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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An 80's classic, January 10, 2001
Billy Ocean fused R&B/soul with pop/rock and ended up with an excellent album. "Carribean Queen" and "Loverboy" are both must-have 80's hits, and this album is the best place to hear them, because the versions here are much longer than the radio edits on his greatest hits CD! But then again, every song on this album is great, and the heartfelt cover of the Beatles' "Long and Winding Road" should win over people who don't normally appreciate 80's music. But if you are a fan of the 80's, you definitely need this album, and if you aren't, get it anyway!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
His best album., May 8, 2006
Truth be known, I'd probably keep this over his "Hits" disc. I say that because three of his absolute best songs are here in their original form, and some of his other hits border on cheese. Plus there's other good stuff here too. "Caribbean Queen (no more love on the run)" was a huge hit, as was the ballad "Suddenly", and I think my favorite is easily "Loverboy". Plus this has the minor hit "Mystery Lady", and a decent cover of "The Long And Winding Road". That's over half the album, and the remaining four songs I'd call good filler. Any fan of 80's pop/soul should consider this a must own.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Urban Ocean, March 21, 2007
That trademark funky urban and danceable soul of the 80's seemed to flourish starting around 1983 and into `84-85. You know what I'm talking about; The Pointer Sisters, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Ready For The World....it goes on and on. One of the forerunners of this magnificent genre of music in the 80's was none other than Caribbean-born Billy Ocean. One listen to that voice and you know who it is. He kind of sings with a deep richness like when you say "Ah" when the doctor is looking into your throat. I mean he really brings up the vocals from deep down. And yet he can reach the higher notes. His voice is so flexible and flawless and grooves along with every song, never missing a beat. In 1984, Billy came out with a remarkable album in "Suddenly," one of those albums that is a staple of the early 80's genre of funky urban and danceable soul. It is nostalgic, yet very timeless in my opinion and it takes me back to when times were a little less stressful.
"Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)" - This is my favorite song from the album and hit the Billboard top 10 of 1984. Check out the groovy bass and jazzy saxophone! And those cute repetitive keyboard notes with the funky foot stomping beat are pretty darn cool! Oh yeah, and the sound effects to go with the lyrics are fun to listen to. There is magnificent orchestration here and the song is overall urban funky melodic fun. Billy's vocals are passionate with an urgency. This Caribbean queen has him losing his cool.
"Mystery Lady" - This is just your basic urban R&B funky song. It's very catchy and Billy's notes are flawless. The keyboards are cool and the harmonizing is fun. I love this song. Kick back and bop your head and let your mind drift.
"Syncopation" - Slowing it up a little, Billy gives us a smooth funky beat to chill out with. Billy sings of missing the "syncopation" he had with a certain woman who was having an affair.
"The Long And Winding Road" - Smooth, graceful and soft. Billy's rich vocals amongst easy-going melodies provide the perfect opportunity for a slow dance.
"Loverboy" - I absolutely love this song. The beat is like a funk-dance urban R&B disco-like groove. You cannot help but move on this song. Billy's vocals are soaring amongst the edgy, melodic guitars that keep the time just right. The synths/keyboards mirror the urgency that Billy is singing about; the intense need to be someone's love. This is one of the most addicting songs on the album. Is it any wonder that this song reached the Billboard top ten of 1985?
"Lucky Man" - Cute, catchy song featuring some nice piano, synths and a funky beat. Billy sings of being lucky to have the woman he has. Nothing too special about this song.
"Dancefloor" - True, this is a danceable song. Cool synths and that hand-slapping beat. Just a nice easy-going song. Nothing huge.
"If I Should Lose You" - Another easy-going song; and smooth with atmospheric and melodic keyboarding. Billy grooves along with his vocals as usual.
"Suddenly" - This is probably one of Billy's trademark love songs; beautiful and free-flowing. Billy's vocals are so silky and magnificent. It's a song about how life has new meaning once you find that love you've been looking for. It's just romantic and perfect for that special occasion.
Okay, so you know what to do now. Plunge into the "ocean" and get the goods! You won't be disappointed.
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