Reggae & Blues [Import]

Product Description
Third CD from Brazilian Reggae Group.

Reggae & Blues,Fauzi Beydoun,Tribo De Jah,Indie,Reggae,World Music

Average customer rating: Good, except for the noise... Judge by the music, not her appearance One girl: girl-group sound, with a new attitude what the??!!! Amy's Music

Back to Black Amy Winehouse Manufacturer: Republic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Introducing Joss Stone Alright, Still Corinne Bailey Rae The Reminder Icky Thump ASIN: B000N2G3RY Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. Rehab
2. You Know I'm No Good
3. Me & Mr. Jones
4. Just Friends
5. Back To Black
6. Love Is A Losing Game
7. Tears Dry On Their Own
8. Wake Up Alone
9. Some Unholy War
10. He Can Only Hold Her
11. Bonus Track 1

From Amazon.co.uk

Amy Winehouse's second album, Back to Black, is one of the finest soul albums, British or otherwise, to come out for years. Frank, her first album, was a sparse and stripped-down affair; Back to Black, meanwhile, is neither of these things. This time around, she's taken her inspiration from some of the classic 1960's girl groups like the Supremes and the Shangri-Las, a sound particularly suited to her textured vocal delivery, while adding a contemporary songwriting sensibility. With the help of producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, "Rehab" becomes a gospel-tinged stomp, while the title track (and album highlight) is a heartbreaking musical tribute to Phil Spector, with it's echoey bass drum, rhythmic piano, chimes, saxophone and close harmonies. Best of all, though, is the fact that Back to Black bucks the current trend in R&B by being unabashedly grown-up in both style and content. Winehouse's lyrics deal with relationships from a grown-up perspective, and are honest, direct and, often, complicated: on "You Know I'm No Good", she's unapologetic about her unfaithfulness. But she can also be witty, as on "Me & Mrs Jones" when she berates a boyfriend with "You made me miss the Slick Rick gig". Back to Black is a refreshingly mature soul album, the best of its kind for years. --Ted Kord

Album Description

Hailed by Newsweek Magazine as a cross between Billie Holiday and Lauryn Hill, British soul singer Amy Winehouse's U.S. debut, Back To Black hits the US amid a flurry of accolades, radio and TV buzz unprecedented in recent years for a young siren.

Her brassy mix of emotive vocals tinged with 60's girl-group stylings, sly funk, and anguished jazz, sparked the New York Daily News to crown Back To Black a "marvelous debut that would do Etta James proud" while New Yorker Magazine called her "a fierce English performer whose voice combines the smoky depths of a jazz chanteuse with the heated passion of a soul singer," and Spin Magazine affirming "there's never been A British star quite like her."

Back To Black smolders with a bristling fusion of old school doo-wop/soul inflected uprisings, (the charismatic singer/songwriter wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album) brewing instant classics such as the Shirley Ellis influenced "Rehab," the Supremes tinged title song "Back To Black," the aching "Wake Up Alone," and the album's closer, "Addicted."

Album Details

Ivor Novello Award Winner, Mercury Music Prize and Triple Brit Nominee Amy Winehouse, Follows the Release of her New Single "rehab" and Recent Sell-out Mini-uk Tour, with the Hugely Anticipated Release on October 30th of her New Album "back to Black". On "back to Black", the Follow-up to her Platinum Debut "frank" which Established her as One of the Most Exciting and Challenging Artists in Pop Music, Amy Confirms, Beyond Any Reasonable Or Unreasonable Doubt, What a Truly Remarkable Talent She Is.

Customer Reviews:

Good, except for the noise..........2007-07-19

I really like some of the songs on here. But there's a weird distortion on some of the vocals that just drives me nuts. I'm not sure if it's an intentional "vintage" artifact, or some sound-engineering error, but it hurts my enjoyment of the CD. Still worth it for a couple of beautiful songs, though, including the title track. OTOH the famous "Rehab" is more of a novelty song, IMHO.

Judge by the music, not her appearance.......2007-07-19

It would be easy to dismiss Amy Winehouse by her somewhat eccentric exterior, but that would be a mistake because the vocals and the music are raw and genuine. I was doubtful at first, but I immediately got hooked when I dug deeper into the music and not just the aesthetic. Coming from someone at the tender age of 23, this album is surprisingly on point. No filler, just great songs. Minimum, I would consider it a classic. Once you get past her signature song "Rehab," it will be apparent how much good stuff there really is. I cannot emphasize enough how well this striking Retro Jazz/Soul/R&B album with Hop-Hop accents works as a contemporary recording. Surprisingly, it sounds vintage yet accessible at the same time. The title track "Back to Black" is a definite stunner and leaves me wanting more every time. This is one of the few albums because of its length and quality that I can play repeatedly. I've had this CD for like 3 months and I haven't tired of it. It's become more like my best friend. I can truly appreciate every single track on this album. Amy Winehouse is one of the best new artists in several years. Her voice has such a powerful presence. Excellent. If you enjoy great Jazz or Soul/R&B then I would definitely recommend this if you can tolerate a few scattered curse words. Amazing album. I'm looking forward to future recordings.

One girl: girl-group sound, with a new attitude.......2007-07-19

What a great voice. Amy Winehouse lives hard (if you believe the stories) and her voice reflects her lifestyle. It's an excellent combination of world-weary, blue-eyed soul and sixties girl-group sound, and the writing is witty and sharp. From interviews with her, it appears that she's put her heart on her (record) sleeve - but it makes the music that much more fresh and entertaining. "Rehab" - yes, but also listen to the title track and "I'm No Good." I take one star for a little too much consistency - if you don't like one, you probably won't like most of the songs.

what the??!!!.......2007-07-17

this girl is so ugly, and foul. an alcoholic and drugie. is that what we are praising today????????????! all she's doing is ripping off the old, great artists. i can NOT belive she is even in the entertainment biz; someone took a chance on her. he/she was probably drunk or on drugs when he signed her up. plus she can't even sing!!!!!!!!!!!! she sounds like her name- a big rhinoceros trying to sing. did i mention she is so unattractive? i don't know what's worst: her looks or personality. maybe her looks. can't belive this is what is "hot" in music. seems like everyone needs to go to rehab! PLEASE!

Amy's Music.......2007-07-17

Short version: I spent money on this album twice (I lost my orginal copy). That is how much I liked it.

Long version: The content and style Amy has is great. I do have a bias though. I have seen Amy recently in concert on TV. If I have one complaint is the fact that she mumbles through some of the lyrics. That takes away from the music in my opinion. Now that we have that part out of the way, Back to Black is a brilliant body of work.

Amy Winehouse is a throw back the people like Etta James and then mix it Johnny Rotten. She is raw and powerful. She may be the most rock n' roll chick I have seen in a long time. I hope she is not all Courtney Love (i.e. self destructive). There is a fire burning inside of her, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next. I think boredom will prevent this artist from giving us just another repeat performance.

Kevin

Average customer rating: GREAT MUSIC FROM A GREAT ARTIST Soothing love music Robin Thicke's Evolution CD - Only Liked Half I'm Surprised. Play it over & over again

Evolution of Robin Thicke Robin Thicke Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Beautiful World Collaborations Luvanmusiq Once Again Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000M8NMV4 Release Date: 2007-02-09

Tracks:

1. Got 2 Be Down
2. Complicated
3. Would That Make U Love Me
4. Lost Without U
5. Ask Myself
6. All Night Long
7. Everything I Can't Have
8. Teach U A Lesson
9. I Need Love
10. Wanna Love U Girl
11. Can U Believe
12. Shooter - Lil' Wayne
13. Cocaine
14. 2 The Sky
15. Lonely World
16. Angels

Amazon.com

R&B with tempo: Justin Timberlake resurrected it, and it's proving way more influential than that other lost commodity--sexy--he claimed to be bringing back in 2006 on FutureSex/LoveSounds. Timberlake is to Robin Thicke what 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys were to a band like O-Town, in fact: he pretty much made it all possible. But even though it took one blue-eyed soulster with a hot look and an achy falsetto to bang down the door for another, Thicke presents a convincing case here that he had the goods to get us grooving all along: Evolution is a classy disc that tiptoes up to its listeners, first with an elegant duet with Faith Evans ("Got 2 Be Down"), next with a slick lament that wouldn't sound out of place on a Boyz II Men disc ("Complicated"), and then with a sweet plea that commands a finger-snap ("Would That Make U Love Me"). By the time we reach the long, sweeping lullaby that is the final track, "Angels," we've also had a taste of Thicke's swaggering side ("I Need Love," "Cocaine"), his hip-hop loving side ("All Night Long" and "Shooter," both with Lil Wayne), and the side that fantasizes about 1950s Latin ballrooms ("Everything I Can't Have," a hot tamale of a number that commands a visual if ever there was one: it's impossible to hear this song without imagining a raven-haired woman with a red rose between her teeth). Despite the range of moods on display, they're all in service to Thicke's inner R&B smoothie, and they all brush up against the ear with something like affection. Hard as it will be for listeners of a certain age to get past knowing that Thicke is the son of Alan Thicke, the actor who did his part to cheese up 1980s TV with the sitcom Growing Pains, they're going to have to: with his fan base swelling by the second, the evolution of Robin Thicke is going to be a deservedly loud one. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

NOTE: This deluxe edition features a ringtone of "Lost Without U," an autographed poster, and cell-phone wallpaper.

The Evolution of Robin Thicke is the second solo album from the critically acclaimed, Grammy award winning songwriter and producer of records for such artists as Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera. The album is a timeless work of art. With a voice of purity, passion and soulfulness, Robin brings to life the stories and emotions of the last two years of his life.

The album is filled with incandescent magic. It is an album that tells the tales of love, loss, temptation, redemption and finding hope when all the odds are against you. "My greatest desire with this album was to write songs that were completely honest and sing them with the emotion I was feeling when I wrote them, so that whoever listens to my music is brought as close to my experiences and life as possible."

Reflective, redemptive, passionate and etched with a soulfulness that is undeniable, The Evolution of Robin Thicke is an imaginative and heart-felt album that you cannot help but be moved by, bob your head to and smile throughout.

FEATURING GUEST APPEARANCES BY Faith Evans, Pharrell, and Lil' Wayne PRODUCTION BY The Neptunes

Customer Reviews:

GREAT MUSIC FROM A GREAT ARTIST.......2007-07-20

I have been a Robin Thicke fan since I saw the once long haired singer belting out "When I Get You Alone". Another early song to fall in love with is "Stupid Things". I have to admit that when I heard "Shooter" with Lil Wayne, I was not even thinking about getting this CD. I HATE THAT SONG!! But once I heard "Can U Believe", I ordered it, and have been listening to the entire CD everyday now. You won't be dissapointed!! I hope the rest of world learns to love him like I have been doing for a while now.

Soothing love music.......2007-07-15

I absolutely loved one or two of the songs but I found the album as a whole a bit bland. I did not really see the evolution but I do not know his earlier music.

Robin Thicke's Evolution CD - Only Liked Half.......2007-07-12

Robin Thicke is talented vocally and lyrically, unlike other people who sell CDs but cannot sing or people who write songs with incredibly boring, repetitive lyrics (i.e., Justin Timberlake). I like Robin's voice, but didn't like about half of this CD. Also, I thought the track about the "school girl" was in poor taste, given the focus on pedophiles and inappropriate advances by teachers toward students that have hit the news in the last five years. Would recommend CD to others with "conditions." Even so, I do like Robin Thicke and hope his fronting on tour for Beyonce goes well.

I'm Surprised........2007-07-11

I didn't expect much from this CD. I purchased it on the strength of the beautiful' Lost Without u'. I've normally found that these days, this would be the stand out song on the CD, with all the rest failing to meet my expectations. Well on this CD, I have been pleasantly surprised. Things start off with: 'Got 2 be Down, with Faith Evans. This has a Marvin Gaye vein going through it, and positive love lyrics to boot. 'Complicated' follows, which has a piano foundation to it. My, it's so good to hear a melodic song with a structure, with real (sounding) instruments to boot.' Would that make u love me' follows, with a lovely sung 'Marvinish' hook. Infectious. 'Lost without U', to me, is the perfect example of a great love song that is not TOO sugary. Really Uplifting ( with a great video) Ask Myself, Everything I Can't Have, Teach U A Lesson, I Need Love, Can U Believe, are tunes that I can let play without skipping, and show cases his beautiful falsetto voice. The worst moments are the songs featuring Lil' Wayne, and Pharrell, which sound horrendous, especially 'Wanna Love you Girl' with Pharrell. For me the minimalistic, less is more approach to the majority of the songs on here, help to highlight Mr. Thicke's voice, and have resulted in a great overall product. All-in all a good CD which is one of the best I have purchased this year.

Play it over & over again.......2007-07-11

Saw the video "lost without u" video early 2007 and liked the song right away. Then I found out he was Alan Thicke's son and I didn't know whether to take him seriously or not and forgot about him for a few months.

By accident, found him again on Amazon, checked out few tracks on Amazon, but still was not motivated enough to buy CD until I was channel surfing and watched another one of his music video for another song...and enjoyed it also.

Ok, "perhaps Alan Thicke's son" got some talent, price for CD was great so finally bought it a few weeks ago and it hasn't stopped playing & so far it's my favorite CD for 2007. Vocals, lyrics, music, recording quality all excellent. Every track has a different theme, emotion not just run-of-the-mill "formula" song writing.

Perhaps my favorite track is the last track "angels" where you think the song/CD is finished & then 10 secs later he starts jamming again...too cool.

You can listen to this CD, drink beer, wine, whiskey or some cocktails and it'll sound just right.

Average customer rating: Quientessential Soul Album of the year Lend Her Your Ear! Best New Artist goes to . . . Might be my favorite cd released this year So excited!!!!! BUY IT

I Am Chrisette Michele Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: So Much Better Back to Black Sex Love & Pain Ms. Kelly Collaborations ASIN: B000Q364KG Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Like A Dream
2. Work It Out
3. Best Of Me
4. Your Joy
5. Good Girl
6. Be Ok feat. will.i.am
7. If I Have My Way
8. Mr. Radio
9. Golden
10. Let's Rock
11. Love Is You
12. In This For You
13. Is This The Way Love Feels

Amazon.com

If you didn't get to know Chrisette Michele by way of Jay-Z (she was the one singing sparkling hooks on "Lost Ones") or Nas (she channeled Billie Holiday on "Can't Forget About You"), stop wasting valuable seconds. Though the hype on this pure-voiced, raunch-resistant songstress has her resuscitating a classic jazz sound that rarely infiltrates R&B--comparisons to Lady Day, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald are mounting--she's more her generation's answer to Erykah Badu: any notes she wraps her lips around come out fresh-sounding, and she adds to the effect with a built-in elegance that's irresistible to R&B and non-R&B fans alike. Hip-hoppers get a custom dose of Michele's magic on "Be O.K.," featuring the flabbergastingly prolific yet still likable Will.i.am, jazz sentimentalists will instantly succumb to "Like a Dream," and anybody with ears on his or her head will warm to the slinky slow jam that is "If I Have My Way." Michele's is a rare talent; count on this outstanding debut propelling her to stratospheric heights. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

I Am, her soulful debut album, is an artistic exploration that fuses 24-year old Chrisette Michele's diverse musical interests into a wonderland. "I realize that I'm new to the music world, but I've been preparing for this moment for long time," says the Long Island native. Even before signing a recording contract, Michele had performed on concert bills with more established artists like Kem, India.Arie, Angie Stone, and Lionel Richie. "India saw me singing at the Village Underground in New York City. She came backstage that first night and graciously offered me a gig as her opening act," says Michele. Working hard in the studio writing songs and recording demos, Michele finished an album's worth of material before even trying to get signed. "I've been creating songs since I was 12, so I knew I needed the right musical blend in order to stand out from the many other performers trying to get a deal." Though already a fan of gospel and classical, it wasn't until Michele was 17 that she also developed a passion for jazz. "When I was still in high school a teacher introduced me to jazz singer Astrud Gilberto, and afterwards my life was all about jazz," she remembers. With the release of I Am, Chrisette Michele will soon be sharing those musical dreams with the rest of the world.

Customer Reviews:

Quientessential Soul Album of the year.......2007-07-19

This album is everything a good album should be. Creative, well written, good production, etc. This is a MUST BUY. This beautiful lady's voice is ridiculously smooth and strong.

Lend Her Your Ear!.......2007-07-11

Chrisette Michele was featured on Nas' "Can't Forget About You" and Jay-Z's "Lost One", but chances are, most people have never heard of her. However, once you hear the leading single from her debut, "If I Have My Way", I guarantee you won't soon forget her. The first time I heard "If I Have My Way", I was very impressed and was drooling for more. Her voice, her style and her lyrics just JUMP out at you. Chrisette Michele is extremely talented and original. She studied Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Sarah Vaughn, but she created her own style and that's commendable.

"I Am" is easily a 5 star album. This album is completely void of fillers, haphazardly written songs and "commercialism". Every song is unique and worth listening to. "If I Have My Way" is the albums most vibrant highlight. It's a remarkable love song. Chrisette is telling her listener that she could easily render herself to this man, however, she knows that it is best if she takes her time and lets love lead them. This song has some of the most profound lyrics I have heard in a long time. "Best of Me" has a catchy hook and once again we are blessed with great songwriting. "Best of Me" is about a woman who wants to give all of herself to a man but he simply doesn't deserve it. "Let's Rock" is my favorite uptempo track on this masterpiece. To describe this song concisely, Chrisette is introducing herself, but she manages to make you dance in the process. "Golden" is just beautiful. Yearning for love and wanting to get married and stay together is this song's subject matter.

I encourage anyone reading this review to check this CD out because you will have a masterpiece added to your music collection. "I Am", Chrisette? Yes, you ARE! You are wonderful, and that may be an understatement.

Best New Artist goes to . . ........2007-07-10

It has been written that Chrisette Michele is the "Best New Artist" since John Legend. I will cosign that assessment. Record stores may be challenged as to where to place her debut CD "I Am;" jazz/New Soul/R&B/rap. How about "Top of the Chart" section?

Chrisette's raspy, strong voice and song's lyrics both entice men, while encourages and empowers women listeners.

This CD is on shuffle and repeat in my CD player rotation.

Might be my favorite cd released this year.......2007-07-09

Wow! Finally an r&b singer who actually lives up to all of their type! I've noticed that a lot of the time when an r&b album is highly praised such as Jill Scott's latest album or Lauren Hill's album, all of the songs seem to sound the same or atleast none stand out to me. I always seem to get disapointed. I was worried for a second that this would be the case with Chrisette Michele's CD too but it turns out, I was totally wrong.
My favorite songs on this album are Good Girl, Golden, and I Am One.
Highly recomended.

So excited!!!!! BUY IT .......2007-07-09

I am so excited!!! I am a huge fan of Ms. Jill Scott. She had ruined it for me. I never expected what I heard from Chrisette Michelle. She is truly amazing. A lady with class!!! Glory to Def Jam for giving the grown folks something new to fall in love with. I had to keep playing Is This The Way Love Feels over and over again. It was like being in church. THANK YOU!!!!!

Average customer rating: Once Again - John Legend Once Again - John Legend Legend does it - "Once Again" this is a big downstep "Old School" Yeah Right

Once Again John Legend Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Get Lifted Corinne Bailey Rae Continuum Not Too Late B'day ASIN: B000HCPWZO Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

1. Save Room
2. Heaven
3. Stereo
4. Show Me
5. Each Day Gets Better
6. P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care)
7. Slow Dance
8. Again
9. Maxine
10. Where Did My Baby Go
11. Maxine's Interlude
12. Another Again
13. Coming Home

Amazon.com

It takes guts, if not outright egomania, to abandon your given surname and adopt a loaded one like Legend, but the former John Stephens must have sensed that loftiness would one day be his calling card: Once Again, the follow-up to the Grammy-gobbling, platinum pile-on that was Get Lifted, surpasses expectations. Not that it bears much relation to its predecessor. Again again trots out a stable of talented, modern-minded producers--Raphael Saadiq, Legend comrade Kanye West, and the unsinkable will.i.am--but it's nowhere near as self-conscious about embracing the old-school as the knowing, R&B edge-skimming Lifted. Don't expect a derivative mash of smudgy, nostalgia-filching sounds, though, because despite its retro leanings, what's in store somehow crackles with currency. Call it neo-retro if you must, but never call it unimaginative: first single "Save Room" coasts, drifts, and floats along a ponderous path spiked by a cool keyboard-y crescendo; second single "Heaven" busts out a big, busy beat over a slow seduction; and a couple of selections--"Each Day Gets Better" and "PDA"--are so bright and twirly they seem custom-made for dizzy love scenes or jaunty, sunny-day skips through the park. Maybe the most unusual track is "Show Me," a rock song that pilfers elements of Hendrix and finds Legend climbing a few octaves to sound, weirdly, like Jeff Buckley, but it works: so slippery is its beat and so affecting are its hope-laced lyrics that, oddness aside, it's among the disc's best. Sandwiched as it is among 14 songs that all sound like future classics, that's saying something. --Tammy La Gorce

More Legendary Music

Get Lifted

Get Lifted/Live at the House of Blues (CD/DVD)

Live at the House of Blues (DVD)

Customer Reviews:

Once Again - John Legend.......2007-07-16

This is one of the sexiest albums I have heard in awhile. It is pure romance and very old school. I love the way he phrases his lyrics and the "old" vibe he has. This is a great album. I love the whole thing. Even the non-romantic ballads pull you in. He is definitely one of the hottest male singers today.

Once Again - John Legend.......2007-07-08

The title song is teriffic and one you will want to hear over & over & over again.

Legend does it - "Once Again".......2007-07-07

Calll it what you will - jazz, crossover, blues fusion - the cuts work and work well. His "Save Room" in particular adds a quiet energy to his body of work and the rest of the album is just as strong. There is depth here, there is thought here, there is music here.

this is a big downstep.......2007-06-24

john legend dissappointed me....this is a not a good album compared to the first one.....maybe 2 tracks are worth buying it...

"Old School" Yeah Right.......2007-06-22

John legend first cd "Get lifted" was a joy to listen to. His second cd "Once again" is "Once is enough already"!. He sounds straned and annoying. The lyrics are not well written, more like very immature. He tries way to hard and you can hear it in his voice. These R&B acts are losing a lot of fans by making stupid music like this and expect us to "Like this crap". All they care about is getting paid. If you want to hear real R&B with raw lyrics listen to Amy winehouse or Corinne Bailey Rae. The difference between R&B Brits and american fake R&B, they sing with emotion, write meaningful lyrics and have great Vocals. American R&B is only in it for our cash and make awful music with no substance. As long as we keep buying music like this. They will continue to make trashy music like this.

Average customer rating: Joan O. has got it Fantastic voice and song list easy, breezy...and sexy...me likes! expected it to be better What To Do About Joan Osborne.

Breakfast in Bed Joan Osborne Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pretty Little Stranger Courage Are You Listening West Back to Black ASIN: B000O78KZG Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. I've Got To Use My Imagination
2. Ain't No Sunshine
3. Midnight Train To Georgia
4. Baby Is A Butterfly
5. Breakfast In Bed
6. Cream Dream
7. Natural High
8. Heart Of Stone
9. Sara Smile
10. Eliminate The Night
11. Break Up To Make Up
12. I Know What's Goin' On
13. Alone With You
14. Kiss And Say Goodbye
15. Heat Wave
16. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted

Amazon.com

On Breakfast in Bed, her first release on Time Life Records (yes, that Time Life) Joan Osborne tackles a crop of hand-picked soul and R&B favorites with equal parts sass and sensitivity. Long an underappreciated artist, Osborne is a performer with the wisdom to exercise vocal restraint for an effect that's more Dusty Springfield than Christina Aguilera. Her fine previous outing interpreting soul standards was aptly titled How Sweet It Is, and witness her contribution to the terrific 2002 film Standing in the Shadows of Motown, where Osborne's astute readings of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and "Heatwave" outshone performers like Ben Harper and Gerald Levert (happily, both songs are included here). The title track and Hall and Oates' "Sara Smile" are both canny choices that play to her strengths in delivering credible blue-eyed soul, and six new Osborne-penned songs fit neatly into the record. If her compositions pale a bit next to the classics she covers (with the sultry and slithery exception of the excellent "Eliminate the Night"), give Osborne credit for bravely placing herself side-by-side with songwriting luminaries like Holland-Dozier-Holland and Bill Withers. Breakfast in Bed makes for a leisurely listen on a sunny Sunday morning, so put up your feet and stay awhile. --Ben Heege

Album Description

Joan Osbourne's recently recorded album pays homage to the great Soul and R&B songs of the late '60s and early '70s. The album features a unique combination of unforgettable interpretations of timeless R&B classics. Her first single to radio will be "I've Got to Use My Imagination."

Customer Reviews:

Joan O. has got it.......2007-07-19

I'm becoming a bigger fan of Joan every day. I loved her last album, Pretty Little Stranger, even though it was a bit country for her, and I'm not a country music fan. I'm interested in checking out this collection of her covering pop hits. She does covers well, and her voice is so obviously hers, that even though it might be a song you have heard enough times already in your life, hearing the "Joan" version is always a treat. I'm sorry this is not a review of this album in particular, I do plan to get it soon. I'll let you know then! I'm giving 5 stars based on the Amazon video and audio samples. What I can say is that her previous albums are all great, and her live shows are awesome, especially if you can be lucky enough to see her in a smaller venue.

The first time I saw her was pretty much by accident. I wound up crossing through the front of a very large crowd between acts at a Woodstock reunion in Bethel, NY (not Pepsistock in Saugeraties), in the late 90's. Then Joan and her band came on and I'm front and center and she blew me away with St. Teressa or something like that. I've been a fan ever since.

Fantastic voice and song list.......2007-07-12

Most know Joan for her 90's hit "If God Was One of Us." She is far from those days. Most would be astounded to hear what Joan;s voice is capable of, as that song only trapped her into a simple octave throughout its verses.

Here in "Breakfast In Bed", Joan takes the jazz practice of covering American classics and favorites in her dynamic, raspy alto voice. This is a great CD, my favorites include the live performances of "Heatwave" and "What Becomes of a Broken Hearted" with Motown's Funk Brothers; and classics "Natural High" and "Sara Smile."

Check the song list, if you find any of your old favorites the GET THIS CD, you will definately not be disappointed. However "What Becomes of a Broken Hearted" is worth the $13 alone.

easy, breezy...and sexy...me likes!.......2007-06-30

Okay, my thoughts! I dunno, it seems pretty clear Joan has been really enjoying herself lately. I'm all for that.

Speaking for myself, more times than not, Joan selects covers that are mostly new to me - on this disc, besides the 2 live tracks, I was only familiar with Midnight Train. So, generally, all the songs are new to me. Then again, I like covers and I like how Joan mixes in her own songs. She is a singer, after all! I don't think a true singer should be afraid of (or criticized for) covering songs... Admittedly, if I really had my way with Joan, I'd get her to release all those original songs that have gone unreleased over the years, but this album satisfies just as well. Simply put, it's great.

Honestly, when I first listened to the sound samples online, I wasn't quite sure what to think, but since listening to the full album, I've come to really enjoy it. I think it's an accessible album that everyone can enjoy. Joan's voice sounds unbelievably sexy and gorgeous! I don't dislike the first 2 tracks, but I could do without them at the same time. My favorites from this disc are Baby Is A Butterfly & Heart Of Stone (two originals), and Kiss And Say Goodbye (so good!). I'm not one to hum, but I've found myself randomly humming these songs (like while shopping or lounging in bed).

In any case, all the songs work and sound well alongside each other and I'm glad Joan's being more prolific and enjoying herself.

expected it to be better.......2007-06-30

Her "How Sweet It Is" CD is one of my favorites. On that release, she's in great voice, she covers great material and I think it was very bold to do a CD of all cover tunes. I was excited to find that Joan did a new 70's style CD, but I found that this disk to be just pleasant. It is also somewhat dull... no sparkle, no WOW, no "hey you gotta hear this!". I ain't bad, but if you're tempted, start with the "Sweet" CD.

What To Do About Joan Osborne........2007-06-30

Osborne's career has to be one of the most wasteful careers of all time. This is her sixth studio album, and it is her third in a row consisting MOSTLY of cover songs and NOT original material. Is her hand broken? Can she not write 10 original songs for one new cd? I WANT "RELISH" OR "RIGHTEOUS LOVE". At least the songs not written by her were new songs.

That said, I think Osborne is an excellent vocalist, but her vocals have been squandered by re-doing classic r&b, blues and soul songs. I have to admit that some of her successful covers on "Breakfast In Bed" came in unexpected places. When I looked over the titles I thought, "There's no way she's going to pull off Gladys Knight & The Pips's "I've Got To Use My Imagination", but there she was giving it a fresh coat of new paint. This didn't carry over to the other Gladys Knight & The Pips hit "Midnight Train To Georgia". To me, it was a lifeless interpretation of the original. Likewise, Bill Withers's "Ain't No Sunshine" was a rather bland interpretation. "Natural High" by Bloodstone was unfamiliar to me, so I couldn't compare the original with what Joan had done, but the song was okay, not great. "Breakfast In Bed" is eluding me. I'm not sure if it is a cover song because I've never heard it before. Hall & Oates's "Sara Smile" was treading on dangerous ground for me since I am a huge fan of theirs. I was not amused by the original take of a song about a woman being sung by a woman. Again, Osborne didn't bring anything new to the table. "Break Up To Make Up" by The Stylistics was okay. I wasn't too familiar with that song, so again, I couldn't compare. Manhattan's "Kiss And Say Goodbye" is an often covered song, and Osborne did a decent job of it. Strangely, the two songs not designed for this cd, but included as extras, tended to be some of the strongest material. Joan does a decent cover of Martha & The Vandellas' "Heat Wave" and Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted" to finish off the disc.

This leaves six originals penned by Joan. I give her credit for making six songs that do sound like the genre she was going for. However, I found only two of the songs to really stand out in my mind: "Baby Is A Butterfly" and "Cream Dream". "Heart Of Stone", "Eliminate The Night", "I Know What's Going On" and "Alone With You" are all unremarkable.

So, what's it going to be? Give Joan five stars because you like her and she's a talented singer/songwriter, or give her three stars because she's not giving fans what they really want (all new material)? For me, it's the latter. I can't stress enough that after 7 years it's high time for Osborne to walk the walk and give us a full album of new material.

Average customer rating: Quite Impressive! Love This CD "say it" Great Sophomore Album! Best

Because Of You Ne-Yo Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ain't Nothin' Like Me Double Up Special Occasion Luvanmusiq Street Love ASIN: B000NVL4EW Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

1. Because Of You
2. Crazy (feat. JAY-Z)
3. Can We Chill
4. Do You
5. Addicted
6. Leaving Tonight (feat. Jennifer Hudson)
7. Ain't Thinking About You
8. Sex With My Ex
9. Angel
10. Make It Work
11. Say It
12. Go On Girl

Amazon.com

Kelly Clarkson, kindly step aside: the title "Because of You" now belongs to Ne-Yo, who has done things with it no one with a pair of hands to clap will soon forget. And not just on the phenomenally appealing first single. Throughout Because of You, the sophomore disc by the songwriter responsible for such monster hits as Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" and Rihanna's "Unfaithful," a flutter-voiced fluidity--the kind seldom heard since Michael Jackson's Off the Wall days--reigns. Jay-Z makes room to let it rip on "Crazy," and Jennifer Hudson wraps herself around it with restraint on "Leaving Tonight," a lovers' quarrel that could hold its own against anything Marilyn McCoo & Billy David Jr. cared to toss off in their heyday. If it's MJ who's lingered in Ne-Yo's ear longest, Prince hasn't gone silent, either: echoes poke up on the far-out "Sex with My Ex." Elsewhere, shades of contemporaries such as Nelly and Diddy show through. Overall, though, Ne-Yo's flammable hooks, flirty vibe, and flawless vocals reveal an R&B genius in the making. If the talent bar for up-and-comers is set impossibly high in the coming years, chances are it will be all because of him. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Quite Impressive!.......2007-07-12

I'm just saying you should check out what other reviews have been written from a reviewer before you let it pursued you for or against a release because it may influence how much credit you give their review.
This sophomore release by Neo shows maturity, growth and solidifies his presence in the R & B genre. Because of You, Crazy minus J-Z intro., Do You, Leaving Tonight, Aint Thinking About You, Make it Work, Tell Me, are most noteable. Which is quite a number of tracks, practically the whole CD. Each track flows into the next, you can really just press play and relax, let the music work it's magic.
BET Awards Show said it "Best R&B Male" enough said.

Love This CD.......2007-07-12

Simply put, this is a great CD! My favorite songs are:
2. Crazy f/ Jay-Z
4. Do You
6. Leaving Tonight
11. Say It

I recommend this CD to listeners who prefer a CD that isn't filled with featured rappers!

"say it".......2007-07-10

if "say it" were the ONLY song on the album, i still would've gotten my money's worth. i also love "do you", "because of you", and "can we chill". all in all i like about the same amount of songs on this album as i did on the other one.

Great Sophomore Album!.......2007-07-07

I am always wary of sophomore efforts from singers, but I really loved Ne-Yo's first CD, and I love the fact that he's a songwriter -- his songs usually make sense -- so I went ahead and picked it up even though I had only heard snippets of "Because of You" (the title track) and no other song. I'm glad I did. I really love this CD from start to finish -- the tracks are smooth and you can definitely see the influence from different artists on the CD. It's a "chill on a Saturday afternoon" CD (and that's exactly what I am doing right now), and I like it better than his first CD.

My favorite songs on the album: "Crazy" (featuring Jay-Z, it's well written and a really smooth entry on the CD); "Can We Chill" (smooth dance track about being in a club, which I usually hate, but this one is pretty well written as well and I love the beat and melody), "Addicted" (the premise is funny, and if you can laugh good-naturedly at Ne-Yo's grandstanding in the CD -- it's a great song), "Leaving Tonight" (I love Jennifer Hudson, she sounds like a goddess on this CD, American Idol shouldn't have cut her and I hope she comes out with a CD ASAP!) and "Sex With My Ex" (Prince fans should flock to this one, it sounds like something The Artist would've sung.)

Best.......2007-07-06

Neyo has come with his sophomore album STRONG. This is a play right through CD. All of the songs are HOT!

Average customer rating: An OK Album very good R-Kelly brings it again One song about SEX PLANET! Still at large!

Double Up R. Kelly Manufacturer: Jive ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sex Love & Pain Epiphany Because Of You T.I. vs T.I.P. Ain't Nothin' Like Me ASIN: B000P29B3U Release Date: 2007-05-29

Tracks:

1. The Champ featuring Swizz Beatz
2. Double Up featuring Snoop Dogg
3. Tryin' To Get A Number featuring Nelly
4. Get Dirty featuring Chamillionaire
5. Leave Your Name
6. Freaky In The Club
7. The Zoo
8. I'm A Flirt Remix featuring T.I. and T-Pain
9. Same Girl duet with Usher
10. Real Talk
11. Hook It Up featuring Huey
12. Rock Star featuring Ludacris and Kid Rock
13. Best Friend featuring Keyshia Cole and Polow Da Don
14. Rollin'
15. Sweet Tooth
16. Havin' A Baby
17. Sex Planet
18. Rise Up

Amazon.com

R. Kelly's rep could be considered controversial at best, but that's not to say the man who does for raunch what Beyoncé does for backsides (that is, caused the masses to arrive at a more multidimensional consideration) is not a fascinating artist. On Double Up, arguably his most sex-crazed, diabolically sleazy CD to date, Kelly grunts like a monkey, envisions a hot and heavy interplanetary romp, and indulges in NC-17-rated rhymes. Stylistically, the self-described king of R&B kicks up a hip-hoppy storm, spitting rapid-fire rhymes and tossing the 'n' word around too freely. But then there's the saving grace: that voice. Throughout a couple of inspirational numbers and collaborations with friends such as Usher ("Same Girl") and Nelly ("Tryin' to Get a Number"), Kelly does what he did so capably on the megahit "I Believe I Can Fly": he reaches even reluctant listeners with deep-seated sincerity. Even when he doesn't, he still knows how to capture catchy--first single "I'm a Flirt," for example, locks it up with a whisper and a wink. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

The King of R&B's Double Up delivers a potent potion of pure signature R&B with some Hip Hop on top. Featuring collaborations with T.I., T-Pain, and more, the legendary R. Kelly joins forces with some of the hottest and best Hip-Hop talent and the result is fiercly sexy. From the amazing duet with Usher "Same Girl", to the smooth stylin of "Freaky In The Club," fans around the globe will jump at the opportunity to Double Up with R. Kelly

Customer Reviews:

An OK Album.......2007-07-17

I've always enjoyed R. Kelly's music from day one, back in the '90s. His recent and best album in this century is "TP3". "Double Up"is a little bit of a disappointment. There are a couple of good songs like "Get Dirty" with Chamillionaire, and "I'm A Flirt". The rest of the album is mediocre. One of the reviewers stated that he is 40 yrs old, but trying to pass himself off as a 25 yr old thug. I think a lot of this has to do with the way radio is nowadays. If his music was more mature, it would not get played on Hip-Hop stations, and would largely go un-noticed. Even video channels like BET would not pick it up. It's a pretty sad state-of-affairs if an artist has to try and act young, just to be able to get his album out there on commercial radio. The other thing that seems to be common is older artist featuring young Hip Hop artists on their albums. This is done to try and appeal to a young audience, and get picked up on radio. Nowadays, everyone seems to be fixated on Hip Hop, and great R&B singers seems to get looked over, or not even noticed by the media.

very good.......2007-07-15

don't usually buy this type of music. I think the songs are engaging. worth a buy.

R-Kelly brings it again.......2007-07-15

R-Kelly has been in the game for a minute making hit after hit from i wish to down low from his earlier classics. This cd here is more of the hip-hop side of r-kelly, which is not a bad thing but more r&b cuts would have been nicer. The jams that im feeling include imma flirt remix, same girl, rise up, freaky in the club, the title track, sex planet, leave your name, sweet tooth and havin a baby. R-Kelly could have done without rockstar because the song is just all over the place. Luda's verse is nice though. Even though his scandals may have turn away a lot of his fans, there is no denying that he still makes good music. This cd is definitely better that TP3 RELOADED but not better than his older material. Still a solid effort from the king of r&b. Cop it if you are a fan of r-kelly or like mixtures of r&b and hip-hop

One song about SEX PLANET!.......2007-07-14

A SONG ABOUT SEX PLANET SOME KIDS CAN BE LISTENING TO THAT SONG AND BE PUTTING BAD WORDS IN THERE HEAD THAT VERY SAD!

Still at large!.......2007-07-11

Make money for a large record company and you can stay out of prison for ______ing underage girls! He is so immature and just not all that as an artist. R Kelly should change his name to "lucky".

Average customer rating: A must-have for any music collection Reggae's Ruler Timeless CD Jimmy Buffett was right Album name says it all...

Legend (New Packaging) Bob Marley & The Wailers Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Exodus Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix Survival Uprising Catch a Fire ASIN: B0000669JL Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

1. Is This Love
2. No Woman No Cry
3. Could You Be Loved
4. Three Little Birds
5. Buffalo Soldier
6. Get Up Stand Up
7. Stir It Up
8. Easy Skanking (Bonus Track)
9. One Love/People Get Ready
10. I Shot The Sheriff
11. Waiting In Vain
12. Redemption Song
13. Satisfy My Soul
14. Exodus
15. Jamming
16. Punky Reggae Party (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com essential recording

Even as greatest hits packages go, this is an utter gem. Every song is inspired, in a class of its own, whether the real version of "I Shot the Sheriff," the hymnlike "No Woman, No Cry," or the sheer joy of "Jamming." Even allowing that Marley never wrote any bad material, then Legend is still the crème de la crème, the heart and soul of the Jamaican people packed into one five-inch compact disc. He was unique, and the message of this record, more than any other, is that he died far too soon. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

A must-have for any music collection.......2007-07-11

I will never grow tired of "Legend." This compilation is absolutely perfect, providing an accurate insight into the musical genius that was Bob Marley. This isn't just reggae at its finest, but it's music at its finest. The songs on "Legend" can be inspiring, uplifting, entertaining, thought-provoking, but most of all just purely enjoyable. The simple songwriting and talented musicianship provide a sunny, lighthearted musical setting, the laidback Caribbean style that would inspire a generation of reggae followers. But it's Bob's messages and lyrics that set him apart from the other great Jamaican musicians who were his contemporaries. Bob's music is at times politically and religiously charged, and sometimes just for fun. But everything he advocates in his muic is positive. He wants the world to be a better, friendlier place, and he advocates human treatment and equality, civil rights, and freedom. He portrays his ideas in a simple manner that makes them all the more effective. This compilation covers the most audience-friendly and appealing of his extensive discography. This is a smart purchase, because Bob's discography is huge, especially because there are so many various releases that have surfaced between different distributors in different countries. "Legend" is an album everyone should own, it's the one that every new Bob Marley listener should not even think twice about purchasing, and everyone should be able to appreciate the music here.

The compilation begins with "Is This Love," one of the most purely roots songs here, a lyrically simple, musically catchy tune. "No Woman No Cry" is my favorite song of Bob's music, and this seven minute live recording is beautiful. The lyricism of this song is simple but really moving, from his talk of growing up poor in Jamaica to his philosophies on life, and the break for the guitar solo and background vocals complete the beautiful arrangement. I absolutely love "Could You Be Loved," a clever production that's immediately catchy, with a great chorus and standard Bob Marley performance. "Three Little Birds," one of his most well-known tunes, is fun, light, and fairly uplifting. "Buffalo Soldier" is an ingenious look at the movement of peoples from Africa to the Caribbean, and Bob praises his ancestors. The politically-fueled "Get Up, Stand Up" is a very effective rallying cry for civil rights. Another of my favorites is the winding "Stir It Up," a laidback, enjoyable and fun song. "Easy Skanking" is included as a bonus on the new remaster, a welcome bonus to the classic tracklist. "One Love/People Get Ready" is a happy call to equal treatment and some light philosophy, one of his most definitive songs. If you haven't, you must hear his ingenious cover of Eric Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff," which is followed here by the easy "Waiting in Vain" and the very inspired "Redemption Song." "Satisfy My Soul" and the incredible "Exodus" follow, with another of my favorites, the unforgettable "Jamming." The remaster also includes "Punky Reggae Party" as a bonus, a unique party track.

Bottom line, this album is a must have for anyone. People of all ages and backgrounds can love "Legend," even if they're not a reggae fan. This music is clever, catchy, and fun, and Bob Marley is really a genius. Make this purchase if you haven't already, you will not be disappointed by "Legend."

Reggae's Ruler.......2007-07-09

This CD is an excellent Bob Marley compilation. Probably teh greatest reggae album ever. Here are just the really good tunes:

Is this Love - great opener, an uplifting reggae love song

3 Little Birds - great, soulful, makes heart soar

Buffalo Soldier - phenomenal tune about black soldiers who were sent to fight American Indians. Great story and great music

One Love - awesome tho simple, it's a call to unity

Redemption Song - slow with soft guitar, a stirring call to free your mind and free yourself, resist opression

Jammin- - a fun party tune, no message here but just to jam

Timeless CD.......2007-05-28

What can I say that has not already been said about this awesome cd? Put it on, relax and enjoy life. It never gets old.

Jimmy Buffett was right.......2007-05-13

My only knowledge of Bob Marley was references by Jimmy Buffett in his books. So when I found this CD, I had to get it. I am glad I did. Thoroughly enjoyed every cut.

Album name says it all..........2007-05-08

You don't have to smoke the you-know-what to appreciate the work of Bob Marley. This is good music for anybody, kids included! This is also one of the few best-ofs to live up to it's name. Invest in a positive message - buy this album today:)

Average customer rating: no idea what this is Essential Stevie How high can we rate an artist? Excellent Purchase Great

Stevie Wonder - The Definitive Collection Stevie Wonder Manufacturer: Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits The Definitive Collection Al Green - Greatest Hits The Ultimate Collection Songs in the Key of Life ASIN: B00006JSS8 Release Date: 2002-10-29

Tracks:

1. Fingertips (Part 2)
2. Uptight
3. Hey Love
4. I Was Made To Love Her
5. For Once In My Life
6. My Cherie Amour
7. Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours
8. Superstition
9. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
10. Higher Ground
11. Living For The City
12. You Haven't Done Nothing
13. Boogie On Reggae Woman
14. I Wish
15. Sir Duke
16. Masterblaster (Jammin')
17. That Girl
18. Do I Do
19. I Just Called To Say I Love You
20. Part-Time Lover
21. Overjoyed

Amazon.com

Like the Beatles' The Beatles 1, this rundown of Stevie Wonder chestnuts is merciless in cutting a huge list of classic tracks down to a single disc's worth of the most recognizable. Anyone who's treasured even one or two of these songs and yet never bought a Wonder record will be more than pleased with the acquisition of The Definitive Collection. These records continue to ring with importance and history, but more important, all except two or three remain fresh and capable of surprising even veteran fans. Those listeners may note, though, that Wonder is among the few performers who could release a retrospective containing 15 No. 1 R&B hits and still invite the complaint that the album felt incomplete--not least in explaining how the man transformed himself from a multitalented teenage hitmaker into the funk-pop visionary of Talking Book, Innervisions, and Songs in the Key of Life. --Rickey Wright

Album Details

Compact Selection of Great Early Hits from the Former Boy Wonder of the Keyboard and Resident Genius of Berry Gordy's Motown Records.

Customer Reviews:

no idea what this is.......2007-07-16

some of the songs I had not heard. But my favorite song was on this cd so I purchased it.

Essential Stevie.......2007-07-09

This is the essential collection of Stevie Wonder. This CD provides a great cross section of the many talents of Stevie Wonder from his early days to his experiments with funk and jazz. Nearly every song sounds different in style and form because of the breadth and depth of SW's career. Great addition to the CD collection of you're a Stevie fan and you want a single representation of his fantastic career.

How high can we rate an artist?.......2007-07-01

You know, with Mr. Wonder we reach for superlatives and we slap them down on paper and looking back on it we realize that the meaning of our impression is deeper yet. Listening to this retrospective of his best hits I was dazzled at how many there were, how many I remembered, how many years ago it all started and how the purity just carries on. While there is a substantial pool of anger, resentment and rage amongst African Americans and many choose to vent their spleen in their music, Stevie Wonder chose a different path. Perhaps it is just a reflection of the love in his being, but his music always keeps pointed to a positive message, even when he is lamenting the scourge of ghetto life.

This master musician, singer, songwriter and story teller has no peer who eclipses his place. He has given us funk so hot you just have to get up and gyrate on the floor lest you fall off your chair. He has given us love songs so tender that dozens of other singers have sung them to great acclaim for their own careers. It is not an exaggeration to say that with this genius, his reach has never extended beyond his abilities. They go hand in hand, his ability to manifest his deepest creativity is unimpeded. A person cannot be without this compilation and say that they have surrounded themselves with the best of American Afro funk, jazz and pop. It only remains for us to wait for more music to fill up the already substantial opus that he has created. A greater joy in music is hard to come by. Essential.

Excellent Purchase.......2007-06-27

This CD is good sample of the great Stevie Wonder. The CD worth the amount paid and remind me some nice songs. If you like Steve Wonder buy it!

Great.......2007-06-12

I loved the whole cd ,and think it is worth every penny. I run a dj service and get all kinds of comments on my music. At the last wedding I was told that they had not heard some of the songs in a long time and they loved it. Big D

Average customer rating: Maybe 4.5 stars, but still stellar Soulful West African soul First Introduction To Angelique Kidjo Not as good as Black Ivory Soul - but still enhoyable Who Knows?

Djin Djin Angelique Kidjo Manufacturer: Razor &Tie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Mali | Africa | International | Styles | Music Benin | Africa | International | Styles | Music Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: CéU Momento Keep on Moving-Best of Angelique Kidjo Oyaya! Black Ivory Soul ASIN: B000MTOWSU Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

1. Ae Ae
2. Djin Djin featuring Alicia Keys and Branford Marsalis
3. Gimme Shelter featuring Joss Stone
4. Salala featuring Peter Gabriel
5. Senamou (C'est L'amour) featuring Amadou and Mariam
6. Pearls featuring Josh Groban and Carlos Santana
7. Sedjedo featuring Ziggy Marley
8. Papa
9. Arouna
10. Awan N'La
11. Emma
12. Mama Golo Papa
13. Lonlon (Ravel's Bolero)

Amazon.com

Angelique Kidjo has four Grammy nominations, a mantel-full of international awards, several dance hits, and notable appearances on film and TV soundtracks to her credit (to say nothing of being a major style icon and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador). So this Benin-born, New York-based singer-composer has long since gotten past having to prove anything to anybody--other than to herself. On Djin Djin (the title refers to a bell that sounds at daybreak in parts of Africa), she is self-indulgent in the best possible sense, shooting for a big, glossy, super-pop sound that nonetheless remains essentially, even devoutly, African in inspiration and execution. Produced by Tony Visconti (The Moody Blues, T. Rex, David Bowie, Boomtown Rats, and Morrissey), the release is a bewitching amalgam, with guest stints from Joss Stone, Carlos Santana, Branford Marsalis, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Malian husband-and-wife team Amadou and Mariam, and noted reggae scion Ziggy Marley. Kidjo, her salty-sweet voice in top form, moves confidently from ballad to club track to homespun earthmover. She never for a second relinquishes control of the festivities, even during a hectic, Haitian-rara-influenced cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" and "Lon Lon," in which she takes on--and takes over--French composer Ravel's "Bolero." --Christina Roden

Album Description

With DJIN DJIN (pronounced "gin gin"), Angelique Kidjo returns to the soul of Benin - and, for the first time, shares it with a cast of all-star guests, in a marriage of cultures that has significance far beyond music alone. Inspired by the traditions and culture of Kidjo's native Benin in West Africa, the title of the album refers to the sound of the bell that greets the beginning of a new day for Africa.

The diversity represented by Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, Joss Stone, Branford Marsalis, producer Tony Visconti, and the others who contribute to DJIN DJIN speaks to the lesson of this project: For all the differences in the music of our time, the river of Africa flows through it all.

The key was to build DJIN DJIN on a Beninese foundation. The heartbeat, then, comes from percussionists Crespin Kpitiki and Benoit Avihoue, both members of Benin's Gangbé Brass Band. Details of their country's rhythmic heritage, specific in some cases to individual villages, feed the rhythms they lay down throughout the album.

To this mix Kidjo welcomes players whose backgrounds complement the idea of DJIN DJIN: drummer Poogie Bell, known for his work with Erykah Badu and Chaka Khan; funk keyboard wizard Amp Fiddler, whose credits include Prince and George Clinton; Larry Campbell, whose multi-instrumental work has adorned the music of Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Paul Simon; Senegalese bass giant Habib Faye, a fixture with Youssou N'Dour; guitarists Lionel Loueke, from jazz legend Herbie Hancock's band; Romero Lubambo, a Brazilian wonder whose credits include Diana Krall and Dianne Reeves; Joao Mota, from Guinea-Bissau and kora master Mamadou Diabate.

Produced by Tony Visconti. (David Bowie, T. Rex, Morrissey)

Customer Reviews:

Maybe 4.5 stars, but still stellar.......2007-07-01

Angelique Kidjo's amazing whether she's covering Hendrix in "VooDoo Child" or singing West African tunes. Her roots are much wider than just her country of origin. It'd be hard for me to name a favorite among these gems. I love the people she's selected to work with. "Gimme Shelter" with Joss Stone may be the kind of duet that's going to propel her right up to the top of the charts where she belongs. Smart move, lady, for sure, but I also love the songs where Angelique sings her own music alone.

Soulful West African soul.......2007-06-22

Angelique Kidjo is one of those rare artists who has the Midas touch. No matter who she's performing with, no matter what she's performing, she makes beautiful music. While "Djin Djin" can be considered one of her more mainstream albums, she still proudly shows her African roots. In a sense,it's not surprising it's sold alongside coffee at Starbucks; "Djin Djin" is as potent as a cup of steaming java.

The opening "Ae Ae" is anthemic;it's a power ballad in which Kidjo calls on her fellow Africans to be self-sufficient. The title track is a jazzy collaboration with Alicia Keys and Branford Marsalis. It's Benin meets the Big Easy. Kidjo does an amazing cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" with Joss Stone. The '60s British Invasion gets an African makeover,transforming it into a tribal rave-up. Kidjo and smoky-voiced Peter Gabriel complement each other in "Salala." A thumb piano gives "Senamou" a deeply African flavor. "Sedjedo", a duet with reggae heir Ziggy Marley, doesn't quite work. Marley is relegated to the sidelines. However, Kidjo's rousing singing saves the piece. The same goes for "Pearls." Josh Groban's operatic voice is unsuited to the style of the song. It's Afropop meets Latin rock (since Carlos Santana plays the guitar),not the Three Tenors or Il Divo. Kidjo's amazing singing again saves the song from becoming a novelty song. In "Papa","Arouna","Awan N'La","Emma" and "Mama Golo Papa" Kidjo shows she doesn't need collaborators. She's still going strong since her debut in 1990. She covers difficult issues such as marital conflict and divorce soulfully. Finally, in "Lonlon" Kidjo transforms Ravel's annoying and overplayed "Bolero" into rousing,toe-tapping Afropop. Instead of being filler or a song worth skipping, "Lonlon" serves as a grand finale.

Angelique Kidjo is accomplished,as a person and as an artist. She is a UN Goodwill Ambassador;she has her own charity,Batonga. In Bono's guest-edited issue of "Vanity Fair" about Africa, Harry Belafonte praises her activism. Angelique Kidjo's music is truly angelic. "Djin Djin" is a great introduction to her music, and is a perfect mainstream introduction to African music. It's as rousing and flavorful as a good hot cup of coffee.

First Introduction To Angelique Kidjo.......2007-06-20

This is my first introduction to any of Angelique Kidjo's music. I bought this compact disc for myself as a birthday present based on the reviews it has received and listening to the short musical segments found on Amazon.Com.





After recently listening to "Djin, Djin" on a 4 hour road trip, I feel in love with the music & lyrics! The music is fantastic and varied from song to song.... Angelique Kidjo is phenomenal as an artist. I also enjoyed the musical guests performing on "Djin, Djin" too. This compact disc is perfect as background music while long distance driving, at home relaxing, during dinner parties, etc.

Not as good as Black Ivory Soul - but still enhoyable.......2007-06-11

This is a good release, with many guests on it, but not quite as accessable as the Black Ivory Soul CD. However, it will get you up and moving.

Who Knows?.......2007-06-08

I would love to review this CD by never received my order from Amazon. Nor have I received a credit either. I doubt I will ever order anything from Amazon again.

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