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 Product Description
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
Customer Reviews
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.
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![Thriller
[25th
Anniversary
Edition
CD
+
DVD
]
(Original
Cover)](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31QD5W30eHL._SL75_.jpg) |
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Product Description
 Originally released in the US 25 years ago on November 30, 1982 by Epic Records, Thriller, Michael Jackson's sixth solo album and second with producer Quincy Jones, rocketed the former child-star and lead singer for the Jackson 5 into the stratosphere of international super-stardom. Introducing the "robot" and the "moonwalk" into the international lexicon of clubland dance moves via the pulsing sounds of Thriller, Michael Jackson revolutionised all aspects of mainstream pop culture--from radio airwaves to the newly emerging art form of music videos--becoming the world's most popular entertainer in the process. The original Thriller spent an astounding 80 consecutive weeks in the American Top 10, 37 of those at No. 1. Seven of the album's original nine tracks became Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 while individual singles from Thriller reached No. 1 chart positions in the US, the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada. Thriller made history as the first and only record to be America's top-selling album two years running (1983 and 1984). In February 1984, Michael Jackson held a record-breaking 12 Grammy nominations, going on to win eight, which stands as the record for most Grammy AwardsĀ® to be won by anyone in a single year. Seven of Michael's Grammys that year were for Thriller: Album of the Year; Record of the Year ("Beat It"); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Thriller"); Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical (Thriller); Best Male Rock Vocal Performance ("Beat It"); Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Billie Jean"); Best R&B Song ("Billie Jean"). (Michael's eighth Grammy that year was in the Best Recording for Children--Single or Album, Musical or Spoken category for "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial"). That same year, Michael Jackson took home eight American Music Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards. The following year, "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" took home the Best Video Album trophy at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards.
Customer Reviews
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.
thriller wow the remixes rubbish i only got this for the videos!!, 20 Aug 2008
thriller is a classic album but the remixes are pathetic but the dvd and packageing make up for that overall goodbuy!! the dvd love it thriller the video the best video ever!!
Thriller on vinyl, 04 Aug 2008
if your thinking of getting this on vinyl forget it...who ever is responsible should be shot. stick with the cd version which is at least listenable...
WTF????????????, 20 Mar 2008
Ok, I love the Thriller album, it's an absolute classic, the first 9 songs on this album are worth the purchase alone if you don't already own them ... BUT ... the remixes? Yeah, I quite like the girl is mine 2008 and P.Y.T 2008, the Billie Jean remix is ok but Kanye should keep his mouth shut with his yeahs and stuff but the Wanna be startin' something mix? WTF is that all about? This is a Michael Jackson album and he only sings one verse on the whole song, is Akon so desperate to make his name that he's got to steal Michael's glory on a Michael Jackson album? I'm not saying the songs rubbish but I am saying it doesn't sound like Michael had a very big part in it at all. It's an Akon song with Michael on backing vocals basically. Let's not even mention Fergie and her karaoke version of Beat it, it comes nowhere near as close as the original did to classic status. But then there's For all time, the previously unreleased song, classic Michael, the sleeve says it's from the Thriller sessions but rumours say that this is the re-recorded version from the Dangerous sessions but whatever, I don't really care, this song is a great and classic Michael tune.
Overall if you already own this album then don't bother buying it again just download the decent new songs from i-tunes, they are P.Y.T 2008, The girl is mine 2008 and For all time, it'll cost you about 2.50 in all.
Michael Jackson IS the Thriller..., 28 Feb 2008
25 years is a long, long time in music. And yet even now, Triller sounds as fresh as it did in 1982. Indeed, it sounds miles ahead of most of the pap clogging up the charts right now. So it's good to see Michael Jackson back, reconnecting with a new generation of fans who deserve to know what real music sounds like, and where 90% of the music they listen to today is influenced from.
It's pointless reviewing the albums original material; what can be said about it that hasn't been said before? You know what it's about already. 5 stars for the original segment of Thriller.
So, the new tracks. They're middling-to-decent. To be honest, they're not all that bad - it's just when compared to the towering classic versions, they sound poor by comparison. Here's a breakdown:
The Girl is Mine 2008: 7/10 Good. A bit repetitive but it's a grower, and it's a well-crafted overhaul of the old version which, to be honest, I'm not too fond of.
PYT 2008: 6/10 alright. Nothing special. It's nice to hear alternative demo lyrics of PYT, though.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008: 10/10 Brilliant! Honestly, this is probably better than the original, giving it a completely new pace and and fresh feel.
Beat It 2008: 3/10 Rubbish. Fergie singing naff karaoke over a naff karaoke-version of beat it. Does nothing new. Awful.
Billie Jean 2008: 8/10 definitely will split the crowds, but I personally think it's really good. Give it about 10 listens, and it will really click into place.
And there's the DVD. There's the 3 videos (yawn, seen them all a million times before), but there's also the Motown 25 Performance of Billie Jean. If you haven't seen this before, this alone is worth the price tag. It MUST be seen, as this is the moment Lil' Michael of the Jackson 5 became Michael Jackson.
All in all, if you can't stand what's on the airwaves right now, and you already own a copy of Thriller, this is proabably not worth it. If, however, you're into what's in the charts right now, this is highly recommended, not just for all the contemporary artists contributing here, but also to get the album that started modern music as we know it.
And, if you've never owned a copy of Thriller before: 1. WHAT?! 2. BUY IT.
Thrilling!, 20 Feb 2008
This album was the best thing to come out of the eighties - this WAS the eighties!
Okay, so people might be saying what a cop out to revive an old album, but this is probably the best album ever in the history of music. It reminds us why Michael Jackson was such a fantastic performer, and I guarantee you won't be able to stop yourself singing along to tracks like P.Y.T and Beat It. The DVD is excellent too - I'd forgotten how good the videos to Beat it and Billie Jean were, and the footage of Michael performing Bille Jean and doing that famous Moonwalk - is great. As for the Thriller film, well in my opinion, it will always be one of the best videos ever.
Who cares if the album's been revived, it's still brilliant 25 years on, and is one everybody should have in their collection.
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Songs In The Key Of Life
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Stevie Wonder;
Universal / Island;
2000-05-08;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.01
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Product Description
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
Customer Reviews
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.
thriller wow the remixes rubbish i only got this for the videos!!, 20 Aug 2008
thriller is a classic album but the remixes are pathetic but the dvd and packageing make up for that overall goodbuy!! the dvd love it thriller the video the best video ever!!
Thriller on vinyl, 04 Aug 2008
if your thinking of getting this on vinyl forget it...who ever is responsible should be shot. stick with the cd version which is at least listenable...
WTF????????????, 20 Mar 2008
Ok, I love the Thriller album, it's an absolute classic, the first 9 songs on this album are worth the purchase alone if you don't already own them ... BUT ... the remixes? Yeah, I quite like the girl is mine 2008 and P.Y.T 2008, the Billie Jean remix is ok but Kanye should keep his mouth shut with his yeahs and stuff but the Wanna be startin' something mix? WTF is that all about? This is a Michael Jackson album and he only sings one verse on the whole song, is Akon so desperate to make his name that he's got to steal Michael's glory on a Michael Jackson album? I'm not saying the songs rubbish but I am saying it doesn't sound like Michael had a very big part in it at all. It's an Akon song with Michael on backing vocals basically. Let's not even mention Fergie and her karaoke version of Beat it, it comes nowhere near as close as the original did to classic status. But then there's For all time, the previously unreleased song, classic Michael, the sleeve says it's from the Thriller sessions but rumours say that this is the re-recorded version from the Dangerous sessions but whatever, I don't really care, this song is a great and classic Michael tune.
Overall if you already own this album then don't bother buying it again just download the decent new songs from i-tunes, they are P.Y.T 2008, The girl is mine 2008 and For all time, it'll cost you about 2.50 in all.
Michael Jackson IS the Thriller..., 28 Feb 2008
25 years is a long, long time in music. And yet even now, Triller sounds as fresh as it did in 1982. Indeed, it sounds miles ahead of most of the pap clogging up the charts right now. So it's good to see Michael Jackson back, reconnecting with a new generation of fans who deserve to know what real music sounds like, and where 90% of the music they listen to today is influenced from.
It's pointless reviewing the albums original material; what can be said about it that hasn't been said before? You know what it's about already. 5 stars for the original segment of Thriller.
So, the new tracks. They're middling-to-decent. To be honest, they're not all that bad - it's just when compared to the towering classic versions, they sound poor by comparison. Here's a breakdown:
The Girl is Mine 2008: 7/10 Good. A bit repetitive but it's a grower, and it's a well-crafted overhaul of the old version which, to be honest, I'm not too fond of.
PYT 2008: 6/10 alright. Nothing special. It's nice to hear alternative demo lyrics of PYT, though.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008: 10/10 Brilliant! Honestly, this is probably better than the original, giving it a completely new pace and and fresh feel.
Beat It 2008: 3/10 Rubbish. Fergie singing naff karaoke over a naff karaoke-version of beat it. Does nothing new. Awful.
Billie Jean 2008: 8/10 definitely will split the crowds, but I personally think it's really good. Give it about 10 listens, and it will really click into place.
And there's the DVD. There's the 3 videos (yawn, seen them all a million times before), but there's also the Motown 25 Performance of Billie Jean. If you haven't seen this before, this alone is worth the price tag. It MUST be seen, as this is the moment Lil' Michael of the Jackson 5 became Michael Jackson.
All in all, if you can't stand what's on the airwaves right now, and you already own a copy of Thriller, this is proabably not worth it. If, however, you're into what's in the charts right now, this is highly recommended, not just for all the contemporary artists contributing here, but also to get the album that started modern music as we know it.
And, if you've never owned a copy of Thriller before: 1. WHAT?! 2. BUY IT.
Thrilling!, 20 Feb 2008
This album was the best thing to come out of the eighties - this WAS the eighties!
Okay, so people might be saying what a cop out to revive an old album, but this is probably the best album ever in the history of music. It reminds us why Michael Jackson was such a fantastic performer, and I guarantee you won't be able to stop yourself singing along to tracks like P.Y.T and Beat It. The DVD is excellent too - I'd forgotten how good the videos to Beat it and Billie Jean were, and the footage of Michael performing Bille Jean and doing that famous Moonwalk - is great. As for the Thriller film, well in my opinion, it will always be one of the best videos ever.
Who cares if the album's been revived, it's still brilliant 25 years on, and is one everybody should have in their collection.
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!
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Off the Wall: Remastered
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Michael Jackson;
Epic;
2003-12-01;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £4.00
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Product Description
Given the pace of Michael Jackson's post-Thriller release schedule, it's striking that Off the Wall appeared between two albums--Destiny (1978) and Triumph (1980)--which the twentysomething phenomenon made with his brothers. Aided by richly detailed but not overdone production, Off the Wall defined how much Michael might do. Tracks such as "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough", "Rock with You", "Burn this Disco Out" and the title track not only consolidated his dancefloor power, but showed just how soulful and varied his vocals could get on up-tempo material. Artistic role models such as James Brown and Jackie Wilson echo through the mixes, but these were Jackson's leaps forward. The addition of pure pop confection--Paul McCartney's "Girlfriend", Stevie Wonder's "I Can't Help It"--further fleshed out the star's young-adult persona and helped make Off the Wall among the most fondly remembered of all his solo work. This "special edition" features two magic home demos and entertaining, insightful interviews with producer Quincy Jones and "Rock with You" composer Rod Temperton. --Rickey Wright
Customer Reviews
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.
thriller wow the remixes rubbish i only got this for the videos!!, 20 Aug 2008
thriller is a classic album but the remixes are pathetic but the dvd and packageing make up for that overall goodbuy!! the dvd love it thriller the video the best video ever!!
Thriller on vinyl, 04 Aug 2008
if your thinking of getting this on vinyl forget it...who ever is responsible should be shot. stick with the cd version which is at least listenable...
WTF????????????, 20 Mar 2008
Ok, I love the Thriller album, it's an absolute classic, the first 9 songs on this album are worth the purchase alone if you don't already own them ... BUT ... the remixes? Yeah, I quite like the girl is mine 2008 and P.Y.T 2008, the Billie Jean remix is ok but Kanye should keep his mouth shut with his yeahs and stuff but the Wanna be startin' something mix? WTF is that all about? This is a Michael Jackson album and he only sings one verse on the whole song, is Akon so desperate to make his name that he's got to steal Michael's glory on a Michael Jackson album? I'm not saying the songs rubbish but I am saying it doesn't sound like Michael had a very big part in it at all. It's an Akon song with Michael on backing vocals basically. Let's not even mention Fergie and her karaoke version of Beat it, it comes nowhere near as close as the original did to classic status. But then there's For all time, the previously unreleased song, classic Michael, the sleeve says it's from the Thriller sessions but rumours say that this is the re-recorded version from the Dangerous sessions but whatever, I don't really care, this song is a great and classic Michael tune.
Overall if you already own this album then don't bother buying it again just download the decent new songs from i-tunes, they are P.Y.T 2008, The girl is mine 2008 and For all time, it'll cost you about 2.50 in all.
Michael Jackson IS the Thriller..., 28 Feb 2008
25 years is a long, long time in music. And yet even now, Triller sounds as fresh as it did in 1982. Indeed, it sounds miles ahead of most of the pap clogging up the charts right now. So it's good to see Michael Jackson back, reconnecting with a new generation of fans who deserve to know what real music sounds like, and where 90% of the music they listen to today is influenced from.
It's pointless reviewing the albums original material; what can be said about it that hasn't been said before? You know what it's about already. 5 stars for the original segment of Thriller.
So, the new tracks. They're middling-to-decent. To be honest, they're not all that bad - it's just when compared to the towering classic versions, they sound poor by comparison. Here's a breakdown:
The Girl is Mine 2008: 7/10 Good. A bit repetitive but it's a grower, and it's a well-crafted overhaul of the old version which, to be honest, I'm not too fond of.
PYT 2008: 6/10 alright. Nothing special. It's nice to hear alternative demo lyrics of PYT, though.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008: 10/10 Brilliant! Honestly, this is probably better than the original, giving it a completely new pace and and fresh feel.
Beat It 2008: 3/10 Rubbish. Fergie singing naff karaoke over a naff karaoke-version of beat it. Does nothing new. Awful.
Billie Jean 2008: 8/10 definitely will split the crowds, but I personally think it's really good. Give it about 10 listens, and it will really click into place.
And there's the DVD. There's the 3 videos (yawn, seen them all a million times before), but there's also the Motown 25 Performance of Billie Jean. If you haven't seen this before, this alone is worth the price tag. It MUST be seen, as this is the moment Lil' Michael of the Jackson 5 became Michael Jackson.
All in all, if you can't stand what's on the airwaves right now, and you already own a copy of Thriller, this is proabably not worth it. If, however, you're into what's in the charts right now, this is highly recommended, not just for all the contemporary artists contributing here, but also to get the album that started modern music as we know it.
And, if you've never owned a copy of Thriller before: 1. WHAT?! 2. BUY IT.
Thrilling!, 20 Feb 2008
This album was the best thing to come out of the eighties - this WAS the eighties!
Okay, so people might be saying what a cop out to revive an old album, but this is probably the best album ever in the history of music. It reminds us why Michael Jackson was such a fantastic performer, and I guarantee you won't be able to stop yourself singing along to tracks like P.Y.T and Beat It. The DVD is excellent too - I'd forgotten how good the videos to Beat it and Billie Jean were, and the footage of Michael performing Bille Jean and doing that famous Moonwalk - is great. As for the Thriller film, well in my opinion, it will always be one of the best videos ever.
Who cares if the album's been revived, it's still brilliant 25 years on, and is one everybody should have in their collection.
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!
Easily his best, 14 Aug 2008
Wow, not a single reviewer rates it less than five stars.
As good as they may be, later albums sound contrived in comparison.
It's just fresher more 'alive' than his other stuff.
If you don't already have this, don't hesitate.
Start Your MJ Collection Right Here!!!!, 15 Jun 2008
1. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. 10/10
2. Rock With You. 10/10
3. Workin' Day and Night. 9/10
4. Get on the Floor. 9/10
5. Off the Wall. 8/10
6. Girlfriend. 10/10
7. She's Out of My Life. 10/10
8. I Can't Help It. 7/10
9. It's the Falling In Love. 8/10
10. Burn This Disco Out. 10/10
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
Michael Jackson is a phenomonal artist, and in 1979, you liked him, but in 1982...
Fantastic!, 08 May 2008
This album is incredible! All the songs are great , especially Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Get On The Floor and She's Out Of My Life.
Michael is an amazing artist who can lend his hand to any type of song. I urge everybody to by this album, along with Thriller , Bad, Dangerous,Invincible and The Jacksons albums. Michael is the greatest artist who ever lived. Period.
Off the wall with feet on the floor, 07 May 2008
What I say is applicable to all Michael Jackson's work - if you have ever questioned this man, just listen to his music, he is genius. I defy anyone to sit still and not get up and dance, for your very soul not to be moved. I've followed him since he was 11, I'm 6 months older than him. He is simply the best and many are jealous of that. Try to appreciate rather than pull the man apart for being so great. Thanks Michael for the hundreds of hours of pleasure you have given me.
Brilliant, 19 Oct 2007
I've like MJ's music for a while but never really got into his stuff. I listened to Bad and Thriller which are both good albums but "Off The Wall" is simply wicked! This album is definitely in my top 10 favourites.
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Ultimate
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Prince;
Warner;
2006-08-21;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £4.34
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Customer Reviews
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.
thriller wow the remixes rubbish i only got this for the videos!!, 20 Aug 2008
thriller is a classic album but the remixes are pathetic but the dvd and packageing make up for that overall goodbuy!! the dvd love it thriller the video the best video ever!!
Thriller on vinyl, 04 Aug 2008
if your thinking of getting this on vinyl forget it...who ever is responsible should be shot. stick with the cd version which is at least listenable...
WTF????????????, 20 Mar 2008
Ok, I love the Thriller album, it's an absolute classic, the first 9 songs on this album are worth the purchase alone if you don't already own them ... BUT ... the remixes? Yeah, I quite like the girl is mine 2008 and P.Y.T 2008, the Billie Jean remix is ok but Kanye should keep his mouth shut with his yeahs and stuff but the Wanna be startin' something mix? WTF is that all about? This is a Michael Jackson album and he only sings one verse on the whole song, is Akon so desperate to make his name that he's got to steal Michael's glory on a Michael Jackson album? I'm not saying the songs rubbish but I am saying it doesn't sound like Michael had a very big part in it at all. It's an Akon song with Michael on backing vocals basically. Let's not even mention Fergie and her karaoke version of Beat it, it comes nowhere near as close as the original did to classic status. But then there's For all time, the previously unreleased song, classic Michael, the sleeve says it's from the Thriller sessions but rumours say that this is the re-recorded version from the Dangerous sessions but whatever, I don't really care, this song is a great and classic Michael tune.
Overall if you already own this album then don't bother buying it again just download the decent new songs from i-tunes, they are P.Y.T 2008, The girl is mine 2008 and For all time, it'll cost you about 2.50 in all.
Michael Jackson IS the Thriller..., 28 Feb 2008
25 years is a long, long time in music. And yet even now, Triller sounds as fresh as it did in 1982. Indeed, it sounds miles ahead of most of the pap clogging up the charts right now. So it's good to see Michael Jackson back, reconnecting with a new generation of fans who deserve to know what real music sounds like, and where 90% of the music they listen to today is influenced from.
It's pointless reviewing the albums original material; what can be said about it that hasn't been said before? You know what it's about already. 5 stars for the original segment of Thriller.
So, the new tracks. They're middling-to-decent. To be honest, they're not all that bad - it's just when compared to the towering classic versions, they sound poor by comparison. Here's a breakdown:
The Girl is Mine 2008: 7/10 Good. A bit repetitive but it's a grower, and it's a well-crafted overhaul of the old version which, to be honest, I'm not too fond of.
PYT 2008: 6/10 alright. Nothing special. It's nice to hear alternative demo lyrics of PYT, though.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008: 10/10 Brilliant! Honestly, this is probably better than the original, giving it a completely new pace and and fresh feel.
Beat It 2008: 3/10 Rubbish. Fergie singing naff karaoke over a naff karaoke-version of beat it. Does nothing new. Awful.
Billie Jean 2008: 8/10 definitely will split the crowds, but I personally think it's really good. Give it about 10 listens, and it will really click into place.
And there's the DVD. There's the 3 videos (yawn, seen them all a million times before), but there's also the Motown 25 Performance of Billie Jean. If you haven't seen this before, this alone is worth the price tag. It MUST be seen, as this is the moment Lil' Michael of the Jackson 5 became Michael Jackson.
All in all, if you can't stand what's on the airwaves right now, and you already own a copy of Thriller, this is proabably not worth it. If, however, you're into what's in the charts right now, this is highly recommended, not just for all the contemporary artists contributing here, but also to get the album that started modern music as we know it.
And, if you've never owned a copy of Thriller before: 1. WHAT?! 2. BUY IT.
Thrilling!, 20 Feb 2008
This album was the best thing to come out of the eighties - this WAS the eighties!
Okay, so people might be saying what a cop out to revive an old album, but this is probably the best album ever in the history of music. It reminds us why Michael Jackson was such a fantastic performer, and I guarantee you won't be able to stop yourself singing along to tracks like P.Y.T and Beat It. The DVD is excellent too - I'd forgotten how good the videos to Beat it and Billie Jean were, and the footage of Michael performing Bille Jean and doing that famous Moonwalk - is great. As for the Thriller film, well in my opinion, it will always be one of the best videos ever.
Who cares if the album's been revived, it's still brilliant 25 years on, and is one everybody should have in their collection.
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!
Easily his best, 14 Aug 2008
Wow, not a single reviewer rates it less than five stars.
As good as they may be, later albums sound contrived in comparison.
It's just fresher more 'alive' than his other stuff.
If you don't already have this, don't hesitate.
Start Your MJ Collection Right Here!!!!, 15 Jun 2008
1. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. 10/10
2. Rock With You. 10/10
3. Workin' Day and Night. 9/10
4. Get on the Floor. 9/10
5. Off the Wall. 8/10
6. Girlfriend. 10/10
7. She's Out of My Life. 10/10
8. I Can't Help It. 7/10
9. It's the Falling In Love. 8/10
10. Burn This Disco Out. 10/10
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
Michael Jackson is a phenomonal artist, and in 1979, you liked him, but in 1982...
Fantastic!, 08 May 2008
This album is incredible! All the songs are great , especially Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Get On The Floor and She's Out Of My Life.
Michael is an amazing artist who can lend his hand to any type of song. I urge everybody to by this album, along with Thriller , Bad, Dangerous,Invincible and The Jacksons albums. Michael is the greatest artist who ever lived. Period.
Off the wall with feet on the floor, 07 May 2008
What I say is applicable to all Michael Jackson's work - if you have ever questioned this man, just listen to his music, he is genius. I defy anyone to sit still and not get up and dance, for your very soul not to be moved. I've followed him since he was 11, I'm 6 months older than him. He is simply the best and many are jealous of that. Try to appreciate rather than pull the man apart for being so great. Thanks Michael for the hundreds of hours of pleasure you have given me.
Brilliant, 19 Oct 2007
I've like MJ's music for a while but never really got into his stuff. I listened to Bad and Thriller which are both good albums but "Off The Wall" is simply wicked! This album is definitely in my top 10 favourites.
Could have been better, 28 Dec 2007
It's becoming almost an annual event to churn out a Prince Greatest Hits album now. The annoying thing about that is that there's not much different about any of them. They usually contain at least 10 tracks similar to the previous effort and never have anything from the Batman album. Batdance was a huge hit I recall. This "Ultimate" album has the novelty factor of some extended remixes (basically the old 12" singles). Overall though, this compilation is lacking and doesn't show off enough of the great man's versatility. It's the safe option for the casual fan.
Yet another wonderful trip down memory lane!, 09 Sep 2007
Actually released last year, this Ultimate collection of Prince material is riding high again thanks to his recent high profile shows in London along with the slightly bizarre choice to release his latest cd via a sunday newspaper. But then, this is Prince after all - with whom words like 'normal' don't tend to share the same sentence!
A few reviews have been critical of the constant raiding of his back catalogue to release yet another greatest hits package - a feeling I understand but how can you give a poor review mark for such quality musicianship (is that a proper word?) - Prince, in the 80's to early 90's, was an absolute musical genius and consistently released strong, original singles with his brand of rock/pop and listening to this compilation not only reminds me once again of so many incredible songs but brings me a sense of joyousness, that music can be great and fun, which I often find lacking in much of todays music.
The key tempter to buy in this package is the second disc which contains eleven extended or alternative remixes, often taken from 12" singles of the time which have previously been unavailable on cd and these are a welcome surprise - so these along with the usual favourites does make this quite a comprehensive collection overall. No collection though can completely please and I also would change a few things - it always seems to me that every Prince compilation reflects his american market - so we always get 'Pop Life' (no.60 in UK) rather than 'Paisley Park' (a no.18 single); we always get 'I Would Die 4 U' (top-10 in US but stalled here at 58!) but never EVER get the UK only release of 'Girls and Boys' (a no.11 hit). So in my ideal collection, I would trim 'Controversy' and 'Alphabet St' down to their single versions, kick off 'I Would Die 4 U' and 'Nothing Compares 2 U' (Sorry but Sinead does it best!) and bring in the singles of 'Girls and Boys', 'Glam Slam', 'Gold' and 'Most Beautiful Girl in the World'. Maybe it'll happen in another couple of years....
This is a great package though and does contain most songs that any fan or more casual buyer would want to hear. So buy it, put it in your player - loud, and just enjoy some of the best songs ever.
Artist formally known as Rubbish, 14 Aug 2007
My mum brought me this thinking that because he was "big" when I was younger then I would actually like this!!!! I have of course now put my mother in a home and have this album listed on E-Bay.Only have a bid of 7p and a bag of Haribo....which is very tempting.
Prince has invented and reinvented himself musically so many times that it is getting boring and after all this time he has never invented himself as any good!!
My ex girlfriend made me watch the film purple rain once,thus why she is an ex.
I cant find anything nice to say about this album except that the cover is nice because it does not feature his ugly mug.
Ultimate Dilemma, 07 Aug 2007
Should a casual Prince fan buy this or 'The Hits/The B-Sides'? Well, it really is a case of swings and roundabouts, because 'Ultimate' has a great selection of hits which includes some excellent 12" Versions/Remixes, plus it has been digitally remastered, but 'Hits' is more comprehensive and includes some really great stuff like: 'Dirty Mind', 'If I Was Your Girlfriend' and 'Sexy MF' etc, which are not on 'Ultimate'. Also, you get a third disc made up of B-sides as well.
Anyway the point is, whether you get 'Ultimate' or 'Hits' you are on to a winner, just don't get 'The Very Best Of Prince' which only has a measley 17 tracks on it, which is way too lightweight even for the most casual Prince fan.
Essential Bargain for Funky Followers!!, 23 Sep 2006
Being a Prince fan I had to buy this release and it is one of the most rewarding CDs I have bought this year.Firstly as other reviewers have mentioned the sound is the best quality you will have heard of these tunes,assuming you buy and don't download!!
Value for money wise it is a bargain and I feel if you are a fan of the funky man it is essential that you buy it.
You see Disc Two is a disco and party funk bonanza.I listened once and then again in the car and it revealed versions I didn't have and extended workouts which are awesome.There's rhythms and guitar solos in there to tickle your funky bones into action.
Don't pass this by,every Prince fan should own it and everyone else should appreciate the jiving genius that is PRINCE!
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River: The Joni Letters
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Herbie Hancock;
Universal Classics;
2007-10-01;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £8.41
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Product Description
On paper, River sounds like a match made in several versions of heaven. Legendary pianist Herbie Hancock re-imagines Joni Mitchell with his hand-picked, star-studded band--including saxophonist Wayne Shorter--in tow. Luminary guests lend vocals to a song apiece: Norah Jones ("Court and Spark"), Tina Turner ("Edith and the Kingpin"), Corinne Bailey Rae ("River"), Luciana Souza ("Amelia"), Leonard Cohen (with an unsettlingly sanguine version of "The Jungle Line"), even Mitchell herself ("Tea Leaf Prophecy"). In the event, though, a few fundamental elements go awry. Hancock plays with almost saccharine understatement throughout, and even Shorter's seminal "Nefertiti" and Duke Ellington's "Solitude" fall into the album's presiding, somnolent surface, though to a lesser degree does the instrumental version of Mitchell's "Sweet Bird." But girding, and in some measure, saving, the proceedings, the lyrics here testify to a subtler wisdom guiding Hancock's set list. The mix includes a continuum from intrepid classics to dusty, fans-only fare, but a distinct reverence for Joni Mitchell the Poet threads them together, and, in the end, this album works best as a sleepy window into one fan's giddy and particular love affair with his source material. Fans of Hancock win out. --Jason Kirk
Customer Reviews
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.
thriller wow the remixes rubbish i only got this for the videos!!, 20 Aug 2008
thriller is a classic album but the remixes are pathetic but the dvd and packageing make up for that overall goodbuy!! the dvd love it thriller the video the best video ever!!
Thriller on vinyl, 04 Aug 2008
if your thinking of getting this on vinyl forget it...who ever is responsible should be shot. stick with the cd version which is at least listenable...
WTF????????????, 20 Mar 2008
Ok, I love the Thriller album, it's an absolute classic, the first 9 songs on this album are worth the purchase alone if you don't already own them ... BUT ... the remixes? Yeah, I quite like the girl is mine 2008 and P.Y.T 2008, the Billie Jean remix is ok but Kanye should keep his mouth shut with his yeahs and stuff but the Wanna be startin' something mix? WTF is that all about? This is a Michael Jackson album and he only sings one verse on the whole song, is Akon so desperate to make his name that he's got to steal Michael's glory on a Michael Jackson album? I'm not saying the songs rubbish but I am saying it doesn't sound like Michael had a very big part in it at all. It's an Akon song with Michael on backing vocals basically. Let's not even mention Fergie and her karaoke version of Beat it, it comes nowhere near as close as the original did to classic status. But then there's For all time, the previously unreleased song, classic Michael, the sleeve says it's from the Thriller sessions but rumours say that this is the re-recorded version from the Dangerous sessions but whatever, I don't really care, this song is a great and classic Michael tune.
Overall if you already own this album then don't bother buying it again just download the decent new songs from i-tunes, they are P.Y.T 2008, The girl is mine 2008 and For all time, it'll cost you about 2.50 in all.
Michael Jackson IS the Thriller..., 28 Feb 2008
25 years is a long, long time in music. And yet even now, Triller sounds as fresh as it did in 1982. Indeed, it sounds miles ahead of most of the pap clogging up the charts right now. So it's good to see Michael Jackson back, reconnecting with a new generation of fans who deserve to know what real music sounds like, and where 90% of the music they listen to today is influenced from.
It's pointless reviewing the albums original material; what can be said about it that hasn't been said before? You know what it's about already. 5 stars for the original segment of Thriller.
So, the new tracks. They're middling-to-decent. To be honest, they're not all that bad - it's just when compared to the towering classic versions, they sound poor by comparison. Here's a breakdown:
The Girl is Mine 2008: 7/10 Good. A bit repetitive but it's a grower, and it's a well-crafted overhaul of the old version which, to be honest, I'm not too fond of.
PYT 2008: 6/10 alright. Nothing special. It's nice to hear alternative demo lyrics of PYT, though.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008: 10/10 Brilliant! Honestly, this is probably better than the original, giving it a completely new pace and and fresh feel.
Beat It 2008: 3/10 Rubbish. Fergie singing naff karaoke over a naff karaoke-version of beat it. Does nothing new. Awful.
Billie Jean 2008: 8/10 definitely will split the crowds, but I personally think it's really good. Give it about 10 listens, and it will really click into place.
And there's the DVD. There's the 3 videos (yawn, seen them all a million times before), but there's also the Motown 25 Performance of Billie Jean. If you haven't seen this before, this alone is worth the price tag. It MUST be seen, as this is the moment Lil' Michael of the Jackson 5 became Michael Jackson.
All in all, if you can't stand what's on the airwaves right now, and you already own a copy of Thriller, this is proabably not worth it. If, however, you're into what's in the charts right now, this is highly recommended, not just for all the contemporary artists contributing here, but also to get the album that started modern music as we know it.
And, if you've never owned a copy of Thriller before: 1. WHAT?! 2. BUY IT.
Thrilling!, 20 Feb 2008
This album was the best thing to come out of the eighties - this WAS the eighties!
Okay, so people might be saying what a cop out to revive an old album, but this is probably the best album ever in the history of music. It reminds us why Michael Jackson was such a fantastic performer, and I guarantee you won't be able to stop yourself singing along to tracks like P.Y.T and Beat It. The DVD is excellent too - I'd forgotten how good the videos to Beat it and Billie Jean were, and the footage of Michael performing Bille Jean and doing that famous Moonwalk - is great. As for the Thriller film, well in my opinion, it will always be one of the best videos ever.
Who cares if the album's been revived, it's still brilliant 25 years on, and is one everybody should have in their collection.
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