Definitive Collection [Original recording remastered]

The Isley Brothers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 9, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Hip-O Records
• ASIN: B000TGGJT6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,663 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Isley Brothers have had a record on the Billboard charts for the last six decades. In their storied career they've seamlessly melded Gospel, Rock 'N' Roll, Soul, and Hip Hop; influenced the Beatles and Michael Jackson, among a host of others; become Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. Considering all this, you'd think the Isley Brothers would rest on their laurels. Not a chance. The Isleys, led by their uncommon lead singer Ronald AKA Hip Hop's Mr. Biggs remain at vital as ever. This 2007 Definitive Collection chronicles for the first time ever their entire recording career, from the earliest 'Shout' days, through the highlights of their Motown days ('This Old Heart Of Mine'), their all-important T-Neck jam ('Fight The Power') and Angela Winbush-produced ballads ('Smooth Sailin'', 'Floatin' On Your Love'), to their latest evolution as the soulful statesmen of R&B/Hip-Hop, including collaborations with R. Kelly.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Career-spanning but not nearly definitive, October 13, 2007

By 

hyperbolium (Earth, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Definitive Collection (Audio CD)

Most listeners are probably familiar with only one or the other of the Isleys' soul and funk sounds of the '60s and '70s, or their "Quiet Storm" R&B of the '80s and onward. For those few whose interest spans the group's entire career, this is an interesting single-disc, made possible by the on-going consolidation of record labels. Fans of only the early- or late-period, particularly the early period, will find this disc disappointing. Compacting a long career made of two disparate portions onto a single disc inevitably led to missing essentials, including the seminal radio and chart classics "It's Your Thing" and "That Lady (Part 1)." The former redefined the Isleys as harder and funkier than their turn at Motown, and the latter recast one of their earlier songs into an influential rock-funk style. The absence of these tracks alone makes this collection anything but definitive.

A better bet for those interested in the Isley's soul and funk era is the 2-CD "Essential" collection. Not only does the "Essential" set flesh out the longer "Part 1 & 2" versions of the classics ("Shout," "That Lady," "Fight the Power," etc.), but it includes lesser-charting hits like "Pop That Thang" and album tracks like "Work to Do" (later covered by the Average White Band). Better yet, search out Rhino's 1990 two-volume "Isley Brothers Story" for even deeper helpings of their early and mid-period years. It's hard to imagine there's a huge audience for a set that covers both ends of the Isleys' career, but for the few, the proud, the loyal, here it is. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]

5.0 out of 5 stars i love all eras of the isleys from Shout,3+3 to Mr.Biggs, March 31, 2011

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Definitive Collection (Audio CD)

the Isley Brothers along with Earth,Wind &fire are my favorite R&B Bands ever. so many great songs that cover the 50's,60's,70's,80's,90's and 00's. loved there blend of R&B and pop with gospel influence and how they modernize there sound through each passing era and decade.the songs all hold up and are classics.brother Ronald Isley's voice is timeless props always to Mr.Bigg and the great talents of all the brothers Ernie is a beast on Guitar and drums, Chris Jasper tore a keyboard up,Marvin on bass and the other brothers held there own.