Customer Reviews

The 5th Dimension - Greatest Hits on Earth

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For 5D fans who were introduced to the group after it's golden era (roughly 1967-75), this disc was the only album to remain in print and the only readily-available recording. After the CD revolution began, it was also the only album to be reissued until a few years ago. Now that there are five original albums back in print and a handful of "best ofs" (of varying originality), "Greatest Hits On Earth" seems skimpy and unsatisfactory in comparison.

Still, there are some pretty classic hits here: the indomitable "Aquarius," the ragtime-flavored "Wedding Bell Blues," the sublime "Stoned Soul Picnic," and the buoyant "Up Up And Away." Complementing this core of golden oldies is a set of catchy, melodic near-greats, including two tracks from 5D's "LIVE! " album. (Factoid: Neither "Together Let's Find Love" or "Never My Love" are actually live tracks; they were studio recordings that had audience noise mixed in for release on the live album.)

Of course, with a catalog as rich in vocal talent as that of 5D, this single disc has some glaring omissions: "Go Where You Wanna Go," "Learn How To Fly," "Carpet Man," "Paper Cup," "The Girls Song," "Sweet Blindness," "Blowin' Away," "Workin' On A Groovy Thing," "This Is Your Life," and "Light Sings" were all released during the period this compilation covers, and none appear on this CD.

"Greatest Hits On Earth" is a wonderful collection, and is probably the album by 5D that the general public is most familiar with. In terms of vocal Pop music, it's nigh on flawless, but with better compilations to choose from, it is no longer an essential purchase for fans or interested listeners.

-Mic

With the sad, recent and untimely passing of founding member Ron Townson, I've had cause to listen to my entire Fifth Dimension collection and in my estimation, this group presented something to the listening public that has yet to be duplicated. In this current age of vulgar, over the top posing and buffoonery in black pop, this group would most likely stick out like a sore thumb, and for great reason! These people produced some of the most heavenly, otherwordly harmonies ever heard on record. "Greatest Hits On Earth" is a fine sampling of thier sound and the perfect place to start for anyone unfamiliar with the group. "Last Night (I Didn't Get To Sleep At All)" starts the collection off in fine form and features a lovely acoustic guitar arrangement highlighted by tight drums and beautiful strings backing the piece. "Stoned Soul Picnic" follows and is an instant uplifter! The real crown jewel here is Marilyn McCoo's gorgeous reading of the classic "One Less Bell To Answer" (to me this is the DEFINITIVE version) heard in all it's orchestral beauty and splendor. The remainder of "....On Earth" is just as terrific. The languid, twisting "Love's Lines, Angles and Rhymes" is another tour de force with impassioned singing and a great horn arrangement. For lovers of the classic and classy sound of producer Hal David and lyricist Burt Bacharach, this compilation will be like candy to a baby. All pop music should be this great. R.I.P. RON TOWNSON.

It took seven days for God to create the earth. It took 25 years (and a label name change, from Bell to Arista) for the Fifth Dimension's label to create a solid collection of its 60s into 70s hits."Greatest Hits On Earth" made do for 25 years until "Ultimate Collection" was released.

Several fine singles ("Go Where You Wanna Go," "Sweet Blindness," "Paper Cup" the aching "If I Could Reach You") are missing, but what's here plays sweet and airy as winds taking Jimmy Webb's legendary beautiful balloon up, up, and away. You get superb Marilyn McCoo vocals on "One Less Bell To Answer," and "Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All." You get two seminal Laura Nyro songs, 1968's "Stoned Soul Picnic" and 1969's buoyant #1 "Wedding Bell Blues." You get the Sixties anthem "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" (which should sound more dated than it does) and a nice live version of "Together Let's Find Love," which blueprints the duets Ms. McCoo and her husband, Billy Davis, Jr., would make after leaving (and returning to) the group.

"Greatest Hits on Earth" is for those casually interested in the Fifth Dimension or their era's pop songs. Otherwise, catch the "Ultimate Collection," or wait until after the Apocolypse for the box set.

This 11 song compilation has no flops. All genuine 5th Dimension classics. I would have given this a 5 star because it's worth all. From their most popular tune Aquarious/ Let The Sunshine In to their more AC later day classic Last Night, I Didn't Get To Sleep At All. Laura Nyro wrote her biggest hits here, Stone Soul Picnic, Wedding Bell Blues & Save The Country.
Another timeless AC song written by Bacarach/David called One Less Bell to Answer which was originally supposed to be recorded by Dionne Warwick.
But since the version of Never My Love is the edit version and not the version that was released on the LP in 1972. The lp version also segues into Together Let's Find Love (featuring Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.)I know minor things, but they did forget If I Could Reach You (another top 10 classic).

I was fortunate to find the 1994 German version which does have that song as well as 5 other bonus tracks including Light Sings, Ode To Billy Joe (which I would have rather had Living Together...), Working On A Groovy Thing, Sweet Blindness & their fist big hit Go Where You Wanna Go.

I don't care too much for what are their most popular songs:
. Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In
. Up, Up And Away

But I really dig those Love Songs:
. One Less Bell To Answer
. Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All
. Never My Love
. Together Let's Find Love

Especially "One Less Bell To Answer".
I can play this song over and over without getting tired of it.
I've even made up my own version of the Lyrics sung from a male perspective.

If you like Soul music, get this CD.

The 5th Dimension. Brings back memories. And this CD will bring you back and bring you TO the days of great songwriting and singing!

The smooth sound of the songs really get you into them. Great songs like "Last Night I Didn't Get to Sleep At All" and "One Less Bell To Answer" will put you in the smooth groove mood. "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Aquarius" will get you waving your arms in the air. Make love not war....

"Weddding Bell Blues" and "Save the Country" will bring you back to the days of Laura Nyro and simplicity. So many more great songs!

By this CD and go back to the times of GOOD music!

I love this album. This group has two members that sings one of my favorite duets of all time . This group contains Marilyn MCcoo and Billy Davis Jr. They have been married for over 30 years now I love the duet"You don't have to be star" I love this duet it is my favorite duet of all time.

This group has other members that has added to the group's success. I love this group I used to hear "Stoned Soul Picnic" on the radio when I was younger; My mom used to always listen to the oldies stations and I used to love it . This album contains some great songs : Stoned Soul Picnic, The Wedding Bell Blues, Up,Up, and away, Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep at all, One Less Bell To Answer, and many great others I really did like this group ; So, therefore I had purchased this album and I like this whole album it is great I listen to it whenever I am in the mood to listen to AM GOLD ; Therefore if you like AM GOLD I suggest that you purchase this album!!!!!

In the late 1960's, 5 musicians (Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson) came together and formed a singing group with a unique sound, the Fifth Dimension. They had a string of hits, which were played on all the AM top-40 radio programs of the day.

At their peak, they were one of the most popular groups in the US. Marilyn McCoo, who helped start the group, ultimately became the lead singer and the most recognized vocalist in the group. Her voice is as good as it gets, and her work stands up today as a testimony to her beautiful renditions and sound. In the early 1970's the group suffered a great blow when Marilyn McCoo and Billy David Jr. broke away and started solo careers of their own. This effectively ended the Fifth Dimension.

This album has the best of their hits, the ones you will recognize and remember. There are some songs missing from this album, so it is not the "complete" Fifth Dimension collection, which is available elsewhere. However, if you desire just one album that best reflects the sound of the Fifth Dimension, this is the one to buy.

I never tire of their unique blend of harmony and soul. I wish today's musician's would take a lesson from the Fifth Dimension and learn the art of harmony.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig

On this very well-done album, every song is a hit in its own right. The energy and harmony of this group, my favorite from the 60s and 70s, is contagious, as you listen to each of the tracks. No matter which genre is your favorite, I strongly recommend this particular album to you...

I have had this tape for ages, and I absolutely love the songs. What can I say? They're just great! Unfortunately, when I bought this tape (quite a while ago), I didn't have a CD player, or many CDs, if I remember correctly. Now that I have a CD player, I am very tempted to buy the CD version in addition. The songs are exactly the same, and as I said earlier, they are great, but if you can spend the few extra dollars on a CD, I would strongly recommend you do so. After the several years of just sitting, the quality has degraded, and it's nowhere what it should sound like. Any way you can get this album, though, I would do so.