Customer Reviews

The Best Of Sugar Ray

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Sugar Ray start things off with one of their new songs, "Shot of Laughter". A song that could quite possibly be the theme of summer 2005 (if they release it as a single). It has a mellow tone that is accented by smooth vocals and funk-style guitar. "Answer the Phone" has the group flirting with some punk-style riffs and mixing it with pop-rock songwriting sensibilities. Do I have to tell you about "Fly"? It's only the song that broke Sugar Ray into the mainstream, with its twangy riffs and reggae overtones. "Someday" is another one of those songs that I bet you still can't get out of your head. The chorus only proves how well the group can write a hook.

"Every Morning" probably has one of the catchiest acoustic riffs from the time it was released. It's actually the riff under the verses that's killer, but it gets buried by the encompassing vocals. "Mean Machine" is a testament to Sugar ray's humble beginnings. It's heavy, raw, and edgier that anything that you've heard from them on the radio. "Rhyme Stealer" is another early one with heavy metal riffs, scratching, samples, and rap-style vocals. This is clearly an example of Sugar Ray trying to find their sound. I loved Sugar Ray's cover of "Is She Really Going out with Him?" when it first came out, and I'm glad that they've included it here.

The Bad
The new cover song "Time After Time" sucks. Same goes for the unreleased, Howard Stern penned "Psychedelic Bee". I think they included that one because Howard has always been a big supporter of them.

The Verdict
The Best Of reveals that Sugar Ray's music is the perfect soundtrack for relaxing and having a good time.

"The Best of Sugar Ray" is like an old friend you might not have spoken with in weeks...months...years...

And, yet, when you finally run into that old friend, you're delighted to discover that nothing has changed. Your relationship is as sharp, healthy, and enjoyable as ever...

If you've walked by a radio sometime in the past decade or so, then you will probably recognize a good 5, 6, or 7 of these songs already. So, it's already a relatively safe investment...

But, the new or lesser known tracks are noteworthy selections in their own right. The concert fave "Mean Machine" harkens back to their harder rock days, while the new single "Shot of Laughter" is a traditional Sugar Ray tune in the vein of "Someday" and "Every Morning" (perfect for summer lethargy).

"Chasin' You Around" is a lofty, feel-good excursion from their 2003 "ITPOL" album that deserves a second chance at life...

Then, of course, there is the summer anthem "Under the Sun", a song that, amazingly, has evaded radio play thus far.

The plan is simple, but ingenious. Lure people in with the hits...then clobber 'em with a showing of depth and versatility that few people knew Sugar Ray had. Diabolical.

In spite of its omissions ("Mr. Bartender", "Iron Mic", "Waiting") this is a great start for people wanting to learn about Sugar Ray's career.

If you know Smash Mouth then you know Sugar Ray, they are always compared for the dact that they are both party bands.Loving life or atleast showing it in their upbeat music.

Sugar Ray was the more orignal of the two as Smash Mouth followed 60's grooves and got stuck in that rut.This compilation magnifies all of Sugar Ray's biggest hits and some of their more destructive hits from back in the day.Anyone who grew up i nthe 90's can easily recite the lyrics to "Fly" and "Every Morning" just plaine out enjoyable songs.Many may go for the heavier Sugar Ray material like "Mean Machine" and "RPM" both punk influenced songs.Whats nice about this greatist hits is the fact that they tried to make a good compilation with a fully detailed booklet and every thing just adds to the experiance.This set will even apeal to the hardcore fans as two new tracks were added ("Time After Time" and "Shot Of Laughter") and their are 15 tracks to choose from.

If you aren't a big fan of Sugar Ray and you just want those timeless party songs, do yourself a favor and grab a copy.

I really like this CD, it has all the songs that were on the radio when Sugar Ray was popular. The CD came in perfect condition and is of good quality. I would definitely recommend buying this CD if you are a Sugar Ray fan.

This is a good cd. Sound is good, most songs are also good. I am pleased with this cd. Price was good and deliivery was quick.

Even though I am older, I enjoyed the beat, lyrics, and unusual melodies of the songs in this album. I think that people of all ages will appreciate the music of Sugar Ray.

Great reminder of my early teens. I forgot half of the songs on here were even performed by Sugar Ray.

If you like Sugar Ray's laid back style, you will really enjoy this. I actually bought this for the song "Someday", but I found many other songs to like. I would recommend this album to young and old alike.

This is one of my fav's. It has all their best songs and I like to listen to it all the time. Highly recommend!

It is truly the best of Sugar Ray. If you like Sugar Ray, this CD won't disappoint.