Customer Reviews

Very Best of

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are so many soul groups where one member was the lead singer from the start or where one singer became bigger than the group and went out on their own (e.g., Diana Ross and the Supremes). What made the Impressions different was that it produced two major stars in Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler (Fred Cash was the third member of the trio). Working out of Chicago and originally a doo-wop group called the Roosters, the Impressions had a distinctly different sound from the groups in Motown and Philadelphia. Their harmonies were lighter and the trios would trade off on the vocals, a gospel tradition that was rare for rhythm and blues groups. In terms of instrumentation Mayfield (who wrote almost all of the songs in this cllection) went for minimal guitars and understated rhythms, often with a Latin influence, all of which continued to give the Impressions a distinct sound.

Since "The Very Best of the Impressions" is a Rhino collection it is an excellent collection of the group's greatest hits with stellar liner notes by David Nathan. True fans of the group will quibble with the sixteen songs selected only because the deciding factor is how well they did on the soul charts rather than on their quality irrespective of chart success. The hits are arranged chronologically, from their early successes with "Gypsy Woman" and "It's All Right," when the group was a quintet rather than the trio it is best remembered as being, to the two songs by the Impressions that made it to #1 on the soul on the Black Singles chart were "Choice of Colors" (which asked the question, "If you had a choice of colors, which would you prefer, my brother?") and the post-Mayfield "Finally Got Myself Together (I'm A Changed Man)." In between are the classic tracks Mayfield wrote that were some of the first R&B songs to exhibit a strong social consciousness and reflect Mayfield's religious background.

The biggie here is "People Get Ready," which only made it to #14 on the Billboard chart but which was named by "Rolling Stone" magazine as the 24th greatest song of all-time. Mayfield wrote the song just before a march in Chicago led by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965. When the song was released churches in Chicago began singing their own version, which ironically changed the final lyrics so the song was more universal but less religious. The song would eventually be covered by Vanilla Fudge, Bob Dylan, the Chambers Brothers, Glen Campbell, Petula Clark, Rod Stewart, and Aretha Franklin, which certainly speaks to the scope of those who were moved by its message.

"Amen" and "Keep on Pushing" are in a similar religious vein, the former familiar because of Sidney Portier singing the old spiritual in "Lillies of the Field" and now rewritten by Mayfield and producer John W. Pate, Sr. The latter reflects the resolute attitude of the civil rights movement. Other songs reflect Mayfield's last years with the group, such as "We're a Winner," "This Is My Country," and "Check Out Your Mind." One song that I would have liked to have seen included is "Mighty, Mighty Spade & Whitey," the B-Side for "Choice of Colors" which received a lot of air-play because of its provocative title. But what is here is certainly representative of the Impressions, both in terms of their musical style and their cultural significance in the Sixties.

Being saddened by the death of Curtis a couple of days ago, I paid my resects by diggin out all of my Impresssons albums and listened to them as I have never before. The music although the same as it was some twenty five years ago sounded more special. This album is one of my favorites. It features Curtis at his best. His guitar licks ever prevalent, unique only to Curtis. Will miss him. I thank God for him and his music....Bill

This CD had all the obscure songs I wanted by the Impressions. It was the best I could ask for; the only reason I gave it 4 stars is their songwriting was not completely to my taste. "Fool For You" is great and I haven't heard that song since 1970. (That song's unusual sound comes from its uncommon 9/8 meter.) Other songs I remember from long ago are the social commentary song "Choice of Colors," "Amen," and "It's All Right."

THANK YOUUUUUU! AMAZON.COM, I thought I would never hear I'm a Fool for you again in life. This is one song by Curtis and the Impressions that has stayed with me since the 60's and I am so thankful to now own it again. The album is the BBOOMMBB! This is what real music is about to me. Keep up the good work. because music lovers like myself wil appreciate you. Thanks again and again. Jackie B.

these songs are timeless.The Genius Mind of Curtis Mayfield is felt all through here.Choice of COlors is a Powerful song.MR.Mayfield made a Incredible Impact on the world of Music.he was so real&forceful with His Work.He WIll be Missed but never forgotten.this is true SOUL MUSIC.everything that is missing badly now in R-N-B.

This album is what I need. It is very uplifting and brings back so many memories. We need this music today. It will never grow old, because the music relates to today's issues and concerns. Anyone wanting to relax and enjoy music how it was meant to be will not be disappointed!! I am definitely Old School! The "Impressions" keep it real....

Keep Your Head To The Sky!!

I think this CD is great. But, I can't imagine the best of the impressions not having the following songs on it:

I'm so Proud Can't stay away from you

If they were, I would buy this CD

This CD brings back memories when there was real talent out there and when Soul music was a category and everyone had their own particular sound, there were lyrics that actually made since and everything wasn't about sex, but it was about love instead. I love this group and this CD every song on it is a winner, one of my favorites is "Fool for You". I love this CD and highly recommend it to anyone who is a lover of real "Soul" music with a message!

The best thing about Amazon is that you can come across or remember a song or a movie, and immediately go on Amazon and buy it and a very good price. Just like that!
So it was with the "Best of the Impressions."
My Brother and Father and I were talking about the best of the 60's and 70's R&B groups, esspecially those that dealt with relevant social issues in those turgid times.
Those conversations must begin and end with the Impressions.
Unlike many older nostalgia groups, this CD made it clear that the Impressions sound just as vibrant, and even more refined and relevant as they did in the days of my youth.
A bonus was realizing that a big part of the group in their earlier days was the incomparable Jerry Butler.
A powerhouse singer who sang love songs with a man's sensitivity.
I immediately loaded it into Windows media in my compouter at work and play it frequently.
Just the tonic for the disonance of today's music and declining quality of life!!

I received this CD very fast and was impressed by the sound and various songs. If you are into oldies, this is a must have.