Luther Vandross - The Essential Luther Vandross
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Free Music Notes for The Essential Luther Vandross
Free Music Review: Ultimately Here & Now
Hit: 4 Stars
When I heard the news last night that Luther Vandross passed away, I just couldn't believe it. His songs and his heartfely feelings for great soul music were just so unique, and truly remarkable. The songs he not just composed and portrayed, but released a widely recognized acclaimed for so many artists today. Yet, his era with Sony was masterful and just one of the most unique collections of music. While he has been portraited with adequate collections of his music, most of them missed quite a lot of his songs. Although the voice is gone, the songs are truly here & now.
The Essential Luther Vandross, is a double-album reflecting his entire era as a part of Sony. The collection consists of 30 of his best tunes from the 80's, and 90's. Out of all the Sony collections Luther has had, this one hits quite nicely with his silky-smooth soul and blend of classics including hits like Any Love, Power Of Love, the beautiful Here & Now, and Don't Wanna Be A Fool. The collection also includes some great duets including Endless Love with Mariah Carey, their remake of the Lionel Richie & Diana Ross masterpiece, and How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye with Dionne Warwick.
Yet, with all the hype, there are a few disadvantages that are also within this collection. The collection overlooks a few of his best tracks including Always & Forever, and Going In Circles to name a few. Not only that, the album also overlooks his records from the J records era and hits like I'd Rather, Can I Take You Out Tonight, and the Grammy-winning Dance With My Father.
Still, for die hard Luther Vandross fans, this collection is really worth more than his other collections, because there is really a better chice of his quality music. While he is no longer with us, the music will always keep on going in circles for years and lovers to come.
Luther Vandross 1951-2005
Album Cover: B+
Price: B+
Songs: B
Mastering: A 1/2-
Overall: B 1/2+
Free Music Review: EVERYTHING THAT A BEST OF SET SHOULD BE & MORE
Hit: 5 Stars
Although I agree with reviewers who are upset that there have been so many attempts to cash in on Luther Vandross' alleged "best of" (and almost all of them with the exception of 1989's "Best of Love" are sorely lacking), this 2 CD set is truly the only one that fits the bill and deserves 5 stars as it dos not skip on the "essential" and is sequenced seemlessly. Also, there is no filler to be found in this collection, unlike most 2 CD "essentials" that should be (at best) reduced to one CD.With the exception of 1985's "The Night I Fell In Love" (which may be in my top 20 list of my favorite releases (which will exclude greatest hits releases to even up the field) most of Luther's albums have not been outstanding on the whole as there have been some "sameness", especially when it comes to the musical productions or instruments in vogue when originally recorded, but this collection takes care of that limitation but putting the most catchy songs on it as well as classic remakes and duets (when duets were more than marketing ploys or ego gratification efforts) and simply make both CD's a pleasure to listen to again and again. Also, unlike other releases, none of the songs is reduced to the "single" release, which tends to cut off songs either for space considerations or just because. Can you imagine "If This World Were Mine" or "(I) Who Have Nothing" not released as they were intended? Thank Epic or Luther for not cutting off songs.
I understand that some would not want to shell out more money if they've bought one the previous "lesser" alleged best of Luther releases, but this is the one to own and replaces 1989's "Best of Love" as the must have set "If Only For One Night".... Enjoy!
Here's to Luther gaining more strength and overcoming his current health challenges.
Free Music Review: Holy Behezuss! How many useless compilations do we need?
Hit: 5 Stars
I don't know whose music might have endured worse damaged from being constantly recycled onto useless compilations so many numerous times the way that Luther Vandross' songs have with these mostly lame collections. I find it saddening to see these powerful and uplifting songs being recycled to death on these numerous compilations. Is it like, they release a compilation of recycled material every time a new proper studio album is released? From what I'm guessing there are like eight or nine of them now:
Here's the list that I can think of:
1. Best of Luther Vandross
2. Love Is On The Way
3. Best of Love Volume 2: One Night With You
4. Greatest Hits
5. Always & Forever: The Classics
6. Super Hits
7. Ultimate Luther Vandross
8. The Very Best of Love
9. Essential Luther Vandross
As I can remember while writing this review, there are nine compilations, and these were all released in just the last 15 years, too short of a time for releasing so many compilations. Are Sony too clueless as to realizing how many compilations they have released are has the label become enshrouded in greed and egotism.
All of these songs on here are absolutely classic and are among the best R&B classics of all-time but come on!! Why don't Sony released a live album or even a Box Set of B-Sides and/or previously unreleased studio recordings from Vandross' extremely spectacular career? That's what Sony needs to do. Stop recycling these same songs over and over again and instead release two boxed sets, one being live recordings over the years, and the other being B-Sides/Rarities Boxed Set. Now that would be totally awesome! I would especially go for the "B-Sides" boxed set idea myself but that's just my opinion.
If you are a true Luther Vandross fan like I am and would go for any of the compilations I listed above, I would go for the 2-CD "Best of Luther Vandross", and "Best of Love Volume 2, One Night With You" (At least for those who liked the 'new' songs on that CD) and avoid the rest of the others like the plague. On top of it all, the best choice I can make is to invest one's time getting his regular studio albums as they offer truckloads more than any of the compilations can even come close to offering. I especially recommend "Power of Love", my favorite of his.
I'm giving this collection a five anyways to show my gratitude to Mr. Vandross for all of the great music that he has put out over the past 20 years and wish him the absolute best in his recovery and also wish him the best that he makes a full recovery and continues to amaze us for many years to come. God only knows what kind of musical genius he could come up with next! :)
Free Music Review: A Waste Of Time For Serious Fans!
Hit: 2 Stars
Wow, another attempt by Sony to repackage Luther's many hits, which serious fans already own on original CDs & probably a boatload of other repetitive compilations. Sony continues to pimp Luther, and this 2 CD set was released the same day as 'Dance With My Father', which is a must have. Also, am I mistaken or did Sony mess up again by NOT INCLUDING the BIG hit 'Bad Boy / Having A Party' on this set ?? What are they smoking over there...LOL??? That should tell you something right there!! The only way to have a perfect Luther Vandross compilation CD is to make it yourself, and personally, I created the Ultimate Luther Collection (1980-2003), which is 3 CDs & covers his entire solo career. Since Luther has passed on, I can bet that Sony will try this mess again, but SERIOUS fans are urged to do the job RIGHT..unlike Sony!
When all is said & done, this 'Essential Luther Vandross' set isn't essential at all!!...
Free Music Review: As smooth as silk and delightful as fine wine.
Hit: 5 Stars
I agree with all of the other reviewers that this compilation is not needed and certainly not essential.However,for those of us who don't have his other "best of compilations,"this one is a good place to start.The mastering quality was not as good as expected from Sony...all in all a cheaply put together collection with Luthers voice the only reason for 5 stars.Bye the way,the "The essential Luther Vandross UK Edition" is a much better choice,with 5 remixes.