Ready (Special Edition with Bonus DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)Trey Songz has never received his just due. Arriving at a time where other male R&B artists were blowing up with reasonable or great success (Chris Brown most notably), it seemed as if Trey Songz's fine I Gotta Make It went unnoticed. This is most sad as Trey Songz has an exceptional, well-nuanced voice that competes with the best of them. I GOTTA MAKE IT was a good, new/old-timey urban album with solid production and overall strong songwriting. It debuted at #20 on the Billboard Album Charts and tanked. 2007's Trey Day showcased a better showing (#11, 73,000 copies), though even the incredibly commercial "Can't Help But Wait" couldn't propel the singer to gold sales. Hopefully 2009's great and well produced Ready will help to propel a talent such as Trey Songz to the level of commercial success he should have already been receiving. If quality were the only indicator and not economy, Trey Songz could easily have a platinum album with this excellent third showing, arguably his best.
The album opens up with "Panty Dropper (Intro)", which prepares the listener to what ends up being Songz's most sensual, sexualized album. Despite this theme, Trey never goes over the edge like say R. Kelly at his most sensual, which means that the album is generally in good taste even though it is risque subject matter. "Neighbor's Know My Name" is an excellent first song - sensual, urban in sound, and well written. It's a song that R. Kelly would've taken to the next level (in a more twisted way that is) and Trey Songz does a phenomenal job with it. Catchy, kinky, and unrequited perfection describe "Neighbors Know My Name". Even better is the proceeding "I Invented Sex", which by title alone sounds like it should be the dirtiest, horniest song of the album. In fact, it turns out to be deceptive and is much more tame than its 'shock value' title. "I Invented Sex" turns out to be a catchy, hip-hop leaning urban song that is more insinuative than explicitly detailing 'the deed'. Again, it is a great production showcase and vocal performance.
I wasn't initially a fan of "I Need A Girl" when I first heard it on the radio; I thought that perhaps Trey Songz had already sailed the 'adult-contemporary R&B' boat with his great, understated "Can't Help But Wait" (also produced by Stargate) from TREY DAY. However, since purchasing READY, I can't stop listening to it! It should appeal to a more mature R&B crowd that don't care to hear about merely 'bumping and grinding'. "One Love" incorporates more great production, intact with sick drum programming, and 'ill' sounding electric guitar, and sensitive harmonious piano. Again, "One Love" is above average by all means and sets quite the standard for READY. "Does He Do It" similarly finds Songz at his best, supported by nothing less than top-notch production by Sean Garrett.
"Say Aah" featuring Fabulous (Loso) is one of the catchiest of the entire album. The production is high quality, Trey sounds among his best, filled with swagger, and Loso's verse is one of the best I've heard from him in a while. "Say Aah" is 'poppin', for lack of a better word. The unique "LOL :-)" is nothing less than fun to listen to, with appearances from rising rapper Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. "Ready To Make Love" serves as the 'intro-lude' for the souped up "Jupiter Love", another fine track finding Songz at his most sensual ever.
"Be Where You Are" is solid, but one of my least favorites. With that said, it isn't mere filler; there is no filler on this album. "Successful" featuring rising rapper Drake for the second time of the album (he also appears on "I Invented Sex") is one of the top tracks. The production is mysterious and cool at the same time while Trey's restrained vocals are exceptional here. Drake's verses are top-notch as always, building even more buzz about his debut album. "Black Roses" is another production showcase with its "huge" drums. No, it isn't the best of the album, but it is still a great song, which is key. "Love Lost", similar represents itself well. "Hollalude" serves as an intro-lude to the solid, though not earth-shattering "Holla If You Need Me". The album closes, solidly, though not revolutionarily with "Yo Side of the Bed". Again, even the 'second-rate' songs are solid at least, and most are above average.
There is very little to quibble about with READY. I think it Songz's best set of songs to date. Here, his swagger is really captivating in a way that it hasn't been before. 4 stars, easily.
A Grammy nomination for best contemporary R&B album would be nice.

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Special edition includes bonus DVD featuring a 30 minute interview with Trey! Since making his recording debut in 2005, Trey Songz has patiently and artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the decade. His first two Songbook Entertainment/Atlantic albums, 'I GOTTA MAKE IT' (2005) and 'TREY DAY' (2007), yielded a trio of top ten singles, 'Girl Tonight,' 'Last Time,' and 'Can't Help But Wait.' And when the latter song garnered Trey a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, it marked the validation of the faith shown in Trey by the late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who hailed him as one of 'the most promising R&B artists we have had since we started the company 60 years ago.' Now, with the 2009 release of 'READY,' Trey Songz is more than ready to claim his place in the pantheon of R&B greats. From the street single, 'Brand New,' to his self-described male version of Mary J. Blige's 'Be Without You' in 'One Love,' the Virginian draws on a range of influences to craft an album that will thrill his longtime fans and happily surprise all newcomers to the Trey Songz story. Indeed, with its blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop - exemplified by tracks like 'Black Roses,' where Trey croons over a distorted guitar - 'READY' demonstrates his growth on every front. The third time around, Trey displays a new vocal maturity combined with his renowned ability to twist notes and keys effortlessly, while presenting an increasing breadth of subject matter.
Track listing:
1. Panty Droppa-Intro
2. Neighbors Know My Name
3. I Invented Sex (feat. Drake)
4. I Need A Girl
5. One Love
6. Does He Do It
7. Say Aah
8. LOL:-) (feat. Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em)
9. Ready To Make Luv
10. Jupiter Love
11. Be Where You Are
12. Successful (feat. Drake)
13. Black Roses
14. Love Lost
15. Hollalude
16. Holla If You Need Me
17. Yo Side Of The Bed

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Stax-Volt Revue Live in London 1 Review

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(More customer reviews)One of the most classic live albums I've ever heard with Booker T and the MG's, the great Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, horn players the Mar-Keys (featuring future Memphis Hornsmen Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love), Carla Thomas and Sam and Dave all in top soulful form playing live in London.

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Tina Turner - Rio '88 (1988) Review

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(More customer reviews)All those other so called "Divas" out there like Jennifer "J-Lo" Lopez, Mariah "Heartbreaker" Carey, Whitney Houston, Janet, "Ms. Jackson if you're nasty" Jackson, and the three ladies from Destiny's Child had better stand to the side when The Acid Queen enters the room. All of the above mentioned artists and this includes Britney and Christina need to purchase this DVD, and let Tina show them how its done. Tina is the very definition of Diva, and only Patti Labelle, or Aretha Franklin could nearly keep up with her. Tina is the sexiest woman alive. She has the legs of an Olympic gymnast, and oozes sensuality just standing there. But when she breathlessly belts out "Private Dancer" with that sexy sax, she is absolutley everything, erotic, sensual, sexual, gorgeous, and boy does she hold that Rio crowd of 180,000 in the palm of her hand. No one on that stage could possibly keep up with her energy level on that HOT night in Rio. Tina sings her behind off, and leaves everything on that stage. Watch for the festival dancers onstage during "Typical Male" No one can do it like Tina, and Ike Turner must cringe evertime he realizes that he is nothing but a second rate guitarist, while Tina is an international superstar. Viva Tina!!!

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Live in concert in Rio de Janeiro. In January 1988, Tina Turner, the Lioness of Rock, performed in front of a record-breaking crowd in Rio. Accompanied by a stunning line-up of musicians, Samba dancers, glitter and fireworks, Tina delivers 13 songs in her own inimitable and explosive style. Songs: Addicted to Love, I Can't Stand the Rain, Typical Male, Better Be Good to Me, Private Dancer, We Don't Need Another Hero, What's Love Got to Do With It, Help, Let's Stay Together, Proud Mary, What You Get is What You See, Break Every Rule, Paradise is Here.Full Frame - Color - English - 5.1 Dolby Digital, PCM Stereo

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Tom Joyner: United We Funk Live Review

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(More customer reviews)Not too short and not too long. detailed and specific. it makes sense, informative, and entertaining.

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Midnight Love Review

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(More customer reviews)Marvin became our voice, our collective conscience, our speaker for the excitement and pain of relationships. Because despite our failure to find the right woman, despite the hurt of not being the perfect man for the woman of our dreams and despite the anguish of losing out to another suitor, Marvin kept us all grounded in the reality of life and the struggle to try again. That, for me, was the basis of Marvin's appeal on a global level. People couldn't put their finger on it back then (drugs had clouded most peoples' mentalities and they couldn't think straight enough to figure it out). In my old age, I know what Marvin was trying to say. And he was quite eloquent at it.
This CD/album epitomizes the Marvin Gaye experience with women. He could satisfy them sexually, but he could also connect on a spiritual level; he could also relate on an intellectual level. Marvin got over because he knew the heart of a Woman was not to compete with her. Once you compete, you lose automatically. Women don't play those games. So Marvin gave what he had -- himself, totally and honestly, in all his songs . . . especially on this CD. It turned out to be his last, but it was also the one where you can just sit back, put it on and leave it for the rest of the night.
On a very selfish note, I have to highlight my favorite song on the CD. I don't know who the sax player is on "Til Tomorrow", but from a strictly aesthetic perspective, it is perfectly framed for this song. There are no ill-advised notes, there is no lapse in the structure, there are no flaws in the runs and riffs. It is clinically perfect, and in deference to players who specialize in running scales, this song really shows them how you have to blend the formal training with the street knowledge to produce the solo of your dreams. This guy, whoever he is, takes care of business. It is absolutely one of the best sax solos I have ever heard -- on a par with Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum or Najee. I get a chill every time I hear it. It literally sets off the vocal inflections and the poignant lyrics as sung by a very sincere Marvin Gaye to his lady to just stay. What Woman could resist?? Marvin made the men jealous of his power over them. You KNOW the Woman stayed!!! She would have stayed without the sax part!!!!!!!
You can't go wrong with most of Marvin's collection of songs. But this one, you have to get and you have to listen to (NOT JUST PUT ON, BUT LISTEN) to really get the most out of. Pure genius. I can't say enough about it. 20 years after the fact, I still miss his surreal presence. There's no telling what he'd be doing if he were still here. And 20 years after the fact, this CD is still a classic.

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Because of You (Korean Tour Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a Ne-Yo fan. Though I wouldn't argue that he is the most original artist out there, I will say that his songwriting is what sets him apart from any other R&B artist. With the mind-numbing "music" that is out there today, it's refreshing to remember that a song is not just about a hot beat but the actual lyrics.
With that said this album is overall disappointing. The single "Because of You" is a banger but when I initially heard it, I felt that it was a remix of some of his previous tracks. Jay-Z's rap on "Crazy" is completely gratuitous and does nothing but detract from an already mediocre song. The placement of the tracks is also peculiar as someone else pointed out as some of the best songs are placed in the middle or towards the end. (Note: A solid album doesn't really need to concentrate on placement b/c each track is so outstanding.) On the "Sex with My Ex" he is clearly channeling Prince (his idol) and on "Angel" he sounds like Michael Jackson (his other idol). Despite his blatant unoriginality, I still think the songs are good though I wouldn't arue with someone if they thought they were garbage.
The standout tracks are definitely "Leaving Tonight" with Jennifer Hudson, "Say It" which is my favorite song, and "Go On". Though I must say that "Go On" production sounds far too similar to Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" which we all know Ne-Yo wrote.
Overall, it's worth the $9.99, he'll most likely go platinum many times over, and as another writer mentioned, I hope he really brings it on his third album.

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Korean Speicial Edition Coming with Bonus DVD (Region Code:3, Only Viewable on Code-Free Players). 1 Because Of You 2 Crazy 3 Can We Chill 4 Do You 5 Addicted 6 Leaving Tonight 7 Ain't Thinking About You 8 Sex With My Ex 9 Angel 10 Make It Work 11 Say It 12 Go On Girl 13 Because Of You M/V [DVD] 14 Do You M/V [DVD] 15 Can We Chill M/V [DVD] 16 Go On Girl M/V [DVD] 17 So Sick M/V [DVD] 18 Sexy Love M/V [DVD] 19 Because Of You EPK [DVD] 20 Because Of You B-roll footage [DVD]

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Working Overtime Review

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(More customer reviews)La Ross' 1989 collaboration with Nile Rodgers "Workin' Overtime" is sorely underappreciated - even among those in Rossnation. When it was released, the innovative sound was seen as a double-edged sword by critics who were divided on the impact of La Ross' latest set. Some said that it was merely Diana's attempt to be contemporary and compete with the likes of those divas who had supplanted her in the U.S. in the hearts and minds of the American public: Paula Abdul, Jody Watley, or Janet Jackson. Others said, had anyone else -- the aforementioned divas included - with a greater degree of popularity recorded these songs, it would be hailed as a masterpiece.
While many fans will not go so far as to say it is a masterpiece for the ages, it still stands against even today's trends in Neo-Soul; "This House" is the sort of compellingly sparkling balladry that should command the attention of Urban AC formatters who seem to have abandoned Ross but seem to jump right on the latest releases from Stevie Wonder and Patti Labelle and even Lalah Hathaway who never, as many Ross fans will be quick to point, was never Diana's equal. The title cut, though a #3 R & B hit, never made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 though certain stations across the country likely jumped on the single; KISS 108 in Boston fielded a request for it in the early Spring of '89 from then-jailbirds who were even that moved by Diana's new innovative sound. I recall this, as ludicrous as it sounds, when I was a passenger on a trip with my parents, but I digress.
The appeal of the sound of "Workin' Overtime" captivated many, but did not soar to the heights it should have. The follow-up "This House" was seen by many denizens of Rossnation as a poor choice; many Rossers who lament what happened subsequent to the release of the title cut hold that something more upbeat from the set should have been chosen despite "This House" presence as the only trademark Ross ballad from the set, which many still regard as a highlight because of its engaging stylings. Some even contend that "Take The Bitter With The Sweet" should have been the first single and then "Workin' Overtime". "Paradise", which when released to the clubs and released commerically as a 12" which appeared as the A-Side to "This House" as the B-Side was something which definitely was a missed opportunity, and as many still hold, should have been worked to radio. The song - which curiously enough is attributed to Shep Pettibone who would later go onto work with Madonna on "Erotica" -in the credits on the newly remastered set is given his props despite how in the release of the original does not receive one. Perhaps Pettibone remixed the Nile's origianl mix for radio and that is the mix appearing here.
This brings up yet another interesting issue about the set which is one of its selling points: mixes seem slightly nuanced though basically unchanged; it is not as marked as hardcore Ross fans would find the case to be with such released as "Diana: Deluxe", for instance. Bridges seem elongated by seconds, and one other amazing thing about the set is, while those who found the songs which appear toward the album's end were not as appealling as the earlier ones, one may notice how much more smooth songs like "Goin' Through The Motions" sound; as opposed to the original mixing, maybe, though it does not indicate the set was remastered as a whole, the songs sound cleaner and smoother. It could merely be a function of the technology just to transfer the analog onto CD versus an issue of its having been remastered. Diana's voice even sounds crisper where on some songs it is alleged her vocal is not as strong as on other sounds.
Though those in Rossnation who wish some clarification could be made as to whether these past Ross classics which were all released simultaneously in the latter part of Feburary '05 were indeed given a new wash, they undoubtedly will fall in love again - or even rediscover the signficance - of this set which, at the time, has been said to have only sold in the neighborhood of 150,000 copies domestically in the United States. It is also interesting to note how much the cover artwork was supposed to remind the public of the value Diana Ross in her heyday circa the "Diana" album also done with Nile Rodgers, but alas lighting was not to strike twice, and it even secretly held that part of the reason Rossers overlook the musical value of this set is because of what it did not do for Diana what it should have: reinvent her. It is however all about the music - and sometimes, as Diana says, you have to "Take the Bitter With The Sweet".

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Reissue of Diana's classic CD and includes 1 bonus track. EMI. 2005.

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Tina Turner: Live from Barcelona 1990 (Do You Want Some Action) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is,in my opnion, the best Tina concert video every. The concert was filmed in 1990 as part of the Foriegn Affair World Tour which broke record all over the world. The tour played to more than 3 million people and did 120 shows. Tina is absolutly amazing in this video. She gives out 16 great numbers with the help of her band, dancers, 3 costume changes, a suspended crane that goes 100 feet into the audience, and tons of fireworks and pirotechnics. And dont forget the huge 30 step stair case. The setlist includes Steamy Windows, Typical Male, Foriegn Affair, Undercover Agent For the Blues, Ask Me How I Feel, We Dont Need Another Hero, Private Dancer, Nutbush City Limits, Addiceted To Love, The Best, I Dont Wanna Lose You, Whats Love Got To Do With It, Lets Stay Together, Proud Mary, Better Be Good, and finishes with Be Tender. The only flaw in this video is that they didnt show the whole concert. The cut out Show Some Respect, I Cant Stand The Rain, and River Deep Mountain High. This concert was filmed at the Barcelona Stadium and was performed infront of 70,000 fans. GO TINA!

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Face Off (CD w/ DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm not saying that this is Grammy nominated material here or anything of that nature.
But it is enjoyable and does offer a few quality songs from Bow Wow & O as well. They have writing credits on every song on the cd some are a lot better than others like "Another Girl",
"Hood Star", "Girlfriend", "Hey Ain't Gotta Know" and "Can't Get Tired of Me". I really enjoyed those songs above.
Then are some stinkers on here as well such as "Number Ones" and "Take Off Your Clothes" which kind of made me cringe just listening to them as to me neither offer anything special and just aren't that memorable to me at all. Also didnt really care for "Face Off" but that one is barely over 2 minutes and serves more as an intro to me than anything.
Besides those songs there i didnt have an issue with "Face Off". I'm glad they both got together to do this as promised and they seem to flow back and forth pretty well on a number of songs. Its probably not for everyone but it is enjoyable and to me worth the money..although i don't understand the editing out profanity in the songs...why?? It doesnt make sense if your going to say it in the song go ahead and let others hear it as well. Or put out an edited version of "Face Off" on it own as an alternative.
Minor gripe though the cd is nice overall minus a few bumps in the road. "Face Off" will only magnify the status of both B-dub and O as well much success to you guys on this one and the future.
:D

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Japanese pressing of the 2007 collaboration between rapper, Bow Wow and R&B singer Omarion featuring two bonus tracks: 'Lights, Camera, Action' and 'Let Me Hold You'. Face Off marks the culmination of a joint collaborative process dating back to 2005 when Omarion's vocal contributions to Bow Wow's 'Let Me Hold You' (from the album Wanted) peaked at #4 in the Billboard Hot 100.Since then, both artists have achieved great success and came together when the time was right. 14 tracks including the first single 'Girlfriend'. Columbia.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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BLACKsummers'night (CD/DVD Deluxe Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)On this sad day, we celebrate the legacy of Michael Jackson as he is laid to rest. But on this day, we also celebrate the return of Maxwell a.k.a the keeper of the R&B flame.
What can be said about Maxwell that has NOT been said? For me (through his music) he made me believe in love and romance. He made me believe that not all young urban men are thugs (or thug wannabes). We made me believe that music can STILL inspire. It took him 8 years to return, but it has been worth the wait.
All the songs are great and intimate, but the best songs are:
Pretty Wings-love song about meeting the right person at the wrong time
Cold- rumored to be his 3rd single. This song really grooves and is very sexy.
Bad Habits- about really feeling a person to the point of addiction.
Love You- about wanting to become whatever the person you love want you to become.
Help Somebody- is one of Maxwell's first songs about helping mankind.
My last point about this album is its been a LONG time since we heard REAL instruments in music (especially in R&B). With this record, we get to hear REAL musicians....as I said earlier, we don't call Maxwell the keeper of the R&B flame for nothing.

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LimitedEdition CD & DVD SetSpecial Packaging DVD Includes: 5DAYSofBLACKInspired by BLACKsummers'night and "Pretty Wings" Music Video BLACKsummers'night is the heavily anticipated new studio album from groundbreaking modern soul artist Maxwell.BLACKsummers'night is the first full-length Maxwell release since Now, his critically-acclaimed third studio album, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in August 2001. This album is the sensuous opening installment of the artist's monumental BLACKSUMMERS'NIGHT trilogy.Striving for an emotional authenticity and real world sound for the album, the entire album was recorded live in the studio with an a-list ensemble of elegantly sympathetic musicians.

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Evolver (Deluxe) Review

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(More customer reviews)Being a big fan of John Legend's previous two albums, it's really hard to imagine this being his third album. Whatever happened to the passionate piano pieces that were found in "So High", "Ordinary People" and "We Just Don't Care"? The cheeky themes and lyrics found in "She Don't Have To Know" and "Number One"? The smooth tunes of "Save Room" and "Slow Dance"?
'Evolver' feels like a manufactured compilation of samples and beats which play in the background while Legend tries akwardly to fit in with his soulful crooning. While the previous albums lacked the big name collaborations featured in this album, this album lacked the originality and passion that made John Legend a star. And that, at the end of the day, is really what music is about.
The album title may be named 'Evolver', but this seems like a step back towards manufactured Pop/R&B that's playing on the radio. Stick with Legend's previous albums.

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Deluxe edition includes DVD. The album Evolver features superstars Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Estelle.The album's first single 'Green Light'impacted Urban & Rhythm formats August 19th, 2008. John Legend's debut CD Get Lifted & sophomore CD Once John Legend is the winner of five Grammy Awards.

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Live in London Review

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(More customer reviews)This cd is the best. I am waiting for it to be released on DVD as I have worn out my VHS. It is a simply perfect performance and all of the musicians playing on it are outstanding. Everyone is handling their business and enjoying themselves. You can tell! Love Nathan East(of Fourplay) on bass. My favorite song is "Nitakungodea Milele." I can listen to it on repeat over and over again. I would love to have the instrumental version of this, too. Just outstanding music. If you are a music lover, this one has got to be in your collection. Keeping my fingers crossed about a DVD release.

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The '70s Soul Jam, Volume One Review

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(More customer reviews)Warning! Avoid wasting your money on this garbage! Stylistics without Russell Thompkins, Chi-Lites without Eugene Record, Harold Melvin & Blue Notes without Harold Melvin!!! Somebody should be sued for releasing such crap and so cleverly avoiding giving the customer these details anywhere on the outside cover. One only makes this horrible discovery after opening the DVD!

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Foreign Affair Review

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(More customer reviews)"Foreign affair" is one of those albums that you just must have.
Tina Turner is a legend in music and everybody thinks that her 1984 hit album "Private dancer" it's her best because of the several Top 10 hits, the bunch of Grammy awards that it won and the almost 20 million copies it sold but "Foreing affair is more than that. Tina is at her very best (I'm not saying that she is not good anymore)I mean her look, she was still with her long hair, her voice, her lyrics and singing were stronger.
"Foreign affair" besides being and album full of strengh and fantastic lyrics and sounds was a very big hit. It sold almost 10 million copies, was nominated for several Grammy awards and has classic hits such as the #1 "The best", and the Top 16 singles "Steamy windows", "Be tender with me baby", "Foreign affair", "I don't wanna lose you" and "Look me in the heart".
This album was produced by Tina and hit singer/producer Tony Joe White who actually wrote some of the songs for the album.
Whether you're a Tina's fan or not you must have this one, really you won't be sorry at all.

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Australin Budget Reissue.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Exclusive (CD+DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)What a great new talent! He is amazing to watch on DVD or just listen to the CD, either way it's a winner.

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So Much Better Review

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(More customer reviews)I first starting hearing Carl Thomas on hooks to various Bad Boy projects so I figured that he was a new r&b singer that had been signed on to bring more r&b flavor to the label just as Faith Evans, 112 and even Total at times had already done before. The 1st track that I remembered Carl Thomas getting some serious shine on was on "Is This The End" that was featured on Puffy's "No Way Out" CD that also featured Twista & Ginuwine and on the "Been Around The World (Bad Boy Remix)" that also featured Puffy and Mase. I was still interested to see what an actual CD of his sounded like. The first track that I ended up hearing Carl Thomas on was "I Wish". The track was produced by Mike City and Carl was able to sing about a woman who he got involved with that didn't tell him before hand that she was unhappily married with kids. This midtempo jam definitely was one of my favorites at the time.
His debut disc "Emotional" dropped in the year 2000. This CD was in my stereo and car for a long period of time. The title track still is one of my favorite r&b tracks 'til this day. You could hear the emotions coming from Carl like this was an actual experience that he had gone through. This was definitely my favorite track but I also liked the "Anything" (Interlude), "My Valentine", "Giving You All My Love" w/Kelly Price, "Woke Up In The Morning".... let's just say the whole CD. I remember Joe's "My Name Is Joe" coming out around the same time and I would just go back and forth between both CDs.
Carl Thomas made another stellar track "Can't Believe" with Faith Evans, which from what I understood was a remix to the track "Emotional". I am not sure whether it was or not, but the song definitely was the 2nd favorite track that I ever heard Carl Thomas on after "Emotional". Puff Daddy and Mario Winans sampled the "Phone Tap" beat that Nas & The Firm had used on their Dr. Dre produced track and you would have actually thought that Carl and Faith actually had been a couple at one time.
4 years later, that's right 4 years, Bad Boy released Carl Thomas' 2nd disc "Let's Talk About It". The 1st single ended up being a decent midtempo jam in "She Is" and the 2nd single was my favorite track on the CD, "My First Love" that was produced by Just Blaze. My other favorites included "Anything", "Make It Alright", "Work It Out", "All You've Given" and "Rebound". Don't get me wrong I liked the CD but it just didn't have the same emotion that "Emotional" had behind it.
I heard a track that Carl Thomas had with Brandy entitled "Somethin' About You" recently so I was hoping that Puffy was going to release another Carl Thomas CD soon. I didn't know at the time that Carl Thomas had left Bad Boy because he felt like he needed a fresh start. I heard another track "2 Pieces" on the radio and that's when I found out that Carl Thomas was going to release a CD independently.
Carl's 3rd disc "So Much Better" was released on June 5, 2007. I looked through the liner notes of the CD and I saw that Mike City produced the majority of the tracks so I knew the CD would be a good one and I was right. The CD starts off with "Another You" (Steppers Mix). The track is pretty good but you can't help but notice that it sounded like Jaheim performing "Step In The Name Of Love", which isn't a bad thing. However, the original version that appears as a bonus track at the end of the CD does the track better justice. "2 Pieces" ends up being one of my favorites as Carl is admitting his faults that has existed in the relationship but he also knows how he would feel if his woman should ever decide to leave him. "Thought You Should Know" may be worth the price of the CD alone with Lalah Hathaway's vocals also being on the thoughtful slow jam. I remembered that Lalah had a nice track in "When Your Life Was Low" on a CD that she had made with Joe Sample back in the day. "Thought You Should Know" has Carl expressing himself about the way that his lady makes him feel. "Somethin' About You" aims to do the same but it is more of an uptempo track. Brandy shows up on the hook and I have liked this track since the first time I heard it. "If That Ain't Love" has Carl talking about the ups and downs of being in a relationship. If their worth it and you actually care about the other person the ups and downs you'll be able to get through. That's what Carl is discussing on this track. "Late Night Rendezvous" takes place with Carl at a particular club that is about to close for the night. He starts to reminisce about an encounter that he had with a woman and he wonders if she wants to reenact what they did before. If you're a man then you should definitely be able to relate to this track. There is also a version with E-40 at the end of the CD. It doesn't get much better than the title track ladies and gentlemen. Yes the background singers will have you thinking that Jaheim's background singers were hired by Carl Thomas and Mike City but when you hear the excellent songwriting that is performed by Carl you'll forget about that. Carl expresses regret about how he treated a woman that he knew was good to have in his life. Now that he is alone and by himself, he wishes that he hadn't done the things that he did to drive her away. "Oh No(You Can't Be Serious)" definitely has a reggae feel to it. It has a nice beat to it and you will have this track on repeat for awhile. Carl is almost in disbelief as he feels that his woman is seriously thinking about leaving him. Baby Cham also appears on a version of the song on the end of the CD. Mike City works magic on a track that features Carl Thomas and Dave Hollister sharing equal vocals on a song in "Can't Get Over". Carl and Dave display nice chemistry as they talk about a situation where they still think about a particular woman that was good to them in their lives that they had done wrong. "How Can We" is a nice uptempo track that has Carl trying to figure out what he has done wrong to have his woman not to talk to him and not to act the way that she usually does to him. Bryan Michael Cox who I have now dubbed the "Slow Jam Man" after all of his stellar production on various artists CD such as Usher, Mary J. Blige, Joe and others shows up to produce "If You Ever". Carl talks about how people shouldn't walk out on what they perceive to be falling in love. Don't run from it just take things day by day and see what happens. "I Miss You" (Interlude) is a tribute to Carl's brother who died in 2004. This is definitely a quality interlude unlike most interludes that you usually hear on a CD. "Home" is produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and has Carl talking to his children at the beginning of the track and also talking about how much he has missed them since he went on tour. He discusses things that are going on in his relationship and with his kids and how he enjoys having them in his life.
If you purchased this CD from Best Buy you also got the original version of "Another You" which is better than the "Steppers Mix" on Track 2 and "Still Ain't Right" which is a sequel to the track "You Ain't Right" which appeared on "Emotional". The original is better but the track is still worth checking out. Ladies and gentlemen, you won't be able to find too many flaws with this CD which is why I rate it 4 and a half-5 stars. If you're a fan of quality r&b music and you enjoyed Carl's debut CD "Emotional" and his 2nd disc "Let's Talk About It" then you should also pick up "So Much Better".
James' Top 5
1) Thought You Should Know w/Lalah Hathaway
2) If You Ever
3) So Much Better
4) 2 Pieces
5) Oh No (You Can't Be Serious)
Honorable Mention:
Can't Get Over w/Dave Hollister
Home
Late Night Rendezvous
Another You (Original Version)
Somethin' Bout You w/Brandy
Ranking Carl Thomas' Discography
1) Emotional
2) So Much Better
3) Let's Talk About It

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Tina Turner - Simply the Best (1992) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The whole idea of DVD's is their capacity to accommodate more material. But this DVD is no different to the VHS release although it does have 5.1 surround sound as well as the traditional dolby digital 2.0.
Firstly, do not expect any special features, this is a bare bones release.
The track listing is acceptable, yet fails in some ways. As many reviewers have stated, several of the videos have been replaced with concert footage (a big 'no no' for a video collection). What's annoying to me is, the songs that have been replaced are personal favourites so I am a bit cheesed off.
Let's run through them:
We Don't Need Another Hero - a 1985 video does exist out there, but we get a lacklustre concert performance instead with Tina screaming rather than singing.
Typical Male - do you remember the excellent video for this? Well it aint included on the DVD. We get a concert performance again.
I Can't Stand the Rain - concert footage again. Perhaps a video was not made for this song.
It basically means that someone at EMI liked the concert footage more than the videos and decided we would all agree with him/her. Not so.
There is other concert footage on the DVD but it's okay because that was the way it was originally filmed (eg. Tina's live cover of "Addicted to Love").
One obvious ommission is "One of the Living", the second single from the "Mad Max 3" soundtrack. Perhaps copyright reasons prevented the use of this track.
Also missing are videos from the 1970's including "River Deep Mountain High" or "Proud Memory". I assume this is because the DVD focus on the 1980's (why not say so on the cover?). Still, the DVD could have been updated to include hits from the 90's - one can assume that a Volume 2 DVD must be in the works.
One inclusion that is a good selling point is the alternative video version of "What's Love Got to Do with It" (which was scrapped), as well as the version that got used worldwide.
Overall Summary:
An acceptable DVD which has been given a nice 5.1 surround sound remix. Picture quality varies throughout. Menus are nothing special. A DVD for fans in general, but die-hard fans will be somewhat disappointed.

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SIMPLY THE BEST - DVD Movie

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