Customer Reviews

Kool & the Gang - All-Time Greatest Hits

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

 

 

When there was word of a new Kool & The Gang album due outon April 21, 1998, we fans were waiting with baited breath for astupendous set of brand new songs from the band; to follow their "State Of Affairs" album of 1995 -- maybe even a live concert recording. The upcoming release was a big mystery, but greatly anticipated. Well, when it finally came out, my heart sank just a little, to see that it was yet another "greatest hits" cd. Okay, I bought it. Upon the first listen, I could hear that there was indeed a difference about the songs. And for me, wow! what a difference. Being aware of every subtlety of J.T. Taylor's vocals on these old gems, I noticed many variations he was making in his delivery on the new cd. The Gang & J.T. had gone back into the studio and done different arrangements of the songs. Well yeah, 1998 style. For me, it's like listening to J.T. in live concert, where he injects so many of his own ad libs in! to the flavor of the songs. The old familiarity of his voice is still there of course, but an added bonus is how you can hear the mature texture it has taken on over the years. Always an alluring singer, his vocals now come across with a more aggressive sensuality. Kool and the rest of The Gang are breathtaking with the instruments.

Check out "Cherish", "Joanna" and "No Show"!

I could not do this review without INSISTING that the world should hear "Fresh" -- where J.T. purrs about his "sophisticated lady", "ooh magic baby"! And the track I listen to every day.... yes, every day, is "Get Down On It" -- where you will hear how J.T. has added a stunning surprise to the ending of this song!

Although I had been waiting for some new material from Kool & The Gang featuring J.T. Taylor, I am more than satisfied with this release until they decide to take time off tour and write new songs.

Marsha from San Fran hit it right on the head. JT's freestylin is the best in the music industry. And this CD reminds us of that. Peace-Out Cool Carl Cee

I would give this CD six stars if it were possible. This CD is simply wonderful. If you are a fan of Kool and the Gang with JT Taylor, then this CD is for you. It is the next best thing to seeing them in concert. JT's voice is spectacular and I love the new vocal arrangements on the songs especially "No Show" and "Joanna". It makes you want JT back with KT&G. We can only hope...

I'm not talking to those die-hard fans who have all the albums and will undoubtedly complain that such-and-such track is missing and should be on etc. This review is directed to those who are either new to the band or who just want to get a good, representative sampler of the band and at a good price.

Well, if you belong to the latter category, you have come to the right place. For one who has listened to countless cds, I can tell you that the recording quality of this unremastered disc is incredibly good. The track selections are also very good and have really the essential hits. My favourite is the funk classic "Jungle Boogie" although there really isn't a weak track here.

In the short space of 11 tracks, you get to see all the facets that made Kool & the Gang so great; from the funk/disco/dance numbers to the slow numbers to the great musicianship and songwriting that's evident on all the tracks. I can only imagine how great a digitally remastered version of this album would sound and I would be one of the first buyers of such a disc I can tell you.

Until then, this is a highly recommended one-disc compilation of the great band. Great sound quality, great track selection, great price, great value!

Something to note though is not to be put off by the wrong album picture that's on the site as this is NOT a Live album and as usual, Amazon have got the product information wrong yet again.

On which album can I find K&G Jones vs Jones song?

I would like to know the name of the cd which includes summer madness by j t taylor and if it is still available

A lot of rerecorded music is not good. But this CD is fantastic. If you love or just like "Kool & the gang" Buy this CD! You cant go wrong with this one. 5 Star's all the way thru. From start to finish.

No one has any doubt that Kool & The Gang are one the most important representatives of that great era called "disco". With this band, the boogie nights come back to life. Just listen to top-hits "Ladies Night", superb new version of "Get Down On It", and the unforgettable "Celebration". "Joanna" is another beautiful song, who drives Kool and The Gang to a love boat atmosphere. Check out also "Jungle Boogie", which already had a rebirth in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction", "Fresh" and off course reggae boogie jamming "Let's Go Dancing".