Best By Far

Omar | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 30, 2004)
• Label: Spun
• ASIN: B00013D4A4
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #783,743 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. I Guess

2. Something Real

3. Essensual

4. Be Thankful (Featuring Angie Stone)

5. Best by Far

6. To the Top

7. Goodness

8. Prologue

9. Tell Me

10. Syleste

11. Come On (Featuring Kele Le Roc)

12. Emporium

13. In the Morning

14. Be Thankful (Guru Remix)

15. Be Thankful (Blaze’s House Mix)

Editorial Reviews

Acclaimed singer/songwriter/musician Omar (Omar Lye Fook) is a seminal figure in the ever-evolving urban soul landscape. Best By Far is Omar's fifth long-player - a versatile and infectious soulful hybrid, seamlessly encapsulating all of the diverse sonic elements that have defined this visionary's career. The record presents a riveting blend of up-tempo funk-drenched Philly soul, supple bossa (taking cues from Quincy Jones’ groundbreaking 1964 masterpiece Big Band Bossa Nova), and sumptuous cinematic orchestration. Omar produced the entire album himself.

The album features guest vocals from Angie Stone (who duets on the sweltering remake of William De Vaughn's blaxploitation anthem "Be Thankful For What You Got") and UK soul girl / former Basement Jaxx vocalist Kele Le Roc (on the anthemic groove "Come On"). The set also includes jubilant opener "I Guess," the bossa and jazz soaked track, "Emporium," the propulsive chic meets UK street inspired "Something Real" and the hazy romances of "In The Morning." The expanded US release also includes bonus remixes of "Be Thankful" courtesy of formidable hip-hop legend Guru (of Gangstarr) and house music pioneers Blaze. The aptly titled Best By Far is another glorious stylistic achievement for Omar and easily his best collection of material to date.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HOT SH*T, April 30, 2004

By 

Juan Haynes (THE LOU) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best By Far (Audio CD)

THIS ALBUM IS HOT ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT HIS BEST BY FAR. I AM A HUGE FAN OF OMAR'S. IN MY OPINION TO UNDERSTAND OMAR, YOU MUST OWN THIS IS NOT A LOVE SONG. I DON'T KNOW IF THE US IS READY FOR THIS BRAND OF NEO SOUL. HIS STYLE IS A CROSS BETWEEN RHYTHM AND BLUES, REGGAE, BOSSA NOVA, TO SAY THE LEAST. HE'S A BAD MAN. DEFINITELY GET THIS JOINT IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET UP ON SOME NEW SH*T!!!!!!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be Thankful!, June 7, 2001

By 

K. Harrison "Ausar_El" (Richmond Hill, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best By Far (Audio CD)

That's right. "Be Thankful" for the opportunity to be blessed by yet another Omar classic. The version of the cd I own has 15 tracks. One is a re-redone version of "Be Thankful" with Angie Stone, and the bonus 15th track is a remix of "Something Real." I must admit that I am smitten with the Erykah Badu collaboration. Angie Stone provides a heavier, deeper groove which melds into the bassline which is tight unto itself. Erykah's vocals provide an airy and breeziness to the tune as if you're cruising around on a sunny day with the top down. One can quickly ask "How does Omar do it so consistently?" "Best By Far" is a delightful step in the already hit laden path he is trailblazing. Do yourself a favor by copping "Best By Far." The only thing is you may need his previous works to see just how far you've journeyed, and where you're heading.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Diamond in the Rough, December 19, 2000

By 

"mistermau" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best By Far (Audio CD)

I've heard so much about Omar, but the only thing I've managed to hear was "Never to Late" off of his "This is not a Love Song" album. So, when I just happened to look and see this in my local Record Store, I jumped on it.

I have not been disappointed. The WHOLE album just...flows. There is not one track that I can even begin to see anyone wanting to skip. I'm just lovin' the cover of "Be Thankful" with Erykah Badu. I can't even think of the names of the tracks, because I listen to the whole thing as a whole. You will, too.