Customer Reviews

War - Grooves & Messages: The Greatest Hits of War

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

 

 

I bought this CD partly on the strength of the Rough Guide review that described it as a compilation of "full-length" versions. Although it's a very well-chosen collection of songs, it's not true that all the tracks are full-length: at least two definitely aren't. I'm speaking of "Spill the Wine" (in which the second verse is completely omitted) and "The World Is a Ghetto" (which is nowhere near the length of the original album version). It's especially a shame because it's such a great-looking package and there is surely plenty of room on a two-disc set for the full-length versions.

This CD is a plus for many reasons; I'd give it more than 5 stars if possible. First of all, it contains most of WAR's best known and best loved hits on the first CD. The second CD, which is especially attractive for dance fans like me, consists of some good remixes of really great WAR songs. Second of all, the price is more than reasonable--almost like getting 2 CDs for the price of one. WAR is a very underrated band, and they have a wide range of styles and sounds, probably due to the fact that they were a true multi-culti clique. They are right up there with Earth, Wind, & Fire, the Isley Brothers, and any of the various incarnations of George Clinton's groups as far as funk, funk-soul, and or funk-rock with something that most acts don't have today: actual instruments (not computers). This set has classic dusties made just right for cruising, and even the original, non-remixed versions are tight for moving. Wanna be a TRUE big tymer? Grab this CD; you will not be disappointed. Everyone can learn something from this CD, even "current" artists with their manufactured, sample-heavy, test-rabbit sounds. Add it to your collection.

THIS BY FAR IS THE TRUE WAR GREATEST HITS-YOU GET THE FIRST CD WITH ALL THE GREAT SONGS-"SUMMER", LOWRIDER, WHY CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS ETC. AND THEN ON THE SECOND CD YOU GET SOME GREAT RE-MIXES. I HAVE SEEN WAR MANY TIMES IN CONCERT AND THEY ARE A GREAT BAND. I WOULD RANK THIS AS A CD THAT YOU CAN LISTEN TO OVER AND OVER AND NOT GET TIRED OF. IT BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES OF THE 70'S.

War never received the radio airtime that it probably deserved, and that is why this cd is so great to hear. Like EW&F, War has been overlooked as a great group...fortunately, we're reminded of their exceptional talents with songs like "Low Rider", "Cisco Kid" and "East L.A"...an all-time favorite that was largely ignored by the disc jokeys (pun intended.) For crusin and having fun, buy this album. You won't be disappointed with anything but the remix cd; that is a useless production

One of the 70's most Influential funk acts, with the impressively consistant catalogue of acknowledged hits, that even to this day, are a marvel in soul-laden grooves than have found their unique music, sampled relentlessly into the dance music scene, (although prominently in the `house' & `R&b' music fields). "Slippin' into Darkness" is a widely sampled track, and its easy to see why..slickly produced, impeccably sung, and toe-tappingly funky, and much of what on this album sticks to that template, of keeping the listeners attention for the use of P-funk, soaring Choruses (sometimes sung by several members in a upwardly spiralling crescendo), also providing significant firepower in getting their funk itinerary across, are "The World Is a Ghetto", "Low Rider" (which is such a excellent track, it's frequently used in films, has been used in a TV. commercial & been cover-versioned by metallers "Korn") & "Why Can't We Be Friends?"......a case of Soul-funkers on a mission to convert the uninformed???...Mission accomplished!!!

Great album for the summer time and though it brings back some memories of an ex-girlfriend many summers ago, it is a great listen; especially for those living in New York City during the sweltering July and August months.

The first CD contains most of WAR's best known and best loved hits while the second CD contains Dance Remixes. Love the first CD and while I already had some of these songs on my MP3, I missed WAR at the fair this year and wanted to recreate in my head - their show. If you ever have a chance to see them - do, because they are everything and more - a show well worth going to.

A good collection. I personally bought this for the long version of "Summer." It's 6+ minutes (versus the 4 minute version normally available). Yes, it is true, that some of the songs are not full lenght, but, alas, no collection of a group of War's magnitude will probably ever be...perfect.

Nonetheless, I rate this collection: 4 stars!

War is One Of The Baddest All-Around Groups ever.this Double Set Showcases their Great Talent.War is Long Over-Due for their Props.the Grooves Never Let up.Their Music has so Many Different Styles.They Asked a Very Human Question here Why Can't We Be Friends?Very Powerful&Uplifting.Great Music.