Customer Reviews

Closer Than Close: The Best of Jean Carne

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4 star:		(1)
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That this collection omits the Brazilian jazz classic "Dindi" is one good reason to not buy this CD. But there are 16 excellent reasons why devotees of good music as well as folk who just don't know Jean Carne -- but ought to -- should buy this compilation.

A magna cum laude graduate of The Phyllis Hyman School of Unappreciated
Mega-Talent, Jean Carne is responsible for some of the tightest, vocally
unmatched recordings and live performances in music history. Unfortunately,
her popularity lags way behind her talent.

So here's an opportunity to own and/or discover old-school gems such as the danceable "Free Love," "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" and "Was That All It Was?"

Thankfully, the compilers had the good sense to include "Valentine Love," her duet with Michael Henderson.

And to fulfill your quiet-storm needs, check out:

-- covers of "Love Don't Love Nobody" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now";

-- sweet and jazzy offerings of "When I Find You Love" and the haunting "Completeness" (originally done by Minnie Riperton);

-- and the powerful Grover Washington Jr.-produced ballads "Closer Than Close" (a No. 1 single) and "Ain't No Way."

Surprisingly, "Ain't No Way" gives Queen Franklin's version a credible run for its money. Also, the song is track number 16 and reason number 16 to buy this CD.

Jean Carne is one of the best R&B divas ever but she is also very underrated. She is blessed with a truly melodious and beautiful voice and deserves much more attention,respect and recognition. Check out her stunning remake of the Spinners' hit "Love Don't Love Nobody" as well as "Free Love","When I Find You Love","Closer Than Close" and "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" for confirmation of her enormous talent.

I purchase this album mainly because "Together Once Again". This enchanting song is so desperate, so low, so sad, yet so beautiful. It is a perfect song to mourn a lost love, I know, because I listen to this song again and again after my last relationship didn't work out.

However, I supremely found there are more masterpieces in the album of Miss Jean. "If You Don't Know Me by Now" does serve its reputation, it is beautiful. "Closer than Close" is a nice R&B ballad. "There's a Shortage of Good Men" is a cute and powerful dance piece. I recommend this album for its diversity, and the masterpieces in it.

I actually still have the original vinyl album of hers with FREE LOVE and IF YOU WANNA GO BACK. As an ex-DJ of the disco era, I must admit I felt solitary in enjoying her music at the local nightclubs. For some reason the audience never responded to her sultry tones quite as well as Donna Summer, Patti Labelle, or even Diana Ross. I usually ended up playing her tunes either in the early off hours or when the crowd was distracted by other things. She never bacame mainstream disco in any of my music line up. Pity, cause she's sensational. Incidently, the 6:31 version of Was That All It Was can be found on Grand 12 Inches V.2 [IMPORT] also in Amazon.Com

I've always enjoyed her music. This disk is a decent collection of her songs. I recommend it to the Jean Carne fans.

I LOVE THIS CD . I ALLWAYS LIKED HER VOICE. I LOVED 4 OF THE SONGS ON HERE AND KNEW I HAD TO HAVE IT.

I have been looking for some Jean Carne for quite some time, but my search is over and I'm pleased with the cd. I will shop again in the near future.

I am in no way an expert on anything, but I do know when music sounds great and there is a beautiful voice out in front. I agree with a previous reviewer that Jean Carne just may be the most underrated singer there is. If you love music you want to do various things to, and most of all listen to, "Closer Than Close: The Best of Jean Carne" is a CD for anyone. It may not have all of her best songs but it has a great selection to satisfy most. Chuck C.

The item was shipped in a timely manner with no defects at all. I would purchase other items from this vendor.

Ok, there's virtually no one on the planet that doesn't know the name Aretha Franklin, so it matters not when you read this review, go on and nod your head. And also, it's dangerous ground to attempt a cover of any of her songs, most would agree; I mean you've got to have some vocal chords. Well suffice to say, for the uninitiated, you'll find the Aretha track, Ain't No Way, located at the very end of this set, and Jean Carne is all over it big style, closing out a superb album. A great great singer. Why she never blew up large is beyond me actually. I was introduced to her through the first track on offer here, Valentine Love, the smooth duet with Michael Henderson when they were hanging out in the Norman Connors stable back in the day. Anyway, sandwiched between these two tracks is some serious value for money, and is such a showcase for her talent. Many of these tracks are from her Gamble & Huff, Philadelphia International years, and it's amazing they were never able to get that mega hit on her like they did with nearly all their other artists. Truly a missed opportunity, but then again, there are different ways to measure success. Free Love, If You Wanna Go Back, Don't Let It Go To Your Head, and the smokin' There's A Shortage Of Good Men get your body parts moving before the welcome slow down of the outstanding Together Once Again and ice groove of When I Find You Love. For the next few tracks, give it just a bit of volume if you're out and about in your car (not too much, just so you're noticed - for cool points- don't forget to slightly crack the windows, LOL) as you smooth your way through My Love Don't Come Easy, and Was That All It Was. The party is full on with the next two duets, Sweet And Wonderful, with Glenn Jones, and the classic I'm Back For More with Al Johnson. I suppose by now you can guess that I really love this CD. Two covers follow, Love Don't Love Nobody and If You Don't Know Me By Now, and ok, they may not make you forget the originals (saying you know them, of course) but you'll certainly admit she's on top of her game. You might have a bit of a problem with Completeness because while it's ooookaaayy, it's nowhere near the other tracks. Ok, I would have left if off were I compiling, there, I've said it, but right behind it comes slow jam heaven, Closer than Close, then the aforementioned ultimate slow jam heaven, Ain't No Way. Singing em the way I wish they were still sung, thanks Jean for all that is you.