Customer Reviews

Take 6 - The Greatest Hits

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Unlike many greatest hits collections, Take 6 has shared not only classics from their own releases, but has also included several tunes that are from collaborations with other artists. There are a couple of "never-before-released" songs as well. My personal favorite is "The Best Stuff in the World Today Cafe," in which the Christian life is compared to selflessly serving others in a restaurant. This group never ceases to amaze me with their mix of soul-stirring lyrics and unequaled vocal harmonies. With a level of professional excellence that rivals any other group anywhere, Take 6 has "earned" a platform in mainstream music from which to share their message of Christ's faith and love. If you want a great overview of this sextet's work, definitely check out "Greatest Hits!"

All the great Take 6 songs are here on "Greatest Hits," but the biggest treat of all has to be the previously unreleased "The Best Stuff in the World Today Café." Beginning with a lazy vocal groove, it soon turns into a finger-popping exercise underscored with Take 6's signature vocal virtuosity. The lyrics are a clever harkening back to Biblical references to God's word being food for the spirit:

Then the waiter said to me,
"Everything we serve is free!"
When he saw that I was full of doubt,
He shoved the best stuff in my mouth
Well, the food was so fantastic, man
I could not stay in my seat!
I jumped up from the table,
grabbed a stranger off the street,
And said, "Welcome to the Best Stuff in the World Today Café!"

"I L-O-V-E U" is here, as is "Mary", "Spread Love," and other Take 6 classics. One of the more unusual tunes is a collaboration in which the group backs up Stevie Wonder on a jazzed-up version of Georg Friedrich Handel's "O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion" from Handel's magnificent "Messiah." It works strikingly well and sounds as contemporary as anything else on this terrific album.

It is unfortunate when so many artists of questionable talent are pushed into the consumer's consciousness, while those with true talent and spirit are relegated to the corner. But then again, maybe it's for the best that Take 6 has flown on the edge of the radar - this way we have their pure and soaring talent to enjoy ourselves. Blending Gospel and Jazz with a dose of Bobbie McFerrin, the group has put out consistently good albums. And here is some of the cream of them. Their range is shown from the pop "Biggest Part of Me" to the soulful sounds of "I L-O-V-E U" and the soaring gospel heights of "Mary" and "Destiny." Their music reaches out to wrap itself around you, caressing you with harmonies. It's a shame more people do not know them, but hopefully such a wonderful sampler of their work may introduce them to a new fan or two.

These guys are great!! Their vocal ranges and how they use them well, I can only say that it only gives us a glimpse of what heaven will be like. My favorite is going to be hands down "The Best Stuff in the World Today Cafe". I listen to that mostly when I am getting ready for church. Then the Brazilian Wedding Song, and the Thou that bringest good tidings of Joy.(W/Stevie Wonder) If the original composer was around to hear them, he'd probably weep.I have to agree with another reviewer, that is only a sampling of so many great songs by these guys

First, I'm a TAKE 6 fan. I'm VERY happy that they released a Greatest Hits album! I LOVE most of the songs, like "I L-O-V-E U", "Mary", and "Spread Love". And, I also LOVE the collaborations, like the jazzy ballad "Setembro (Brazilian Wedding Song)," and (in my opinion,) another CLASSIC song to add to their list, "U TURN". These COOL tracks are a must-have for all people who LOVE a cappella. This a CLASSIC! I hope they will release Volume 2 (with more songs,) in the future!

Since seeing these guys perform live at the then 'North Sea - Jazz Festival' in Cape Town 2002 I became an instant fan. This album is reminiscent of that great day. The whole album is an enjoyable experience and 'hats-off' to the group for its talent, unity and deliverance. The tracks that stand out for me are 'Destiny','Mary' , 'Spread Love', 'So Much to Say','U-Turn'and 'Biggest Part of Me'- Tebza (Cape Town - South Africa)

Though widely known for their innovative A Cappella, this release celebrates the many styles of Take 6, and that's fine with me. Not only are they comfortable with the likes of MARY, A QUIET PLACE, SPREAD LOVE, or SO MUCH 2 SAY, but supply the instruments and they're just as fantastic with BIGGEST PART OF ME, DESTINY, or the two new selections: ONE AND THE SAME(with CeCe Winans) and THE BEST STUFF IN THE WORLD TODAY CAFE. Both absolutely incredible! As you can tell, I'm not a strict advocate of "only A Cappella for Take 6." These guys are much too talented to be limited to one style or genre. My only complaint? Though this may represent their "Greatest Hits," and they are a good sampling of the fellas, the omissions are far too noticeable. Surely we can expect a second CD sometime in the near future? Maybe even the rare Japanese recordings(I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU and ALMOST PARADISE)?

Enjoy their diversity.

I have been a fan of Take 6 since their debut album. Although they have added instruments to some of their songs, they are still one of the best acapella groups today. I love singing along with "Fly Away" and "Best Stuff In the World Today Cafe." I wish music critics would give them more credit for their wonderful talent and focus on that instead of the fact that this is "gospel" music. What is gospel but "music for the soul?"

There were some good cuts on this cd, but I've heard so many other Take 6 songs that I liked a whole lot better...however, that's just my opinion. Maybe these cuts were considered greatest hits because they made lots of money; yet I don't feel that they show all the many talents and facets of this truly gifted group.

Great cuts from other albums including "O Thou Tellist..." from the zesty version of The Messiah.