Customer Reviews

Rick James: The Ultimate Collection

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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 !

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.

It was very sad to hear of Rick James' passing, and like many others I've taken this time to reflect on his highly underrated talent. Underrated in the sense that he had the total package. I've had this compilation on tape for a long time. His voice is completely amazing and rich, his ability to convey fun, partying, emotion and drama into his lyrics unmatched, and his music alone holds so much energy. When I think of him, the opening lyrics to Fire and Desire enter my mind... "Looooovvvve them - and leave them" really capture his vocal ability. Dave Chappelle must have known he was on to something important when he resurrected the unique and outrageous personality in those classic skits on his show. Rick James you will be missed and since none of my tape players work anymore I will be purchasing this cd so I can hear you more often- you will be missed.

These songs are well written and well performed. I can't say that for most of the music on black radio these days. Rick James is a master of ghetto funk. Many of his songs have been redone, covered or sampled by today's hiphop artists because this is music from their childhood. My favorites are Ebony Eyes, Mary Jane and ,of course You & I.

Rick James may have left us but his music shines on in this superb collection of his biggest hits. A must have for the R&B fan and everyone else.

I would first like to say Rick James you will be missed I was very took off guard when I heard of his untimely passing but on a good note he has brought so much so many good music to our ears and I thank him for that with all my heart and soul to many fans who might of been about 13 or 14 yrs old and in j.h.s. Rick James at that time was singing Super Freak and I remember it as if it was yesterday and now that I am 35 and a mother of two I will let my kids listen to that same good old skool music. We love you Rick May God Bless you.See you on the other side.

I have had this CD for some time and after learning of his untimely death today I felt the need to reflect. This album has all his hits rolled into one. My favorites are:

You and I: A classic funk song
Mary Jane: Rick's ode to his favorite past time
Fire and Desire: A quiet storm classic

Rick, you will be missed!

I listened to Rick James "You and I" when I was 16 back in 78- it was just great! Now that I have all the hits, can get into that groove whenever I listen!

Sure Rick James may have been a a**hole, but he made some great funk songs. Plus you should never make light of anyone dying. This album is really good, shows some of the best funk/disco music from the 80's. He was also a good bassist.