Various Artists, Amazon.com in R&B, Hip Hop & Rap Music

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"Old School Soul Party [Box]" (03/01/2005) R&B Various Artists, Shout! FactoryLiner Note Author: Steven Chean. Another entry in Shout! Factory's ongoing series of triple-CD box compilations promoted on PBS, this one is more cohesively presented. Sequenced to flow like a typical party, the discs of this predominantly '70s-era 58-track R&B collection are divided into three connected parts. Starting with the high-energy sounds of Wild Cherry's one-hit wonder "Play That Funky Music," disc one (subtitled "Kickin' It Off") continues with tough funk hits from Cameo, Rick James, Parliament, and James Brown. Mercifully dodging the disco bullet save for Donna Summer's "Last Dance," this nonstop funkathon platter is alone worth the price of admission. Adding different sounds such as the Undisputed Truth's slightly trippy "Smiling Faces Sometimes" and the Beginning of the End's tropical "Funky Nassau" successfully serves to shift the style but not the mood. Disc two ("Getting' into the Groove") lightens the groove moderately as melody and pop become more emphasized on Cheryl Lynn's "Got to Be Real," the Friends of Distinction's "Love or Let Me Be Lonely," Gene Chandler's "Groovy Situation," and Ashford & Simpson's "Solid." These are all well-chosen selections that were substantial hits, but not as ubiquitous as the Isley Brothers' "That Lady, Pts. 1-2," a tune that always seems to find its way onto '70s soul collections such as this. Disc three ("Dimmin' the Lights") moves into slow and sensual post-party fare with 19 quiet storm smooth jams from artists such as the Five Stairsteps ("O-o-h Child"), Minnie Riperton ("Lovin' You"),the Chi-Lites ("Have You Seen Her"), and Marvin Gaye ("Sexual Healing"). The schlock factor is obviously higher here, but all the songs are Top Ten R&B and/or pop hits and will spark instant recognition from those this box is intended for. The remastered sound is crisp and sparkling throughout, bringing out these oldies' subtleties -- especially with percussion -- that you might not have heard before. While not definitive, the set accomplishes its mission of replaying the soundtrack to a colorful late-'70s urban shindig. More than a haphazard collection of oldies, this conceptual box boasts a well-defined focus, a unique programming flow, and of course lots of soul. ~ Hal Horowitz

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"Old School Love Songs, Vol. 7" (09/27/2005) R&B Various Artists, Thump Records

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"Soul Hits of the 80's [Sony Music Box Set] [Box]" (02/17/2004) R&B Various Artists, Sony Music Distribution (USA)A budget three-CD set, Soul Hits of the 80's collects some of that awkward decade's soul moments from the Columbia/Sony catalog. Note the author's use of "moments" and the title's use of "hits," because they are, in fact, talking about the same songs. Not everything here was a hit, with some of the songs just squeaking into the Billboard Top 100; however, regardless of chart position, they do represent the era very well. There's a broad range of work here, from jazz crossovers like Stanley Jordan with "Heaven Sent You" and Grover Washington with "Summer Nights" to straight pop crossovers like Deniece Williams with "Let's Hear It for the Boy" and the classic and true hit "Easy Lover" by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins. Other actual chart-toppers here include "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume, Herbie Hancock with the seismic hit "Rockit," and one-hit wonder Johnny Kemp with "Just Got Paid." Luther Vandross, Teena Marie, Bill Withers, Babyface, and Regina Belle are a few of the others whose tracks pepper this 40-song (!) collection. It's not definitive, but does a fine job of representing just how broad soul music's reach had become in the '80s. ~ Wade Kergan

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"Soul Hits of the 90's" (04/20/1998) R&B Various Artists, Sony Music Distribution (USA)

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"The Love Songs of Motown" (01/14/2003) R&B Various Artists, Motown RecordsAll tracks have been digitally remastered. Personnel: Johnny Bristol, The Andantes, The Four Tops (background vocals). Audio Mixer: Ellen Fitton. Arrangers: Jerry Long; Paul Riser; Smokey Robinson. Released to coincide with Valentine's Day, Love Songs of Motown is a 12-track compilation and includes staples like the Temptations' "My Girl," the Supremes' "I Hear a Symphony," the Isley Brothers' "This Old Heart of Mine," and the Four Tops' "Baby I Need Your Loving." ~ Andy Kellman Released to coincide with Valentine's Day, Love Songs of Motown is a very lean compilation at 12 tracks, including staples like the Temptations' "My Girl," the Supremes' "I Hear a Symphony," the Isley Brothers' "This Old Heart of Mine," and the Four Tops' "Baby I Need Your Loving." While anyone would be a fool for referring to these songs as anything less than classic, the compilation is an extremely random one that only caters to people who don't own any other Motown material. Furthermore, conceptualizing a disc based on Motown's love songs is like conceptualizing a refrigerator that keeps food cold. ~ Andy Kellman

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"Old School Jams, Vol. 3" (11/13/2001) R&B Various Artists, SPGOld School Jams, Vol. 3 expands upon preceding volumes, featuring not one but two discs of late-'70s to late-'80s urban dance classics. Furthermore, these aren't the widely known album or radio versions but rather the extended dance mixes, many of which are quite difficult to find. There's no shortage of classics here: Cameo's "Word Up," Rick James' "Super Freak," the Gap Band's "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," and Blondie's "Rapture" are just a sample of the many longtime favorites featured on this double-disc collection. This collection should appeal to not one but two different audiences, those looking for a one-stop collection of late-'70s to late-'80s urban dance favorites and those looking for the many hard-to-find extended mixes featured here. In fact, this volume is so impressive that you'll want to skip the first two volumes and head straight for this one. It's so loaded with great music that you may not even need to bother with the other volumes. ~ Jason Birchmeier

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"Best of Slow Jams" (11/25/2003) R&B Various Artists, SPG

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"Old School Jams: The History Lesson" (06/29/1999) R&B Various Artists, SPGAs the title indicates, Old School Jams: The History Lesson celebrates classic rap, funk, and soul. The Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," Kool & The Gang's "Get Down On It," George Clinton's "Atomic Dog," and Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force's "I Wonder if I Take You Home" are just some of the standout tracks on this double-disc collection. ~ Heather Phares

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"R&B Christmas [BMG Special Products]" (09/01/2005) R&B Various Artists, BMG Special Products

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"Old School Rap, Vol. 1-4 [Box Set] [Box]" (06/06/2000) R&B Various Artists, Thump RecordsThump Records' Old School Rap box set collects all four volumes of the label's hip-hop series. Classics like Doug E. Fresh's "La Di Da Di," Tone Loc's "Wild Thing," Young MC's "Bust a Move," Slick Rick's "Children's Story," Run DMC's "You Be Illin'," Grand Master Flash's "White Lines," and UTFO's "Roxanne Roxanne" highlight this collection of over 50 rap classics. The Beastie Boys, Kool Moe Dee, Kurtis Blow, Ice-T, Eric B. & Rakim, Boogie Down Productions, the Sugar Hill Gang, and many others represent rap's golden age on this worthwhile set. ~ Heather Phares

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"Old School Funk, Vol. 2" (12/02/1997) R&B Various Artists, Thump RecordsAll tracks have been digitally remastered. Although the cover art is a little garish, Old School Funk, Vol. 2 remains a good collection of '70s soul and funk, featuring such satles as the O'Jays' "For the Love of Money," and Lakeside's "Fantastic Voyage," the Whispers' "It's A Love Thing," Midnight Star's "Midas Tough" and "Wet My Whistle," Charles Wright's "Express Yourself," Shalamar's "Make That Move" and "Second Time Around," and Al Green's "Call Me." There's a few dogs scattered across the 14-track collection, but the disc remains an entertaining listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

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"So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross" (09/20/2005) R&B Various Artists, J-Records (USA)When vocalist Luther Vandross passed away in 2005, R&B/soul music lost one of its leading lights. On SO AMAZING, many of Vandross's friends and admirers pay tribute to the beloved singer with stirring renditions of his best-known songs. Artists that influenced Vandross (Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin) and were influenced by him (John Legend, Usher) both make appearances, with Stevie Wonder and Beyonce bridging the generation gap on their excellent duet version of "So Amazing." Other highlights include Mary J. Blige's funky cover of "Never Too Much" and Usher's emotive take on "Superstar." While fans will never forget Vandross, this disc provides a fitting reminder of his musical legacy.

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"Old School Boogie" (05/11/2004) R&B Various Artists, Thump RecordsOld School Boogie is an entertaining collection that contains 14 disco and funk songs that have the word "boogie" in the title -- "I'm Your Boogie Man, " "Boogie Oogie Oogie, " "Boogie Nights, " "Boogie Wonderland, " "Jungle Boogie, " "Bertha Butt Boogie"...you get the picture. It's gimmicky, but it's well-executed and a fun party record. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

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"Ultimate Dance Party 1997" (11/12/1996) R&B Various Artists, Arista Records (USA)Compilation producer: Steve Bartels. Audio Mixers: David Morales; Erick "More" Morillo; Ralphie Muniz; Quickmix; Steve Bartels; Hosh Gureli; W. Jay; Roberto Milani; C+C Music Factory. Audio Remixers: D. Forrest; Junior Vasquez; Aitken; Stock; Todd Terry; Lenny Bertoldo. Editor: Leon Zervos. Arrangers: Roberto Milani; C+C Music Factory; Livin' Joy; Rick Wake; Rich Tancredi. The groove goes on and on with this collection of some of 1997's most popular club hits. From the obligatory "Macarena" to Ace of Bases's "Beautiful Life," most of the big hits are here. For those who like straight club mixes, there are a few nice ones here: Reel 2 Reel's "I Like To Move It" gets a nice treatment, as does Annie Lenox's "No More I Love You's" which gets a good going-over courtesy of DJ Junior Vasquez. The jams run consecutively, with no space between tracks, so you can put this disc on at a party and not worry about those annoying fade-outs, or vibe-killing spaces between tunes. Other highlights here include Amber's "This is Your Night," and the original club mix of Livin' Joy's soulful celebration, "Dreamer."

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"Old School Love Songs, Vol. 5" (07/13/1999) R&B Various Artists, Thump RecordsThump's many variations on their Old School series haven't been immune to overlap, and the Love Songs volumes have hardly been an exception. Even so, there's enough variation throughout to keep them from being nothing more than recycled matter -- and quite a lot of ground is covered, with three decades of R&B taken into consideration. Thump especially remains a great resource for those who don't want to replace all of their single-artist LPs. The fifth volume of Old School Love Songs features the Emotions' "Best of My Love," the O'Jays' "Back Stabbers," MFSB's "Love Is the Message," Deniece Williams' "It's Gonna Take a Miracle," L.T.D.'s "(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love," and the Three Degrees' "When Will I See You Again." ~ Andy Kellman

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"Soul Funk 80s" (05/27/2003) R&B Various Artists, Madacy DistributionLiner Note Author: David Roy. Photographers: Waring Abbott; David Corio; Raymond Boyd. Rather than home in on a tightly constricted time span, the 12 tracks on Madacy's Soul Funk 80s compilation span the whole decade, from Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" to Terence Trent D'Arby's "Wishing Well." The compilation does, however, keep something of a focus on songs that are upbeat, and they were all major hits when they were released. Otherwise, it's a fairly random selection, but the quality level is undeniable, with the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove," Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's "Head to Toe," Teena Marie's "Ooh La La La," Surface's "Closer Than Friends," and Babyface's "It's No Crime" leading the way. ~ Andy Kellman

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"Pure Slow Jams" (09/10/2002) R&B Various Artists, UTVPhotographer: Igor Vishnyakov. Pure Slow Jams, part of Universal's genre-specific series of compilations released under its "Pure" brand name (Pure Funk, Pure Disco, etc.) contains 18 major R&B ballad hits of the 1970s. Most of them were drawn from Universal's vast catalog of acquired record companies (MCA, Motown, etc.), although several have been licensed from other companies, notably Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" and Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones" from Sony, the Delfonics' "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" from BMG, Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" from EMI, and Aretha Franklin's "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" from Warner. Major stars such as the Commodores, the Temptations, the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and Gladys Knight & the Pips are represented, along with less-prominent artists such as Al Wilson and Lenny Williams. Some of the songs, such as "Lean on Me" and "Let's Stay Together," have arguably become standards in the ensuing quarter-century; others, such as the Floaters' "Float On" (in which each bandmember introduces himself, announces his astrological sign, and explains what kind of woman he likes) are dated novelties. But they were all R&B (and in most cases pop) hits, and they all proceed at slow and medium tempos, all the better for close dancing. The album is a bonanza for anyone who grew up listening to R&B radio in the '70s and favored the softer sounds. ~ William Ruhlmann

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"Motown Classics: Gold" (03/01/2005) R&B Various Artists, Motown RecordsOne of the most dominating forces in the history of popular music, the Motown imprint was more than a label, it was a juggernaut of soul music, a machine so finely honed and working with such efficiency that it wasn't uncommon for several chart topping hits to be recorded in one session. This anthology was previously issued in 2000 under the moniker Motown: The Classic Years. But a title more befitting of such a quality compilation would be Motown 101, for it contains practically every monumental chart topping hit that the label became known for across the globe. Nearly every song on this collection has been imprinted on the collective memory of popular culture, and with good reason. The insanely catchy, uptempo sound was the audio wallpaper for a generation facing dramatic changes socially, culturally and politically. Starting with the first major hits of the label courtesy of Barrett Strong ("Money") and the Miracles ("Shop Around"), the artists included here read like a venerable who's who A-list of soul music. Names like Marvin, Stevie, and Diana, as well as groups like the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Contours, and the Supremes. Songs that defined moments decades after their release ("Do You Love Me," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine") and songs that forever changed the face of popular music ("My Girl," "What's Going On," "War"). Sadly this collection only covers the first half of Gordy and company's run, ending in 1972 when Motown left its home base of Detroit for the sunny shores of California. But an examination of those years would also be worthy of its own double-disc set. For the die-hard Northern soul or Motown fanatic, there is little here that probably isn't already in your collection. But for those looking for all of the hits that defined the Motown sound, or for those looking for a comprehensive introduction to the label, this very well could be all the Motown you ever need to purchase. ~ Rob Theakston

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"Superstars Best Love Songs, Vol. 3-4" (1993) R&B Various Artists, Original Sound EntertainmentDigitally remastered by Wayne Pauley and Tony Vescio (Royal Sound Studios). Superstars Best Love Songs, Vol. 3 - 4 combines 26 tracks by adult contemporary artists from the '70s including Elton John, Al Green, Air Supply, the Stylistics, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. Unlike the first two volumes of this series, a bit more effort was put into the sequencing, making this double-disc set the one to get. ~ Al Campbell

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