Best of [Import]

Smokie | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 14, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: RCA Victor Europe
• ASIN: B00008Q03O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,999 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Smokie had numerous pop rock hits through the 70s thanks to the songwriting partnership of Nicky Chinn & Mike Chapman. This budget priced import exclusive compilation includes all their biggest hits including, 'Living Next Door To Alice', 'Oh Carol', & 'If You Think You Know How To Love Me'. 18 tracks. BMG/Camden. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars British seventies soft rock, January 25, 2005

By 

Peter Durward Harris "Pete the music fan" (Leicester England) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Best of (Audio CD)

The group had eleven UK hits between 1975 and 1978, all of them making the top twenty. In 1980, they had a lesser (top forty) hit with Take good care of my baby, a cover of Bobby Vee's classic. Of their UK hits, four made the top five, these being If you think you know how to love me, Living next door to Alice, It's your life and Oh Carol (not a cover of the old Neil Sedaka song), all up-tempo songs. I like all those songs but my favorites are the ballads - Something's been making me blue, I'll meet you at midnight and Lay back in the arms of someone. Their other essential UK hits are Don't play your rock'n'roll to me, Needles and pins (a cover of the sixties classic) and For a few dollars more.

Mexican girl (which only just made the UK top twenty) is a good song but not essential. Like the previously mentioned Take good care of my baby, it is sometimes included in Smokie collections and sometimes not. Chris Norman also had a minor duet hit with Suzi Quatro and this is also sometimes included in Smokie compilations but, again, it's not essential. Of course, you might think one or more of these songs are essential, in which case make sure you select a Smokie compilation that contains whichever tracks you want.

Lead singer Chris Norman has a soulful, smoky voice (is that how the group got its name?) that you either love or hate. So if you're unfamiliar with Smokie's music, perhaps you should listen to some of it before committing yourself. Assuming you like Chris's distinctive voice you will enjoy this if you enjoy seventies soft rock music.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THEIR BEST COMPILATION SO FAR, May 13, 2006

By 

Alexander - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best of (Audio CD)

This is by far their best compilation among many many others. It contains only essentials and no filler. All their hits are here. The sound quality is incredible. This CD covers only their classic (i.e. Chris Norman) years - 1976-1978. The songs are well sequenced. Tracks 1,3,9 taken from their second original album "Changing All The Time". Tracks 4,8,10 taken from their third original album "Midnight Cafe", tracks 11,13,14,15,17 taken from their fourth "Bright Lights And Back Alleys", tracks 6,12,16 culled from their fifth (and best) "The Montreux Album". Tracks 2,5,7,18 are either non-album tracks or singles but were previously released on other compilations. Is it enough ? In my opinion - for neophytes YES. For die-hards - certainly NO. I would recommend to add another comp "The Best Of Smokie" 1997. It has few same tracks but rarely can be found any other "The Best Of" which is perfectly fit with this one. Why 4 stars only ? Because compilers included only 3 tracks from each of the albums "Midnight Cafe" and "The Montreux Album" which are the best in Smokie's career. The last track 18 is actually a No.4 american single duet with labelmate Suzi Quatro. But its wonderful b-side can be found on the aforementioned second "Best Of...". Recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great songs from a great period by a great band, November 3, 2006

By 

Gary Selikow (Great Kush) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best of (Audio CD)

UK rock group Smokie came out with some really great 70's pop rock hits.
The classic laid back Smokie syle takes you back a little.

This album showcases their bestknown hits and is a good album for those who want simply a sample of their work

Whether it's the plaintive Living Next Door To Alice , the relaxed Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone , the fun Oh Carol , the stormy Wild Wild Angels , the sad For A Few Dollars More or the romantic Mexican Girl - these are great songs from a great period by a great band.