well-rounded look at Cooke's legacy. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (33)

The Main Course of Cooke
There are only two Sam Cooke compilations which I would say are comprehensive.First is the 3-record set The One And Only Sam Cooke,a mail order album by Candlelight Music(with a blue RCA label) from 1974.The second was The Man And His Music his first CD-era compilation which included the full-lenghth version of A Change Is Gonna Come.Unfortunatly these two are out of print(if any one can give me information on how to get a copy of The One And Only...please Email me).This 1998 hits collection is an essential because the tracks are remastered,bringing out the clarity in the instrumentation(especially the strings and french horn on Cupid)and also the inclusion, for the first time in the digital era,Frankie & Johnny,Send Me Some Lovin'(a Little Richard cover),and That's It-I Quit-I'm Movin'On.Unfortunatly,the omission of Another Saturday Night,Ain't That Good News,When A Boy Falls In Love,Good Times and of course the transcending A Change Is Gonna Come, shows like other Cooke hits that a two disc set or a box set is the only way to truly represent this man's body of work.As long as you have the man's beautiful voice on any digitally encoded piece of aluminum,any Sam Cooke is essential.

Cooke's Hit's Packages with only the main course.
There are only two Sam Cooke compilations which I would say are comprehensive.First is the 3-record set The One And Only Sam Cooke,a mail order album by Candlelight Music(with a blue RCA label) from 1974.The second was The Man And His Music his first CD-era compilation which included the full-lenghth version of A Change Is Gonna Come.Unfortunatly these two are out of print(if any one can give me information on how to get a copy of The One And Only...please Email me).This new hits collection is an essential because the tracks are remastered,bringing out the clarity in the instrumentation(especially the strings and french horn on Cupid)and also the inclusion, for the first time in the digital era,Frankie & Johnny,Send Me Some Lovin'(a Little Richard cover),and That's It-I Quit-I'm Movin'On.Unfortunatly,the omission of Another Saturday Night,Ain't That Good News,When A Boy Falls In Love,Good Times and of course the transcending A Change Is Gonna Come, shows like other Cooke hits that a two disc set or a box set is the only way to truly represent this man's body of work.As long as you have the man's beautiful voice on any digitally encoded piece of aluminum,any Sam Cooke is essential.

Mellow, Melancholy, and Magnificent--That's Sam Cooke
There was something about Sam Cooke's music that made it both joyous and wistful simultaneously. Just listen to "Cupid" or "Wonderful World" or even the infectious "Having A Party," and you readily detect a melancholia in the chord progressions, melodies, and vocals. His songs were not complex, but then complex does not always equate with greatness. There is also a vast difference between "simple" and "simple-minded." Unlike the grossly overrated Elvis Presley, for example, the majority of whose songs were just plain simple-minded both musically and lyrically, Cooke wrote and sang simple but beautiful melodies with very nice lyrics. It is a shame that Cooke died so young. By most accounts, Cooke was not a man who was self-indulgent or self-destructive. All the more reason why his murder was so shocking. One apparent indiscretion resulted not only in his death but also in the tarnishing of his otherwise pristine character. But Cooke shouldn't be remembered for the allegedly imprudent behavior he exhibited during the final hours of his life. Rather, he should be remembered for his life and artistic contributions in totality. He had a nice voice and good musical taste. He appealed to all ages and races. In fact, whenever I think of Sam Cooke I often think of Bobby Darin as well: both very original, appealing, sophisticated, creative talents whose stars were extinguished long before their time.

sam cooke
fast service and a great product.

Everything most fans will need
I'm not really sure how to grade this album.

I like Sam Cooke's music, but I'm not THAT big a fan, so for me this is really more of a four-star album. But as far as Sam Cooke-collections go, it is superb, spanning all his best and best-known "secular" songs (the gospel material isn't here). And considering that this is some of the best, most influential soul music ever recorded, I suppose "Greatest Hits" deserves a five star rating (although these studio recordings don't have the nerve of the live renditions on Cooke's magnificent "Live At The Harlem Square Club" album).

As I said, everything the casual fan needs is here. Soft, tender ballads...almost too sweet at times, but Cooke was a black man trying to make it in a world dominated by often-prejudiced white people, and sweaty R&B was not yet quite acceptable among white listeners.
And even though they may leave holes in your teeth, it's hard not to enjoy catchy, soulful little pop songs like "Win Your Love For Me", "Only Sixteen", "Love You Most Of All", "Sugar Dumpling" and "Cupid". And Cooke does rock for real on the classic R&B-workouts "Twistin' The Night Away" and "Having A Party".

Besides, you listen to "Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha" and tell me that's not about sex.

Everything on this greatest hits-package is good, most is great, and a few songs are even superb, such as Cooke's bluesy "Bring It On Home To Me" and the lovely little pop gem "Cupid".

Get it. You'll recognize many more songs than you think. ... Read more

Album Description

21 really hard-to-find HIGH-CHARTING HITS!Seventeen of these songs made the Top 20.All tracks digitally mastered from the best available analog sources (master tapes in most cases), all but 7 in TRUE STEREO!Detailed 8-page booklet.A must for collectors & sixties enthusiasts. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Among My Favourite Compilation Producers
In my never-ending search for Top 40 pop/R&B/Country singles from the 1950s and 1960s, Bill Buster's Eric Records "Hard To Find" series ranks right up there with the best, in my humble opinion. And that includes Ace Records of London, Stardust of Canada and their "Treasured Tunes" series, and even the overly-expensive Time-Life offerings.

Six pages of liner notes by Greg Adams fill you in on some interesting backgrounders to each selection and, on the reverse, is the Billboard chart performance for each. If I were to offer a suggestion for future releases it would be to add the original single label number, but that is a minor quibble.

This volume presents 21 hits from 1960 to 1969, 16 of which were Top 20, and if I had to list them in descending order of their difficulty to locate, it would be as follows: Tracks: 7, 12, 15, 17, 21, 9, 5, 8, 13, 14, 18, 19, 10, 11, 20, 1, and 16 - with the remaining five relatively easy to find.

In my case, it was the combination of seeing Johnny Nash's Hold Me Tight, Jo Ann Campbell's A Kookie Little Paradise, and Dickey Lee's Laurie (Strange Things Are Happening) all on the same disc. The hits of each of those artists are, as most serious collectors will attest, very difficult to find on CD.

If you have not sampled any from among this series, let me just say that each is a gem on its own. Highly recommended.

Great Music!
I found this while looking for "Walk Away Renee" by the Left Banke. This is a great CD, although I'm inclined to say some songs like "Lightning Strikes" by Lou Christie, isn't *that* hard to find as "Laurie" by Dickey Lee (and let's face it, ANYTHING by Dickey Lee is hard to find!) The great moments on this disc are the two songs mentioned above, as well as "My Boy Lollipop" by Millie Small, "Nothing But a Heartache" by the Flirtations (which I had been looking for for quite some time), and "Rumors" by Johnny Crawford. This disc is worth it.

Amazing!
What a wonderful collection of songs! I can't believe I found "Witchi Tai To" by Everything Is Everything, "Sailor (Your Home Is The Sea)" by Lolita, and "Pata Pata" by Miriam Makeba on CD, nevermind the same CD! I would gladly have paid the purchase price for these three songs.

Better than most of the others
As noted, this is a collection of songs which we are unlikely to find elsewhere. For those huge fans of '50's and 60's music such as myself, this collection is aimed at folks like us.

My lament about other volumes in this series is that the marketers put too few songs like that on each disc of this collection, with the hope we true fanatics would buy a bunch of discs for one or two songs on each one. This collection has far more great songs than most of the predecessors in this series.

Unlike other volumes in this series, there is not too much filler here. This volume has the kind of value which will appeal to the casual fans of the genre as well as the most fanatical of us. I am not sure that anywhere I have seen "Nothing but a Heartache" by the Flirtations, Millie Small's "My Boy Lollipop", Chris Montez's "The More I See You.", "Pata Pata" by Miriam Makeba and one of my favorites, "Just Like Romeo & Juliet" by The Reflections. The first and the last of these I have never seen on disc anywhere. These make this worth the price of admission for me. Doubtless, other fans will have their own two or three favorites, all different.

Superb recreations of some great recordings. Worth the price.

Eric rules...
Eric Records continues its outstanding series of "Hard-To-Find 45s..." and shows the big guys how it should be done. Here in volume six are a generous 21 tracks of 60s singles with many of them seldom, if ever, found on other compilation CDs. Best of all is the appearance of first-time stereo mixes of JoAnn Campbell's "Kookie Little Paradise" and Lolita's "Sailor (Your Home is the Sea)". Sound quality is excellent overall with all tracks except 2-4,6,11,16,18 in stereo. And here, even the mono cuts that are often fairly miserable in other compilations are as good as you're going to find. The eight-page liner notes booklet contains backround on the included artists and tracks. Great stuff from a small label. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

It's about time!
Ok, first off, I do not have this CD. Not yet, anyway. I have waited for an Anita Baker greatest hits album for AGES and now there finally is one!

But(and this is a HUGE but!), my mom absolutely, positively DESPISES Anita Baker and if she finds out that I have this CD, she will burn all my CDs. No joke! She actually said this to me! She says that Ms. Baker is the worst singer in the world and that she should NEVER have gotten a recording contract. In fact, her and Janis Joplin are the only two singers that my mom totally hates.

Anyway, I am glad to see that all of her biggest hits are on this CD. No song(to my knowledge, anyway) has been left out. I notice that some of the songs are the single versions, which wuldn't bother me since I have never heard an actual Anita album, just heard the songs on the radio.

I will be on the lookout for this CD every time I go to a CD place until I finally see it. Of course, I'll have to hide it from Mommie Dearest.

Lastly: Anita, where's the new album?

Good Collection of Anita Baker's hits but needs improvement
I bought this collection after given up finding Anita Baker's 1986 album in the used plie of my music store. And what a collection it features most of her hits from 1983-1994. Three songs Angel You're the best thing yet and no more tears are from the rarely heard Songstress album that Anita debuted in 1983. Then there are Anita Baker's big hits Sweet Love and Caught up in the Rapture from where the Rapture album got it's name. The weakest track is Ain't no need to worry which should've never made it onto the the album. Why did the Winans need Anita's voice in the song. THIS AIN'T A WINANS ALBUM It could have been replaced with Watch your step and Mystery. Givin' you the best that I got is a wonderful ballad with a beautiful piano intro and is simply stunning. The last part covers some songs from Anita's last album Rhythm of Love. The jazz tinged second single Body and Soul is just simply wonderful and I apologize is the big single about a fight gone wrong Remember the video? The track which is the weakest link on this half is It's been you. I don't know why that song was rarely hard on the radio. The only tracks missing is the theme from NBC's Mad about you and Perfect Love affair but after all a good cd get it while you can,
REGIS

IM NOT HAPPY
WHATS UP WITH THIS GREATEST HITS ALBUM ,WHERES MORE TUNES FROM COMPOSITIONS AND WHY DIDNT THEY ADD SOME LIVE VERSIONS,AND YOUR MISSING YOU BELONG TO ME ,GOOD LOVE ,SHES MY ALL TIME FAV ,SO IT DOSENT MATTER I HAVE IT ALREADY, SOMEBODY IN DETRIOT GO TELL HER WHERE STILL HERE WAITING ON HER,WE FANS LOVE HER TO DEATH

BEAUTIFULLY DONE!!!! ANITA CAN SURE SING IT!
I have to say that this Anita Baker album is beautifully done, compiling her best songs from five albums and other places! Still love the Rapture tracks on here! The ones from Giving I still love and the later albums. But most dramatic are the selections from the first album. They set the tone for what would make her a superstar 10 or more times over! Angel, You're The Best Thing Yet, and No More Tears are such beautiful songs. Her quiet storm approach not only appealed to adult listeners but suprisingly young listeners who also wanted to hear a good voice too. I wished that her '94 album could have had more hits, but her label was onto some other things at the time. This album justifies her many talents and they chose the 18 best songs for this collection. Anita Baker can sure sing it!!!!!

A Quiet Storm that Stood out --Simply the BBBEEEESSSSSSTTTTT
What can I say that isn't already said about this AMAZING woman. The Best of Anita Baker is a compilation of her best work and althought there are couple songs missing you sense, thats part of her MO. Giving her listeners and her fans enough -for them to want more. If you know her classic cds like the "Rapture", "Rhythm Of Love","Songstress" "Giving You the BEST That I Got" and her others she never goes over 15 songs like today artist. There were never any fillers on her cds its always her best work that is from her soul at that point in time and the end product is ever a capsule of classic soul and R&B with a fusion of jazz and instruments harmonized that gifted voice. Never got the credit she deserves like the Whitneys, Mariahs, Janets, Celines, Pattis, Arethas, Madannas who acholades are so richly deserve but lets not forget about the divine Ms ANITA BAKEr "a quiet storm" that came through and left her soul through her music and I am happy that she did.

CLASSIC SONGS
1) BOdy and SOUL (The title speaks for itself one of my all time favorites)
2)Fairy TALES
3)I APOLIGIZE (Soothing words to say after resolving a complicated issue with a love one)
4)Caught Up In The Rapture (CLASSIC!!!!-enough said)
5)You bring Me Joy
6) Same OLE LOVE (Amazing)
7)Good Love
8)You're the Best Thing Yet
9)NO More tear (To me one of her best written song that should have gotten more airplay--classic words)
10) Giving you the best that I got
11)Angel
12) Sweet love
13) Ain't No need to Worry (Love this song with the Winans)
14) Its been you (OHHH love this song)
15) No One in the World
16)Lead Me into Love

I simple had to list all the songs on the cd because writng a couple would do no justice to this cd--SIMPLY A MUST HAVE --I don't know what took me so long to gte this cd but I am happy I did. Anita you are one of the greatest in my eyes keep blessing the world with that divine voice. ... Read more

Amazon.com

God bless punk and new wave. Without them, '80s pop music might well have ended up as vapid and ghettoized as, well, pop music of the '90s. Those late '70s movements were frankly reactionary at heart (seeking to counter what was perceived as the overwrought tendencies of rock's prog and hard-rock elite and calling for a return to the diverse energy of '60s Top 40), but their influences can be felt on nearly every cut of this triple-disc hits anthology, from the Buggles' all-too-prophetic "Video Killed the Radio Star" to the nouveau funk of Kool and the Gang, the Dazz Band, and the Gap Band, to the nascent big-hairdom of Night Ranger ("Sister Christian") and Whitesnake. If you're looking for the roots of alternative rock or obscure college playlist fodder, look elsewhere; this is prime-time '80s pop chart glory, as seen on MTV (over and over and over). Though the songs here cover a breadth of style and genre (if not necessarily substance), there's a remarkable unity of purpose and hook-laden musical accomplishment that's sorely missed. If this collection woefully shortchanges hip-hop, it still underscores a distinctly irony-free era where style admittedly triumphed over substance, as opposed to the '90s, where style caricatured substance. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Spud from Idaho
This was a great CD. There were a lot of artist missing, but not too many minor artists included. I bought another 80s CD set and there were a lot of songs in it that I'd never even heard of. This is a great CD if you don't have many 80s CDs. I had a lot of them on tape, but needed to upgrade to CDs.

This CD has a lot of good memories, but some are still missing.

Overpriced overview
Goodness knows there are enough 80's compilation CD's out there, and many cover exactly the same territory.

ROLE CALL! Culture Club, present. Blondie, present. Tears For Fears, present. Michael Jackson, absent. Soft Cell, present. Duran Duran, absent. Eurythmics, present. Frankie Goes to Hollywood, present. Cyndi Lauper, absent. Thomas Dolby, absent. Peter Gabriel, present. Madonna, absent. Kool & the Gang, present. Bryan Adams, present. New Kids on the Block, absent, but who cares? Not a bad turn out.

Given that there's under 50 tracks, there's a pretty good representation of the hits of the day, and even a few misses (Tempted, Oh Yeah, Weird Science) that have aged better than several high charted songs.

If somehow, by this point in your life, you've avoided buying these tracks separately, this is a good way to get them together for your next retro party. But you probably already have more than half of them or you wouldn't be reading this far. As such this may be more than you want to spend.

Check out Rhino's New Wave Dance Hits (Just Can't Get Enough) series for a lot more depth and a lot less repetition with your current collection.

Wonder who'll be included on the first 3-CD review of this decade...

Good Collection, not Great
This is a good collection of a variety of the pop side of the 80s music, although still lacking some of the most popular artists of the time, where is "The Material Girl," Madonna, Michael Jackson's "Thriller"? Cindy Lauper's "Girls Just Want to have Fun"? Huge hits from the 80s pop culture, all missing. Also missing, is another huge part of 80s music, the "hair bands" that were so wildly popular. Where are Cinderella, Poison, Faster Pussycat, Tesla, Motley Crue, Mr. Big, Skid Row? Not to mention it's missing the heavy metal, such as Metallica, Halloween, Jackel, WASP, Quiet Riot? I still have them on tapes that I bought throughout the 80s and I remember hearing them on the radio, why drop a huge part of the 80s music era? Also missing is the collections of the alternative bands of the 80s like Love and Rockets, The Cure, where are they? I like this collection, I just feel that they focused on one type of music that came from the 80s and ran with it. This would have been a great collection had they dropped some of the lesser known songs and added some of the other genres of the 80s sounds.

Lots of memories (of better songs)
It's a good collection of tunes from the 80s that appeals to those of us who came of age during the time. But, after a listen-through, it left me craving a collection with a few more of the high-points from the decade.

Music I grew up with...
There is not a bad song in this set. It is full of wonderful, classic music from the 80's and not to be missed. Ahh, the 80's. How I miss that time. At least now I can relive some of it with this music! ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Funky Christian Music
Fred Hammond gained my appeal when he was with Commissioned. I love Christian music that is soulful with a strong message that honors, glorifies and praises Jesus Christ. This CD does just that. The instrumentation is top notch and catches your attention first, then on the second and subsequent listens, you hear strong messages of salvation, redemption, peace and more. I listened to 30 second samples of some of the songs and read reviews to help decide if I wanted to purchase this CD. The samples do no justice to how beautiful the songs really are and the quality of the lyrics. You really have to trust that Fred is a true artist, musician and God-filled man. The CD contains quality, uplifting, soulful and peaceful music. You will find at least 4 to 5 top-notch songs here. Thank you, Fred for your inspiration and contribution to great Christian music!

Put 'cho hands togetha'...
... for this phat project. Fred has done it once again. Somethin' bout Love is surely one of his best. The lyrics are heartfelt and the production is off the charts. I can't keep this one out of the CD player much like I did with Purpose, POL 1&2, and Commissioned Reunion. This album has somewhat of a Commissioned feel but on a higher plane. If you don't got it you better get it. It compliments TONEX's out the box real well.

Noteworthy songs include..
Celebrate(He Lives)
Not Just What You Say
Lord We Need Your Love
A Closer Walk
Your Love Is
What Can I Give?
How Do You Love That Way?
Your Name Is Jesus

10 Stars
If there were a way to give this CD ten stars I would. "Something Bout Love" falls right in line with what I have come to expect for this minister of praise and worship. Listening to a Fred Hammond CD always stirs up the spirit. I always come away with the realization that this artist has a definite love for the Lord and it urges me to go higher. I am never disappointed with a Fred Hammond release.

Another reaffirmation of Fred's genius
Fred Hammond is one of the most gifted songwriters/arrangers/musicians on the planet. His songs never fail to uplift and inspire, nor do they ever get old.

I applaud Fred for trying something different with the praise and worship vibe of his previous project, but Somethin' 'Bout Love finds him in his true element of classic and contemporary soul/R&B arrangements, with plenty of melodies to help The Message stick with you. This set is a true extension of the musical ideas and themes found on the original Pages Of Life.

Any missteps here? If one had to nitpick, it could be argued that the Stevie Wonder tune Love's In Need has already been covered to death; but even then, Fred's arrangement manages to breathe life into that old soldier.

But again, that's nitpicking.

This is Fred's best project since the original Pages Of Life...and that's saying something, since no one has yet topped that one in artistic continuity -- including Minister Hammond himself. But Somethin' 'Bout Love comes mighty close to at least equalling that masterpiece, and belongs in your spiritual and/or mainstream music collection. It really is a wonderful piece of work that will stand the test of time.

Vintage Fred
Fred Hammond still impresses me with his musical spiritual insight and abilities. His life experiences, trials and tribulations definitely are spoken through his words. I think any person could enjoy the musical talents of Fred Hammond. He is my favorite artist. I believe he is the best!! You will not be disappointed with Somethin''Bout Love. Fred Hammond continues to improve and gets better with age. All of Fred's music is worth purchasing and they are rated 5's in my book. The words relates to spiritual struggles this why I enjoy his music. Purchase Somethin''Bout Love. It's worth it!!! Believe me!!! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

The Very Best After The Doobie Brothers But Before "Motown"
Michael McDonald's distinctive voice and strong songwriting abilities helped turn the Doobie Brothers into a hit-making machine. Michael's outstanding vocals helped sustain his success after he left the Doobie Brothers. "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)," taken from his first solo album, made it all the way to #4 in 1982. However, Michael's songwriting seemed to suffer from a certain sameness, as evidenced by his songs "Matters Of The Heart," "By Heart" and "Take It To Heart" on this collection. Michael's solo career is also noteworthy for his duets, particularly with James Ingram on "Yah Mo B There" (#19 in 1984), and with Patti LaBelle on the smash hit "On My Own" (#1 in 1986). The superb song "Sweet Freedom," which peaked at #7 in 1986, outshines most of the other songs on this collection. Michael's version of the Stevie Wonder classic "Higher Ground," which was previously unreleased, is another highlight on this compilation. Michael McDonald would go on to even greater success covering other Stevie Wonder songs on his recent "Motown" album. Too bad this collection was released before that album came out.

Plenty of the best
Michael McDonald is one of the most talented singers. He puts a lot of talent and amazing melodies in his songs. This CD is a good sampler of Michael McDonalds soslo material from 1982 through 1993. It doesn't have anything off the Blue Obsession CD unfortunately. But this CD is a great collection of Mr. McDonalds most successful hits. A thing that does add to this CD is that it contains a version of his atmospheric Our Love that is more 'fuller' and a bit more rock sounding than the lighter original veriosn on the No Looking Back LP.

This CD although it good it doesn't have No More Praying off Blink Of And Eye. That song is probably the best song he has ever made and would have been a better choice than the 4 star Matters Of The Heart. And the sensual Hey Girl would have made a better choice than the also 4 star Blink Of An Eye. Matters And Blink are both good songs but No More Praying and Hey Girl in my opinion rank much higher than either.

Although they might have have able to squeeze either Praying or Hey Girl at least this CD over 70 minutes and is enough to satisfy most of McDonals fanbase.

Michael Mcdonald Is Simply The Best!!
A little twist of words,but this is a cd to be listen to over and over again!!Few people would be able to sing these songs with as much feeling! I enjoy just about anything that this artist sings.He sings from the soul,all you Michael Bolton fans open up your ears,Michael Mcdonald surpasses them all!!

An Effective Pop Collection
Like Steve Winwood and Christine McVie, Michael McDonald is one of those soulful singers whose deep, impassioned voice is remarkable for its texture and expressiveness rather than technical virtuosity. The fact that he can write excellent songs and possesses a startlingly-percussive piano technique is even more remarkable. He alone is responsible for the continued success of the Doobie Brothers since 1976.

That said, McDonald's signature voice and lyric fixation on romance occasionally engenders tedium. His indivudal albums over the years have proven well-above-average though uneven, and they have sometimes sorely lacked the presence of another vocalist to give some much-needed variety to the material.

Therefore, McDonald is the kind of artist whose work shines best in the context of a greatest-hits collection. This group of songs is unwaveringly excellent. While most of the tracks are culled from his first two solo efforts, there is plenty of variety here in individual soundtrack projects and one-off vocal collaborations. Moreover, his later work is well-represented with no less than four songs. Outside of the Dobbie Brother's "Minute by Minute" album, this cd is the ideal place to start for those who want to get acquainted with Michael McDonald.

I could hear this man sing all day long
What can I say? I am a huge Michael McDonald fan and this release (although it's not labeled as remastered) brings together some of his best songs and they sound more crisp than ever before.

Many Dobbie Brothers fans think that Michael somehow singlehandly destroyed the "integrity" the Doobies as he brought a whole new dimension to the band and some never got used to it. I am with those who think that he brought great value added to the band and took it to different levels. Although the Michael McDonald debate is not as polarizing as those who loved Genesis and grew to hate them when Phil Collins took over after Peter Gabriel went solo, the point is that Phil Collins and Michael McDonald share the same pop sensibilities and some dislike them both because of it. Of course Phil could never match Michael's voice, but that is another story.

As far as this release is concerned, I love every single song. Some were huge hits, while others like "Matters of the Heart" may not have been hits per se, but sound as good or better than those you know by heart. Some have complained about some songs that were overlooked and I too would have liked to see his duet with Aretha Franklin included; however I am overjoyed with the product as its expansive and includes what he considers his very best. It's not titled "greatest hits" but the "best of" (in fact the British version is titled "The Voice of Michael McDonald") and I like each and every one of them.

I am so glad that Michael is riding yet another wave of popularity with his "Motown" release and I hope that it allows him to continue recording new songs and not get stuck in a time warp because as much as I love Michael McDonald, he is never better than when singing original material. ... Read more

Amazon.com

R. Kelly is arguably one of R&B's most productive minds in years and the Chicago native creates music at a pace that few artists in any genre could keep up with. "Happy People/U Saved Me" serves as Kelly's own personal "Best of Both Worlds"--highlighting both the singer's love for stepping (a Midwest-based dance craze) and need for salvation. "Happy People" is the more upbeat of the two discs with Kelly taking on the persona of the Weatherman, a DJ on the fictional LOVE radio station. The album's title track and lead single is a perfect introduction to its infectious sound. Similarly, the midtempo groove of "Red Carpet (Pause, Flash)" will have stepping experts and novices headed straight to the dance floor. While the recurring stepping theme quickly becomes repetitive, you can't help but groove all the way through.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for "U Saved Me." The message-heavy disc sacrifices Kelly's raw talent for melodrama. Songs like "I Surrender" and "Prayer Changes," while expressing a sincere sentiment about believing in something greater than yourself, are a little overwhelming. That said, this disc's title track is a rousing musical tale of overcoming obstacles with the help of God--complete with a rising choir. In the end, "Happy People/U Saved Me," like most double albums, has both its highs and lows. --Rashaun Hall ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gifted
Hard to reconcile the "bad press" that had been a part of the essence of R. Kelly, but there is always something very odd about people who are tremendously gifted. R. Kelly has the dubious distinction of being tremendously gifted and he is operating in the area of his tremendous talent--music. His genious has definitely found it's outlet and this 2 CD set is just ear candy, plain and simple. The Happy People CD just makes you smile. I listen to it at work with my earphones on, and I must appear very bizarre to my co-workers because I'm just'a smiling to beat the band. The U Saved Me CD is music for the soul, and I wind up being "very vocal" when I am playing this CD--much to the chagrin of my co-workers. The best he's made, and the only one he has ever made that I, a mature woman, would buy and listen to from start to finish...and then start it all over again. Truly something for everyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Playing Rock's Greatest Chameleon was a great gig while it lasted, but by the mid-80's, David Bowie found his "Changes" led to an ironic dead-end. Yet this 1974 live album managed to distill his quicksilver nature as few others. Ostensibly mounted in support of Diamond Dogs, but sans Guy Peellaert's Ziggy-as-Great Dane imagery (a trick even the notorious pop changeling couldn't turn onstage), Bowie's image and music quickly evolved on the tour, taking on an American r&b-fueled edge that would seep into very corner its career-retrospective set. Indeed, the musician would pause mid-tour to record Young Americans with the core of the live band here, setting up his Thin White Duke incarnation in the bargain. Culled from shows at Philadelphia's Tower Theatre, this edition has been both remastered and expanded by the inclusion of "Panic in Detroit" and "Space Oddity," marking the first time the complete show has been available. Also includes insightful notes by producer/longtime Bowie collaborator Tony Visconti.--Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The best live rock recording ever made -- and Michael Kamen!
I can only assume that those reviewers who take exception to the sound recording prefer their music plastic and two-dimensional, like most rock studio recordings. Inspired by this amazing album I rebought on CD favourite Bowie studio albums from my youth, such as Hunky Dory, Young Americans and Station to Station: sadly they are flat and airless recordings, even in their "remastered" versions. David Live, in contrast, gives the full "picture" in all its warmth and resonance, comparable to the sound on, for example, Colossal Head by Los Lobos or Real Gone by Tom Waits. This kind of living, breathing recording is standard in the jazz and classical worlds. What really makes the difference, however, is Michael Kamen's arrangements, which lift the music onto another plane -- compare the far less interesting versions on the original albums and the Ziggy live album. This applies particularly to the songs from the Ziggy studio album and Aladdin Sane, the originals of which are rather juvenile: in Michael Kamen's hands the atom is split and we are witness to a glorious explosion of musical potential, showing Bowie's true greatness (as does his magnificent singing). The incomparable band, too, really allows this music to take flight. I first bought this album when I was 12 years old, and I can see that it had a lasting influence, exposing me at an early age to music's unlimited possibilities: a typical day's listening today (I work at home) is likely to include Mahalia Jackson, Miles Davis, Bach, Weill, Haydn, Funkadelic, Ray Charles, Tom Waits, Ali Farka Toure and Bang on a Can. I feel I owe this freeing of perspectives partly to David Bowie and Michael Kamen. This album was the gateway.

'74. Bowie. Drugs. Good Music.
1974. Bowie had just finished his brillant "Diamond Dogs" album. He was coked out of his mind almost daily. Then, decides to do a world tour. Somehow it worked.

This album, recorded from live shows at Philly's Tower Theater, is completely underrated. Brillant musicians (Mike Garson, Herbie Flowers, Earl Slick, David Sanborn), soon-to-be famous backup singers (Luther Vandross) and of course, Bowie.

The songs are great versions of the then new "Diamond Dogs" material, some R&B covers, Bowie singing "On Broadway" at the end of "Aladdin Sane" plus jazzy recreations of Bowie's classics. This album has plenty of sax but don't let that scare you. The band still plays hard which works great as a comparison to the jazz pianos and saxes.

Bowie, as I said, was lost in a white powdered daze at the time. As Bowie himself said about the album, "it should be called David is Live but only in theory." He was about 100 pounds at the time and pale as anything but somehow his voice still sounds great. Not as good as it could be but still very powerful. His voice, at his worst, he's still one of the best singers out there.

To put it best, if you're a hardcore Bowie fan you'll love it. If you're just a casual fan, you still want to check this out.

P.S. I resent the review on CDNOW saying that "By the mid-80's Bowie's "Changes" came to an ironic dead end." Alright, I'll admit his mid-80's stuff wasn't the best but his career DOES NOT end there. And his "Changes" (a very old and tired cliche pun when talking about Bowie) don't end there. Check out Tin Machine, his 90's experiments or his back to basics rock stuff from this decade.

Ziggy Soul-Dust!
When I first bought this collection on 8-track in '74 I was shocked: gone were the glam trappings and slick production of his studio efforts. Kudos to Bowie then and now for pushing the envelope with regard to his image and musical direction. Sure there are a few missteps, but what you gain in return is a sweaty, live, r & b fueled gig with jazz overtones. Worth the price of admission just to hear David Sanborn's sax riffing and session legend Herbie Flower's amazing bass-lines which evoke aural visions of Jamerson and Jemmott.

Sadly, not an improvement
I purchased "David Live" and "Stage" on the same day, and was really hoping that my earlier general distaste for "Live" would be sweetened by the remastering and expansion. Sadly, this is not the case. Despite the interesting notes from Tony Visconti, the sound of "David Live" was crappy in the original album. Digital remastering did nothing to clear up old flaws, if anything, it forces the album's shortcomings into sharp relief.

David's singing is lackluster. Only on a handful of songs here ("Sweet Thing" and, oddly enough, "Knock On Wood") does he sound like he was paying attention to his performance. Equipment hum makes frequent, distracting appearances, and the instruments themselves are often distorted to an embarrassing level.

Frankly, get this ONLY if you feel you must own all things La Bowie. The reissues of "Diamond Dogs" and "Ziggy Stardust" made me think this might be worth adding, but I was wrong. As David Bowie's live work goes, both the "A Reality Tour" DVD and newly re-issued "Stage" CD are far superior to this.

Unbelievably Bad
I am stunned that this album receives ANY favorable reviews.I am a Bowie fanatic, having taken in a dozen of his shows stretching back to 1978, and have owned every album of his.This is not just his worst album....it is THE worst live album EVER by ANY performer.The arrangements are sloppily played/plastic soul cum art rock and I am sure his whole band is embarassed at how they sounded on record.As bootleg aficionados know, there ARE good shows from the 1974 tour.This album somehow manages to give them a complete miss.As for David himself, he is in the nadir of his cocaine addiction and simply can NOT sing here.His voice is Awful throughout, making even this hardcore Bowie fan cringe!!Buy "Stage" instead--when he was not coked to the gills croaking out plastic soul in front of a band that could not care less--what a difference a few years makes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Two years after teen heartthrobs B2K threw in the towel, Omarion, their vocal center of gravity has resurfaced with his solo debut, the aptly titled O. Despite such high wattage producers as the Neptunes and Rodney Jerkins, the toothsome singer sounds much the same as he did when he fronted the boy band, except some of the tracks are a little racier than the stuff his former outfit put out. That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially when you get lost in the ardent yearning of a track like "Slow Dance." But it's not the love jams that shine here, it's the more winsome, autobiographical stuff like "Growing Up," which tries to explain the break-up of his band, the lighter than air "I Wish," and the brazen "Never Gonna Let You Go (She's A Keepa)," which feels like it was pulled right off a Commodores album from the roaring '70s and features some wicked back-up verbage by Outkast's Big Boi. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Save Your Money!!!!!!!!
Crap is all thay i can say about this release!! At this point the album is only gold and not even in billboards top 50 albums, which shows that this CD isn't moving units like expected. Usher got the audience, Omarion is just a jester in Usher's court. Save your money and download this crap>

O
I bought this album 3 weeks ago. I must say that this album is wonderful from beginning to the end. the album is packed with equal doses of ballads and mid-temps and allows listeners to peep his flavor. The album reflects the music he has been listening to all his life-old school mixed in with the new. This album should be promoted because it is that good. Remember,this was this year's#1 album hopefully.

Good Solo Album
I am very impressed by Omarion's talent. He can really sing and I love all of the slow songs. Growing Pains is definitely one of my favorites because it just shows you that you can't depend on your friends. You have to watch out for yourself. I love this CD and I am over 25!

Disappointed by A Potentially Good Artiste
Finally I managed to listen to Omarions Album in its entirety and it really disappoints me to say that this is a really weak album. When I heard the first release from the album 'O', I really thought yes, Omarion is here to give Usher/Mario some competition but I was wrong. This album for me is instantly forgettable. I have followed Omarion since the B2k days, he was definitely the guy with the talent there, he looked good, he can dance like crazy and he could sing a little but put him out there on his own with the wrong material and no backup group and this album just seems to be all over the place. Vocally, he's no Mario or Usher and there was no point in giving him songs to stretch his vocal range because you can clearly hear on the album that he is straining on some of the songs. This is a bad idea for someone like Omarion who is more a 'vybe', 'staccatto' type of singer - in other words, the type of songs that he needs to sing are songs that flow like raps - almost singing raps. I really didn't enjoy this album like i thought I would which is disappointing because Omarion is my boy! Please hook him up with some different producers and don't give him songs that are way above him. Omarion deserves to be out there because he's got something that a lot other so called stars only dream - and thats charisma. People love him, so please, please, please do a better job on his second album. I can understand the need to give him slightly more mature songs as he comes more of age but the songs have to fit his vocal style and range and i'm sorry to say, not many of these songs do, in fact on some of them he sounds like he's in real pain and in danger of messing up his voice - No disresect to Omarion, I blame the people around you. I know it will be right next time.

GARBAGE!!!
Why? All I can ask is why! I tried to listen to this album but I couldn't even get all the way through it. I just started screaming. The only decent song on this CD is "O" the title song. Come on Omarion...I'm sure u got more talent than that. Then again....maybe you dont. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A by-the-numbers, chronological collection that hits all the commercial highlights of the Drifters' Golden Era (1959-64)--after the frequently dazzling early records with Clyde McPhatter, but featuring the consummate vocal stylings of Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis, Johnny Moore, and more on 16 memorable hits. Among the pinnacles: "There Goes My Baby," the record whose unsettling, soaring strings launched the soul era; the romantic perfection of "Save the Last Dance for Me," "This Magic Moment," and the contagiously catchy, Latin-bouncing "Sweets for My Sweet;" and the eternally evocative cityscapes of "Up on the Roof," "Under the Boardwalk," and the stark, gritty "On Broadway." Sleepers include the heartrending Bacharach ballad "Please Stay," "I Count the Tears" (ripped off later on the Grass Roots hit "Let's Live for Today"), and "When My Little Girl Is Smiling," on which strings foreshadow the folk-rock movement. An ideal starter kit on these seminal uptown soul pioneers; those seeking further revelations (and there are plenty of them) are referred to Rockin' & Driftin': The Drifters Box.--Ken Barnes ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Not the best Drifters 'greatest hits' package available.....
Even if the group have been around for 40+ years, The Drifters have had more members than I think even they care to remember! The ones appearing on this CD are mostly the originals, and that's a shame really. Why? During the 60s, the group was popular in the U.S (the tracks on this CD prove that). However, they were even more popular in the U.K during the 70s where they released many fine songs which *unfortunately* don't appear on this CD. Still, the songs present are a testament to their longevity and each one is a classic in their own right.

From "There Goes My Baby", "Dance With Me" and "On Broadway", the hits keep on coming with "Some Kind Of Wonderful", "When My Little Girl Is Smiling" and "I'll Take You Home". There's also four *massive* hits here too: "Save The Last Dance For Me", "Up On The Roof", "Under The Boardwalk" and my particular favourite, "Saturday Night At The Movies". A very impressive line-up, yes, but when you consider the great songs that are missing, you begin to question the title of this CD - "The Very Best Of The Drifters".

No "Kissin' In The Back Row Of The Movies"?. No "You're More Than A Number (In My Little Red Book)"? No "There Goes My First Love"? And where's "Sweet Caroline", "Every Night" and their fantastic version of the Lovin' Spoonful's, "Summer In The City"? These were all *genuine* hits for the group in the 70s, yet have been ignored by this questionable 'best of' compilation. I'd recommend anyone to purchase a Drifters CD, but on this showing, it's really best if you shop around. "The Very Best Of The Drifters" could really have been a whole lot better.

Jon.

Magical.
Question: How can you go wrong with a 16 track collection of the Drifters' biggest & best hits on one CD released by the finest reissue label in the business? Answer: You just can't.

Since Rhino (the label in question) rarely get it wrong and some of the aforementioned 16 songs count timeless classics such as "Save the Last Dance For Me", "Up on the Roof", "On Broadway" and "Under the Boardwalk" this, quite simply put, is a CD no-one should be without.

Unquestionably the finest, affordable Drifters collection out there, you can also trust Rhino (No, I don't work for them) to deliver flawlessly in the sound reproduction and packaging departments, respectively.

As if all that wasn't enough, here are a few more reasons why everyone should own this CD: "There Goes My Baby", "This Magic Moment", "Some Kind of Wonderful", "Sweets For My Sweet", "Please Stay", "Saturday Nigt At the Movies", Goffin/King, Pomus/Scuman, Mann/Weil, Leiber/Stoller, Burt Bacharach and Ben E. King. Magic! 'Nuff said.

Great souls!
Cosa sarebbe stato il soul senza le magiche voci dei Drifters? Come sarebbe stata della storia dei gruppi vocali senza l'immortale "Under the Boardwalk"? Difficile dirlo, ma la centralità dei Drifters nello sviluppo del soul e dunque del pop è indubbia. Atlantic pubblica un documento vasto (29 tracce!) e prezioso, che con capolavori come "Kissing in the back rows of the movies", "Save the last dance for me", "There goes my first love" e "Sweets for my sweet" ci aiuta a rispondere ad una domanda ancora irrisolta: che mondo sarebbe senza i Drifters?
Arthur Cravan

I LOVE THE DRIFTERS
You can listen to every song on this album over and over and still love it. When you hear the songs you'll wanna dance and sing along.

Pretty good track selection, but way too much mono
This is a pretty good Drifters primer containing all 16 of their Top 40 entries from the '59-'64 period that marked their heyday, presented here in chronological order. Sound quality is uniformly good throughout, in fact quite exceptional considering the age of this material. My one complaint is that everything is in mono. Why? Many of these songs are available in stereo on other CD's. For a more expansive selection of classics (and a lot more stereo) I recommend picking up the 2-disc set "All-Time Greatest Hits & More: 1959-1965" instead. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

New Edition Hits the Jackpot.
You'd think the departure of New Edition's most successful member would hurt their future, but that's not the case here. Since Bobby Brown ditched the group for a solo career, the brothas from Roxbury roped in Johnny Gill, hooked up with Jam and Lewis, and the result is "Heart Break." If this ain't an r&b classic, I don't know what is. After the cutsey fare of "Cool it Now" and "Count Me Out," New Edition grows up in a big way and releases a stellar album of smooth, but not slick, soul. "If it Isn't Love" is simply a perfect song: polished production from Jam & Lewis, on-point singing from Ralph Tresvant, and cliche-free lyrics. "Boys to Men" is a convincing declaration of maturity featuring Johnny Gill's butter-smooth voice, while the uptempo jams "Where it All Started" (a nice look back at the old days) and "Crucial" still hold up well. From start to finish, "Heart Break" is a triumph and raises the bar of modern r&b. In my school of music, it merits an A.

N.E. at their best
Being that I am a die-hard new edition fan, 5 stars simply isn't enough for one of the best r&b albums of all time. It was even more influential because of the timing. New jack swing was still at its infancy and it's safe to say, heart break, along with don't be cruel and guy, established new jack swing as the dominant genre of urban music in 1988. Returning to the album, Jam & Lewis (the production team), and new edition were in prime form, as heard by Ralph, Ricky, and newcomer Johnny. They start off by telling you "that's the way they're livin" after a lively introduction. Continuing at the concert, they make you reminisce with them as they tell you "where it all started from".

Moving away from the concert, their first single, "if it isn't love", had success written all over it. Having a memorable chorus and groundbreaking production, all in compilation with Ralph's silky smooth voice, "if it isnt love" nearly topped the r&b charts at #2 and did pretty well on the pop chart too, #7. After an entertaining skit, things get right down funky on "N.E. heart break". All five members get in on the act, making for a funky dance rhythm, and in the process, peaking at #13 on the r&b chart. "Crucial" continues in the dance arena, but it's more light-hearted. Neverthless, still an enjoyable listen, peaking at #4 on the r&b chart. After another entertaining skit, "you're not my kind of girl" was a viable follow-up to crucial. With its memorable chorus and pleasant dance rhythm, it peaked at #3 on the r&b chart. "Superlady" rounds out the dance/new jack flava of the album.

"Can you stand the rain" introduces the balladry side of heart break. From the outstanding production to the memorable chorus to Johnny's buttery-smooth vocals complimented with Ralph's silky-smooth delivery, "can you stand the rain" was destined to top the charts, and it did for r&b. "Competition", my 3rd favorite track, is new edition at their best. Ricky, Ralph, and Ron complicate each other very nicely and the production is first-rate as well. The only thing missing was a memorable chorus. Nevertheless though, it's still one of the many standout tracks. After they let us know they're comin home, the most memorable tracks on the album follow. "I'm comin home" has a nice mid-tempo groove, which is just right for Ralph's quiet yet forceful delivery. along with his bridge and memorable chorus, it's hard not to snuggle up with your hubby. Rounding out the album is the unforgettable assurance of "boys to men". Johnny's smooth vocals complimented by Ralph's silky bridge, once again, is pure smooth soul at its best. They let us know even if they are maturing, they still can harmonize and croon with the best of them.

All in all, heart break is the best album that new edition has ever recorded. Their is not one filler track, or any distinct contrast of good songs and bad. Every song leads into the next, no matter which style is being used. That says a lot, especially with a majority of r&b albums of that day being uneven. For all of these qualities, this album will go down as one of the most important albums in new jack swing and is first-rate across all other urban genres (adult comtemporary, urban contemporary, classic soul). In other words, it is recommended for the casual r&b fan and essential for the casual new jack fan.

One of the greatest R&B albums ever made!
I just got through listening to this album for the 800th time (LOL) This is definitely one of the best albums ever made. My favorite tracks are: Where It All Started; If It Isn't Love; N.E. Hearbreak; You're Not My Kind of Girl; Can You Stand The Rain (One of the best slow jams ever made!) & Boys To Men (Johnny killed this one!)My ONLY complaint about this album is that the version NE Heartbreak that was featured in the video is waaaaay better than the album version. Mike's rap was classic! (I said yo baby/how the hell is ya livin'/cut that zero & roll with Michael Bivins) I'm having a hard time finding the remix but it's doesn't take away from this being the greatest group of all time. NE Forever!!

Great Comeback
This was N.E.'s first album after losing Bobby and adding Johnny. Being a N.E. fan since Candy Girl, I was hesitant at first, but this turned out to be one of my favorite N.E. albums. This album is more grown up than their previous recordings. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes good R&B that is timeless

This is what real music is
The amazement of this group for the period of time was great. After Bobby Brown left things were left in disarray but obviouly with replacement member Johnny Gill, New Edition reach a new level. They had since grown up from songs of their younger years(Cool IT Now, Candy Girl,Mr. Telephone Man,) they matured it grown men which is stated on "Boys to Men". They give love to fans by showing how they're "Thats the way we're Livin"."Can you Stand the Rain captures the heart with Johnyy Gill,Tresvant and Bell getting down to business, the mixture of voices by that trio has only been surpassed by a selected few. "Superlady","Im Comin Home" show how much they have really grown. Finally they show that they see others trying to be like them, and tell us "Where it all Started from". ... Read more

Album Description

18 of the finest by the original African power diva, all at a fantastic low price! Featuring a varied repertoire that includes both classic songs and well-known hits, this collection is ideal introduction to anyone that's ever been curiousabout Simone, as well as an ear-opener for those that wereof the opinion that Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill weren't influenced by anyone of their predecessors. Includes 'My Baby Just Cares For Me', 'He's Got The Whole World In His Hands','Don't Smoke In Bed' and 'I Loves You Porgy'. 2000 release standard jewel case. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Completely took my breath away...
I consider myself very fortunate to have discovered this truly amazing lady. My aunt had this disc in her cd changer on a day I just happened to be having dinner at her house. I really wasn't paying attention to the music in the background. But when I first heard Nina's voice, I found myself absolutely mesmerized. All I could say was "Who's that playing on the stereo?" It was, of course, Nina. I had never heard of this legendary lady before, but I became an instant fan. Nina has one of those voices that you just can't classify, like Macy Gracy, Tina Turner, Billie Holliday, Rod Stewart, Anastacia, Bjork and the list goes on... It's a potent instrument, soulful, emotional, beautifully textured, and deep. It's one of those rare voices that truly stands out from the millions of singers around the world. It's just heaven... One must hear Nina's voice to get a true sense of what I'm talking about. Her voice really will take your breath away...

Dear Sweet Nina
Not really having heard of Nina Simone prior to her recent passing, I caught a retrospective on NPR and was amazed at the power and persuasiveness of her voice. So, I beelined to the nearest music store, and picked out this CD, not knowing which one to select. Needless to say, "The Essential Nina Simone" is a masterful work of perfection.

Nina's voice is so incredibly deep and soulful, and soul-filled. I was immediately drawn to several of the tracks, realizing that just one listen wasn't enough. Nina manages to incorporate the power of her life and times into each song, as a reflection of where she's been and yet a hope of things to come. She's simply unlike any artist I've heard.

This CD is taking a prime place in my stereo for months to come. For relaxing, for reflection, for memories, for living, this CD and Nina Simone is a requisite.

In Memoriam
In Memoriam of Nina Simone, the great singer, pianist, composer, arranger, songwriter, feminist, activist, mother and woman.

Nina was born in North Carolina, USA, February 21, 1933.

Although Nina was called the "High Priestess of Soul" by her fans and was regarded by them as an almost religious figure, she was often misunderstood as well. The High Priestess would walk different paths to find the adequate songs to spread her message.

A protest singer; a jazz singer; a pianist; an arranger and a composer, Nina Simone is a great artist who defies easy classification. She is all of these: a jazz-rock-pop-folk-black musician. In fact, we can find her biography in jazz, rock, pop, black and soul literature. Her style and her hits provided many singers and groups with material for hits of their own.

Nina Simone passed away on April 21, 2003 in Carry-le-Rouet, France. She was Aged 70.

She is survived by her daughter and will be forever missed - yet forever treasured.

May our high priestess find her path to peace.

Very Soulful Sister
Nina Simone is truly One of the most Soulful Down to Earth Sister's that I have ever heard.Her Piano Playing stretched acrossed Classical,to Jazz&everything in between.He Voice took on the ill's of the World&just had your entire attention from start to finish.this Essential Collection Reminds you where so Many Current Sisters got there game off.RIP to a Soulful&Honest Legend.

A point missed
I agree with the other two reviews but neither mentions what a consumate jazz and classical pianist Nina Simone is. After all, she was both Julliard-trained and a South Carolina share-cropper cotton picker in her childhood. What better combination? While not possessing a "fine" voice she sings a song from the soul, and her sheer pianistic power and skill is unmatched by any "popular" performer that I am aware of. In sum. her keyboard performances alone would put her in the top rank of jazz artists.

Ed Williams ... Read more

Album Description

Momentary Setback takes a trip into the realm of Urban Soul! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Absolutely, Positively Amazing
I drove two hours to see Maroon 5 perform at Myrtle Beach House of Blues, expecting a great show from them. Marc was the first one to perform before Gavin DeGraw and Maroon, and had he been the last, the entire trip and all money spent would have not only been worth it, but a bargain. Marc's set was EASILY the highlight of the night, and he is one of the most talented artists I've heard in my entire life, with an eclectic feel, an unbelieveable voice, and the most energetic, passionate stage presence i've ever seen. HE IS AMAZING, and after buying the live CD of his HOB set that night, I knew I had to have his studio album. It hasn't left my CD changer since I bought it, and i'm sure it won't for a long time. Not to mention, after meeting him after the show, I can honestly say that Marc is a genuinely nice guy. Not only is Marc going to be HUGE one day, but he deserves it. BUY THIS CD, you will most certainly not regret it.

unknown gem
only brought this on spec while listening to clips on amazon,what a gem i have to hold my hands up and say i know nothing about marc but the cd is amazing,one draw back is the use of drum machine WHY?
Unfortunately in england this music is too classy for radio
but i`am not complaining when people hear this at home or in the car they cannot believe how good it is.

Little man HUGE voice
Marc is probably all of 5'5, but when he opens his mouth youi swear he is 10 feet tall. I love to hear him sing, it always makes me feel better. Like I have finally come home. And in person, he just has this incredible aura about him, that you just have to fall in love, becasue he commands that from you. He is the sweetest person, and I would recommend this cd to any one, especially if you are far from home becasue he brings you back to a very familiar place.

Great New Artist
Would have given It 5 stars, but the production could have been better. Unfortunatly a drum machine is used on a few tracks. Live drums would have definetly pushed me to a five.
I had the pleasure of seeing marc broussard in concert and it was one of the best performances I have ever seen. Not only was the music amazing, but it was matched lyrically as well. About half way through his set I went down to the merchandise table and bought this cd and went back at the end of the night to purchase a copy of that nights performance. Although "Momentary Setback" is amazing, it does not compare to the amazing sound he generates live. I highly suggest going to
www.marcbroussard.com ,clicking on the music tab and checking out all of his audio clips(full songs). I guarantee you wont be dissapointed. Unfortunatly amazon does not offer all of his work,(live cd/comp cd) but soon enough this guys gonna get big and amazon will wanna get there hands on everything there is to offer. Hopefully the band he plays with live will be recording on his new album due out in August 04'. He couldnt have gotten a better band to back him. If you like Acoustic guitar, Funk Riffs, and thought provoking lyrics sang with soul, This cd is for you. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT MARC BROUSSARD>

Amazing Diverse Playing and Singing Styles
I uncovered Marc Broussard while listening to and researching Gaving Degraw, whom I would also recommend. I listened to the first 3 songs on his cd and each one is very different from the other. They almost sound like songs sang by totally different artists. Along with his pure vocals and amazing ability to write a good "hook", many of his songs could be huge hits. He has yet to be discovered by the mainstream of music listeners, but once found he is sure to blow up. To give you some advice, go and buy this cd so you can tell all of your friends that you found this great musical artist before everyone else did. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Good compilation, but not the longer album cuts
As a fan of BS&T from the original days, but with no LP's of the band in my possession, I had been looking for a "best of" CD compilation when I came across this one on Amazon. The real excellence of the band is, in my opinion, due to the exemplary jazz chops showcased on so many of their songs, so I wanted to make sure this compilation was complete in that respect--in other words, containing full album cuts, rather than the shorter "radio" versions as played in the band's heyday...Two of the band's signature hits, "And When I Die" and "Spinning Wheel" are, alas, the SHORTER versions, missing the outstanding jazz breaks altogether. Not that that's bad, as BS&T's songs are so good that they defy editing; but these shorter versions just don't showcase the band to its fullest extent.

Thankfully, "God Bless The Child" DOES have it's jazzy interlude intact--an extraordinary example of BS&T at its best.

Granted, this is a "greatest hits" CD--hits based on radio play of the shorter versions. But it could have been a MAGNIFICENT collection if it had included the longer, complete versions of all the songs. As it is, it's "merely" better-than-good.

Great stuff from a happy time.
Another reviewer stole my opening line: This album does make me so very happy.

Argue all you wish about whether BS&T was better with or without David Clayton-Thomas. You cannot argue with the fact that this reissue has some really great music, and most of the band's best!

We expect them to rock the house with songs like "Spinning Wheel", and "Lucretia McEvil". The in-your-face horn section does not overplay the band on their gentler hits found here, like "Somethimes in Winter" or "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know".

I must disagree with another reviewer with regard to the jazz interludes which appear here in some songs (as opposed to the A.M. radio versions). They positively make songs like "Spinning Wheel" and without the interlude, "God Bless The Child" would not be half the song it was.

This is a fine fine piece of music.

Good introduction to the band, but not for big fans
Blood Sweat and Tears is one of my favorite bands of any genre. So I guess I would be a big fan.

If you're a big fan of BS&T, you should not buy this CD. It doesn't have the full versions of the songs. These are the shorter versions played on the radio at the time.

For others, though, this is a great introduction to the band. It has all their hits, and they're great songs - even in the shortened versions.

UNUSUAL ROCK-JAZZ
Blood, Sweat and Tears very successfully explored a niche between jazz and rock and produced some memorable music in the process. They had huge hits with You've Made Me So Very Happy, Go Down Gamblin', And When I Die, Spinning Wheel and Lucretia Mac Evil. But my favorite on this collection is the gentle soulful ballad Sometimes In Winter, a song that perfectly captures a mood of loneliness and regret that I believe is universal. It is atypical of the rest of their output, and very very beautiful. ... Sweat and Tears was probably closer to the spirit of rock ... and there's more variation in these songs. This is an interesting collection of a rare jazz-rock experiment that seems to have died at the end of the 1960s.

Some of the coolest stuff around!
I'm not one of those Blood, Sweat And Tears fans that heard all of their albums and all that. I hardly know the names of the band members. I tried to listen to other albums and didn't really like 'em, but this album is one of my favorite in my collection. There is some really cool stuff in it: In most of the songs the singer have a cool jazzy-smoky voice that gives a jazz spirit to the song, in others, mainly the romantic ballads, the singer (A different person) have a sweet voice that makes you listen to the songs again and again. The selection here is, in my opinion, all you need to enjoy BS&T, it is a great collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

At the Close of a Century may seem a rather portentous title for a box set, even one showcasing the work of such a formidable writer-performer as Stevie Wonder. Consider, though, that these discs appear a few months before Wonder's 50th birthday and that he's already spent 36 years making records; he has more right than most to get a little highfalutin when invoking temporal milestones. Despite various retrospectives over the years, Close is the first to cover the arc of Wonder's entire career. By the end of the first disc we've heard his early Motown hits and watched him develop into the masterful artist who'd go on to stack up landmark album after landmark album in the '70s. (Aretha Franklin's Wonder-penned hit "Until You Come Back to Me" is here in a rare version by the composer.) The string of LPs from Talking Book (1972) to Hotter Than July (1980) provides gem after gem on the two middle CDs--with all of 1973's Innervisions save one cut represented--while post-"Master Blaster" winners such as "That Girl" and "Overjoyed" are the meat of the final disc. Add a smart booklet of essays, photos, and a discography, and this handsome package starts to look like a sharp addition to the collections of even hard-core Stevie buffs. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (96)

One Of The Best Boxed Sets EVER!
Too often, record labels spend an inordinate amount of time planning how a boxed set LOOKS, but not what makes it up. Witness the many sets loaded with lame-o live cuts of songs you love, rare B-sides few people outside hardcore fans remember or demos made when the artist was still in diapers. In the case of Stevie Wonder, there had never been a single or double disc CD set that accurately covered the breadth of the man's career. And make no mistake, Wonder was that rarest of performers: his appeal crossing generational lines (from the sixties to the nineties), musical lines (name me one seventies rock fan who doesn't rock out to "Superstition") and commercial/experimental lines (his seventies albums employed synthesizers in innovative ways). His songs retain their magic, charm, boldness and genuine soul easily, effortlessly and with true-born genius. Likewise, Motown's usual short-changings (inferior sound remastering, single vs. album cuts, short-shrift booklets) are set aside here to paint a vivid portrait of a seminal modern music figure. Taken in this context, it's easy (and logical) to list Wonder alongside the 20th century's finest singer-songwriters: Bob Dylan, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Lennon-McCartney, Noel Coward. From the Little Stevie Wonder years ("Fingertips") to the seminal pre-rap seventies funk-rock workouts ("Living For The City") to his unquestionable skills as a balladeer ("I Just Called To Say I Love You"), this 4-disc collection is, simply put, one of the best boxed sets ever produced. Absolutely essential!

FRONT LINE pushed to the back of the line once again...
At first glance I was impressed with the wide spectrum of songs included. Maybe Stevie deserves more that just a quartet of discs. (As an example, upon opening up his vast back-log of unreleased material in boxed set form, Springsteen ended up rush-releasing his "TRACKS" album, to collect ommitted trax).

None the less, as I read the reviews from AMAZON customers I could not help but note the number of gross ommisions. Granted, you can't please everyone, but over the course of 4 discs, you'd think you could hit the mark on every major cut.

My Personal Plee was for the extended 12" mix of FRONTLINE that I own in album form, but I would have settled for a single version. With its riveting groove and strong lyrical message, you would have thot its unclusion a no-brainer.

It is a bit unfair to dock the 312 minute marathon a star for one left out song but as I add up the number of complaints, I think there are some missing moments here (DON'T DRIVE DRUNK, ALFIE, and so on).

Maybe a live, rarities and B-sides disc is in the works, but the great, great early to mid-sixties Moptown cuts are so, so wonderful, it's a shame Little Stevie does not think as much about his past (he had Motown pull the 3-LP LOOKING BACK anthology from disctribution).

I wish those would come back once more...

WONDERful
This is truly the best Box set and retrospective I have ever bought. This is well worth the money. I love how it starts from his early work and ends at his most recent work. I love every CD. Motown did a fabulous job in collecting Stevie's work and giving it to his fans. I am elated when I put all the disk in my player and listen for hours. I love the booklet, that is included. It is wonderful when you learn more about an artist and this gives you exactly that.
Thank you Motown for such awesome work.

Closest Thing To A True Retrospective!
There are other "Greatest Hit" collections for Stevie Wonder but this one is probably the best one! It has nearly everything from the beginning of his career up until the mid-90's! True, it'll miss a song or two but overall, you can't complain! Get it! Worth the money!

TOTALLY WODER-FULL
The ultimate collection of Stevie Wonder's work. Every song brings back memories and stays strong for today's market. If you have to own one of Stevie Wonder's CDs, this is the one to get. ... Read more