Rick James: The Ultimate Collection

Rick James | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 25, 1997)
• Original Release Date: March 25, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Motown
• ASIN: B000001AMV
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,258 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars RIP-"Master Funk" Rick James !!!!!, September 12, 2004

By 

Ruth A. Barrows (Van Nuys, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rick James: The Ultimate Collection (Audio CD)

Once Dave Chapelle had exposed Rick James on his show and brought his name to TV audience again...especially with that famous line "I'm RICK JAMES BITCH" (too funny). I started thinking about it and telling my kids and friends that I had the opportunity of seeing Rick James in concert with the Mary Janes Girls opening for him (in 83 or 84)for one of my birthdays and he was BADDDDDD, he really got off, coming on stage smoking marijuana and giving that sign with his fingers in a white suit. I told myself I had to buy a Rick James CD. But it wasn't until his death that I finally bought one and chose RICK JAMES-The Ultimate Collection.

I forgot how BAD (as in DAMN GOOD) he was until I started listening to this CD....MY GOD the funky sounds....before Prince, yes it was Rick James and before Rick James it was Sly Stone and Larry Graham, you can definetly hear it. And his voice was great!!!! I don't think Rick James got the props he really deserved during his time. He wrote, played and sang every song on this CD...He had TALENT!!! The funky sounds in "HIGH ON YOUR LOVE SUITE/ONE MO HIT", "YOU & I", "DANCE WIT' ME", "GHETTO LIFE" and "GIVE IT TO ME BABY" are awesome...you can definetly hear Sly & Larry. And his voice in the duets with Smokey Robinson & Teena Marie in "EBONY EYES" & "FIRE & DESIRE", GREAT....just GREAT, makes you want grab somebody and slow-dance. (Do the young people today slow dance...mmmm I haven't noticed lately.) "Mary Jane" my all time favorite, loved the catchy dance beat.....and even though he's singing about marijuana, just him saying the name Mary Jane reminded me of my mother I never knew because her name was Mary Jane and she died when I was 4yrs old.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The True Punk-Funk Master, October 11, 2000

By 

Armando M. Mesa (Chandler, AZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rick James: The Ultimate Collection (Audio CD)

While not a true definitive collection it still captures the pure genius and creative artist that Rick James embodied in the 70's and early 80's. He was one of the very first R&B artists to unite rock,punk,funk,and R&B (the "punk-funk" sound)of that era. He also produced and created material for other groups and artists such as Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls, Process and the Doo Rags, and Val Young.

The only drawbacks are a few missing tracks, (from lesser known or chart topping albums) such as Glow and The Flag, and the inclusion of rare mixes or alternates. Still, this set highlights his glory days !

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ultimate is the right word!, September 22, 2004

By 

V. Wiley (Central Arkansas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rick James: The Ultimate Collection (Audio CD)

I haven't quit playing this CD since I received it. It blends classic funk with R&B. I am greatly pleased and will miss his unique style.

If you're thinking about buying this (you wouldn't be reading this if you weren't), go ahead. You won't be disappointed.

My favorite track is Fire & Desire. Rick James sounds excellent on this track. Hearing Teena Marie's voice is so pure, but rich-like, conveys a great deal from her heart to her mouth. It makes me feel like I'm at a concert watching them and swaying with the crowd in awe & amazement.