Customer Reviews

Best of

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I have always loved the sound of Smokie. My favorite song has always been Living Next Door to Alice.

I listened to Smokie when I was young and I will never get tired of them - I LOVE THEM.

This is a very good CD! I realy like Chris Norman's voice. I am a real fan of music from the 60s and 70s, but did not recognize any of the songs---not even Living Next Door to Alice! Stumblin In is on this CD and I did know that one--but only as a Suzie Quatro hit. Of course the cover of Needles and Pins from the Searchers was familiar also. I have also order the Chris Normal 3 CD set because his voice is addictive! I feel like I have discovered NEW music! Well worth taking a listen!

It is always good to go back to your youth time. It is twice truth if you have "the best of Smokie" playing on your CD/DVD player while you are working on your real life tasks. Yes, I am an old style guy but even without an IPOD I can fully enjoy this great group who brings me back very sweet memories of growing up in naive Haifa, Israel of the late seventies

Great Music. PURE Smokie. Buy it, they were very underated even though they had quite a few hits.

If you are a fan of Smokie, this is the album to get, there is plenty of fine country-rock and that pop sound from Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn. If you are not too familiar with Smokie this is a great introduction. I prefer their country-rock material. Sometimes the lyrics are not too strong, but the melodies and harmonies are gorgeous. If you like this kind of music then you may like the following albums:
1) Banjos And Sunshine by Sixty Acres
2) Stranger's Almanac by Whiskey Town
3) The Ultimate Collection by Poco
4) Good To Be Here by Ernest Goodlife Band

a fantastic compilation of smokies best work, the cd was in perfct condition and arrived very quick indeed. have not stopped playing it, very very enjoyable.thank you