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46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost complete, but still an awesome collection from Paula!, July 5, 2004
This is the Greatest Hits collection of all (well, most of them) from the dance-era pop queen, Paula Abdul! I adore Paula so I was SO glad that a collection of all the hits (plus some bonus songs) were released! It all began with "Straight Up," which elevated her to pop princess status. One of the greatest perks about this album is all the songs are the radio/video/7" edits, so all the versions we're familiar with from the radio are all in this collection. This collection definitely has its perks and some downsides (which I will get to). Now, here's a song-by-song review of "Greatest Hits"...Straight Up (5/5) : It's the single that started it all! It's catchy, it's fun, it's everything that a hit single needs. This is the single that almost never happened, as Virgin Records didn't initially push for this song. Backed with great productions and Paula's sassy voice, this song definitely works well. This is without a doubt the first song that comes to mind when you think of Paula. Great pop classic. Cold Hearted (4/5) : This is another one of Paula's hits from the Forever Your Girl debut album. This is also the version of the song in which Paula's rap is present (which is not on the FYG album). It's a really good song, definitely radio-material. Forever Your Girl (5/5) : This is one of my favorite Paula songs ever! Some people have complained that Paula's voice on the first album was strained-sounding, which I do agree Paula sounds a little straining in this song in some parts, but for some reason it doesn't seem to take away the likableness of this song. I think it's one of Paula's stronger singles, and it's one of her 6 #1 singles. I also prefer this 7" version to the album version as well. The Way That You Love Me (5/5) : Another Paula classic. This song was actually released twice, the first time it didn't even crack the top 40, and when it was remixed and re-released, it shot to #3. Definitely a fun, upbeat song, like most of Paula's songs especially from the first record. Knocked Out (5/5) : While many people may think that "Straight Up" was Paula's first single, it actually wasn't. Virgin Records tried launching Paula with "Knocked Out" first, even before she finished her album. Produced and written by Babyface and LA Reid, this was the first song that Paula recorded for the album. "Knocked Out" was first sent out to radio stations across the nation to basically 'test the waters' to see if Paula could make it as a recording artist. Although it wasn't a huge hit (it didn't crack the top 40), it was successful enough for Paula to complete a full-length album (Forever Your Girl). This is definitely another one of my favorite Paula songs, and one of her more edgier songs, mixing in some R&B flavor. The only reason I think it wasn't as successful as it could've been was because Paula was new at the time, and I don't think it was as publicized as her other hits (it had a boring video). I think this song is one of Paula's best vocal performances, it seems her voice fits this song really well. I also much prefer this version to the album version. This version is more energetic and upbeat, well the album version seems to be a little more flat. But both are still great nonetheless. Opposites Attract (5/5) : I really love this song! Paula and the Wild Pair recorded this song together, and the infamous video features Paula singing and dancing with an animated cat (known as MC Skat Kat - who actually went on to have an album!). Some people say the video is was what propelled the song to #1, but it is also one of Paula's catchiest! The song and video are definitely one of Paula's most memorable! Bend Time Back 'Round (2/5) : This song wasn't actually on a Paula album, but was released on the Beverly Hills 90210 Soundtrack in the early 90's. I don't think it's one of Paula's best (probably why it never made it to the follow-up album 'Spellbound'). Rush Rush (5/5) : This song was Paula's first single from the follow-up album Spellbound, which was released in 1991. In between Forever Your Girl and Spellbound, Paula worked hard with a vocal coach and Paula's voice REALLY developed. It's very evident on several tracks on Spellbound. This is definitely one of Paula's greatest vocal performances, showing off Paula's higher vocal range and her control. This is a very sweet and pretty song and was her very first ballad she released. I love this song. The Promise Of A New Day (4.5/5) : Another strong single from Paula. This song also shot to the #1 spot on Billboard, making it Paula's sixth #1 single! I love the sound of this song, there are more wind instruments sounds and percussion, and it really makes the song sound unique. Blowing Kisses In The Wind (4.5/5) : Another ballad release from Paula. This song is a little bit more haunting and mysterious sounding compared to Rush, Rush. Paula's voice sounds pretty in this song. Peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Vibeology (4/5) : This song is very unique! It's one of Paula's most original and fun, but the song itself is so weird! It doesn't really follow a specific song format (like verse-bsection-chorus). The lyrics seem to be all over the place! There's ad-libing and really funky choir vocals in this song. It's one of those songs that you just have to hear to understand what I mean. It's hard to review this song! I MUCH prefer the album version to this version. This one is a lot shorter and seems to cut out a lot of Vibeology's best parts. My Love Is For Real (R&B Remix) (5/5) : Paula took 3 years off, and returned to the spotlight with this first single (which Paula co-wrote) from Head Over Heels, Paula's 3rd studio album. First of all, I have to say, I HATE this version! The original version is very Middle-Eastern influenced, bass-driven, very unique and original, and features background vocals from the late Israeli singer Ofra Haza. The original version is supreme, and this remixed version really takes away that special influence that the original had. This version makes My Love Is For Real sound really bland and boring, while the original is really amazing. I don't know why this version was put on the album. I still rate the song 5/5 because it's one of my favorite Paula songs. This is a song that should've been a #1 hit, but still remains one of her most underrated songs. Crazy Cool (5/5) : Another Head Over Heels single. Not as successful as Paula's previous hits, but still another very underrated song. One of Paula's best. This song really brings Paula up-to-date musically, with more R&B sound, kind of like TLC and Janet Jackson had at the time, and it really works for her! This song is one of Head Over Heels most stand-out songs. If I Were Your Girl (4/5) : This song wasn't actually a single, but it was going to be. Since Head Over Heels sold poorly (compared to previous albums), Virgin Records decided not to promote HOH any further, and dropped Paula from the label. Although the song is really good, it has some downsides. First of all, I think Rhett Lawrence is a GREAT producer, but I don't like his production of this song. Also, in the bridge right before Paula goes into the chorus for the last time, the vocals and melody should have been arranged to be stronger, so it could've really given more power to the song. I still love it though, and Paula's voice sounds great. Megamix Medley (1/5) : I'm not a fan of medleys and this one isn't an exception. It's paced very fast, and some of the songs just don't work in this medley (Rush Rush especially). Not even the uptempos sound good in this megamix. Could've added 10 minutes more of other songs instead of this. Crazy Love (5/5) : This song was on the Japanese version of Head Over Heels, but I can't see why it was included on the US version of Head Over Heels. I think this song could've been a single! Recorded, again, with the Wild Pair, this song is very catchy and fun! Well, at least it was added to this album! Overall - Great album!! Although there are some things missing. The beautiful song "Will You Marry Me?," which was a top 40 hit, is not included in this collection. Maybe Paula was fed up with marriages and didn't want to include this painful song, which possibly could've reminded her of her previous affairs?! Who knows?? Another song that was forgotten was "Ain't Never Gonna Give You Up" which was Paula's last single to date. Even though it wasn't much of a hit, it still should've been included. It's one of my favorite Paula songs.
I would definitely recommend this upbeat and fun album, which definitely takes you back to the days when Paula's music filled the airwaves, and her amazing choreography was all over MTV.
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by Paula Abdul 
