In a career spanning four decades Steveland Judkins Morris has been many things: child star, funk hero, political chronicler, the saviour of Motown Records and depressingly, the instigator of the painfully schmaltzy R&B ballad. Thankfully, this exhaustive "Best Of...", timed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his first appearance as Little Stevie Wonder, focuses mainly on the 1966-1980 glory years and his transition from incendiary soul man to voice of the 70s. The jackhammer beats, shout-along choruses and wailing harmonica peg "Uptight", "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and "I Was Made To Love Her" as three of the finest anthems of the Motown era, and "My Cherie Amour" as one of its sweetest love songs. But it was when he turned his attention to grinding keyboard grooves and social concerns that Wonder really came into his own. Inspired by ghetto funk and the unrest in 70s America he delivered three staggering albums, Talking Book, Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life. Those albums highlights, "Living for the City", "Higher Ground", "I Wish", the gospel powered "As" and life-affirming Duke Ellington-tribute "Sir Duke", account for The Definitive Collection's standout tracks, while the rocking synth strut and ferocious horns of "Superstition" provide the defining moment. Next to such musical genius, the 80s slush of Motown's biggest ever selling single, "I Just Called To Say I Love You" seems particularly insipid. But like equally twee Paul McCartney duet "Ebony & Ivory", it's an easily skipped blip in an otherwise essential collection. --Dan Gennoe

Start with this and then buy the back catalogue, 01 Nov 2008
This is probably the best compilation album of Stevie's work and that's great but I urge you all to use this as a taster of his work, there is lots of it and if you buy anything before 1980 you will love it if you like this. Unfortunately he's done nothing of real note after the 1970's and that was where his key work was done. The trilogy of talking book, innvervisions and Songs in the key of life are treasures to be explored in their won right and you should all do so, personally although songs in the key of life is seen as his masterpiece it was a double album brain dump of everything he was working on and contains material that is weaker than the shorter talking book and innvervisions, with Innvervisions representing his finest (non compilation) album in my opinion, with perhaps Living for the City my favourite song of Stevie's.

So to conclude a brilliant compliation of the highlights of a genious career which will ease you into the back catalogue and allow you to uncover the gems that lie therein for yourselves.

Brillant, 04 Jan 2008
Bought this cd a few weeks ago and just can't stop listening to it. Whatever mode i am in, it cheers me up and makes me smile great album really worth getting.

ESSENTIAL STEVIE WONDER, 03 May 2006
Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Judkins Morris) began singing in a choir with his mother and siblings at a very early age at the Whitestone Baptist Church, which lay in his hometown of Saginaw.

By the age of 10, Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy. He proved a master on the piano, harmonica and drums and was adept at poetry and song-writing. Stevie was soon recommended by John Glover (who he was extensivley working with at the time) to Ronnie White, then a member of the fantastic, Smokey Robinson And The Miracles, who were signed to Detroits, Tamla Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy who was instantly astounded by this child genius.

Dubbed Little Stevie Wonder in his early career, he was rapidly signed to Motown Records, home to some of the most important names in the history of black music including Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. It was clear from an early age that Stevie Wonder indeed was a deeply gifted singer/songwriter and muscian.

Fingertips, released in 1963, proved an exhilirating masterpiece. Fingertips was virtually a harmonica instrumental but its just so totally infectious and caught onto the public like a magnet. Fingertips quickly catapulted to the top of the U.S charts and became the first in a long line of classics.

It was clearly his Motown work that remained some of his most popular and compelling output. The vibrant, Uptight (Everything's Alright) was a highly infectious affair as was the more sparse production of Yesterme-Yesteryou-Yesterday. The rolling undertones of playful funk on the classic, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) were three classics that perharps were pure examples of how Stevie Wonder gradually adapted to more Pop styles where his work still vastly contained elements of traditional black rhythm and blues but was able to cross boundaries and break down many racial barriers (much in the way Diana Ross had). Though commercial in each of the tracks content, they all still firmly retained that earthy, soulful style, owing much to Stevies credible and unique vocal style.

Stevie proved to be a masterful lyric writer and conveyed an effortless flair for ballads such as on the passionate, timeless, My Cherie Amour (written with Henry Cosby) and the more subtle and profound, A Place In The Sun.

Like Marvin gaye, his work steadily progressed from the formulaic sounds of Motown to more creative, artistic and indepth material, releasing a string of quality studio albums throughout the 1970's. The startling Superstition was a sharp, nifty, funky number where Stevies voice effectivley cuts through the stark musical arrangements. He delivered a more anthemic message on the compelling, Higher Ground.

The awesome, Living For The City, was an exciting, severn-minute epic which echoed the restrictions and perils of ghetto life. Much of his work steered more into profound political and social issues that perfectly captured contemporary times and deservedly gained wide acknowledgement from critics.

Like Diana Ross (a close friend of the divas and he'd also written the dazzling compostion, Too Shy To Say for her 1977 studio album, Baby It's Me) his work eventually settled into the more Adult-Contemporary market that occupied the lower reaches of the charts yet fully remained an A-list novelty act. Such saccharine numbers like I Just Called To Say I Love You, may have become big cross-atlantic hits but this type of material lacks the dynamic of some of his earlier work.

Even so, Stevie Wonder continues to this day to enjoy a large and loyal following. This being the definitive collection of Stevie Wonders work makes it essential to any serious Soul/R&B/Motown collection.




The definitive Steve Wonder htis collection...for now..., 06 Nov 2003
The first collection of Stevie Wonder hits came out in 1968, when he was still a teenager. Of course, as a pre-teen "Little" Stevie gave Motown its first #1 album. In retrospect 1968 turned out to be a pivotal year in Wonder's career, which began covering Ray Charles songs and whose first hit "Fingertips, Part 2" actually came as a pre-teen, because that was the year he finally started writing most of the songs on his album (e.g., "My Cherie Amour"). The Wonder years definitively come in the early Seventies when he was putting out albums like "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life." This explains why the middle part of this collection is the best. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists where an album like this presenting his best work should give you impetus to go check out his best albums. Certainly there are artists where a good hits collection is all you need to have in your music library, but Stevie Wonder would not be one of those artists whose distinctive blend of odd riffs, incessant modulations and unpredictable melodies take advantage of his three-octave range. Yes, if you have but one Stevie Wonder album "The Definitive Collection" would be the one to get, but you should also explore at least the middle pair of the above referenced quartet.

The best Stevie Wonder compilation, 12 Oct 2003
It is easy to be confused by Stevie Wonder compilations. In the nineties, a double CD was released in America titled Song review, while a single CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. More recently, a single CD was released in America titled Definitive collection, so (conversely) a double CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. This British double CD is much better than the earlier American double CD titled Song review, which had fewer tracks and missed out some important songs. Indeed, this is the best compilation of Stevie's music that I've seen. Even on two CD's, it is not possible to include every Stevie Wonder recording worth hearing, but all the big hits in Britain and America are here.

You probably have your own favorites. I particularly like You are the sunshine of my life, For once in my life, Yester-me yester-you yesterday, Living for the city, I just called to say I love you, Sir Duke, A place in the sun, Lately and Happy birthday. Other classics (also excellent) include Superstition, I wish, Isn't she lovely, Ebony and ivory (with Paul McCartney), Never had a dream come true, Uptight and so many others.

If you only want one collection of Stevie Wonder music, this is by far the best. If you want to build a collection of his music, this is a great starting point.

Start with this and then buy the back catalogue, 01 Nov 2008
This is probably the best compilation album of Stevie's work and that's great but I urge you all to use this as a taster of his work, there is lots of it and if you buy anything before 1980 you will love it if you like this. Unfortunately he's done nothing of real note after the 1970's and that was where his key work was done. The trilogy of talking book, innvervisions and Songs in the key of life are treasures to be explored in their won right and you should all do so, personally although songs in the key of life is seen as his masterpiece it was a double album brain dump of everything he was working on and contains material that is weaker than the shorter talking book and innvervisions, with Innvervisions representing his finest (non compilation) album in my opinion, with perhaps Living for the City my favourite song of Stevie's.

So to conclude a brilliant compliation of the highlights of a genious career which will ease you into the back catalogue and allow you to uncover the gems that lie therein for yourselves.

Brillant, 04 Jan 2008
Bought this cd a few weeks ago and just can't stop listening to it. Whatever mode i am in, it cheers me up and makes me smile great album really worth getting.

ESSENTIAL STEVIE WONDER, 03 May 2006
Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Judkins Morris) began singing in a choir with his mother and siblings at a very early age at the Whitestone Baptist Church, which lay in his hometown of Saginaw.

By the age of 10, Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy. He proved a master on the piano, harmonica and drums and was adept at poetry and song-writing. Stevie was soon recommended by John Glover (who he was extensivley working with at the time) to Ronnie White, then a member of the fantastic, Smokey Robinson And The Miracles, who were signed to Detroits, Tamla Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy who was instantly astounded by this child genius.

Dubbed Little Stevie Wonder in his early career, he was rapidly signed to Motown Records, home to some of the most important names in the history of black music including Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. It was clear from an early age that Stevie Wonder indeed was a deeply gifted singer/songwriter and muscian.

Fingertips, released in 1963, proved an exhilirating masterpiece. Fingertips was virtually a harmonica instrumental but its just so totally infectious and caught onto the public like a magnet. Fingertips quickly catapulted to the top of the U.S charts and became the first in a long line of classics.

It was clearly his Motown work that remained some of his most popular and compelling output. The vibrant, Uptight (Everything's Alright) was a highly infectious affair as was the more sparse production of Yesterme-Yesteryou-Yesterday. The rolling undertones of playful funk on the classic, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) were three classics that perharps were pure examples of how Stevie Wonder gradually adapted to more Pop styles where his work still vastly contained elements of traditional black rhythm and blues but was able to cross boundaries and break down many racial barriers (much in the way Diana Ross had). Though commercial in each of the tracks content, they all still firmly retained that earthy, soulful style, owing much to Stevies credible and unique vocal style.

Stevie proved to be a masterful lyric writer and conveyed an effortless flair for ballads such as on the passionate, timeless, My Cherie Amour (written with Henry Cosby) and the more subtle and profound, A Place In The Sun.

Like Marvin gaye, his work steadily progressed from the formulaic sounds of Motown to more creative, artistic and indepth material, releasing a string of quality studio albums throughout the 1970's. The startling Superstition was a sharp, nifty, funky number where Stevies voice effectivley cuts through the stark musical arrangements. He delivered a more anthemic message on the compelling, Higher Ground.

The awesome, Living For The City, was an exciting, severn-minute epic which echoed the restrictions and perils of ghetto life. Much of his work steered more into profound political and social issues that perfectly captured contemporary times and deservedly gained wide acknowledgement from critics.

Like Diana Ross (a close friend of the divas and he'd also written the dazzling compostion, Too Shy To Say for her 1977 studio album, Baby It's Me) his work eventually settled into the more Adult-Contemporary market that occupied the lower reaches of the charts yet fully remained an A-list novelty act. Such saccharine numbers like I Just Called To Say I Love You, may have become big cross-atlantic hits but this type of material lacks the dynamic of some of his earlier work.

Even so, Stevie Wonder continues to this day to enjoy a large and loyal following. This being the definitive collection of Stevie Wonders work makes it essential to any serious Soul/R&B/Motown collection.




The definitive Steve Wonder htis collection...for now..., 06 Nov 2003
The first collection of Stevie Wonder hits came out in 1968, when he was still a teenager. Of course, as a pre-teen "Little" Stevie gave Motown its first #1 album. In retrospect 1968 turned out to be a pivotal year in Wonder's career, which began covering Ray Charles songs and whose first hit "Fingertips, Part 2" actually came as a pre-teen, because that was the year he finally started writing most of the songs on his album (e.g., "My Cherie Amour"). The Wonder years definitively come in the early Seventies when he was putting out albums like "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life." This explains why the middle part of this collection is the best. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists where an album like this presenting his best work should give you impetus to go check out his best albums. Certainly there are artists where a good hits collection is all you need to have in your music library, but Stevie Wonder would not be one of those artists whose distinctive blend of odd riffs, incessant modulations and unpredictable melodies take advantage of his three-octave range. Yes, if you have but one Stevie Wonder album "The Definitive Collection" would be the one to get, but you should also explore at least the middle pair of the above referenced quartet.

The best Stevie Wonder compilation, 12 Oct 2003
It is easy to be confused by Stevie Wonder compilations. In the nineties, a double CD was released in America titled Song review, while a single CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. More recently, a single CD was released in America titled Definitive collection, so (conversely) a double CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. This British double CD is much better than the earlier American double CD titled Song review, which had fewer tracks and missed out some important songs. Indeed, this is the best compilation of Stevie's music that I've seen. Even on two CD's, it is not possible to include every Stevie Wonder recording worth hearing, but all the big hits in Britain and America are here.

You probably have your own favorites. I particularly like You are the sunshine of my life, For once in my life, Yester-me yester-you yesterday, Living for the city, I just called to say I love you, Sir Duke, A place in the sun, Lately and Happy birthday. Other classics (also excellent) include Superstition, I wish, Isn't she lovely, Ebony and ivory (with Paul McCartney), Never had a dream come true, Uptight and so many others.

If you only want one collection of Stevie Wonder music, this is by far the best. If you want to build a collection of his music, this is a great starting point.

5 Stars! No Questions!..., 20 Dec 2007
I brought this album for one purpose and one purpose only 'Let's Stay Together'
I didn't know who sang it because I was an 80's baby raised in the 90's it was before my time, but eventually found out that Al did.
After owning this album 2 months now I have been gripped by Al's presents on the mic, I now have 15 favorite songs on the album, they don't call it greatest hits for nothing!!
I feel so strongly about this album because when ever I hear it, it just makes me feel good, I literally have a smile on my face throughout the album!!
I have an ultimate favorite, but it was hard to pick with great songs like 'Simply Beautiful' 'Sha La La' 'Tired of Being Alone' and 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' getting in the way, but 'L.O.V.E.' is just fantastic!!
I now own 5 of Al Greens albums!

Anyone who's looking to get into classic Soul/R'n'B I recommend to start with Al Green, this guy is a legend!! Enjoy.


Classic Soul, 14 Sep 2006
This album practically defines Soul, of the southern variety. It contains all the classic singles that Al Green recorded on Hi Records with ace producer Willie "pops" Mitchell. Who has recently produced the Moonlight Over Memphis album for British Soul singer Marti Pellow among numerous others. It can't be recommended highly enough.

soul master, 09 Apr 2005
this is the third greatest hits album from soul legends and this is by far the best. every song is great and it has the best song ever in "lets stay together" and has some great heartbreak songs in "how can u mend a broken heart" and "so tired of being alone".buy this album it is great

Simply Brilliant, 29 Jan 2005
Al Green's voice is sensational. Most of the songs are great. Singing along to them is a must plus 'simply beautiful' has to be the ultimate getting-it-on song ever. What more can I say! I love this album.

A good collection but not a classic, 06 Jan 2004
OK so I bought this album on the strength of a couple of hits from Al and also because I can buy it so cheaply on here. Unfortunately the other tracks on the album have failed to set my heart on fire in the way that 'lets stay together' did but perhaps it time that may change - who knows.

All in all this is a fairly good collection of hits from a very talented man but its not a classic for me.

Songs in the Key of Life was the highest high-point of Stevie Wonder's career. More sprawling than Innervisions and Talking Book, this 2 LP-plus-EP was also less of a consistent stunner than either of those masterworks. That Songs retains an enormous amount of visionary relevance, though, is demonstrated not only in Coolio's borrowing of "Pastime Paradise" as a template for "Gangsta's Paradise", but in the cold-as-ice synthesized string quartet of "Village Ghetto Land". This is Stevie, so naturally that cut's anger is balanced by the ultra-buoyant "I Wish," "Sir Duke", and "Another Star". --Rickey Wright

Start with this and then buy the back catalogue, 01 Nov 2008
This is probably the best compilation album of Stevie's work and that's great but I urge you all to use this as a taster of his work, there is lots of it and if you buy anything before 1980 you will love it if you like this. Unfortunately he's done nothing of real note after the 1970's and that was where his key work was done. The trilogy of talking book, innvervisions and Songs in the key of life are treasures to be explored in their won right and you should all do so, personally although songs in the key of life is seen as his masterpiece it was a double album brain dump of everything he was working on and contains material that is weaker than the shorter talking book and innvervisions, with Innvervisions representing his finest (non compilation) album in my opinion, with perhaps Living for the City my favourite song of Stevie's.

So to conclude a brilliant compliation of the highlights of a genious career which will ease you into the back catalogue and allow you to uncover the gems that lie therein for yourselves.

Brillant, 04 Jan 2008
Bought this cd a few weeks ago and just can't stop listening to it. Whatever mode i am in, it cheers me up and makes me smile great album really worth getting.

ESSENTIAL STEVIE WONDER, 03 May 2006
Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Judkins Morris) began singing in a choir with his mother and siblings at a very early age at the Whitestone Baptist Church, which lay in his hometown of Saginaw.

By the age of 10, Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy. He proved a master on the piano, harmonica and drums and was adept at poetry and song-writing. Stevie was soon recommended by John Glover (who he was extensivley working with at the time) to Ronnie White, then a member of the fantastic, Smokey Robinson And The Miracles, who were signed to Detroits, Tamla Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy who was instantly astounded by this child genius.

Dubbed Little Stevie Wonder in his early career, he was rapidly signed to Motown Records, home to some of the most important names in the history of black music including Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. It was clear from an early age that Stevie Wonder indeed was a deeply gifted singer/songwriter and muscian.

Fingertips, released in 1963, proved an exhilirating masterpiece. Fingertips was virtually a harmonica instrumental but its just so totally infectious and caught onto the public like a magnet. Fingertips quickly catapulted to the top of the U.S charts and became the first in a long line of classics.

It was clearly his Motown work that remained some of his most popular and compelling output. The vibrant, Uptight (Everything's Alright) was a highly infectious affair as was the more sparse production of Yesterme-Yesteryou-Yesterday. The rolling undertones of playful funk on the classic, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) were three classics that perharps were pure examples of how Stevie Wonder gradually adapted to more Pop styles where his work still vastly contained elements of traditional black rhythm and blues but was able to cross boundaries and break down many racial barriers (much in the way Diana Ross had). Though commercial in each of the tracks content, they all still firmly retained that earthy, soulful style, owing much to Stevies credible and unique vocal style.

Stevie proved to be a masterful lyric writer and conveyed an effortless flair for ballads such as on the passionate, timeless, My Cherie Amour (written with Henry Cosby) and the more subtle and profound, A Place In The Sun.

Like Marvin gaye, his work steadily progressed from the formulaic sounds of Motown to more creative, artistic and indepth material, releasing a string of quality studio albums throughout the 1970's. The startling Superstition was a sharp, nifty, funky number where Stevies voice effectivley cuts through the stark musical arrangements. He delivered a more anthemic message on the compelling, Higher Ground.

The awesome, Living For The City, was an exciting, severn-minute epic which echoed the restrictions and perils of ghetto life. Much of his work steered more into profound political and social issues that perfectly captured contemporary times and deservedly gained wide acknowledgement from critics.

Like Diana Ross (a close friend of the divas and he'd also written the dazzling compostion, Too Shy To Say for her 1977 studio album, Baby It's Me) his work eventually settled into the more Adult-Contemporary market that occupied the lower reaches of the charts yet fully remained an A-list novelty act. Such saccharine numbers like I Just Called To Say I Love You, may have become big cross-atlantic hits but this type of material lacks the dynamic of some of his earlier work.

Even so, Stevie Wonder continues to this day to enjoy a large and loyal following. This being the definitive collection of Stevie Wonders work makes it essential to any serious Soul/R&B/Motown collection.




The definitive Steve Wonder htis collection...for now..., 06 Nov 2003
The first collection of Stevie Wonder hits came out in 1968, when he was still a teenager. Of course, as a pre-teen "Little" Stevie gave Motown its first #1 album. In retrospect 1968 turned out to be a pivotal year in Wonder's career, which began covering Ray Charles songs and whose first hit "Fingertips, Part 2" actually came as a pre-teen, because that was the year he finally started writing most of the songs on his album (e.g., "My Cherie Amour"). The Wonder years definitively come in the early Seventies when he was putting out albums like "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life." This explains why the middle part of this collection is the best. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists where an album like this presenting his best work should give you impetus to go check out his best albums. Certainly there are artists where a good hits collection is all you need to have in your music library, but Stevie Wonder would not be one of those artists whose distinctive blend of odd riffs, incessant modulations and unpredictable melodies take advantage of his three-octave range. Yes, if you have but one Stevie Wonder album "The Definitive Collection" would be the one to get, but you should also explore at least the middle pair of the above referenced quartet.

The best Stevie Wonder compilation, 12 Oct 2003
It is easy to be confused by Stevie Wonder compilations. In the nineties, a double CD was released in America titled Song review, while a single CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. More recently, a single CD was released in America titled Definitive collection, so (conversely) a double CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. This British double CD is much better than the earlier American double CD titled Song review, which had fewer tracks and missed out some important songs. Indeed, this is the best compilation of Stevie's music that I've seen. Even on two CD's, it is not possible to include every Stevie Wonder recording worth hearing, but all the big hits in Britain and America are here.

You probably have your own favorites. I particularly like You are the sunshine of my life, For once in my life, Yester-me yester-you yesterday, Living for the city, I just called to say I love you, Sir Duke, A place in the sun, Lately and Happy birthday. Other classics (also excellent) include Superstition, I wish, Isn't she lovely, Ebony and ivory (with Paul McCartney), Never had a dream come true, Uptight and so many others.

If you only want one collection of Stevie Wonder music, this is by far the best. If you want to build a collection of his music, this is a great starting point.

5 Stars! No Questions!..., 20 Dec 2007
I brought this album for one purpose and one purpose only 'Let's Stay Together'
I didn't know who sang it because I was an 80's baby raised in the 90's it was before my time, but eventually found out that Al did.
After owning this album 2 months now I have been gripped by Al's presents on the mic, I now have 15 favorite songs on the album, they don't call it greatest hits for nothing!!
I feel so strongly about this album because when ever I hear it, it just makes me feel good, I literally have a smile on my face throughout the album!!
I have an ultimate favorite, but it was hard to pick with great songs like 'Simply Beautiful' 'Sha La La' 'Tired of Being Alone' and 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' getting in the way, but 'L.O.V.E.' is just fantastic!!
I now own 5 of Al Greens albums!

Anyone who's looking to get into classic Soul/R'n'B I recommend to start with Al Green, this guy is a legend!! Enjoy.


Classic Soul, 14 Sep 2006
This album practically defines Soul, of the southern variety. It contains all the classic singles that Al Green recorded on Hi Records with ace producer Willie "pops" Mitchell. Who has recently produced the Moonlight Over Memphis album for British Soul singer Marti Pellow among numerous others. It can't be recommended highly enough.

soul master, 09 Apr 2005
this is the third greatest hits album from soul legends and this is by far the best. every song is great and it has the best song ever in "lets stay together" and has some great heartbreak songs in "how can u mend a broken heart" and "so tired of being alone".buy this album it is great

Simply Brilliant, 29 Jan 2005
Al Green's voice is sensational. Most of the songs are great. Singing along to them is a must plus 'simply beautiful' has to be the ultimate getting-it-on song ever. What more can I say! I love this album.

A good collection but not a classic, 06 Jan 2004
OK so I bought this album on the strength of a couple of hits from Al and also because I can buy it so cheaply on here. Unfortunately the other tracks on the album have failed to set my heart on fire in the way that 'lets stay together' did but perhaps it time that may change - who knows.

All in all this is a fairly good collection of hits from a very talented man but its not a classic for me.

The peak of perfection., 10 Oct 2008
Can anybody think of many double albums on which every track is even 'good' let alone a master work? They are very few and far between as the majority of them just go on for far to long with too much 'filler'. And so we come to SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE by MR. Stevland Morris.
After the masterpiece which was INNERVISIONS in 1973, Stevie Wonder released this magnum-opus in 1976. Is it as good as INNERVISIONS? The answer is a resounding YES, YES, YES!
Up-lifting and beautiful, happy yet melancholy, it doesn't get any better than this.
Go and buy it.

Stevie's Magnum Opus, 15 Aug 2008
I can't add much to what's already been written here. This is an essential album - though I regard all of the following as essential too:

Talking Book
Innervisions
Fulfillingness First Finale

If you're new to Stevie's work, please don't buy a collection, you'll be missing out on so much!

an absolute classic stevie wonder youre cool!, 20 Jul 2008
this a fantastic double album all the songs are fab i also recommend the albums music of my mind talking book and innervisions and original musiquarium there fantastic buy this you wont regret it!!

"Wonder" ful, 29 Jan 2008
Have the vinyl. Now got the CD and its still timeless. I have many favourites. Love "I am singing" this sums up stevies life in music.
The song writing is 1st class. in my view far better than Lennon/Mccartney ever were. This guy does the lot himself. This album should be in every collection. best selling double album of all time, i believe. Well justified.

Stevie's Best, 10 Jan 2008
Somehow it seems uncool to rate an artist's most succesful album as their best, but I make no apology for doing so in this case.

By 1976, Stevie Wonder had established himself as perhaps the first black artist who could consistantly sell albums in all markets around the world, winning awards, including best album Grammys. It is amazing to think that he had been around for over a decade, but was still only 26 years old. He wrote, sang, played and produced with the maturity of a much older man.

My favorite tracks are 'As' which was the third or fourth single so didn't do too well, but the lyrics are worthy of Smokey. It is the last word in love songs. It was revived a few years back by George Michael and Mary J Blige. I also like 'Village Ghetto Land', a biting social commetary. Then there is 'If It's Magic' a stunningly simple track with just Stevie's voice and a harp. It calls for a wider universal love.

As a teenager, I saved pocket money for weeks to buy the vynil, and replaced it on CD as soon as it was released. Now here it is remastered for next to nothing! People don't realise they are born today!

Legacy is just about the right title for this album. Boyz II Men were the original, modern-day boy band who formed the mould for groups such as Take That and the Backstreet Boys to be cast from. Heavily influenced by Doo Wop groups such as the Platters and the Dells and developed by ex-New Edition and BellBivDevoe member Michael Bivins, Boyz II Men quickly rose to heavyweight status after the foursome's 1991 debut Cooleyhighharmony. Their success is based on romantic ballads and strong vocals, the type of which groups such as Another Level could only dream of. However they've lacked the charisma and looks to really impact upon the world, being perhaps the only group that could be described as "quietly" selling an incredible 35 million records. This collection of their best moments concentrates on their strengths as crooning Cupids, best exemplified by their massive hit and classic ballad "End of the Road" (taken from the Boomerang soundtrack). "Hey Lover" featuring LL Cool J is as energetic as the album gets and Legacy is unashamedly assembled for lovers of slow, romantic bedroom soul. But a lot of Boyz II Men's work hasn't aged too well. "I'll Make Love To You", a one time smash, sounds tinny and tacky and "On Bended Knee" is gut wrenchingly saccharine in a way today's R&B artists just wouldn't even try on. This Greatest Hits album effectively closes a chapter of Boyz II Men's history. Having just signed a new record deal with an album for release next year it will be interesting to see if the quartet move on or stick to their tried and trusted sugar-on-sugar methodology. --Jake Barnes

Start with this and then buy the back catalogue, 01 Nov 2008
This is probably the best compilation album of Stevie's work and that's great but I urge you all to use this as a taster of his work, there is lots of it and if you buy anything before 1980 you will love it if you like this. Unfortunately he's done nothing of real note after the 1970's and that was where his key work was done. The trilogy of talking book, innvervisions and Songs in the key of life are treasures to be explored in their won right and you should all do so, personally although songs in the key of life is seen as his masterpiece it was a double album brain dump of everything he was working on and contains material that is weaker than the shorter talking book and innvervisions, with Innvervisions representing his finest (non compilation) album in my opinion, with perhaps Living for the City my favourite song of Stevie's.

So to conclude a brilliant compliation of the highlights of a genious career which will ease you into the back catalogue and allow you to uncover the gems that lie therein for yourselves.

Brillant, 04 Jan 2008
Bought this cd a few weeks ago and just can't stop listening to it. Whatever mode i am in, it cheers me up and makes me smile great album really worth getting.

ESSENTIAL STEVIE WONDER, 03 May 2006
Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Judkins Morris) began singing in a choir with his mother and siblings at a very early age at the Whitestone Baptist Church, which lay in his hometown of Saginaw.

By the age of 10, Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy. He proved a master on the piano, harmonica and drums and was adept at poetry and song-writing. Stevie was soon recommended by John Glover (who he was extensivley working with at the time) to Ronnie White, then a member of the fantastic, Smokey Robinson And The Miracles, who were signed to Detroits, Tamla Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy who was instantly astounded by this child genius.

Dubbed Little Stevie Wonder in his early career, he was rapidly signed to Motown Records, home to some of the most important names in the history of black music including Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. It was clear from an early age that Stevie Wonder indeed was a deeply gifted singer/songwriter and muscian.

Fingertips, released in 1963, proved an exhilirating masterpiece. Fingertips was virtually a harmonica instrumental but its just so totally infectious and caught onto the public like a magnet. Fingertips quickly catapulted to the top of the U.S charts and became the first in a long line of classics.

It was clearly his Motown work that remained some of his most popular and compelling output. The vibrant, Uptight (Everything's Alright) was a highly infectious affair as was the more sparse production of Yesterme-Yesteryou-Yesterday. The rolling undertones of playful funk on the classic, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) were three classics that perharps were pure examples of how Stevie Wonder gradually adapted to more Pop styles where his work still vastly contained elements of traditional black rhythm and blues but was able to cross boundaries and break down many racial barriers (much in the way Diana Ross had). Though commercial in each of the tracks content, they all still firmly retained that earthy, soulful style, owing much to Stevies credible and unique vocal style.

Stevie proved to be a masterful lyric writer and conveyed an effortless flair for ballads such as on the passionate, timeless, My Cherie Amour (written with Henry Cosby) and the more subtle and profound, A Place In The Sun.

Like Marvin gaye, his work steadily progressed from the formulaic sounds of Motown to more creative, artistic and indepth material, releasing a string of quality studio albums throughout the 1970's. The startling Superstition was a sharp, nifty, funky number where Stevies voice effectivley cuts through the stark musical arrangements. He delivered a more anthemic message on the compelling, Higher Ground.

The awesome, Living For The City, was an exciting, severn-minute epic which echoed the restrictions and perils of ghetto life. Much of his work steered more into profound political and social issues that perfectly captured contemporary times and deservedly gained wide acknowledgement from critics.

Like Diana Ross (a close friend of the divas and he'd also written the dazzling compostion, Too Shy To Say for her 1977 studio album, Baby It's Me) his work eventually settled into the more Adult-Contemporary market that occupied the lower reaches of the charts yet fully remained an A-list novelty act. Such saccharine numbers like I Just Called To Say I Love You, may have become big cross-atlantic hits but this type of material lacks the dynamic of some of his earlier work.

Even so, Stevie Wonder continues to this day to enjoy a large and loyal following. This being the definitive collection of Stevie Wonders work makes it essential to any serious Soul/R&B/Motown collection.




The definitive Steve Wonder htis collection...for now..., 06 Nov 2003
The first collection of Stevie Wonder hits came out in 1968, when he was still a teenager. Of course, as a pre-teen "Little" Stevie gave Motown its first #1 album. In retrospect 1968 turned out to be a pivotal year in Wonder's career, which began covering Ray Charles songs and whose first hit "Fingertips, Part 2" actually came as a pre-teen, because that was the year he finally started writing most of the songs on his album (e.g., "My Cherie Amour"). The Wonder years definitively come in the early Seventies when he was putting out albums like "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life." This explains why the middle part of this collection is the best. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists where an album like this presenting his best work should give you impetus to go check out his best albums. Certainly there are artists where a good hits collection is all you need to have in your music library, but Stevie Wonder would not be one of those artists whose distinctive blend of odd riffs, incessant modulations and unpredictable melodies take advantage of his three-octave range. Yes, if you have but one Stevie Wonder album "The Definitive Collection" would be the one to get, but you should also explore at least the middle pair of the above referenced quartet.

The best Stevie Wonder compilation, 12 Oct 2003
It is easy to be confused by Stevie Wonder compilations. In the nineties, a double CD was released in America titled Song review, while a single CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. More recently, a single CD was released in America titled Definitive collection, so (conversely) a double CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. This British double CD is much better than the earlier American double CD titled Song review, which had fewer tracks and missed out some important songs. Indeed, this is the best compilation of Stevie's music that I've seen. Even on two CD's, it is not possible to include every Stevie Wonder recording worth hearing, but all the big hits in Britain and America are here.

You probably have your own favorites. I particularly like You are the sunshine of my life, For once in my life, Yester-me yester-you yesterday, Living for the city, I just called to say I love you, Sir Duke, A place in the sun, Lately and Happy birthday. Other classics (also excellent) include Superstition, I wish, Isn't she lovely, Ebony and ivory (with Paul McCartney), Never had a dream come true, Uptight and so many others.

If you only want one collection of Stevie Wonder music, this is by far the best. If you want to build a collection of his music, this is a great starting point.

5 Stars! No Questions!..., 20 Dec 2007
I brought this album for one purpose and one purpose only 'Let's Stay Together'
I didn't know who sang it because I was an 80's baby raised in the 90's it was before my time, but eventually found out that Al did.
After owning this album 2 months now I have been gripped by Al's presents on the mic, I now have 15 favorite songs on the album, they don't call it greatest hits for nothing!!
I feel so strongly about this album because when ever I hear it, it just makes me feel good, I literally have a smile on my face throughout the album!!
I have an ultimate favorite, but it was hard to pick with great songs like 'Simply Beautiful' 'Sha La La' 'Tired of Being Alone' and 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' getting in the way, but 'L.O.V.E.' is just fantastic!!
I now own 5 of Al Greens albums!

Anyone who's looking to get into classic Soul/R'n'B I recommend to start with Al Green, this guy is a legend!! Enjoy.


Classic Soul, 14 Sep 2006
This album practically defines Soul, of the southern variety. It contains all the classic singles that Al Green recorded on Hi Records with ace producer Willie "pops" Mitchell. Who has recently produced the Moonlight Over Memphis album for British Soul singer Marti Pellow among numerous others. It can't be recommended highly enough.

soul master, 09 Apr 2005
this is the third greatest hits album from soul legends and this is by far the best. every song is great and it has the best song ever in "lets stay together" and has some great heartbreak songs in "how can u mend a broken heart" and "so tired of being alone".buy this album it is great

Simply Brilliant, 29 Jan 2005
Al Green's voice is sensational. Most of the songs are great. Singing along to them is a must plus 'simply beautiful' has to be the ultimate getting-it-on song ever. What more can I say! I love this album.

A good collection but not a classic, 06 Jan 2004
OK so I bought this album on the strength of a couple of hits from Al and also because I can buy it so cheaply on here. Unfortunately the other tracks on the album have failed to set my heart on fire in the way that 'lets stay together' did but perhaps it time that may change - who knows.

All in all this is a fairly good collection of hits from a very talented man but its not a classic for me.

The peak of perfection., 10 Oct 2008
Can anybody think of many double albums on which every track is even 'good' let alone a master work? They are very few and far between as the majority of them just go on for far to long with too much 'filler'. And so we come to SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE by MR. Stevland Morris.
After the masterpiece which was INNERVISIONS in 1973, Stevie Wonder released this magnum-opus in 1976. Is it as good as INNERVISIONS? The answer is a resounding YES, YES, YES!
Up-lifting and beautiful, happy yet melancholy, it doesn't get any better than this.
Go and buy it.

Stevie's Magnum Opus, 15 Aug 2008
I can't add much to what's already been written here. This is an essential album - though I regard all of the following as essential too:

Talking Book
Innervisions
Fulfillingness First Finale

If you're new to Stevie's work, please don't buy a collection, you'll be missing out on so much!

an absolute classic stevie wonder youre cool!, 20 Jul 2008
this a fantastic double album all the songs are fab i also recommend the albums music of my mind talking book and innervisions and original musiquarium there fantastic buy this you wont regret it!!

"Wonder" ful, 29 Jan 2008
Have the vinyl. Now got the CD and its still timeless. I have many favourites. Love "I am singing" this sums up stevies life in music.
The song writing is 1st class. in my view far better than Lennon/Mccartney ever were. This guy does the lot himself. This album should be in every collection. best selling double album of all time, i believe. Well justified.

Stevie's Best, 10 Jan 2008
Somehow it seems uncool to rate an artist's most succesful album as their best, but I make no apology for doing so in this case.

By 1976, Stevie Wonder had established himself as perhaps the first black artist who could consistantly sell albums in all markets around the world, winning awards, including best album Grammys. It is amazing to think that he had been around for over a decade, but was still only 26 years old. He wrote, sang, played and produced with the maturity of a much older man.

My favorite tracks are 'As' which was the third or fourth single so didn't do too well, but the lyrics are worthy of Smokey. It is the last word in love songs. It was revived a few years back by George Michael and Mary J Blige. I also like 'Village Ghetto Land', a biting social commetary. Then there is 'If It's Magic' a stunningly simple track with just Stevie's voice and a harp. It calls for a wider universal love.

As a teenager, I saved pocket money for weeks to buy the vynil, and replaced it on CD as soon as it was released. Now here it is remastered for next to nothing! People don't realise they are born today!

Boyz II Men: Legacy - The Greatest Hits Collection, 18 Jan 2008
You may have seen Boyz II Men in the spotlight recently, as they released their own cover versions of Motown classics, which is fantastic for any fan. The Legacy is all about Boyz II Men's journey from early hip hop, or contemporary soul to power ballads, and all are included on this wonderfull collection. All their well known hits are included, from their first to 'recent' ones, made when the album was first produced in the year 2000. An absolute masterpiece.

Beautiful, 16 Jan 2008
I'm not an overly 'mushy' kind of girl but I have to say that this CD can only be described in one word...'Beautiful'. These are songs that will touch and move you in ways that most modern-day songs never do. They're songs that you can listen to over and over again without getting tired of hearing them. These men have amazingly beautiful voices. This collection is just...Beautiful.

Great album by great artists, 18 Jan 2006
If you have never heard boys to men before you are in for a treat. They are, and have been for a long time, the greatest vocal band to come out of america.
Many people have tried, and failed, to imitate thier unique singing style so i say to you that you need this album i promise you won't regret your purchase.

Not even my style... but i like this alot., 05 Apr 2005
What I love about R'n'B is it can address feelings and emotions that other types of music find hard to grasp. B2M's Legacy is really a collection of songs that can help you express those feelings and is an ideal gift for a girl. After all, it is a female audience the lyrical content is aimed at, and a B2M song on the dancefloor is the very mark of the moment to go for a girl.

While a male audience may not find it a neccessary CD for their collection, its always useful to keep this CD about, especially when you want to get a little... intimite. The rest is up to you what you do along to the music... this is good chillout material.

Many of the songs are anthems to slow jammers worldwide, and immediate recognition from female ears guarantees you will have a good time with this CD. The songs are all good, their general structure being to sing the verses then the energetic choruses with a big buildup at the end. Aside from whereelse stated, they all conform to the same style of R'n'B.

This is a cool greatest hits CD and the impression it leaves would influence me to peep out other B2M albums. A job well done.

See the full review @ the site in my "where i'm from" heading

Amazing as ever!!!, 14 Sep 2004
If you like Boyz 2 Men and are a big a fan as me then you'll love this album, a good mixture of old and new, sentimental and just funky - i love it!!

Balancing raw power with shades of vulnerability, Gaye rose to the top of Motown's roster without the benefit of a supporting vocal group. Whether singing love songs or social commentary, Gaye's voice displays an earnestness and sincerity that are a soul singer's most potent weapons. Among these 47 hits are his memorable duets with Mary Wells, Kim Weston and Tammi Terrell along with Motown staples such as "Can I Get a Witness", "How Sweet It Is", "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". This set also covers socially conscious 1970s originals such as "What's Going On", "Mercy, Mercy Me" and "Inner City Blues". Only his last hit, "Sexual Healing", is left out. --Marc Greilsamer

Start with this and then buy the back catalogue, 01 Nov 2008
This is probably the best compilation album of Stevie's work and that's great but I urge you all to use this as a taster of his work, there is lots of it and if you buy anything before 1980 you will love it if you like this. Unfortunately he's done nothing of real note after the 1970's and that was where his key work was done. The trilogy of talking book, innvervisions and Songs in the key of life are treasures to be explored in their won right and you should all do so, personally although songs in the key of life is seen as his masterpiece it was a double album brain dump of everything he was working on and contains material that is weaker than the shorter talking book and innvervisions, with Innvervisions representing his finest (non compilation) album in my opinion, with perhaps Living for the City my favourite song of Stevie's.

So to conclude a brilliant compliation of the highlights of a genious career which will ease you into the back catalogue and allow you to uncover the gems that lie therein for yourselves.

Brillant, 04 Jan 2008
Bought this cd a few weeks ago and just can't stop listening to it. Whatever mode i am in, it cheers me up and makes me smile great album really worth getting.

ESSENTIAL STEVIE WONDER, 03 May 2006
Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Judkins Morris) began singing in a choir with his mother and siblings at a very early age at the Whitestone Baptist Church, which lay in his hometown of Saginaw.

By the age of 10, Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy. He proved a master on the piano, harmonica and drums and was adept at poetry and song-writing. Stevie was soon recommended by John Glover (who he was extensivley working with at the time) to Ronnie White, then a member of the fantastic, Smokey Robinson And The Miracles, who were signed to Detroits, Tamla Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy who was instantly astounded by this child genius.

Dubbed Little Stevie Wonder in his early career, he was rapidly signed to Motown Records, home to some of the most important names in the history of black music including Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. It was clear from an early age that Stevie Wonder indeed was a deeply gifted singer/songwriter and muscian.

Fingertips, released in 1963, proved an exhilirating masterpiece. Fingertips was virtually a harmonica instrumental but its just so totally infectious and caught onto the public like a magnet. Fingertips quickly catapulted to the top of the U.S charts and became the first in a long line of classics.

It was clearly his Motown work that remained some of his most popular and compelling output. The vibrant, Uptight (Everything's Alright) was a highly infectious affair as was the more sparse production of Yesterme-Yesteryou-Yesterday. The rolling undertones of playful funk on the classic, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) were three classics that perharps were pure examples of how Stevie Wonder gradually adapted to more Pop styles where his work still vastly contained elements of traditional black rhythm and blues but was able to cross boundaries and break down many racial barriers (much in the way Diana Ross had). Though commercial in each of the tracks content, they all still firmly retained that earthy, soulful style, owing much to Stevies credible and unique vocal style.

Stevie proved to be a masterful lyric writer and conveyed an effortless flair for ballads such as on the passionate, timeless, My Cherie Amour (written with Henry Cosby) and the more subtle and profound, A Place In The Sun.

Like Marvin gaye, his work steadily progressed from the formulaic sounds of Motown to more creative, artistic and indepth material, releasing a string of quality studio albums throughout the 1970's. The startling Superstition was a sharp, nifty, funky number where Stevies voice effectivley cuts through the stark musical arrangements. He delivered a more anthemic message on the compelling, Higher Ground.

The awesome, Living For The City, was an exciting, severn-minute epic which echoed the restrictions and perils of ghetto life. Much of his work steered more into profound political and social issues that perfectly captured contemporary times and deservedly gained wide acknowledgement from critics.

Like Diana Ross (a close friend of the divas and he'd also written the dazzling compostion, Too Shy To Say for her 1977 studio album, Baby It's Me) his work eventually settled into the more Adult-Contemporary market that occupied the lower reaches of the charts yet fully remained an A-list novelty act. Such saccharine numbers like I Just Called To Say I Love You, may have become big cross-atlantic hits but this type of material lacks the dynamic of some of his earlier work.

Even so, Stevie Wonder continues to this day to enjoy a large and loyal following. This being the definitive collection of Stevie Wonders work makes it essential to any serious Soul/R&B/Motown collection.




The definitive Steve Wonder htis collection...for now..., 06 Nov 2003
The first collection of Stevie Wonder hits came out in 1968, when he was still a teenager. Of course, as a pre-teen "Little" Stevie gave Motown its first #1 album. In retrospect 1968 turned out to be a pivotal year in Wonder's career, which began covering Ray Charles songs and whose first hit "Fingertips, Part 2" actually came as a pre-teen, because that was the year he finally started writing most of the songs on his album (e.g., "My Cherie Amour"). The Wonder years definitively come in the early Seventies when he was putting out albums like "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life." This explains why the middle part of this collection is the best. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists where an album like this presenting his best work should give you impetus to go check out his best albums. Certainly there are artists where a good hits collection is all you need to have in your music library, but Stevie Wonder would not be one of those artists whose distinctive blend of odd riffs, incessant modulations and unpredictable melodies take advantage of his three-octave range. Yes, if you have but one Stevie Wonder album "The Definitive Collection" would be the one to get, but you should also explore at least the middle pair of the above referenced quartet.

The best Stevie Wonder compilation, 12 Oct 2003
It is easy to be confused by Stevie Wonder compilations. In the nineties, a double CD was released in America titled Song review, while a single CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. More recently, a single CD was released in America titled Definitive collection, so (conversely) a double CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. This British double CD is much better than the earlier American double CD titled Song review, which had fewer tracks and missed out some important songs. Indeed, this is the best compilation of Stevie's music that I've seen. Even on two CD's, it is not possible to include every Stevie Wonder recording worth hearing, but all the big hits in Britain and America are here.

You probably have your own favorites. I particularly like You are the sunshine of my life, For once in my life, Yester-me yester-you yesterday, Living for the city, I just called to say I love you, Sir Duke, A place in the sun, Lately and Happy birthday. Other classics (also excellent) include Superstition, I wish, Isn't she lovely, Ebony and ivory (with Paul McCartney), Never had a dream come true, Uptight and so many others.

If you only want one collection of Stevie Wonder music, this is by far the best. If you want to build a collection of his music, this is a great starting point.

5 Stars! No Questions!..., 20 Dec 2007
I brought this album for one purpose and one purpose only 'Let's Stay Together'
I didn't know who sang it because I was an 80's baby raised in the 90's it was before my time, but eventually found out that Al did.
After owning this album 2 months now I have been gripped by Al's presents on the mic, I now have 15 favorite songs on the album, they don't call it greatest hits for nothing!!
I feel so strongly about this album because when ever I hear it, it just makes me feel good, I literally have a smile on my face throughout the album!!
I have an ultimate favorite, but it was hard to pick with great songs like 'Simply Beautiful' 'Sha La La' 'Tired of Being Alone' and 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' getting in the way, but 'L.O.V.E.' is just fantastic!!
I now own 5 of Al Greens albums!

Anyone who's looking to get into classic Soul/R'n'B I recommend to start with Al Green, this guy is a legend!! Enjoy.


Classic Soul, 14 Sep 2006
This album practically defines Soul, of the southern variety. It contains all the classic singles that Al Green recorded on Hi Records with ace producer Willie "pops" Mitchell. Who has recently produced the Moonlight Over Memphis album for British Soul singer Marti Pellow among numerous others. It can't be recommended highly enough.

soul master, 09 Apr 2005
this is the third greatest hits album from soul legends and this is by far the best. every song is great and it has the best song ever in "lets stay together" and has some great heartbreak songs in "how can u mend a broken heart" and "so tired of being alone".buy this album it is great

Simply Brilliant, 29 Jan 2005
Al Green's voice is sensational. Most of the songs are great. Singing along to them is a must plus 'simply beautiful' has to be the ultimate getting-it-on song ever. What more can I say! I love this album.

A good collection but not a classic, 06 Jan 2004
OK so I bought this album on the strength of a couple of hits from Al and also because I can buy it so cheaply on here. Unfortunately the other tracks on the album have failed to set my heart on fire in the way that 'lets stay together' did but perhaps it time that may change - who knows.

All in all this is a fairly good collection of hits from a very talented man but its not a classic for me.

The peak of perfection., 10 Oct 2008
Can anybody think of many double albums on which every track is even 'good' let alone a master work? They are very few and far between as the majority of them just go on for far to long with too much 'filler'. And so we come to SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE by MR. Stevland Morris.
After the masterpiece which was INNERVISIONS in 1973, Stevie Wonder released this magnum-opus in 1976. Is it as good as INNERVISIONS? The answer is a resounding YES, YES, YES!
Up-lifting and beautiful, happy yet melancholy, it doesn't get any better than this.
Go and buy it.

Stevie's Magnum Opus, 15 Aug 2008
I can't add much to what's already been written here. This is an essential album - though I regard all of the following as essential too:

Talking Book
Innervisions
Fulfillingness First Finale

If you're new to Stevie's work, please don't buy a collection, you'll be missing out on so much!

an absolute classic stevie wonder youre cool!, 20 Jul 2008
this a fantastic double album all the songs are fab i also recommend the albums music of my mind talking book and innervisions and original musiquarium there fantastic buy this you wont regret it!!

"Wonder" ful, 29 Jan 2008
Have the vinyl. Now got the CD and its still timeless. I have many favourites. Love "I am singing" this sums up stevies life in music.
The song writing is 1st class. in my view far better than Lennon/Mccartney ever were. This guy does the lot himself. This album should be in every collection. best selling double album of all time, i believe. Well justified.

Stevie's Best, 10 Jan 2008
Somehow it seems uncool to rate an artist's most succesful album as their best, but I make no apology for doing so in this case.

By 1976, Stevie Wonder had established himself as perhaps the first black artist who could consistantly sell albums in all markets around the world, winning awards, including best album Grammys. It is amazing to think that he had been around for over a decade, but was still only 26 years old. He wrote, sang, played and produced with the maturity of a much older man.

My favorite tracks are 'As' which was the third or fourth single so didn't do too well, but the lyrics are worthy of Smokey. It is the last word in love songs. It was revived a few years back by George Michael and Mary J Blige. I also like 'Village Ghetto Land', a biting social commetary. Then there is 'If It's Magic' a stunningly simple track with just Stevie's voice and a harp. It calls for a wider universal love.

As a teenager, I saved pocket money for weeks to buy the vynil, and replaced it on CD as soon as it was released. Now here it is remastered for next to nothing! People don't realise they are born today!

Boyz II Men: Legacy - The Greatest Hits Collection, 18 Jan 2008
You may have seen Boyz II Men in the spotlight recently, as they released their own cover versions of Motown classics, which is fantastic for any fan. The Legacy is all about Boyz II Men's journey from early hip hop, or contemporary soul to power ballads, and all are included on this wonderfull collection. All their well known hits are included, from their first to 'recent' ones, made when the album was first produced in the year 2000. An absolute masterpiece.

Beautiful, 16 Jan 2008
I'm not an overly 'mushy' kind of girl but I have to say that this CD can only be described in one word...'Beautiful'. These are songs that will touch and move you in ways that most modern-day songs never do. They're songs that you can listen to over and over again without getting tired of hearing them. These men have amazingly beautiful voices. This collection is just...Beautiful.

Great album by great artists, 18 Jan 2006
If you have never heard boys to men before you are in for a treat. They are, and have been for a long time, the greatest vocal band to come out of america.
Many people have tried, and failed, to imitate thier unique singing style so i say to you that you need this album i promise you won't regret your purchase.

Not even my style... but i like this alot., 05 Apr 2005
What I love about R'n'B is it can address feelings and emotions that other types of music find hard to grasp. B2M's Legacy is really a collection of songs that can help you express those feelings and is an ideal gift for a girl. After all, it is a female audience the lyrical content is aimed at, and a B2M song on the dancefloor is the very mark of the moment to go for a girl.

While a male audience may not find it a neccessary CD for their collection, its always useful to keep this CD about, especially when you want to get a little... intimite. The rest is up to you what you do along to the music... this is good chillout material.

Many of the songs are anthems to slow jammers worldwide, and immediate recognition from female ears guarantees you will have a good time with this CD. The songs are all good, their general structure being to sing the verses then the energetic choruses with a big buildup at the end. Aside from whereelse stated, they all conform to the same style of R'n'B.

This is a cool greatest hits CD and the impression it leaves would influence me to peep out other B2M albums. A job well done.

See the full review @ the site in my "where i'm from" heading

Amazing as ever!!!, 14 Sep 2004
If you like Boyz 2 Men and are a big a fan as me then you'll love this album, a good mixture of old and new, sentimental and just funky - i love it!!

Best single CD of Marvinýs music, 16 Feb 2005
You cannot fit all of Marvin's hits on a single CD but this collection has most of the essentials. From a British perspective, one advantage that this has over the double CD (Very best of, which was compiled in America but released in both the UK and USA) is that it includes three UK top ten hits that are not on the double CD, these being Onion song (supposedly with Tammi Terrell, though Tammi was too ill to record the song and a sound-alike substituted), You are everything (with Diana Ross) and Abraham Martin and John (which was an American hit for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, not Marvin Gaye).

There is no room on this CD to explore Marvin's career in depth, but it does contain all his important British hits (some minor hits have been omitted) and on that basis, it provides an excellent overview of Marvin's career. Nevertheless, before buying this, you may wish to compare it with the double CD, Very best of.

The true roots of R&B, 25 Sep 2000
This album brings us the type of music which has inspired a whole generation of HIP-HOP and R&B stars, you can tell as oon as you hear this album that Marvin Gaye was one of the greatest performers to ever grace the music scene! it includes clasics like Mercy Mercy Me and also some inspiring duets. This is an album for all ages and i doubt that no one who listens to it will say otherwise a truly clisic album bringing together some of the great man's biggest hits.

Respect features all the classic songs by the original Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Rooted in a gospel tradition that was to inform her soul-charged sound, her impact on pop music, and in particular American pop music was profound.

It was the run of late-60s Atlantic hits featured here ("Respect", "Chain of Fools", "I Say A Little Prayer") that made her a star but as this "best of" shows, there was plenty more to come. Aretha was discovered all over again by a new generation in the 80s thanks to her role and performance ("Think") in hit musical The Blues Brothers. Riding high on a wave of success, duets with latter day icons followed like the epic "I Knew You Were Waiting" with stubble-faced George Michael and the anthemic "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves" with self-proclaimed diva Annie Lennox. Respect is certainly due to the remarkable talent of Aretha Franklin and this double disc anthology thoroughly represents the diva in her full majesty. --Carol Baines

Start with this and then buy the back catalogue, 01 Nov 2008
This is probably the best compilation album of Stevie's work and that's great but I urge you all to use this as a taster of his work, there is lots of it and if you buy anything before 1980 you will love it if you like this. Unfortunately he's done nothing of real note after the 1970's and that was where his key work was done. The trilogy of talking book, innvervisions and Songs in the key of life are treasures to be explored in their won right and you should all do so, personally although songs in the key of life is seen as his masterpiece it was a double album brain dump of everything he was working on and contains material that is weaker than the shorter talking book and innvervisions, with Innvervisions representing his finest (non compilation) album in my opinion, with perhaps Living for the City my favourite song of Stevie's.

So to conclude a brilliant compliation of the highlights of a genious career which will ease you into the back catalogue and allow you to uncover the gems that lie therein for yourselves.

Brillant, 04 Jan 2008
Bought this cd a few weeks ago and just can't stop listening to it. Whatever mode i am in, it cheers me up and makes me smile great album really worth getting.

ESSENTIAL STEVIE WONDER, 03 May 2006
Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Judkins Morris) began singing in a choir with his mother and siblings at a very early age at the Whitestone Baptist Church, which lay in his hometown of Saginaw.

By the age of 10, Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy. He proved a master on the piano, harmonica and drums and was adept at poetry and song-writing. Stevie was soon recommended by John Glover (who he was extensivley working with at the time) to Ronnie White, then a member of the fantastic, Smokey Robinson And The Miracles, who were signed to Detroits, Tamla Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy who was instantly astounded by this child genius.

Dubbed Little Stevie Wonder in his early career, he was rapidly signed to Motown Records, home to some of the most important names in the history of black music including Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. It was clear from an early age that Stevie Wonder indeed was a deeply gifted singer/songwriter and muscian.

Fingertips, released in 1963, proved an exhilirating masterpiece. Fingertips was virtually a harmonica instrumental but its just so totally infectious and caught onto the public like a magnet. Fingertips quickly catapulted to the top of the U.S charts and became the first in a long line of classics.

It was clearly his Motown work that remained some of his most popular and compelling output. The vibrant, Uptight (Everything's Alright) was a highly infectious affair as was the more sparse production of Yesterme-Yesteryou-Yesterday. The rolling undertones of playful funk on the classic, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) were three classics that perharps were pure examples of how Stevie Wonder gradually adapted to more Pop styles where his work still vastly contained elements of traditional black rhythm and blues but was able to cross boundaries and break down many racial barriers (much in the way Diana Ross had). Though commercial in each of the tracks content, they all still firmly retained that earthy, soulful style, owing much to Stevies credible and unique vocal style.

Stevie proved to be a masterful lyric writer and conveyed an effortless flair for ballads such as on the passionate, timeless, My Cherie Amour (written with Henry Cosby) and the more subtle and profound, A Place In The Sun.

Like Marvin gaye, his work steadily progressed from the formulaic sounds of Motown to more creative, artistic and indepth material, releasing a string of quality studio albums throughout the 1970's. The startling Superstition was a sharp, nifty, funky number where Stevies voice effectivley cuts through the stark musical arrangements. He delivered a more anthemic message on the compelling, Higher Ground.

The awesome, Living For The City, was an exciting, severn-minute epic which echoed the restrictions and perils of ghetto life. Much of his work steered more into profound political and social issues that perfectly captured contemporary times and deservedly gained wide acknowledgement from critics.

Like Diana Ross (a close friend of the divas and he'd also written the dazzling compostion, Too Shy To Say for her 1977 studio album, Baby It's Me) his work eventually settled into the more Adult-Contemporary market that occupied the lower reaches of the charts yet fully remained an A-list novelty act. Such saccharine numbers like I Just Called To Say I Love You, may have become big cross-atlantic hits but this type of material lacks the dynamic of some of his earlier work.

Even so, Stevie Wonder continues to this day to enjoy a large and loyal following. This being the definitive collection of Stevie Wonders work makes it essential to any serious Soul/R&B/Motown collection.




The definitive Steve Wonder htis collection...for now..., 06 Nov 2003
The first collection of Stevie Wonder hits came out in 1968, when he was still a teenager. Of course, as a pre-teen "Little" Stevie gave Motown its first #1 album. In retrospect 1968 turned out to be a pivotal year in Wonder's career, which began covering Ray Charles songs and whose first hit "Fingertips, Part 2" actually came as a pre-teen, because that was the year he finally started writing most of the songs on his album (e.g., "My Cherie Amour"). The Wonder years definitively come in the early Seventies when he was putting out albums like "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life." This explains why the middle part of this collection is the best. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists where an album like this presenting his best work should give you impetus to go check out his best albums. Certainly there are artists where a good hits collection is all you need to have in your music library, but Stevie Wonder would not be one of those artists whose distinctive blend of odd riffs, incessant modulations and unpredictable melodies take advantage of his three-octave range. Yes, if you have but one Stevie Wonder album "The Definitive Collection" would be the one to get, but you should also explore at least the middle pair of the above referenced quartet.

The best Stevie Wonder compilation, 12 Oct 2003
It is easy to be confused by Stevie Wonder compilations. In the nineties, a double CD was released in America titled Song review, while a single CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. More recently, a single CD was released in America titled Definitive collection, so (conversely) a double CD was released in Britain with the same title and artwork. This British double CD is much better than the earlier American double CD titled Song review, which had fewer tracks and missed out some important songs. Indeed, this is the best compilation of Stevie's music that I've seen. Even on two CD's, it is not possible to include every Stevie Wonder recording worth hearing, but all the big hits in Britain and America are here.

You probably have your own favorites. I particularly like You are the sunshine of my life, For once in my life, Yester-me yester-you yesterday, Living for the city, I just called to say I love you, Sir Duke, A place in the sun, Lately and Happy birthday. Other classics (also excellent) include Superstition, I wish, Isn't she lovely, Ebony and ivory (with Paul McCartney), Never had a dream come true, Uptight and so many others.

If you only want one collection of Stevie Wonder music, this is by far the best. If you want to build a collection of his music, this is a great starting point.

5 Stars! No Questions!..., 20 Dec 2007
I brought this album for one purpose and one purpose only 'Let's Stay Together'
I didn't know who sang it because I was an 80's baby raised in the 90's it was before my time, but eventually found out that Al did.
After owning this album 2 months now I have been gripped by Al's presents on the mic, I now have 15 favorite songs on the album, they don't call it greatest hits for nothing!!
I feel so strongly about this album because when ever I hear it, it just makes me feel good, I literally have a smile on my face throughout the album!!
I have an ultimate favorite, but it was hard to pick with great songs like 'Simply Beautiful' 'Sha La La' 'Tired of Being Alone' and 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' getting in the way, but 'L.O.V.E.' is just fantastic!!
I now own 5 of Al Greens albums!

Anyone who's looking to get into classic Soul/R'n'B I recommend to start with Al Green, this guy is a legend!! Enjoy.


Classic Soul, 14 Sep 2006
This album practically defines Soul, of the southern variety. It contains all the classic singles that Al Green recorded on Hi Records with ace producer Willie "pops" Mitchell. Who has recently produced the Moonlight Over Memphis album for British Soul singer Marti Pellow among numerous others. It can't be recommended highly enough.

soul master, 09 Apr 2005
this is the third greatest hits album from soul legends and this is by far the best. every song is great and it has the best song ever in "lets stay together" and has some great heartbreak songs in "how can u mend a broken heart" and "so tired of being alone".buy this album it is great

Simply Brilliant, 29 Jan 2005
Al Green's voice is sensational. Most of the songs are great. Singing along to them is a must plus 'simply beautiful' has to be the ultimate getting-it-on song ever. What more can I say! I love this album.

A good collection but not a classic, 06 Jan 2004
OK so I bought this album on the strength of a couple of hits from Al and also because I can buy it so cheaply on here. Unfortunately the other tracks on the album have failed to set my heart on fire in the way that 'lets stay together' did but perhaps it time that may change - who knows.

All in all this is a fairly good collection of hits from a very talented man but its not a classic for me.

The peak of perfection., 10 Oct 2008
Can anybody think of many double albums on which every track is even 'good' let alone a master work? They are very few and far between as the majority of them just go on for far to long with too much 'filler'. And so we come to SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE by MR. Stevland Morris.
After the masterpiece which was INNERVISIONS in 1973, Stevie Wonder released this magnum-opus in 1976. Is it as good as INNERVISIONS? The answer is a resounding YES, YES, YES!
Up-lifting and beautiful, happy yet melancholy, it doesn't get any better than this.
Go and buy it.

Stevie's Magnum Opus, 15 Aug 2008
I can't add much to what's already been written here. This is an essential album - though I regard all of the following as essential too:

Talking Book
Innervisions
Fulfillingness First Finale

If you're new to Stevie's work, please don't buy a collection, you'll be missing out on so much!

an absolute classic stevie wonder youre cool!, 20 Jul 2008
this a fantastic double album all the songs are fab i also recommend the albums music of my mind talking book and innervisions and original musiquarium there fantastic buy this you wont regret it!!

"Wonder" ful, 29 Jan 2008
Have the vinyl. Now got the CD and its still timeless. I have many favourites. Love "I am singing" this sums up stevies life in music.
The song writing is 1st class. in my view far better than Lennon/Mccartney ever were. This guy does the lot himself. This album should be in every collection. best selling double album of all time, i believe. Well justified.

Stevie's Best, 10 Jan 2008
Somehow it seems uncool to rate an artist's most succesful album as their best, but I make no apology for doing so in this case.

By 1976, Stevie Wonder had established himself as perhaps the first black artist who could consistantly sell albums in all markets around the world, winning awards, including best album Grammys. It is amazing to think that he had been around for over a decade, but was still only 26 years old. He wrote, sang, played and produced with the maturity of a much older man.

My favorite tracks are 'As' which was the third or fourth single so didn't do too well, but the lyrics are worthy of Smokey. It is the last word in love songs. It was revived a few years back by George Michael and Mary J Blige. I also like 'Village Ghetto Land', a biting social commetary. Then there is 'If It's Magic' a stunningly simple track with just Stevie's voice and a harp. It calls for a wider universal love.

As a teenager, I saved pocket money for weeks to buy the vynil, and replaced it on CD as soon as it was released. Now here it is remastered for next to nothing! People don't realise they are born today!

Boyz II Men: Legacy - The Greatest Hits Collection, 18 Jan 2008
You may have seen Boyz II Men in the spotlight recently, as they released their own cover versions of Motown classics, which is fantastic for any fan. The Legacy is all about Boyz II Men's journey from early hip hop, or contemporary soul to power ballads, and all are included on this wonderfull collection. All their well known hits are included, from their first to 'recent' ones, made when the album was first produced in the year 2000. An absolute masterpiece.

Beautiful, 16 Jan 2008
I'm not an overly 'mushy' kind of girl but I have to say that this CD can only be described in one word...'Beautiful'. These are songs that will touch and move you in ways that most modern-day songs never do. They're songs that you can listen to over and over again without getting tired of hearing them. These men have amazingly beautiful voices. This collection is just...Beautiful.

Great album by great artists, 18 Jan 2006
If you have never heard boys to men before you are in for a treat. They are, and have been for a long time, the greatest vocal band to come out of america.
Many people have tried, and failed, to imitate thier unique singing style so i say to you that you need this album i promise you won't regret your purchase.

Not even my style... but i like this alot., 05 Apr 2005
What I love about R'n'B is it can address feelings and emotions that other types of music find hard to grasp. B2M's Legacy is really a collection of songs that can help you express those feelings and is an ideal gift for a girl. After all, it is a female audience the lyrical content is aimed at, and a B2M song on the dancefloor is the very mark of the moment to go for a girl.

While a male audience may not find it a neccessary CD for their collection, its always useful to keep this CD about, especially when you want to get a little... intimite. The rest is up to you what you do along to the music... this is good chillout material.

Many of the songs are anthems to slow jammers worldwide, and immediate recognition from female ears guarantees you will have a good time with this CD. The songs are all good, their general structure being to sing the verses then the energetic choruses with a big buildup at the end. Aside from whereelse stated, they all conform to the same style of R'n'B.

This is a cool greatest hits CD and the impression it leaves would influence me to peep out other B2M albums. A job well done.

See the full review @ the site in my "where i'm from" heading

Amazing as ever!!!, 14 Sep 2004
If you like Boyz 2 Men and are a big a fan as me then you'll love this album, a good mixture of old and new, sentimental and just funky - i love it!!

Best single CD of Marvinýs music, 16 Feb 2005
You cannot fit all of Marvin's hits on a single CD but this collection has most of the essentials. From a British perspective, one advantage that this has over the double CD (Very best of, which was compiled in America but released in both the UK and USA) is that it includes three UK top ten hits that are not on the double CD, these being Onion song (supposedly with Tammi Terrell, though Tammi was too ill to record the song and a sound-alike substituted), You are everything (with Diana Ross) and Abraham Martin and John (which was an American hit for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, not Marvin Gaye).

There is no room on this CD to explore Marvin's career in depth, but it does contain all his important British hits (some minor hits have been omitted) and on that basis, it provides an excellent overview of Marvin's career. Nevertheless, before buying this, you may wish to compare it with the double CD, Very best of.

The true roots of R&B, 25 Sep 2000
This album brings us the type of music which has inspired a whole generation of HIP-HOP and R&B stars, you can tell as oon as you hear this album that Marvin Gaye was one of the greatest performers to ever grace the music scene! it includes clasics like Mercy Mercy Me and also some inspiring duets. This is an album for all ages and i doubt that no one who listens to it will say otherwise a truly clisic album bringing together some of the great man's biggest hits.

SO MUCH 'RESPECT' FOR ARETHA !!!, 17 Sep 2007
The GREATEST SINGER EVER !!!! There are many great singers in this world but Aretha's in a class no one can top. My Elite List (which includes Aaron Neville and other legends) has Aretha at the TOP !!!

That voice is from a place none of us will ever get to. Angels blessed Aretha's vocal chords and went back and blessed them again. This album has so many unbelievable classic songs. Aretha is one of my heroes. If I could sing like her for the day it would be a dream.

An outstanding album. Listen with amazement. Enjoy every second. You will love every song. Aretha...THANK YOU SO MUCH. Your voice lifts my spirit and to be in your presence would be a dream.



A Must For Soul Fans!, 22 Jul 2007
This is a truly brilliant album by the greatest female soul singer of all time. It includes virtually all her greatest hits and a superb version of "Son Of A Preacher Man" which exceeds the Dusty Springfield verson. Aretha Franklin had the gift of making every song she sang her own. Even Otis Redding's "Respect" is immediately associated with her.

A MUST HAVE, 21 May 2006
This compilation makes me dance and sing along. All the best in one..of course..there are other great ones which is not in here....of course..wat can you expect? She's got loads of great songs...and 2 Cds can't contain them all, but this album is really worth every penny. Just want to ensure you guys that this album is cool....but there's just one drawback...the quality of the album was compromised...well..it's not like you can't hear the music and Aretha's soulful voice...but I realized that with today's technology..it could have been done better...Enjoy~

The Queen Of Soul, 04 May 2006
Aretha Franklin, daughter of a famous Pentecostel pastor, inevitably began singing in a church choir at a very early age and it was clear then that she had the gift of a deep, raw talent where her vocal style was capable of such immense power and volume.

She began her career recording secular tracks for Columbia Records, none of which really bought her much chart recognition. Signed by John Hammond at the dawn of the 1960's, he tried invain to nurture her talent effectively. By the time of 1966, all she had released a string of minor selling hits.

So in 1966 she signed a new deal with Jerry Wexler (who had enjoyed enormous success with such fantastic Soul music legends as the unforgetable Ray Charles and the divine Wilson Pickett) to Atlantic Records which finally propelled her into International stardom.

The label knew how to enhance her raw talent and captured her rocketing vocal style on some of the most remarkable recordings in the history of music. If anything, Aretha Franklin went on to become the female equivalent of that godfather of soul, James Brown.

The music was tough, driving, earthy even stark at times yet was able to encapsulate a sensual, evocative air that was able to enjoy credibility in the more profitable white-buying market as well as firmly retaining her wide, loyal black base much in the way other black female singers had like Diana Ross.

Her most important and significant era in music undoubtedly was between 1967-1969. During this relativley small period she clocked up an amazing series of soul classics that set standards today and are still as instantly recognisable as they were then with them always being constantly used as backing tracks to several T.V commercials.

Aretha races along those speedy verses of Respect (origanally by Otis Redding) with such startling conviction and when she sings those lyrics you just KNOW she means every word she says. Her pronounciations and impeccable lyrical phrasing is remarkably effective on this explosive classic and Respect rates as one of her most popular classics.

As well as the more urban-contemporary material, Aretha proved adept at experimenting in a number of styles and her voicesurprisingly could sound as equally compelling on the ballads.

I Say A Little Prayer was one of her most passionate, heart-felt ballads. Whilst the lyrics were simplistic, Aretha could shrewdly plumb such depth with a straight-foward song such as this.

Dr. Feel Good, the fabulous Think (which she would update in the movie, The Blue Brothers) and the sparse production of Chain Of Fools continued her staggering run of hits and all conveyed such an undeniably infectious quality.

From the 70's onwards Aretha Franklins work became erratic, initially losing some of the fire of her famous late 60's period. She still managed to come up with the odd winner such as the exciting Rock Steady and sensational, Day Dreaming but the consistency was no longer there.

The 80's and 90's saw Aretha recording only sporadically and when so was always a conciously contemporary effort which vastly met with an indifferent view from critics.

She enjoyed a touching, vibrant duet with divine soul crooner George Benson on Love All The Hurt Way whilst the more upbeat Jump To It saw her collaborate with Luther Vandross as producer.

The jamming Pop sounds of Who's Zoomin Who in 1985 became another notably sizeable hit to her credit as did her dynamic, explosive duet with Eurythumics singer, Annie Lennox on the catchy Sisters are Doin' It For Themselves.

She also recorded one memroable duet with another one of my favourite singers, George Michael on the overly subtle and laid-back, I Knew You Were Waiting For Me where both vocal harmonies were blended beautifully together.

This compilation highlights the very best of her work (including all tracks just mentioned) and so quite possibly goes down as the definitive collection of the undisputed Queen Of Soul.




Shame about the remastering., 17 Apr 2005
There are plenty of reviews about this particular double CD which comment on the excellence of the musical content and Aretha's voice. My only concern is the poor remastering, which is a disgrace, someone at Warner Music should be shot !!! Most of the tracks have a strong background hiss which detracts from the excellence of the music. There is no excuse for this, as today's electronics and computer software can even clean up ancient 78's and make them sound far better than this!!! Unfortunately I do not know what alternative album to advise people to buy. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

Start with this and then buy the back catalogue, 01 Nov 2008
This is probably the best compilation album of Stevie's work and that's great but I urge you all to use this as a taster of his work, there is lots of it and if you buy anything before 1980 you will love it if you like this. Unfortunately he's done nothing of real note after the 1970's and that was where his key work was done. The trilogy of talking book, innvervisions and Songs in the key of life are treasures to be explored in their won right and you should all do so, personally although songs in the key of life is seen as his masterpiece it was a double album brain dump of everything he was working on and contains material that is weaker than the shorter talking book and innvervisions, with Innvervisions representing his finest (non compilation) album in my opinion, with perhaps Living for the City my favourite song of Stevie's.

So to conclude a brilliant compliation of the highlights of a genious career which will ease you into the back catalogue and allow you to uncover the gems that lie therein for yourselves.

Brillant, 04 Jan 2008
Bought this cd a few weeks ago and just can't stop listening to it. Whatever mode i am in, it cheers me up and makes me smile great album really worth getting.

ESSENTIAL STEVIE WONDER, 03 May 2006
Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Judkins Morris) began singing in a choir with his mother and siblings at a very early age at the Whitestone Baptist Church, which lay in his hometown of Saginaw.