Truly: The Love Songs

Lionel Richie | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 25, 1997)
• Original Release Date: November 25, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Motown
• ASIN: B000001AO6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,807 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #26 in Music > R&B > Motown
  • #30 in Music > R&B > Quiet Storm
  • #68 in Music > Pop > Vocal Pop > Contemporary

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Since it contains six tunes that Richie wrote and performed as lead singer of the Commodores, the title for this collection may be technically a little misleading. That said, those who appreciate Richie's instantly recognizable vocal style are unlikely to complain about the inclusion of such pop standards as "Three Times a Lady," "Still," and "Easy." Maybe it's the passage of time, but Richie's solo work sounds more emotionally satisfying than the hits he had with the group: "Hello" is still eminently soulful and "Penny Lover" has a warm and cozy feel. "Endless Love," Richie's memorable duet with Diana Ross, shows that both singers can truly deliver powerhouse vocal performances, while the oft-overlooked Commodores hit "Sweet Love" is a welcome addition to this collection. Richie may not have been in favor chart-wise for a while, but this package is a reminder of the contribution he's made as a contemporary writer of classic love songs. --David Nathan

Product Description

19 track Motown compilation featuring his best ballads duets, solo smashes & classics with the Commodores! Includes 5 bonus tracks, 'My Destiny', 'Don't Wanna Lose You', 'Ballerina Girl', 'Still In Love' & 'Oh No'. 1997. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly-The Best Love Songs Ever Written And Performed, October 31, 2000

By 

DP (Pompano Beach, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Truly: The Love Songs (Audio CD)

This is a consummate collection of ballads and slow jams from the heyday of the Lionel Richie's 1980's solo output, featuring 5 classic songs from the Commodores, when they were the reigning r&b group in the 1970's. It is an essential landmark collection of classic romantic recordings that inspire the listener to feel, to dream, and to love. Of the 14 tracks, 13 were bonafide top 10 hits including six number one singles, that dominated the charts for well over a decade!

The collection includes the #1 ballad of all-time, the ultimate love theme to the movie "Endless Love," sung with superstar, Diana Ross. This epic beautifully blends the powerhouse vocals of these two consummate singers. The song spent a phenomenal nine weeks at the top of the charts! Richie who also penned the song was going to give the song to Stevie Wonder originally, but passed on the this, when he decided to leave the Commodores and persue a prosperous solo career in 1981!

From his 1982 self titled debut comes the classic "Truly," which shines as a memorable track that showcases Richie's tender and soaring vocals.

By 1983, everything that Richie touched automatically turned to gold, or should I say platinum. His second solo outing "Can't Slow Down" displayed great stamina (more than half of the tracks on the album were top 10 hits/5 songs in total released) and remains Richie's finest original solo album. Featured from that set is the tender love ballad "Hello," the smoldering "Penny Lover," and the country/folk tinged "Stuck On You."

From his 1986 "Dancing On The Ceiling" album, there is the enduring and inspirational "Love Will Conquer All," along with his smash theme from the film "White Nights," the exquisite "Say You Say Me."

Lionel's reign on the charts came to an abrupt end, partially due to a publicized divorce and personal loss of his father. He lost his inspiration for awhile and went into deep introspection. By 1991, he returned with the greatest hits compilation, "Back To Front." From that collection, "Do It To Me" is a stunning highlight that showed the world that he still had the knack to write and perform some of the most beautifully crafted pop/soulful tunes on the market.

The Commodores, which started as a funk, r@b outfit in the early 1970's, by the middle of that decade began to segue into a smoother, softer, sexier vein with the artistry of its lead singer Lionel Richie, who wrote and sang lead vocals on the majority of their hits. The group is represented on this beautiful collection of love songs with the classic "Three Times A Lady," "Just To Be Close To You," "Still," "Sail On," "Easy," and "Sweet Love."

The CD runs approximately 55 minutes so there was room for some additional tunes from his output I would have included. One of my favorite tracks from the Commodores is "Oh No," from "In The Pocket," collection. Lionel's "My Love," "The Only One," "Ballarina Girl," "Deep River Woman," and "Love Oh Love," were also excluded. Nevertheless, this is a thorough representation of the Lionel's greatest ballads as a solo artist and with the group, The Commodores.

After his 1991 comeback, Lionel has recorded several other albums, "Louder Than Words"(1995) and "Time."(1998). Although this collection doesn't represent these efforts, if you are a fan this genre, they are also worthy of a listen.

"Truly-The Love Songs" serves as a the ultimate collection honoring the artisic balladry of this masterful singer and songwriter in the expression of his journey seeking love. These are some of the best love songs ever conceived and performed! If you are a fan of smooth, sexy, satisfying soul music, then this collection is for you!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Tue Classic, May 7, 2005

By 

R. Cancilla (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Truly: The Love Songs (Audio CD)

How could you give this anything less than a 5? I'm a 23 year old college student who listens to all types of music, but this is a classic that transcends age. Every track on this CD is awesome and relaxing, that is rare now days. You can just put the CD in and hit play, lay back an enjoy a one of a kind album. Do your self a favor and buy this, you'll love it.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Amazing, November 2, 2001

By 

Michael Kerner "Michael Kerner" (Brooklyn, New York U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Truly: The Love Songs (Audio CD)

Lionel Richie is one of the most gifted writers I've ever heard. This collection blends his signature sound of his own songs, and his work with The Commodores. The songs range elegantly from Endless Love, to Hello, all the way back to Truly. This is a great album to help fall in love with their soulmate. I truly find Lionel Richie to be amazing.