Customer Reviews

Under Her Spell: Greatest Hits

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
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This was Phyllis' first-ever anthology and includes some of her biggest Arista hits. Unfortunately, much of the material Arista boss Clive Davis (and his cohorts) gave Phyllis did NOT do her talents justice as they tried to make her a commercial diva. The tragedy about artists like Phyllis, Jean Carne, Angela Bofill, Brenda Russell and Patti Austin is that their best songs were album-only tracks which had no commercial appeal (as such, the single releases had to be trendy to some degree). This IS a good CD but the "Legacy Of Phyllis Hyman" 2-CD set offers both better value for your money AND a much better selection of Phyllis' music.

I always loved the song You Know How to Love Me but never new the artist that recorded it although I did hear of Phyllis. I bought this CD for that one song and the whole disk is great. My personal favorite is You Sure Look Good To Me. That song has so much energy I don't know why it wasn't a big hit. It had me hooked in the first minute of the song. She is a versataille artist who covers the likes of R&B, Jazz, Soul etc. Such a shame she had to leave the world with all that talent. As a previous reviewer mentioned this is only a sampler CD and I've already ordered her Legacy 2CD and also this same CD so I can keep one in the car. Can't leave home without Phyllis.

This CD contains great songs but if you want a BETTER collection of Phyllis Classics, invest in:
1.Arista's 2 CD set 'The Legacy of Phyllis Hyman'
2. and the new 'Phyillis Hyman:Arista Heritage' CD
Let's hope that a BOX SET will be released to honor Phyllis's Career.

The late Phyllis Hyman had one of the strongest voices ever to grace popular music, but she also knew how to reign that power in and deliver a ballad with such longing and passion that it broke your heart. "Betcha' By Golly Wow" is one fine example of that gift. This 10 track sampler is a fine introduction to her work for the uninitiated and indespensible to rabid fans like me. She fairly caresses the melody with her flawless delivery and the rhythm section slowly coaxes her along to a quiet finish. The other masterpiece here, James Mtume and Reggie Lucas' classic "You Know How To Love Me" is timeless, I don't care how many times you hear it on the radio it NEVER sounds old.
While there are a couple of embarrassing disco tunes here that could have easily been replaced, "Under Her Spell" is a great listen from start to finish and will surely win over a whole new legion of fans and remind longtime devotee's just how special this woman and her talents were. R.I.P. Phyllis.

I had blessed opportunities to hear Ms. Hyman in person when she frequently played in Chicago at what used to be George's. Ms. Hyman is a legend in her own right & was even before her passing. Anyone who loves music & the soft, sweet sound of an angel's voice would be blessed to hear any of Ms. Hyman's songs. Buy it; you won't be disappointed!

Phyllis Hyman was the purest definition of the word "vocalist", she possessed a presence and a talent that took you to a better place... she is now in a better place, and I hope she found the peace that eluded her on earth. Thank you Phyllis! As for us mere mortals, her musical legacy will remain. If you desire to hear an original, listen to Phyllis, I must warn you, however, once you do the addiction to her is forever...

As similar to the terrible ending of film legend, Dorothy Dandridge, it seems Phyllis Hyman met the same fate. Why they took their own lives, no one really knows. They were just as great as these living legends: Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Angela Bofill, and Whitney Houston on the popular Arista label. Their memories will live on !!

I have been searching for Phyllis Hyman music and this was the perfect CD. They are indeed some of her greatest hits and I love every song on the CD. Great for riding and enjoying. Amazon purchases are always received within a great timeframe and I have been happy with every purchase. Also happy with the free shipping for $25.00 purchase. Thanks Amazon.com.

I always was a "Big Fan" of this music artist since the first time, I heard her sing years ago. I can only enjoy her music now; that she recorded before her misfortunate death.

Under Her Spell: Greatest Hits. I bought this CD 15 years ago and it still sounds as fresh and as classy as it did the first day I heard it. Phyllis Hyman's voice is bluesy, smooth and melodic, truely unique. Her songs me happy and sad at the same time; happy because I have had the privilage to own such a musical gem and can play this CD anytime I want, sad because such a wonderful and talented singer is gone never to be seen or heard live again. This a great CD for serious R&B music lovers.