Amazon.com essential recording

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

Reviews (53)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

Given Luther Vandross's precarious state of health at the time of its release, Dance With My Father’s title track--a tale of yearning for a lost loved one--takes on added poignancy. It’s something of a centerpiece on an album that moves in several directions, reaching for varied constituencies, while ultimately staying focused on Vandross’s trademark buttery vocals. In addition to "Dance," there’s more adult-contemporary balladry ("Buy Me a Rose"), lightly sassy soul ("If I Didn’t Know Better"), and a number of collaborations with hip-hoppers that often work surprisingly well. While suspending disbelief is hard when considering Luther and Foxy Brown as a couple ("If It Ain’t One Thing"), remakes of soft-R&B classics with Beyonce Knowles and Busta Rhymes prove to be highlights. With the Destiny’s Child singer, Vandross actually improves on the familiar Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway take of "The Closer I Get to You," turning in a cut that recalls his slow-burning signature reworking of "A House is Not a Home." A languid turn at "Lovely Day," with a purring Busta, works almost as well. (The "Part II" remix is superfluous, however.) Otherwise, Dance is in the vein of post-‘80s Vandross discs, and guaranteed to please fans. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (101)

A soulful masterpiece by Luther! He's a genius!
Luther Vandross is my all-time favorite singer! I have all his CDs and this latest one certainly doesn't fail to deliver. I have played this CD over and over and still look forward to hearing it play again. (When I first purchased it I even just drove around in my car, with nowhere in particular to go, just so I could play the entire CD.)

I love the title cut but I think my favorite song is 'Buy Me a Rose' although there isn't a song on this CD that I don't like. This particular song and the title cut bring tears to my eyes everytime I hear them play, because they ring so true to experiences in my life. I also love the song, 'Think About You,' because how many of us in our lives haven't had a secret fantasy crush on someone that doesn't know that we do. It's wonderful to listen to an artist and be able to relate to the words of his songs.

How bittersweet it is for this debut of Luther's new CD knowing that he is still hospitalized. May God continue to bless Luther and help him continue on a path of recovery so that he can be back to sing more songs with his beautiful voice. A world without Luther singing is a world I don't want to imagine!

I hope that Luther knows how much he is loved and wished well!

Brilliant
Quite possibly Mr. Vandross' best work ever! Every track is well worth listening to (several times). I was not particularly thrilled with listening to Foxy Brown on "If it ain't one thing". Thankfully, most of her ramblings came at the end...smooth and coarse just do not blend very well. I was very pleasantly surprised at "Hit it Again". Sexy, very sexy. Did it need the Queen? No! Mr. Vandross was doing great all by himself on this one!
Ms. Knowles handled herself very well with a music legend! Maybe she is not all flash after all....great rendition of "The closer I get to you".
Mr. Vandross has been so consistent for so many years that we all expect the very best from him. He has raised the bar yet again with this album and I am excited to see his follow-up! Yes, I live in an optimistic world and I fully expect another Vandross CD in 2005. Unquestionably this is a must have CD. He hits the mark with every track!
Je t'aime, Luther.
G

My opinion
Luther Vandross's album dance with my father is the biggest hit he could have ever made and every time I here or see the music video of that song it just makes me think of my father and how he wasn't there for me

Luther's Best Work
This is clearly the definition of a 5 star album. When an artist puts out his best work. Luther has clearly put out his "masterpiece" work and there is no way you can say that he didn't. He uses great song choice and his voice is just fantastic.

What makes this album 5 stars? First, the music supporting Luther isn't monotonous. Each song has unique drum programming/rhythm and each song sounds different. I am partial to all the songs, with my favorites being "Think About You", "The Closer I Get To You" (Beyonce's vocals are absolutely stunning), and "Dance With My Father". All the songs are good. Luther and his partners who composed these tunes did a great, great job. What else is there to say. 5/5!

Bad album
In 2003 this album won a lot of awards and shifted a lot of units, but in truth I think that's more down to the name of Luther & the ill health the brother was in, than the album itself. People like me who have followed Luther for years & have all his albums know he's capable of much stronger material than this. 'Dance With My Father' is an album that does everything it can to sell big. It rides all the fads of the moment, brings in corny guest rappers like Foxy Brown, Queen Latifah, and Busta Rhymes, and flava of the month Beyonce. It all sounds boring, Luther has sold platinum before while staying true to himself & R&B so its confusing to hear him sell out so hard. The production is weak, Luther again avoids real instruments in favour of low budget sounding Casio keyboard-based tunes, the choice of songs are weak, the two covers are bad choices, the material doesn't showcase the full range of his vocals, the hooks are weak, the overall vibe is cheap. This is only the second time in 23 years that he has cut a bad album (the other being 1993s 'Never Let Me Go'), so that explains why this is such a let down. I hate to see a respected vet like Luther go out like this, I hope his health improves as the man has been a great talent & is loved the world over. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Handsome in his designer clothes and angelic, nappy dreads, Maxwell styles himself a modern-day urban love prophet in the tradition of Marvin Gaye. He concocts a conceptual music suite that purports to tell a fully rounded tale of meaningful love set in the tough but misunderstood inner city. What he delivers, however, contains only the faintest hints of what he promises. Instead we get a whole lot of the same tired R&B elevator slush and lyrics like "Gonna take you in the room suga'/ Lock you up and love for days." Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite is significant only in that it recasts the same old same old as something monumental, and nearly pulls it off.

Initially, there's a lot to like about Maxwell: On his openers, "Urban Theme" and "Welcome," the early '80s full-band R&B and jazz pop grooves are reminiscent of Maze's brightest days and Steely Dan's coolest nights. But soon even Maxwell's passionate voice gets lost in a flat mix that turns every song into faceless background music. While R&B is at no loss for suave and sexy personalities to take the stage, a dearth of new ideas keeps the genre for the most part floundering and visionless. In the end, Maxwell's urban hang suite is just another empty room.--Roni Sarig

... Read more

Reviews (110)

Urban Excellence
3 words...
GET THIS ALBUM!!

If your a lover of quality R&B then this should be in your collection. If its not, then your not as cool as you think you are!!

Maxwell, brings an album which is totally fresh and full of great tracks.
Vocally he is top notch and the music will satisfy all.

Track 1
The Urban Theme
Basically its an intro. But funky and sets the mood. You've opened the doors to Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite here.

Track 2
Welcome
So your into the Hang Suite now, and Maxwell is welcoming you. This is the first taste of his voice. Its a very cool track that is great to kick back with a drink in your hand and listen too.

Track 3
Sumthin' Sumthin'
Now we really get into it. This track is out of this world. You might know this one, it was a single. Catchy chorus but oh so cool. Sexy sexy track.

Track 4
Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)
This just beats Sumthin Sumthin for the title of the albums best track. One of my favourite songs of all time. Once again its cool and catchy, but its a beautifuly written song. With Maxwell's voice oozing soul, this track is without a doubt fantastic.

Track 5
Dancewitme
This track is bassy and once again really chilled. Maxwell is making a move this woman and telling her to dance with him. Its another sexy track. Not to be missed.

Track 6
Til' The Cops Come Knocking
This is the first ballad on the album. If you want to impress a lady fellas, make them dinner, bottle of wine, with this track playing in the back ground. A winner for sure.

Track 7
Whenever Wherever Whatever
A sentence most people like to hear. Another classy ballad. Not a great as Til the cops... but still a beautiful track.

Track 8
Lonely's The Only Company
The theme of the album is a chilled one. This ballad is not only fantastic but very emotional. Maxwell's voice range is in full flow here. A corker.

Track 9
Reunion
Bit more upbeat here than the previous three. Still a cool song. Maxwell continues his emotional mood. Superb.

Track 10
Suitelady (The Proposal Jam)
Fellas, want to propose to a lady? Let Maxwell do it for you!
His voice shows a completly new side here. Sounds almost like another singer. Its just testement to his vocal ability.
A lady won't say no!

Track 11
The Suite Theme
Its the farewell tune. But while other people are leaving the Hang Suite, Maxwell wants one particular lady to stay with him.
Its love making music baby! Fantastic end to a uttely superb album.

Overall
I cannot recommend this album highly enough.
You must buy it. Your missing out if you do not have it.
Its just fantastic.

.... Just the beginning for Maxwell
If you are a R&B music fan and you don't have this CD in your collection, you might want to do some soul searching. This is one of the best CDs of all time, in my opinion. I first heard Maxwell when I saw the video for "Til The Cops Come Knockin'". For most new artists, I have to hear a few songs before I buy their debut CD. That wasn't the case this time. Then, to make it even better, "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" was released to radio, before "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite" was released. After I purchased the CD and listened to it a couple of times, I realized that Maxwell had a classic on his hands. I would put this CD right up there with D'Angelo's and Chico DeBarge's debut CD, as well as Eric Benet's and Erykah Badu's. Although, their styles are all different, their CDs bring light to a different form of R&B, separate from what you hear most of today. My favorite two songs on the CD are "Welcome" and "Whenever Wherever Whatever". Those two songs represent the best uptempo and slow song on the CD, in my opinion. "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite" is really an r&b CD with a jazz appeal to it. That's one of the reasons why I like the CD so much. Other gems include, "Sumthin' Sumthin", "Lonely's The Only Other Company" and "Suitelady". I would also recommend that you pick up the "Ascension" (Don't Ever Wonder)" CD maxisingle, because it has a remix version of the original song and a song that is not on the CD called "Lock You Up In Love For Days". You should also pick up "Maxwell's MTV Unplugged" for the classic "This Woman's Work" and his 2nd disc "Embrya". Believe me, you won't be disappointed.

Opinions are a dime a dozen!
Urban Hang Suite is my very favorite record in my collection!! This record is the "Holy Grail" of the post 1970's Soul Revolution!
THIS IS REAL SOUL MUSIC AND MAXWELL'S BEST WORK.

From the biggest Maxwell fan of all time, MichauX http://www.michauxmusic.com

Maxwell, if you are reading this, I can't wait to get your new record, "Black Summer's Night".
By the way, Tom Coyne has an autographed copy of "Just MichauX" waiting for you when you come into your mastering session at Sterling Sound.

........a must
I never get tired of this disc. Great funk, smooth vocals, and never boring. If your reading this and you don't buy it, your making a big mistake.

Fresh at the time...
I remember 1995 when this kid came out of nowhere with 'Maxwells Urban Hang Suite' and blew everybody away. Back then it was all slowed down g-funk with explicit lyrics and wailing & screaming that qualified as contemporary R&B. Maxwells more intelligent and changed all that with his throw back to the ole school masters. The kids silky smooth falsetto combined with laid back, jazzy grooves makes for one awesome listening experience.

From front to back this album flows perfectly, the kid constructs real harmonies with real feeling & strong but understated sexual vibes. You've got to consider either this or D'Angelos 'Brown Sugar' as the Greatest Soul Record of the 90s. Back then it looked like Maxwell was going to be a major player but his two albums since have been real disappointments and I guess D'Angelo really is The Don these days. Classic debut though. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Another Marvin Gaye overview/introduction? Why not? Pullingtogether the usual hits from "I'll Be Doggone" to "Grapevine," "What'sGoing On" to "Let's Get It On" to "Sexual Healing"--all musts for anyR&B or pop fan--this two-CD set also offers treats for the Marvinconnoisseur. Foremost are the previously unreleased "Where Are WeGoing?" which marries Nixon-era (and beyond) social concerns to alilting groove that brings to mind Spinners records ofthe period, and an alternate mix of Gaye's rare version of "His Eye Ison the Sparrow." Very Best also pays proper tribute to Gaye'sfinal years at Motown with the full 11-plus minutes of the intensely,casually funky "Got to Give It Up," Here, My Dear'ssmoldering "Anger," and several tracks from the under-heard LoveMan/In Our Lifetime sessions. More than just aprofit-generating package from the parent company, it's a loving, roundedselection that's sure to widen newcomers' perceptions of a greatartist's creativity and spirit. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Mercy, Mercy Me these discs are a great compilation
Marvin Gaye wrote the book of Motown. He brought style. He brought millions of fans to his side, and to Motown. His music has come in handy lately in the hard times America is going through right. His song "What's going on" was done by twenty or so artists in different ways and made into a cd benefiting victims of September 11. Remember the crazy clothing, the high platform boots. Remember his music. Remember him. Think what one song has done to help our nation. This cd brings out all his qualities. His first disc of the pair portrays the love appeal with 'Ain't no mountain high enough', "I heard it through the grapevine' and 'To busy thinkin' 'bout my baby' and others. The second disc has more insightful, deep songs like 'Inner City Blues' 'Where are we going' and 'What's going on'. It has the sex appeal in 'Let's get it on' and 'Sexual Healing'. And of course the a girl-heartthrob song 'Distant Lover' This awesome album brings out the best attributes in the legendary Marvin Gaye.

Beautiful, Definitive, Fantastic¿ the best ever Compilation
What can I say. There has never been such a beautiful Marvin Gaye compilation. I've owned every LP, CD and DVD. This is the nicest thing I've ever seen on Marvin. But nuff about me. The sound quality on this-the remastering-is sensational in every way. I hear things I never heard on songs like "Grapevine," "Hitch Hike," "You," "What's Going On," "Inner City Blues," the list goes on. Also offered here for the first time are two previously unreleased songs. The newly discovered "Where Are We Going?" and the alternate version of the rare gem "His Eye Is On The Sparrow." Plus other rarities like the single only releases "You're The Man" and "Ego-Tripping Out." Another MAJOR point is that aside from the out-of-print boxed set "The Master," the is the only Motown compilation that has the CBS track-and final masterpiece from MG- "Sexual Healing." So you get EVERY HIT on these double CD set. Deluxe, beautiful digipak packaging (with photos I have never seen before) done by the same guys who brought us the other jewel of the year, "What's Going On (Deluxe Edition)." These are by far the best Marvin Gaye releases ever. Pick the latter up if you haven't done that yet. You will LOVE the unreleased, new song "Where Are We Going?" It sounds like it was recorded yesterday. The wonderful essay by Gaye biographer (and "Sexual Healing" author) David Ritz should not be overlooked. very refreshing. This CD is for all ages and colors.

The Best Marvin Gaye Retrospective
It took Motown nearly 20 years to finally get it right, and release the first career spanning collection of Marvin Gaye's music. It begs the question one question, however: what took them so long? Marvin Gaye was arguably the most influential rhythm and blues artist of his generation and this moderately priced 29 track double C.D. is the best retrospective of Gaye's work. It is the only "Best of" CD that will aquaint the casual fan with the scope of Marvin's career. There are some unreleased treats for the collector, but the avid fan will want it because it's the first comprehensive set of Marvin's hits since the refinement of digital technology. Many of Marvin's early hits were actually mixed through car radio speakers, so they would sound good on an AM car radio, which was the primary method of marketing music in the early sixties. The muddy mixes of many of Marvin's early hits are cleaned up, and the upper and lower registers of don't "bleed" into mid range sounds.

Marvin Gaye acquired and lost three monetary fortunes during his 23 year musical career. Each time Marvin was confronted with failure, he successfully reinvented himself and gained an even wider following. He became the first black popular music performer to gain complete artistic control over his work, which laid a blueprint for independence to guide other black artists, most notably fellow Motown musician, Stevie Wonder. Marvin Gaye introduced topical and political commentary into his music with his transcendental 1971 album, "What's Going On." Curtis Mayfield may have predated Gaye in the use of social commentary, but no album produced, before or since, has carried the stunning immediacy of "What's Going On." It has become an artistic benchmark by which all other musical accomplishments have been measured.

"The Very Best of Marvin Gaye" doesn't overlook any aspect of Marvin's multifaceted career. The dapper young star of the Motown stable with a string of AM radio hits, his successful pairing with Tami Terrell and Kim Weston for duet albums, his stellar 1970s career as both a protest artist and singer of jazz infused love ballads and his final incarnation as the sleek singer of "Sexual Healing" in his trademark smoking jacket. Marvin Gaye lived in an era that produced the most talented rhythm and blues singers in history. In the ten year span from 1963 until 1973 artists like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Al Green were either emerging or established performers.

Despite all of his personal demons, Marvin Gaye's career spanned well into the 1980s, when most of his peers from the golden age of soul had either died prematurely or had developed a formulatic approach by using the same production template for every album. Marvin refused to use a cookie cutter approach. Marvin Gaye wasn't afraid of taking chances, reinventing himself and redefining his artistry.

Excellent career-spanning compilation
This comprehensive collection contains all Marvin's important American hits as well as highlighting other aspects of his music, including his political songs of the seventies. His British hits were sometimes different from his American hits. Three UK top ten hits are missing, though as this is an American compilation, there is no reason why they should have been included. Abraham Martin and John was an American hit for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - perhaps it was felt that Marvin's version was better for the UK market. You are everything, a duet with Diana Ross, made the UK top five. Onion song, a duet credited as being with Tammi Terrell but recorded with a stand-in, made the UK top ten.

The classic American hits (not all of which charted in Britain) are all here including Can I get a witness, How sweet it is, I'll be doggone, Ain't that peculiar, I heard it through the grapevine, Too busy thinking about my baby, That's the way love is. What's going on, Mercy mercy me, Trouble man, Let's get it on and Got to give it up. Some of his duets are here, too, including Ain't no mountain high enough, Your precious love, If I could build my whole world around you, Ain't nothing like the real thing, You're all I need to get by (all with Tammi Terrell) and It takes two (with Kim Weston).

Marvin always considered himself a balladeer like Frank Sinatra or Nat King Cole rather than a typical R+B singer, but his early attempts to establish himself in this role were not a success. Eventually, he did gain acceptance as a balladeer after proving that he could do the R+B material - compare his definitive version of I heard it through the grapevine with the Gladys Knight version, released a year earlier. Marvin actually recorded the song before Gladys but Berry Gordy initially rejected his version. It shows what perseverance can do.

Marvin once again had Berry Gordy worried when he completed his anti-Vietnam album, What's going on. Motown had always been primarily a singles label so this album was completely alien to the marketing department, although it appears that many people at Motown loved it. Once again, Marvin was right. The album was a huge success and three of its tracks are here - they are the first three on CD 2.

This double-CD is a nice introduction to the music of Marvin Gaye, one of the finest soul singers of the twentieth century.

The Very Best of Marvin Gaye
probably one of the very best of all cds, ever. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Like Ali, it's the greatest!
I've owned this cd for 3 years and it can't be touched. I'm 27 and I listen to all kinds of music from pop/rock like Rod Stewart to serious rap like N.W.A./ Dr. Dre, old stuff like Chuck Berry to newer stuff like Eminem. However this album is the best. I heard Inner City Blues when I was in high school and went and bought his greatest hits. Then a few years later I heard this album and I was amazed. The songs flow from one into the other, the messages are all good and hey, Marvin is one of the best voices we'll ever hear. Rarely do you get an album that every song is good; actually maybe only this album and Michael Jackson's Thriller (remember that's why Thriller is the best selling album ever). It's funny though, after watching that music special that appeared on all the channels after the World Trade Center attack I thought someone would sing What's Going On, but noone did. However, a few weeks later a few singers together released a version, but nothing compares to the original. Right on Marvin.

It's More Relevant Now Than Ever.
Having just approached the one year anniversary of September 11, I'd thought it be a good idea to revisit Marvin Gaye's 1971 masterpiece, "What's Going On." Originally recorded as a commentary of the socially turbulent 1960s, "What's Going On" has lost none of its power after more than thirty years, and its messages still possess relevance in today's climate. Gaye addresses the environment ("Mercy Mercy Me"), the future of our children ("Save the Children"), and war (the title track). The brilliant finale "Inner City Blues (Makes Me Want to Holler)" obviously wasn't written in reference to the WTC attacks, but I can imagine many people relating to the frustration and anger with which Gaye sings this song. But "What's Going On" also possesses spiritually uplifting messages of positivity, and these messages couldn't be needed more urgently as the survivors of 9/11 struggle to adapt and move ahead. The beautiful "God is Love" is still tough enough to move this grown man to tears, while "Wholy Holy" inspires us to come together, believe in Jesus and "rock this world's foundation."

September 11 was a day that forever rocked this nation's comfort zone, forcing us to reassess our lives and priorities. But instead of conforming to the often dubious forms of patriotism that keep surfacing in this country, let's revisit this still-stunning classic and learn from its messages of optimism and faith.

simply one the BEST musical compositions of all time
This is simply put the greatest body of work ever written for the public to enjoy, and yet to learn from too. He was not just writing for one person, he wrote this for all of us.

It stands alone in the music world, in high demand still, even after its 1971 release. Motown did not want this album, it was too volitile to release in 1969, so it sat for a year and a half. Yet it revoloutionized music, it was an album, a concept album when America was into singles still.
I am so glad they realized someone had to say what was said on this disc. To me this is a work of musical, and spirtual art. He is speaking of himself and of society, all in one beautiful musical journey.If you have never heard this work, listen to this disc, and listen with an open mind.

It is simply one the BEST musical compositions of all time. Timeless and powerful, a piece of love from a man who was so troubled in his own life. He gave us a message from God, a gift he could not ultimately find himself, peace and love.

One of the greatest ever
Marvin had broke out of Motowns formulaic hit making machine with this 1970 album and set out to record the kind of music he wanted to make. The result was 'Whats Going On', possibly the greatest R&B album ever. That title track is just eternal.... What a groove!

The whole atmosphere Marvelous Marvin creates here is just incredible! Moody and dramatic numbers about the world, people of today, social ills... The songs are carefully crafted and flow into each other one by one, culminating in the all time classic high of 'Inner City Blues'. 'Mercy, Mercy Me' is also present, and the rest of the material is equally inspired and pleasurable on the ear. Marvin was in the zone with this one, just as important & relevant today as it was back then, essential.

Legend
There are NO type of words to describe HOW beautiful this album is! I mean, people had been saying that for a while before I finally copped it around 2000 but when I finally heard the album with nine tracks in all its glory, I was floored! I mean, this is what a TRUE artist IS! Marvin Gaye is more than just a musical legend, he is a legend for the entire world. Each song he had done, he always knew how to invoke so much emotion, so much pain, so much hardship and still come out with a piece of beauty.

Save Sam Cooke and Al Green, no other artist turned R&B upside down and made it personal better than the man hailed from the Chocolate City. With his 1971 album, "What's Going On", Brother Marv went from singing about NEEDING love all the time to singing about WANTING love not only for himself but also for the entire world from ghetto to ghetto, backyard to yard, country to country. Forget Elvis, Marvin was truly a rock & roll innovator. He proved Black artists can sing a full album full of personal anguish and make it touch you deep inside your heart.

No track is a filler and it's not so much the music but the message behind it that hits home. Telling a story of the singer's brother returning from Vietnam and asking that important question ("What's Going On"), his Rip-Van-Winkle sense of things-gone-by ("What's Happening, Brotha?"), his descend to drug abuse ("Flying High In The Friendly Sky"), and Marvin's own messages of trying to understand his place ("Right On"), trying to understand why the world is in such a disarray ("Mercy Mercy Me"), tormented because the children of the world are already going through terrible times while living in the ghetto ("Save the Children") to accepting Jesus into his life and also asking those not to question His majesty ("God Is Love") to embarking on a mission to conquer all hate ("Wholy Holy") and finally exposing the truth of his surroundings as poetically as he could in the streets ("Inner City Blues"--which is his landmark single IMO, but it's hard to choose THE landmark since Dude has had so many "landmarks"). This album told a STORY. It wasn't all out there like the work from the Beatles and the Beach Boys, less raucous than music from the Rolling Stones and the Temptations (who was going through a "psychedelic-soul" phase) and was just as serene as the music that would be released soon afterwards from these acts:

Issac "Black Moses" Hayes

Curtis Mayfield
His fellow Motown brotha, the Wonderful Stevie
Leon Ware (who would also produce a classic album along with Marv five years afterward)

And much, much more.

It also paved the way for Black acts to personally write about their own troubles like a book and not so much about pleasing youngsters but pleasing the soul within us. After Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye helped bridged the gap in Black music. This album remains his ultimate landmark but he was just getting started. This will be his decade to shine.

You know the only bad thing about it is that the man who inspired a lot of R&B, rock, pop, hip-hop and soul singers today is no longer with us to experience and tell us more stories about ourselves that before, we didn't have an idea or clue about, also his music is so timeless because the stuff that had happened when he recorded this in the late-'60s and early-'70s (Vietnam, civil rights movement, Black Panthers, etc), is still going on today in 2004 (Iraq, civil rights lawsuits, injustice among celebrities, the FCC, etc).

Long live Marvin P. Gaye, Jr. forever and ever!

My overall rating of this classic: 10+

As I said in the title, LEGEND is all that needed to be said! We love you and miss you, Marvin. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Like The Man Says: "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing"
There are several Marvin Gaye compilations available--both single-disc and box set. So it simply becomes a matter of finances which one you choose. For the budget-minded this collection is ideal. Not only do you get every Top 10 Motown hit (except for the inexplicable omission of his first--"Pride and Joy"), you also get his four Top 10 hits with Tammi Terrell: "Your Precious Love," "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You," "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" and "You're All I Need To Get By." [Before anyone gripes about the absence of 1982's "Sexual Healing," you need to remember that Gaye had switched labels to Columbia by then.]

Like labelmate Stevie Wonder, Gaye's Sixties hits were smart pop songs with catchy hooks and fairly safe subjects--love and romance being the principal. Like Wonder, Gaye too would eventually wrest creative control from the powers that be at Motown and by the early Seventies was creating socially conscious songs like "What's Going On," "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)."

This is a terrific, if concise, overview of the genius of Marvin Gaye. Originally released in 1983, these tracks have been remastered and sound simply amazing. If your record library doesn't already include these songs, this is a great place to start. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

One of the best Singers and Song Writers ever....
To any person who likes music, the name of Marvin Gaye is filled with pleasure and pain. Pleasure for the great music he created, pain for the fact he is no longer with us. When I die, and if I go to heaven, I am going to look for Marvin and hope he is still composing and singing. People, you have to own at least one Marvin Gaye album to call yourself a person who likes music. Let's get down to it:
THE GOOD: 1) SONG SELECTION. Some of these tracks I had not heard of before, but that does not matter. I bought this one on name recognition alone and I was not sorry. Every track is a classic and you do not have to be a fan of this type of music to enjoy this one. Tracks like "Mercy Mercy Me" and "What's Goin' On" are classics. On top of that, it is nice to explore tracks you might not have listend to otherwise. 2) SOUND. Classic, rich, and full of passion are just three of the words that I would use to describe his sound. There are many more of course, but that would take more space then I am allowed. 3) EMOTIONAL. Each track is so full of emotion that I could not help but swing with it. When the song was up-beat and happy I found that I had a smile on my face, when the track was a downer, then I frownd. Whatever the emotion instilled within the track I found myself feeling the same way.
THE BAD: 1) PRICE. I know that I should expect to pay more for a collection CD, but 29 bucks is way over the top. Shame on the person that though 29.99 was a good idea.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Just like Black Sabbath is the founding fathers of modern rock, Marvin Gaye is one of the founding fathers of Rap/Hip-Hop/Pop. Sure, preformers before him where writing and singing of the samethings that he was, that was what the jazz/blues movement is all about. Marvin Gaye gave mainstream acceptance to a sound that might have never come to light without him. I miss you Marvin! This album, although a classic and priceless, does not get a "must have" status simply because there are better albums containing better selections.

Marvin makes you happy
I love this CD, it too is one of my favorites. As Marvin sings his heart out on songs with Tammy Terrell (You all I need to survive) and on the hit "I heard it through the Grapevine" I am blown away. I love how it ends with the song of my childhood, "Got to Give it Up" which was played at block parties and would get everybody up and off of their feet. This is a must buy.

Absolutely Amazing
I was never a Marvin Gaye fan before I bought this album. He was honestly a little before my time. As a teenager who's brought up in an age of crappy pop & rap, I recently went out looking for some real musicians. This was one of the artists I sought out, & man I am glad I found him. I found it incredibly refreshing album, this guy is an exquisite artist. Buy this album.

essential listening
Marvin Gaye was one of the greatest if not the greatest soul singer ever and if you need proof of this, I sugguest buying this compilation. While there is other great Marvin Gaye material out there(check out "What's Going On" and "Sexual Healing"), these Motown Hits were his greatest work. This is the best Marvin Gaye compilation on one disc out there. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The best-of-Luther thing has been done a couple of times before, but Greatest Hits lays it down well. The single-disc format means that one of your favorites might not be here, but among the well-chosen gems present are "Never Too Much," "A House Is Not a Home," "So Amazing," and "Any Love." Vandross, of course, was the reigning king of '80s R&B romance; while he was never as troubled as Marvin Gaye or as downright eccentric as Al Green, he did have that voice. Before hip-hop split the audience generationally, it was the favored accompaniment to seduction for many fans, whose number grew even greater when 1986's "Stop to Love" pushed him through the pop-crossover barrier once and for all. Greatest Hits summarizes the days when he ruled the world. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A Nice Collection
Luther Vandross' "Luther Vandross: Greatest Hits" is a good album filled with many of the Luther's best songs. The songs talk about love, loss, desire, and sensuality. Luther Vandross' voice is so velvety smooth that you instantly become engrossed in the songs.

Of course there are some songs that could have been left off of this CD, and others that should have been added, but overall, this is a pretty good CD, especially for a Luther fan. I would suggest this CD to fan of Luther as well as people who want to hear good music by one of the greatest singers of our time.

A decent album of his music from 1981 to 1994/
Why he has so many 'Greatest Hits' CDs out is beyond me. Many of these songs were on several of his previous hits CDs.

The selections on here are rather decent however and are among some of his most popular songs of his career.

My favorite songs on here are Never Too Much, Give Me The Reason, Power Of Love, & So Amazing. The rest of this CD is enjoyable too.

However I have to complain about the excessive hits CDs that his record labels have put out over the years. Power Of Love, Here & Now, & Always & Forever are on so many CDs, both Greatest Hits as well as on various artists albums too. It diminishes the power that the songs on here have.

I just wish that Luthers works weren't so excessivly marketed on so many hits CDs because to me the punch that some of his best works had back in their day has been weakened.

I for one would have to say that it is best to just get all of Luther Vandross' parent albums but if you decide to get one of his hits collections I suggest getting this one. Leave the rest of his other hits CD alone except maybe his 1997 release with that contains The Best Things In Life Are Free, his 1992 duet with Janet Jackson & When You Call On Me/Baby That's When I Come Running because at least that album offers a rare song from Janet and the new(at the time) song.

Avoid The Ultimate Luther Vandross collection that was released last year because it offers nothing new. Just more of the same songs that the previous collections offered.

THE WELL-WEEDED GARDEN
See my comments re DANCE WITH MY FATHER.

Pure Heaven
Luther's voice just does it for me. Calms my nerves, relaxes my soul and adjusts my attitude!

good stuff
This a great cd to put on when you want to unwind. Luther has a great soulful voice. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If the one-disc All-Time Greatest Hits leaves you panting for more, but the three-disc box set Just for You proves that one can, in fact, get enough of Barry White's love, well, then the two-disc Ultimate Collection is the anthology for you. An entire slow-jams industry has been erected in White's wake, but no one has done it better. Call it "funkzac"--an inimitable fusion of lush strings and suave brass dancing on a bed of funk and disco rhythms, with the manly maestro mixed prominently atop his seduction soundscapes. Ultimate Collection serves up enough cherry Barry to produce another baby boom. --W.C. Sweeney ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Let The Music Play!
This collection speaks for itself! Thirty songs and not a single dud! What is here is essential and entertaining. If there is any flaw I can find it would be this: Is this collection suppose to be just Barry White: SOLO artist? There are a few collections from Love Unlimited Orchestra, but still I don't have a problem with it.

The really great thing about its collection that it included his 1990s hits "Practice What You Preach" and "Stayin' Power" which is better than his 1994 "All-Time Greatest Hits" on one CD. If you are a fan, but are still not sure about his box set, then this is your ideal pick. Highly recommended!

Two discs of pure BW
Its rare that a best of collection gets it right, but when the artist is involved that usually helps a lot. That was the case here & Barry White oversaw this two disc set of his best work put together lovingly & with care. What an awesome style The Maestro had back in the day. Lush strings, heavy beats, guitar riffs, and that nice blend of his deep bass vocals with the female back up. The Man could really create an atmosphere and he made an awesome body of work in the 70s, bringing both soul & FONK. Most of the singles are included, and it also captures his work in the late 80s and his big comeback in the 90s. 'Practice What You Preach' is still the killer jam of 94.

This is a great and near complete overview of The Maestros sound & career, and a perfect introduction to his back catalogue. In my opinion everyone should check out all 8 of his classic 70s albums but ifyour wallet says no this is a great piece to own. How I miss this guy, there will never be another Barry White. R.I.P.

Unlimited Barry
This is an excellent set of songs that defined era. Barry White, the granddady of rap, disco and soul, has had his music justified with this 2 - disc set ranging from 1972 to 1999. It features 30 tracks, each of them great for the perfect romantic dinner or in the bedroom with your lover.

Disc 1 spans from 1972 to 1976, when Barry was a major force on the Hot 100 as well as in the studio. Just about every big hit Barry had is included here - "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby", "Never Never Gonna Give You Up", "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe", "You're The First, The Last, My Everything", and "What I'm Gonna Do With You" still sounds as fresh and energetic as they did over 30 years ago. Combined with three Love Unlimited instrumentals and songs that failed on the pop charts but were big hits on the R & B charts, the first disc is grand - slam Barry.

Disc 2 kicks off with two of Barry biggest hits between 1974 and 1977, the lushly arranged "Love's Theme" and the odd thump of "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me" (which was something of a late - in - day hit for Barry), before delving into the final 22 years of his career. Here is where you'll find such uncharted gems like "Playing Your Game, Baby", "You're Sweetness Is My Weakness", "Love Serenade, Parts 1 And 2", "It Ain't Love Babe (Until You Give It)", "Practice What You Preach" (his last top 20 hit in 1994), and "Staying Power", his last chart single in 1999.

The producers of this disc also included a beautiful booklet featuring brilliant liner notes, intimate pictures of Barry, a timeline of all his albums, and chart listings for each of these songs. I think that this is the essential Barry White collection, full of timeless music that will be heard on radios all over the world for centuries to come.

What's wrong with you guys?
...Well, I guess it's like the old saying goes: people don't realize what they have until it's gone. By the way, this is the best introduction to Barry White besides the boxed set. "The Ultimate Collection" has 30 wonderful songs which are immaculate in groove and hypnotizing in vocal delivery. Barry was truly "the Man." It's too bad he had to die before people finally decided to figure that out.

R.I.P. Barry

This collection is as good as it gets
I've always been a huge Barry White fan, but had forgotten just how many of his songs were true smashes and are as relevant today as when they were originally released. Equally enjoyable for me, were some songs that I had never heard and all I have to say is if song number 7 on the second CD does not bring a combination of laughter and a more than a little heat to your loins, then maybe you are not human... All in all, the collection is not lacking any important songs in the Barry White song book and truly merits a 2 disc set, which can't be said even about other favorites of mine who have done it before. Also, no true fan should be without the star-studded "Secret Garden", which was a single off the Quincy Jones' most recent Grammy-winning CD or Barry's duet with Tina Turner from her "Wildest Dreams" release. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Three years after the scattered Embrya, new-soulprodigy Maxwell returns with Now, his most fully realized discyet. While not as ambitious as D'Angelo or justplain flippin'-off-the-wall as Macy Gray, thesinger-songwriter does claim a stance: acoustic-guitar-based, near-tonepoems ("Sympton Unknown") and Kate Bush covers("This Woman's Work") are hardly the stuff of your average pop-R&B loveman. Maxwell's lush thickets of overdubbed vocals could stand as a finelisten on their own; the varied textures of the instrumental tracksmake the flow that much more inviting. Steel guitar subtly fires "W/AsMy Girl," while a rock-influenced beat gives "Temporary Nite" a grooveboth choppy and slippery. Now's unity of feel and often pensivetone bring it a cohesive air. Even the potentially throwaway lasttrack, "Now/At the Party," works as more than just an exercise in'70s-party groove. If the many brokenhearted plaints here were tellinga story, it would provide a suitably happy ending. --RickeyWright ... Read more

Reviews (171)

Second coming of Marvin Gaye?
Yeah, we've heard the comparisons. Actually I heard and doubted them even as people were saying it after his first release. But with this latest release, it may just be true :)) With a voice that could melt butter, and a falsetto that could shatter glass, Maxwell slithers into our CD players once again with another timeless album. Few other "Neo Soul" artists would be willing to use electric guitar riffs, real horns, unique instruments, and cover hard rock songs, (except for D') but Maxy makes it work. He is one of the few that has the ability to sing amazingly slow love ballads, without boring you to death, and eventually wanting to hit the "skip" button. Even the production is top notch - the vocals are so layered, it sometimes sounds as if there's 4 of him singing at the same time, yet it dosent come off sounding mushy. "Temporary Nite", "Get to Know Ya", "Womans Work", Lifetime", "Noone", are the songs to check out, you WON'T be dissapointed.

P.S. What's with all the complaining about Embrya? This album was and still is amazing - check out (I'm You: You are Me and we are you)...OK..so he's into weird song titles :)

This is Maxwell's best!
This is definitely Maxwell's best album to date. It surpasses Urban Hang Suite due to the incredible production which stands on it's own. It surpasses Embrya due to the more mix of genres that Maxwell put into this effort (It went R&B and beyond). And the songs on Now are filled with more different emotions than just one broad feeling to the album like his previous ones. It has a concept like his other albums but it doesn't stick out like those. But I'll give you a hint: Listen to "Lifetime"! And I disagree with some. He went beyond his "lover man" image and went to a soulful hopeful romantic. On this album it seemed as if Maxwell wasn't looking to hook up with a woman but knows he'll find what he wants in a woman when the time is right. I also disagree that he didn't try to challenge his listeners like he did with Embrya. I mean one song went close to country but still kept the soul. Another was a slightly ambient ballad. And another took funk and made it....well it's hard for me to describe "Noone" because I think it's an incredible song. And I know Fortunate is not on here but you can get it on the "LIFE" movie soundtrack which has great songs by others on it. And the cover of "This Woman's Work" is very moving (Even though I heard the "Unplugged" version, this one still is touching)
So if you like R&B with a twist or you are slightly interested in Maxwell than check this album out. It's incredible. Highly recommended!

love of my life
My optimism is high when it comes to Maxwell. I truly think there's not one male artist (or female artists) out there who compares to him. I'm still waiting for a fourth full-length album, we can't just stop at Now...there's gotta be more of the soul master.

truly the bomb
i love maxwell and all of his music but this cd is.....fantastic! this is my absolute favorite cd. i listen to it everyday; it's uplifting, nuturing...listening to this album makes me high. i can't get enough!

3rd Best Album
His best is still "Urban Suite" but this one wasn't bad. It was better than "Embrya" (which I didn't totally hate either). My favorite tracks are "Got To Get To Know You", "W/As My Girl","N/One" & "Woman's Worth." ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Second Best Gaye Album
There are three are three Marvin Gaye albums that I consider flawless and warrant a rating of 5 stars. Let's Get It On, I Want You and Here, My Dear. This is second to I Want You. All three should be purchased by R&B fans.

Gettin' it on with Marvelous Marvin
Marvin hit big in 1971 with the matured and political 'Whats Going On' album, and followed it up with an awesome blaxploitation soundtrack called 'Trouble Man' in 1972. The Man was on top form and in 1973 dropped this album 'Lets Get It On'.

Marvin abandons his politics and began his path down the Mr Lover Man route with this release. Things kick off with the title track, still a wonderful, classic groove all these years later. 'Distant Lover' is a cool slow jam, and all the songs here are well arranged and flow nicely. However, whilst this has a lot of funky good time jams on it, there is still some dark edges, particularly the ominous finale 'Just To Keep You Satisfied', a moody & painful number that gives us a sneaky glimpse into the mind of Trouble Man... Overall a great follow up to 'Whats Going On', I miss the more serious Marvin but by this point the man was too damn stoned & riding high to care. A great 70s work.

5 is not enough
Sing it brotha. This album will always be a classic.

Sexual Healing
After the success of What's Going On, Marvin Gaye moved away from social issues to issues of the flesh. Let's Get It On finds him singing about sex, not just about the physical pleasure one gets, but on a spiritual level. The title track is almost sermon like in it's delivery where Mr. Gaye dispenses with all pleasantries and asks his lover to get it on. He not only feels good, but he feels sanctified. The song has a silky sound that matches Mr. Gaye's smooth vocals. The rest of the album finds Mr. Gaye searching for a love that will help him find that balance between the real and spiritual ecstasy he so desperately craves.

Classic, but avoid temptation
An utterly classic, highly-recommended album, but if you have the previously-released remastered version you don't need this. The two bonus tracks are the abbreviated single edits of two album tracks - hardly worth an upgrade. If you have the two-CD special edition, you've got it all. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Too many hits missing...
I have been looking forward to a Keith Sweat collection for years, and finally it is released, but it's missing too many bona-fide big hits. Where on earth are "Keep It Comin'" (a top twenty pop hit), "How Do You Like It?" with the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC, "Just A Touch," "Come With Me" (with Ron Isley), "Am I Dreaming" (with XScape), "When I Give My Love" and "I'm Not Ready," (another top twenty hit)????? They could have easily substituted some non-hits included here, such as "How Deep Is Your Love" and the extended version of "Make It Last Forever," for the real hits. And, as a final note, his classic, genre-defining "I Want Her" is included in an edited form. This should have been a two CD set.

Where the hell?
I have to agree with what someone said about this not being a complete Keith Sweat package. Keep It Comin, Just A Touch and And I'm Dreamin were indeed huge hits that recieved massive radio airplay, and were very popular. The CD just doesnt seem complete w/o those missing songs.

This is a great album! All of Keith's hits!
I think it was timely that they put this Keith Sweat album out. He can make some very solid songs and is a very good singer. He just got better and better at his craft and he sure can be begging and whining on these songs. I still love "I Want Her", "Something Just Ain't Right", "Merry Go Round", "Make You Sweat", "Nobody", "Right and A Wrong Way", and I was surprised they put his song with LSG, "My Body" on there! They covered his career widely on this album with the song selection. Keith Sweat is one of the best R&B singers and this collection proves it.

A TASTE OF KEITH SWEAT
IF YOU ARE A KEITH SWEAT FAN , THIS IS THE CD FOR YOU . IT IS A TASTE OF ALL OF HIS BEST SONGS PUT INTO ONE . IF YOU REMEBER LISTENING TO HIM GROWING UP , OH THIS CD WILL BRING BACK MEMORIES.

Keith Sweat and all his jams...
Keith Sweat was a great modern singer even though he has a negative reputation as 'King of Begging'. But even with that there's no denying he had some real HITS. Songs such as 'I Want Her', Twisted, Merry Go Round, Make It Last Forever, Don't Stop Your Love, Get Up On It and Nobody perfectly display the classicness he delivered. His voice is velvet, easily distinguished when you hear it. Anyone interested in Keith Sweat should definitely get this greatest hits collection...it's a keeper. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The bass line of the opening track is the first sign, and the smooth funk of the second track confirms it: On Embrya, Maxwell has done it again. Sophomore efforts don't always fare well, especially when an artist is still riding high on the accolades of a debut, but Maxwell has managed to take the exquisite soul of 1996's Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite and, without sacrificing any of its verve, turn it into something far more sophisticated. Not only is Embrya a sublime summer soundtrack, it's a groove masterpiece from start to finish. "Luxury: Cococure," the first single, like "'Til the Cops Come Knockin'" before it, is only the slightest taste of the treasures waiting to be devoured. If you're looking for lush ballads, skip to "Matrimony: Maybe You," the haunting "Know These Things: Shouldn't You," and the sensual slow jam "Gravity: Pushing to Pull" (and yes, nearly all the tracks are subtitled like this). They may not be as yearning as those that detailed his weekend-long tryst on Hang Suite (Maxwell knows better than anyone just how far a little restraint can go), but these tracks are gifts on their own. Put them together and you have an album that does nothing but elevate Maxwell's impeccable reputation as the man who breathed life back into the soul of R&B. --Rebecca Wallwork ... Read more

Reviews (188)

SENSUAL, SENSUOUS AND DELICIOUS TO THE SENSES
Since the dawning of Urban Hang Suite, MTV Unplugged, Luxury:Cococure The Syndrome and now Embrya, I have become a true "can't go to sleep and can't wake up without my Maxwell" fan. Maxwell's music is the type that wraps you in a blanket of warm sexuality, holds on tight, and is good to the last drop. The lyrics and music is smooth, sensuous and envelopes you in a cocoon of sensuality, peace and tranquility. Whether you're relaxing in a luxurious bubble bath or spending time with that special someone, Maxwell's music surrounds you and soothes was ever ails your heart. Maxwell is not afraid to express his sexuality, spirituality and anything that's in between. I hope that we will continually be blessed with evidence of his musical talents. And that he will continue to grow in himself as well as his music and not subside into what others what him to be.

Maxwell-Pure Mellow, Soul
Maxwell definitely delivers! UHS was probably one of the most innovative albums during the year of it's release. Embrya evolves into a different type of vibe. While UHS was more of a "groove" album, Embrya invites us to "drown deep" and takes us on a journey where it's okay to just close your eyes and become one with the hypnotic tracks. While the average mainstream listener will probably never get to hear this music on the radio, I know the true R&B- Soul fan will come home and enjoy this on the stereo while sipping a glass of wine and letting the music invade their soul. It's refreshing to hear REAL soul music, not recycled beats and over played melodies..........keep it coming Maxwell!

a good album
I never get bored of this album, and listen to it a lot at the moment. Cococure just has to be my favourite. But i also love the spanish verse on the previous track.
Didn't know Maxwell at all before buying Now and Embrya and just took a bit of a risk. Glad i did!!!! I think he's amazing.

Well Done
I purchased this CD when it came out and was really enchanted with several of the songs. They were really unlike anything I've ever heard. For example, the song Submerge - eerily pleasing, kind of esoteric. I liked that, the song was made for me. Very poetic and different. Gravity is another one. I would never have expected a sound like this from a black artist (not to sound cynical) but I was really suprised. Matrimony was the jam back in those days as well as Luxury: Cococure. Maxwell is a unique artist and I enjoyed this CD.

wicked album
possibly one of the best soul albums of the 90s. The production's originality, at a time where overly synth music dominated r&b and soul, was a refreshing change. The voice is as tangible yet delicately soulful as silk. The heat in the organic rhythms are at redline levels. the atmosphere is suffocated with passion yet it's lush love is the only think you dont want to escape. Not really a huge fan of this sort of music suprisingly, but who can deny really good music. Submerge within the light is possibly one of the most beautiful songs. It's hard for me to compare him to anyone, though some argue that he has heavy Prince influences (which I dont see, the voice style existed way before Prince). If anything this album seems like he was once a member of Earth, Wind, and Fire, and had fallen in love with some angelic creature (I've been told that this album is not about a girl, but his love affair with God) and escaped to an exotic island in the Indian ocean. Sounds poetic? Just listen to the album and you'll see the same thing. Beautiful.

As a Caribbean man from New York I am aware of a difficulty in modern American music where African descended males are projected as thugs only or "player" type lovers. It's incredible to see that it's not exclusive and Maxwell does it with creativity and originality. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The classiest of R&B's lover men, Luther Vandross eschews the sweaty soul intensity of his predecessors for a silky-smooth sound that achieves its romantic aims nonetheless. In the hands of a lesser artist, Vandross's narrow focus on love songs would seem restrictive, but he somehow finds endlessly entertaining ways of conveying simple messages like "I love you," "I miss you," and "Why did you leave me?" The Best of Love is just that--a 20-song retrospective that clocks Vandross's brilliant career through its first decade, including such gems as his gorgeous reworking of the Bacharach-David chestnut "A House Is Not a Home," Smokey Robinson's "Since I Lost My Baby," and his own early hit "Never Too Much." Vandross was a staple on the R&B charts throughout the '80s, but the set culminates with "Here and Now," his 1989 crossover smash. Since then, Luther has belonged to everyone; this set shows it should have been that way all along. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (18)

The defintion of R&B is Luther Vandross
If you have never heard "A House is Not a Home" by Luther Vandross then you have no idea what R&B can be at it's best. I love this collection of all of my favorites. I've always said that Luther Vandross was like a G rated version of Barry White but put all of Luther's best in one package and there's some serious heat. He could set an atmosphere of candles and red wine better than anyone. I always loved Lionel Richie's love songs but Luther can deliver a sound that makes a whole room feel romantic or soothe a broken heart better than anyone.

The Essential Luther
Simply put, this collection is a must-have. Before Brian McKnight, before Maxwell and Chico and Kenny, and before all these so-called singers who are as subtle as a neon sign, there was Luther. There was That Voice, capable of making people swoon and fall in love simply by singing the phone book. This double-cd set showcases the best Luther Vandross has to offer, with subtle reworkings of some of his hits (listen to the original versions of some of the songs and you'll note that there have been some additional background work done). Unfortunately, there have been a couple of songs that are not included, like "Wait for Love" or "Forever, For Always, For Love," songs that would have strengthened an already classic compilation. Their omission does not detract from the set, though. Ultimately, this is truly the best of Luther, the best of love

For Lovers Only!
Luther had that real nice style back in the day. The big man from The Bronx had that powerful voice & a collection of solid albums under his belt when he released this Best Of collection back in 1989. Its a pretty thorough two discs. You get all the classic singles, party numbers, jazz, and slow love ballads, all running together smoothly. His six solo albums are all covered, and the cuts are sandwiched by 'Searching' and 'Glow Of Love', two great early numbers LV sung with Change that start the album, and two new cuts, including the hit 'Here & Now', that close it.

This was bought for me as a present years ago by a special someone, and what a great gift! This is perfect music for any vibe, a soft, sweet album to get you chilled or in the mood if you get me. Luthers 80s style is captured nicely and this is the best collection you can get although obviously it was before his 90s material. Well recommended especially for lovers.

Luther's Greatest Years Covered From 1980-1989
During the late 80's, Luther's career was spotty. Until 1989, when Epic Records finally released a compilation of Luther's best years. The Best Of Luther Vandross: The Best Of Love is a compilation with 20 classics. Luther recorded 3 new songs for this album. One of my favorites was "Here And Now", which was a 1990 Grammy winner. I've listened to the whole album today and it's really superb. But, they left out 2 of my favorites, "Wait For Love" and "Better Love". The new compilation Epic/Legacy released, The Essential Luther Vandross wasn't needed because we already have this anthology. For those 2 classics I have just mentioned, I would buy his early 80's albums like Busy Body or Never Too Much. Anyway, this is a better bet. Avoid those other compilations like Greatest Hits or the budget priced, Super Hits. Buy this and his old albums like Never Too Much.

luther vandross
i have been listening to his music for years,i can honestly
say luther is the best of his time and beyond. he puts every
thing into his music,a true inspiration to every generation
to come. every album that luther puts out is better than the
one before it. i recommend to relieve lifes' daily stress,
play some luther vandross,and get close with your lady and
let the music take you away. keep em comin,theres' still a
lot of trouble in the world, henry! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Let's take a shower together." Between Al Green and Luther Vandross, and way before South Park's Chef, came Teddy Pendergrass, the king of the soul seduction masters for a half-decade after his mid-'70s departure from Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Greatest Hits gives the solo Pendergrass his due with 15 signature rubdowns. The greatest of the great, 1980's "Love T.K.O.," ends the album's survey of TP's Philadelphia International years; two songs cut for Elektra after the singer's paralyzing 1982 auto accident round it out. If you haven't heard these enticing tunes or thought about the man they called Teddy Bear in years, this is a reminder you need. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Greatest Hits T.K O
This is one of the very best greatest hits albums ever. I really just got into Teddy P. two years ago when I heard "Turn off The Lights" on an almost daily basis on the local old school R&B station here in Atlanta. It was like the song was following me around. So, I bought this album for that song alone and hoped there might be something else on here that I would like. Every day another song from here would start sticking in my head, until finally I was in love with the whole album. I can't believe I never got into Teddy before, or that I never realised he was the lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. I've heard that he is touring again despite being in a wheelchair from a crippling car accident back in the early 80's and that his magical voice is as powerful as ever. I definately want to see this legend in concert and hear these classic songs live. Guys like Keith Sweat had to whine and beg the ladies for some lovin', but not Teddy P. He demanded to be rubbed down in some burning hot oils, baby, and he would do the same for you. Now turn off the damn lights and let's get it on!!!

a true soul singer
i've enjoyed teddy's work since the harold melvin&blue note days.these songs were the bomb back in the day and are still great.his voice has so much soul&force.nobody today sings like teddy pendergrass.

5+ Stars!
Teddy Pendergrass is great. He's got such a great, silky smooth baritone voice. I think more younger,up and coming recording artist should listen to the mastery that this man accomplishes in every single song that he sings. He has such a unique style that I haven't necessarily heard today's new R&B/ Soul male artists pick up on. Best songs include "Turn Off The Lights", "Close The Door", "Love TKO", "Can't We Try", "Joy", and all the rest of the songs on the CD! 5/5 stars and more stars if I could give more!

Phillys Teddy Bear
What a talent ole Teddy P was. Back in the day he was another of the Lover Man-type artists, and although I wouldn't put him on the same level as Marvin, Barry, or Al, he did some great work with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and as a solo artist had a nice style all to himself. This is a cool collection of some of his best work, and for me the highlight is still 'Love TKO', what a great track that is. But throughout it's all strong, and if your craving a chunk of that classic Philly-styled soul, this is a must.

If you want to get into Teddy this is a cool introductory piece, all on one disc, recommended listening for any people who love their ole time true soul music.

Only Teddy Pendergrass can do it.
This cd is absolutely awesome. All of the greatest tracks from the greatest singer of all times. Teddy Pendergrass has the voice of velvet, truly truly strong, sexy and mellow all wrapped into one. You get it all in this beautiful cd. I love the man, he was at his best in the 70's and is still going strong today with these songs. You get all of the hits on this and superbly done by the only man that can do it. Teddy, Teddy, Teddy, Teddy.
Purchase the cd and witness the magic, oh so awesome. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The cover shot for this four-disc box is a floating image of hands outstretched, desperate to touch "The Master"--a suggestion that might be blasphemous if this weren't Marvin Gaye, one of the most impassioned, visionary, and masterful singers who ever lived, and one who inspired intense devotion among his millions of fans. The Master reveres Gaye with 89 selections, 32 of them hits, including classic solo recordings from "Hitch Hike" and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" to the stunning "What's Goin' On" and "Sexual Healing," not to mention a "The Lord's Prayer" that makes clear what Master Gaye's divine voice was forever striving to reach. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (14)

The Definitive Marvin Gaye Collection
The best box sets provide listeners with the chance to hear not only the greatest hits by a favorite artist, but also to expose fans to rare sides and quality "from the vaults" tracks. This collection fits right within that category. Its got "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Stubborn Kind of Fellow" and "What's Going On?," but you would expect that from any Marvin Gaye collection. What makes this box set a buy are obscure tracks like "I'm Going Home," "Together We Stand (Divided We Fall)," "Checking Out (Double Clutch)," and "Piece of Clay." The latter track obviously so impressed the producers of the movie, Phenomenon, that it was included in that movie's soundtrack. Also included in this collection are Marvin Gaye's rendition of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" WITH Gladys Knight & the Pips and a haunting recitation of "The Lord's Prayer." With so much of Marvin Gaye's music being a reflection of his own life, this is more than just a music collection, at times you feel like you're reading a personal diary. One particular song that comes to mind is "Anger." Although it was a single from his HERE, MY DEAR divorce album, it could just as well be about Marvin's stormy (and ultimately tragic) relationship with his father. Very powerful.

The Definitive Marvin Gaye Collection
Marvin Gaye is as popular today as he ever was. He music is (unfortunately) constantly being decimated at the hands of "artists" who are in search of creativity while destroying the integrity of an original masterpeice. As a remedy, this box set is sure bring back many a pleasant memory and help curious youngsters view what their parents and a new generation has known for years: Marvin Gaye's music is eternal and without equal. The four discs span his early music career to his puppy-love duets, followed by his artistic rebirth in the 70s, up to his untimely death in 1984 (at the hands of his father.) "Let's Get It On," "What's Going On," Inner City Blues," "I Want You," and other classics never sounded better, since each song is in it's album entirety. Previously unreleased gems such as "Piece of Clay" and "The Lords Prayer" are sure to give the new Marvin Gaye listener a better insight to the man behind the myth. Gaye's art imitates his life throughout the set, sharing with us his pleasure and pain, his happiness & sorrow, all the while creating our own memories. Marvin Gaye's music truly deserves to be preserved, and this set so far has done the best job at doing so. Forget Elvis: Marvin Gaye lives now and forever. His music is a testament to the human spirit. God Bless him! -

The True Anthology Of An R&B/Soul Legend!
This is by far the most superior collection of Marvin Gaye's hits ever assembled! It has virtually every song he ever made from the beginning of his career up until his tragic death in 1984! Like most collections, it'll miss a few songs here and ther but other than that, it doesn't get much better than this!

This box set is great!
If you are a true Marvin Gaye fan (like me) or if you want to be initiated, get this set. Again, rarities, previously unreleased material and alternative versions exists here. Add this to your library.

The Master 1961-1984 is a great Marvin Gaye Package
The Master 1961-1984 documents Marvin's entire career. The package has 4 discs that are mastered greatly, a book with rare pictures, songs, discography, singles, and a long essay. It has a great design. It has 90 tracks with a bonus track from the 1976 I Want You sessions. This package is filled with Marvin's career as a singer, writer, a somewhat actor. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (30)

Best R&B CD you'll ever find
This is the first R&B CD I ever listened to. I loved it! For some reason, I thought there would be some R&B CDs on the market that can match up to this one. Hell No! This is the best r&B CD of all time. Keith Sweat has smooth songs like "Yumi, Funky Dope Lovin', Whatever You Want, Come With Me, Nobody." Those are some great songs to listen to. Buy this CD! You'll love it!

If you are a Sweat fan do not hesitate at all to buy it
This is awesome. The best CD of all time. Heres the overview of each of the songs

1. Twisted- One of the best songs I've ever listened to 2. Funky Dope Lovin-Quality song with a good beat from R&B greats, including Gerald Levert, one of the best artists of this age 3. Yumi-As good as Twisted, maybe even better 4. Whatever You Want-Another quality song 5. Just A Touch-Another great song with good Keith Sweat beats 6. Freak With Me-Another quality song 7. Natures Rising-One of Sweats best interludes 8. Come With Me-Ronald Isley makes this song also one of my favorites 9. In The Mood-Another quality song 10. Show Me The Way-Another great interlude 11. Nobody-the best R&B song in 1996 and 1997 (probably heard it one the radio at least once. Has been on the radio a lot) 12. Chocolate Girl-great way to end the CD

So all the songs on this CD are quality. If you don't already have this CD I suggest that you better go out and buy it. Its worth it.

Good memories
I have the nostalgia of the 80's, people had a good time with all those love songs. I was only 14 but I remember dancing on those songs with my big brothers and my uncle, hearing them in parties...
I miss all those simple and innocent times. We just had fun altogether went back home. I've been singing for.. a while and I started by listening and imitating Keith Sweat, Aliyaah, Toshi Kubota, 112, brandi, etc...
But my first love is still for Keith Sweat and Al B. Sure...

Amazing
I am only 16 and this CD is on my all-time favorite list. If you like Luther Vandross, Johnny Gill, and Gerald Levert, then this CD is for you. His songs "Twisted" and "Nobody" are my favorites of all of his songs.

Best r&b CD ever.
i'm only 18 but this is the greatest cds i ever listened to even tho it has been out for a really long time. So this is a must have if you like r&b. Here are some songs that i can't get enough of, and i ordered them as well.

#1 Whatever You Want
#2 Twisted
#3 Nobody
#4 Funky Dope Lovin
#5 Yumi

i know this isnt much of a review. But the way those songs touch me its unbelieveable. If you dont have it. Get it. It's that easy. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

When I first heard "I Want Her" from this 1987 recording, I dropped what I was doing and ran to a record store. The single is the prototype for what Teddy Riley, who did the drum and keyboard programming on the song, would call "New Jack Swing." It has hip-hop's rhythmic chatter and R&B's fierce uptempo drive. Although Riley contributes to most of the songs on this disc, Sweat has a different direction in mind. He aspires to be--and with future releases became--the king of the slow jam. His warm, deep tenor and his intelligently crafted songs set the standard for the pre-Maxwellian loverman. --Martin Johnson ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Keith Sweat- Make it Last Forever (1987, Elektra/Warner)
Keith Sweat's landmark album & the best full album of his career, "Make it Last Forever" is the kind of album that brings back a load of memories around the time period of 1987-1988. Many artists who were newcomers, who made debut albums, have actually made their best albums in their debut albums; like Alexander O'Neal, Jacky Cheung, Nelly Furtado, Prince, Andy Lau, etc... After this album, Keith has made a number of albums that are good, but not even as powerful as this album. In songs like "I Want Her" & "Don't Stop Your Love", there are usual musical cliches of the "New Jack Swing" type music. The most remarkable songs are "In the Rain", "How Deep is Your Love", "Tell me It's Me You Want" & "Right and a Wrong Way" aside from the most popular ones with the titles of "Something Just Ain't Right" and few others. Vincent Davis was the executive producer for this album under Vintertainment records along with Keith Sweat as the producer. "Make it Last Forever" is the album that proves to everyone that some of the greatest albums can still be remarkable for years & that some of the best music in the world are from the older years. The "Golden Era" of music. No matter how old, the best things never fade away.

new jack begins!
Keith Sweat's debut was a monumental achievement for three reasons: it originated new jack swing, made sweat a household name, and made teddy riley a sought-after talent. Riley was already a household name with johnny kemp's "just got paid", but make it last forever made him a superstar. Not only is the classic "i want her" included, but other hits including "something just aint right", the seductive "right and wrong way", the heart-warming "make it last forever", the silky "how deep is your love", and the funky "dont stop your love" are all here. That is almost the entire album! Even the filler is pleasurable to listen to, as "tell me it's me you want" is a hidden gem as well. If that wasn't enough, sweat is credited with originating the new jack ballad ("make it last forever", "right and wrong way"). Sure, riley produced the tracks, but sweat's vocals outshine the production. Overall, this album catapulted riley and sweat to plateaus they have yet to relinquish. Riley would go on to produce numerous acts, notably guy and blackstreet, and is still churning out hits to this day. As for sweat, he went on to record subsequent releases, his sophomore effort being the most memorable, and is still recording solo and with the supergroup lsg, to rave reviews. All in all, this masterpeice is a must-have for new jack swing/ballad fans and essential for folks who are curious to know how "new jack swing" was born.

I Need Your Lovin Right Now...Don't Stop Your Love
Keith Sweat is known partially for 'creating' New Jack Swing, an unstoppable classic movement in musical history for those that don't know. With Teddy Riley behind the boards and Sweat's unique, instantly recognizable voice, this album was a true hit and sold three million copies. Every song off the eight track album was a hit. My absolute favorites on here though were I Want Her <~~~what a classic jam right there, Make It Last Forever<~~~The beginning of the New Jack ballad, Don't Stop Your Love <~~~THE Ultimate dance jam, How Deep Is Your Love, Right And Wrong Way...I'm telling you every single song is classic and memorable. I wish they still made albums like these nowadays with less filler and more memorable; the quality over quantity method. I shouldn't have to sift through a bunch of filler tracks and skits to get to the greatness. And with this album that doesn't happen; every single second of this masterpiece is enjoyed. This album is on par with Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel and yall know how I feel about that one. If you consider yourself a fan of R&B, Hip Hop, or Soul then this is a must have. Even if you aren't it's still a must have. 10 stars.

Make it last forever
I was first acquainted with Sir Sweat in the early '90s. I had heard 'Make it last forever' and 'I want her' on the radio, but one of my homies turned me on to him.

Oh my goodness! This CD is necessary for anyone who claims to have a slow jam collection. If you want to seduce your spouse/mate, this CD is a MUST.

From 'Make it last forever,' with Jackie McGhee to 'Right and a wrong way,' this CD will still turns heads, just like when it came out back in 1987.

I ended up buying the tape in 1992 - I have since ended up buying this CD at least 6-7 times because I play it so much, I have worn it out. Right now, I have like 3 copies of it. It is, by far, Keith Sweat's best CD yet, and he will never duplicate its longevity or originality. Yes, Teddy Riley assisted with this CD, but still ... this is a classic. I have played this in my SUV - the JL 10s' reproducing the deep 505 bass drum beats ... messmirizing most women within its radius. There is nothing out there better than this CD. I could listen to this CD over and over again ... and reminisce about the first time I heard 'Make it last forever' jam over the ghetto blaster. PEACE!

New "Jam" Swing
To everyone who's writing "this is where Teddy Riley introduces the 'New Jack Swing'" on I Want Her. The fact is that Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis made the same sound around two years earlier over Janet Jackson's Nasty - check it yaself! "So if you don't know - know you know...", somebody said. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Ordered by a judge to turn over the profits from two albums to the first wife he'd left, Marvin Gaye produced this bitter, sad, bewildered masterwork. Over sprawling funk tracks, he questions her, himself, love, family, and, of course, asks, "Why do I have to pay attorney fees?" Both incomparably smooth and incontrovertibly twisted, Here, My Dear is Gaye with the mask off: even the multiple vocal overdubs can't hide his pain and his weariness. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Fascinating!
What makes "Here, My Dear" such a terrific double album is the fact that Marvin pulls no punches and just puts all of his business in the streets! Recorded as part of a divorce settlement from Anna Gordy, this LP is accusatory, spiteful, pained, angry and at times hysterical! Musically, it's right up there with his classics and even surpasses some of them. "When Did You Stop Loving Me....?" and the gorgeous "Sparrow" are my favorites here, but the entire LP is strong and strangely, very calming at times. The cover art depicting Gaye as a Roman God is a stroke of genius, and worth searching for is an original copy on vinyl for the Monopoly-style fold-out with property to be divided between the two parties ,brilliant! Divorce may be painful and messy, but it sure does inspire some great art and music! A unique and timeless piece of work.

Highly Personalized Soul
Let's get right to the music first-"Here,My
Dear" is a lovely soulful journey through funky stuff such as
"A Funky Space Reincarnation","Anger" and the pithy "You Can Leave But It's Gonna Cost You" through more typical
Marvin Gaye elaborate space-soul throughout the rest.So musically it works 1000 percent as always but as for the lyrics we must be subjected to an audio recount of an unhappy,failed marriage.Even though he wasn't Mavin makes himself out as a victem of his ex's bitter attempts to keep him from their son and his assets,as well as his obsession with hookers and drugs,which the music aptly explores through it's interweaving music.A phrase from the hit "When Did You Stop Loving Me" sums it all up when Marvin refers to his marriage,"It should'nt be lies/becasue if you don't honor what you said,you lie to god/and the words should be changed".There is much to listen to here both lyrically and musically but like "Whats Going On" if your looking for a more positive,erotic Marvin Gaye album to challange your senses or get you in the mood I can really recommend others because "Here,My Dear" is by no means what you'd call an easy listen,no pun intended.

Third best Gaye Album
There are three Marvin Gaye albums that I have rated 5 stars(flawless). And this is third behind I want You and Let's Get It On. Don't let that scare you away from this one. It is still flawless. All three are in my top 20 albums that I have ever purchased.

Beautiful, sweet, sad, angry, flawed... and human
This is an amazing work of art which I have found more in with each listen. It isn't an easy, smooth r'n'b album; pain and confusion feature as primary themes and some of the tunes are pretty far out. The album is lush with a raw production feel, it features some cool 70's style synths and Marvins harmonies are still gorgeous and textured with perfection.
After many listens I can honestly say I think many of these songs are among his best. Some funky grooves and beautiful tunes feature throughout. This is an eccentric offering, no question about it - although for anyone who loves Marvin's Gaye's 70's work and has experienced a painful breakup, this is a gem. Who else could have produced anything like this? Marvin was one of a kind and I love this album.

Vulnerable Marvin
By 1978 Marvin was sinking further & further into a seedy world of drugs, depression, and hard living. Still a big name, Marvin was having all kind of problems in his personal life, and was now having to pay big fees to lawyers, ex-wives, etc, and with this bitter work 'Here, My Dear' we find Marv retreating into himself.

The album is depressed & bitter, and you can feel the pain Marv was going through. Cuts like 'Anger' and 'Is That Enough' is the man reacting angrily to everybody pulling at him and having to part with money he earned to satisfy legal costs. This album was panned widely when released back in the day, but listening to it now its obvious that this is a substantial work. Marv sounds sky high, and in general decline, but the dark & inventive grooves here put modern R&B albums to shame. 'A Funky Space Incarnation' is a cool funk workout, and this whole album is an interesting spaced out ride with Marv doing whatever he wants with his music.

Not an essential addition to your collection, but an important and revealing piece for fans of Marvin Gaye and 70s music. ... Read more