Customer Reviews

Essential Michael Bolton

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Michael Bolton delivers on so many songs in this two CD set. There are songs which I think are different for many fans which is a good thing. Criticism of his rendition of Dock of the Bay is not warranted because like Buble, Michael places himself and feelings for the songs he sings and doesn't plagarize what others do. It took awhile to attach myself to some of his songs that are new but Michael is what he is, a man with soul.

Music is enjoyable to listen to, and the songs have a good beat. Some songs are more appealing than others, but the CD is great.

There are a zillion Michael Bolton Hits Collections out there more or less echoing the track listing from Greatest Hits 1985 - 1995.

So if you are looking for something more comprehensive, The Essential Michael Bolton is the answer. It borrows heavily from his multi-platinum efforts such as Soul Provider, Time, Love And Tenderness, Timeless The Classics and Greatest Hits 1985 - 1995.

Bolton with his Herculean looks, body and voice carries the high notes with plenty of emotion in ballads like Go The Distance and Nessun Dorma.

I really love the cover shot. It is straight out of British GQ. The font used here is also more stylish unlike the basic design for the US version. Unfortunately, there are no write ups in the linear notes detailing Bolton's career from his early days till present. Still with 36 songs, The Essential Michael Bolton is a sure thing.

The music of the 90's brought out the best of so many great singers. From classic standards from Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, to trends of the moment from Spice Girls and the macarena. There were those who've just also came from the heart, and with good standards. For Michael Bolton, he was just one of those great perfomers. Although his post Sony era hasn't really shelled out any definitive records, his classic gems still remain definitive. He also has had numerous hits collections from the classic definitive Greatest Hits 1985-1995, to smaller budget records like 2002's That's What Love Is All About. Now, another one has hit the shelves, with a bit of familiarity under die hard Bolton fans.

The 2006 Essential Michael Bolton, feels like it is something released previously, and it actually is. The collection is a duplicate of Michael Bolton's 2002 import hits package, The Ultimate Collection. The exact same number of tracks are shown here, in the same order as before. The collection includes a lot of great tracks like Time, Love & Tenderness, Said I Love You... But I Lied, the Oscar-nominated Go The Distance from Hercules, Soul Provider, and Once In A Lifetime from the Robert Downey Jr. film Only You. Although the album includes a lot of lesser-known tracks that also are highlighted here from his rendition of Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing, and Whiter Shade Of Pale, the album still overlooks a few great Michael Bolton tracks. The album like the previous hits packages, the collection definitely overlooks Love Is A Wonderful Thing, and some other good ones like From Now On.

I honestly am relieved though the record doesn't actually drive any of his recent albums though like the lackluster Bolton Swings Sinatra and 2004's Vintage. The collection feels more like it is a reintroductoion of Michael Bolton's music, rather than something definitive that stands out. Although The Essential Michael Bolton is a very good greatest hits package, I was just hoping for those kinks were taken care of like before. Still, if you haven't heard Michael Bolton's music, listen to this one, and see if you still enjoy his time, love and tenderness.

Album Cover: B

Songs: C+

Price: C

Remastering: B

Overall: C 1/2+

You need to get the 3.0 version of this. 3 discs for the price of 2....this is a stellar collection. Steel Bars was his co-write with Bob Dylan...yes BOB DYLAN. Michael Bolton is a hard rocker, that happened to score a major run of pop and adult hits over the years. Soul Provider makes this well worth the cost.

I love this CD! There are songs on here that I've never heard Michael sing- and once again he does it best!

Its not that offton I realy enjoy over two thirds of a CD, this one, I do.

micheal bolton the essential! yes sir i grow up listioning to him i bought a cd for my mom and also me!!!!

Now, I like Michael, don't get me wrong. The whole Essential thing?? That doesn't work for me. I must have really sensitive equipment because to me, the mastering is not what it could be and as far as the Essential series goes, this is not the only entry in the series that needs to be looked at. Barry Manilow, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Alabama, and Ronnie Milsap should be listened to again and the mastering Engineer reproached for disinterest in the final results of what should be fine compilations highlighting highs in the various artists careers. No, these sets frustrate me and leave me wanting to investigate better compilations.

My mother loves Michael Bolton and finally has a CD player in her car. She will love it!