The Very Best of Aaron Neville

Aaron Neville

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 11, 2000)
• Original Release Date: January 11, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B00003XACM
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,048 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Possessor of one of contemporary music's most instantly recognizable voices, Aaron Neville has a recording career that spans nearly 40 years. While he started out as a bona fide purveyor of New Orleans-flavored R&B in the '60s, Neville has added his distinctive styling to pop fare in more recent years. Miraculously, even though he's recorded a diverse range of material--from Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust" to a cover of the Originals' classic "The Bells"--Neville has lost none of his innate soulfulness. At last, there's a complete compilation that is a glorious testament to his skills as a vocal master. Thankfully, the original version of "Tell It Like It Is," Neville's 1967 R&B standard, is included here alongside his very first charted hit, 1960's "Over You." Neville's smash duet with Linda Ronstadt, "Don't Know Much" (1989), is naturally a standout, but equally impressive are tracks culled from the vocal stylist's four non-Christmas albums for A&M: "Don't Take Away My Heaven," a Louisiana workout of Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell"; the infectious "Angola Bound"; a beautiful reading of the Stylistics' "Betcha By Golly Wow"; and, as a bonus, a brilliant reading of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," recorded with his brothers for the 1989 "Yellow Moon." An essential collection and a reminder of Neville's undeniable artistry. --David Nathan

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine, Almost Complete Overview, May 22, 2000

By	T. C Lane (Marina, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This CD covers Neville's A&M solo albums and throws in 3 ringers: His hit duet with Linda Ronstadt ("Don't Know Much") and 2 classic solo sides from the 60's (both of which sound great and are the original cuts). There's also a fine cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" from the Neville Brother's album Yellow Moon, and a selection from Rob Wasserman's Duets album. What's missing are the records Aaron made after "Tell It Like It Is" from the late 60's and mid 70's. For that I strongly recommend Rounder Records superb "My Greatest Gift" - The Classic Aaron Neville. As an overview of his A&M years this is good, indeed. Tracks like his covers of "The Grand Tour" and "Lousiana 1927" show his taste in great songs. And ballads like "Betcha By Golly Wow" and "Warm Your Heart" are carried along by his incredible voice. Good liner notes and excellent sound. If you're just getting in to Aaron Neville's solo career this is the best collection out there.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aaron Neville's voice is the instrument of an angel!, March 7, 2000

By	Bernadette A. Moyer (Lutherville, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Rich in God blessed talent! During the holidays I caught a Christmas special where Aaron Neville captivated me. The song was sweet and sexy about a kiss, I watched him and was like WOW! Just purchased "The Very Best of Aaron Neville" album for a long car ride. What great classic songs done by the voice of an angel. The instrumental is great but his voice becomes the instrument. Such a gift! I loved the classics but truthfully song 17, "TO MAKE ME WHO I AM", moved me to tears. It is insightful, honest and heartwrentching. As a book publisher and author, I am curious if they debated over this one meaning the exposing of this artist? When we live in a society that only wishes to show the commercially bought into package, Neville risks/reveals himself and hits a cord in the humanity of us all. I share this song with those I care deeply for, and then switch gears and dance to the classic "YOU NEVER CAN TELL". It is absolutely beautiful!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Voice!, September 10, 2003

By	Traci (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This is my first Aaron Neville CD and it does not disappoint at all--a lovely instrument he has with his voice--an American original. I saw him live at The Birchmere theatre in Northern Virginia not too long ago and his voice was almost drowned out by his accompyment, however, you hear his wonderful voice so clearly on the CD--I highly recommend it to fans.