Customer Reviews

The Power Of Love: The Best Of The Soul Essentials Ballads

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

 

 

This reviewer doesn't know what these other reviewers were listening to, but obviously they are all under 30, because anyone who grew up in the 70s and listened to soul music not only is familiar with many of these songs but recognize how rarely they have appeared on ANY compilation or cd-reissue.

Classics like Ray, Goodman & Brown's "Inside Of You" and "I Pledge My Love" by Peaches & Herb are found nestled alongside lesser-known, but no less stellar lp and rare singles like Alton McClain & Destiny's "The Power Of Love" - the superb original version, I might add, before Angela Winbush (the writer) or Stephanie Mills covered it. It's rather odd, however, that the song "Heaven Help Me" by Deon Estus is found on here, as it is an oddball late 80s track juxtaposed with the deep 70s soul found on this compilation. A nice song, BUT doesn't fit in with the rest. Maybe that's why so many people who've reviewed this cd prior didn't care for the other songs -- if they were only buying it for an 80s POP TUNE and have no appreciation of soul, one would be disappointed. However, if you want real 70s SOUL --buy this, but skip over Deon Estus - who obviously left his soul roots in the 70s group Brainstorm he was originally a part of.

Never heard it. Just wanna comment that "Heaven Help Me," by Deon Estus (produced by George Michael) is one of the best songs I've ever heard from a bass player. Nice lyrics and melody. It should be more accesible than just being on this CD. C'est tout.

This is the only song I want on this CD. If U are into Ballads then Love season is a must.

Some songs are looked over or don't ever get airplay by radio stations. A collection of soul and jazz ballads from the 70's and 80's. The track # 12 by Deon Estus is more pop it really does not fit in with the rest of the songs on this cd. But I like his song don't get it twisted. George Michael co-wrote and produced "Heaven Help Me." He also is on background vocals. The homeboy Gerry Woo in the house on track # 3 with "Hey There Lonely Girl." Zoom is on track # 12 with "Love Seasons". This collection is really slept on. Chicago Steppers and Detroit ballroomers this would be a nice addition to your collection.

There are some pretty good reasons why this now out-of-print CD fetches such a steep price. I'll focus on two songs in particular, which are worth the price alone. First, it contains the full-length quiet storm classic "No Stranger To Love/Want You" by Roy Ayers, which I dare you to find on any of his CD releases, domestic or import. It also has the extremely rare and sought-after mellow jam "Love Seasons" by Zoom. This song has a legendary following amongst the steppers community here in Chicago, and I'm sure you'll agree after listening. Many other reviewers have focused solely on the extremely soulful Deon Estus track "Heaven Help Me". Despite other reviewers claims, this is not the only reason to purchase this CD. Listen objectively, and you'll see that although many of these tracks were unnoticed and underappreciated, they are worth the price. Unless these tracks are included on some other compilation later (which I seriously doubt), the price of this CD will only increase in the weeks and months to come.

couldn't agree more that the only reason for purchasing this CD is the song "heaven help me" by deon estus w/ george michael. i couldn't be more disappointed that this song hasn't been picked up by more labels for some sort of 80's compilation CD

I bought this CD solely because of the superb and haunting track Heaven, by Deon Estus (w/ George Michael). The rest of the songs on the CD are obscure and did not really interest me.

This CD gets three stars only because it has included "Heaven Help Me" by one hit wonder Deon Estus. This is a truly beautiful and quite soothing piece of music. I agree with the others in saying that other labels have missed out on a true jewel of the eighties by not including this song on any other compilations. It is unfortunate that Deon Estus has to be included in a compilation composed of music from a genre that's outside of his own. I've searched long and hard for this single and, despite my disappointment with the other songs on the disc, my money was still well spent.

I originally purchased this CD for a friend who wanted a copy of "Heaven Help Me" by Deon Estus. The entire CD is dull in comparison to this one song. "Heaven Help Me" is hauntingly beautiful, especially with background vocals from his friend George Michael.

No other song truly stands out except this one. Deon Estus' original solo album is now out of print, so if you're a fan of his, I'd get this album!