Editorial Review:

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

Album 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.

Well, Once again Mr Richie comes out with a great CD ! All you need to do is put it in your CD player kick back and relax . A+

Average Rating:

Rating: - Aways Awesome
Well, Once again Mr Richie comes out with a great CD ! All you need to do is put it in your CD player kick back and relax . A+

Rating: - 1970s-1980s Master Of The Love Song
Lionel Richie, whether that was his intent or not, became the Johnny Mathis of the 1970s and 1980s with his obvious preference for the love ballad, both during his career as lead singer with The Commodores and as a solo act. From the first group hit [Machine Gun] in 1974 to his last solo charter in 1996 [Don't Wanna Lose You for the Mercury label], he was responsible for 36 Billboard Pop Hot 100 hit singles [all but one with Motown] and, with a few exceptions, most fit under the category of love songs.

It's not surprising therefore that this CD, despite NOT being billed as a "greatest hits" or "best of" compilation, has no less than 17 which were hit singles, six of them #1s [only tracks 1 and 16 were not hits]. Seven of them [including two #1s] are from his Commodores stint. Would that most greatest hits albums were as this thorough.

Also an accomplished saxophonist, Lionel left The Commodores in 1982 [his last hit with them was Why You Wanna Try Me?] and immediately struck gold as a solo act with Truly, a # 1 for two weeks in late 1982 [in 1981, while still a member of the group, he had cut the smash duet Endless Love [# 1 for NINE weeks] with Diana Ross]. Three more # 1 hits would follow, with the only one missing from this collection being 1983's All Night Long [All Night].

The sound quality is flawless and if there is a fault it's the absence of any appreciable liner notes in the fold-out insert which contains merely a re-listing of the contents, but no discography, and a few more photos. There is, however, a short message from Lionel which fits into the theme of the album - "I find love - difficult to explain - impossible to control, comes when you least expect it and is for each of us a unique experience. I hope you can identify with and enjoy some of my experience."

We did Lionel. And thanks for sharing.

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Rating: - Lionel
Lionel = LOVE
Best crooner of love songs ever!
Have a memory for each song!

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Rating: - Great Singer
Lionel Richie is the greates singer of love songs. I love to hear his voice. He has this way about making a woman feel good about herself in a song. I love the old stuff.

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Rating: - Love this CD
Lionel Ritchie is the man! I find myself singing to one song after another. Great listen for when I'm in a mellow mood...

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Related Items:

The Definitive Collection

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Lionel Richie

Can't Slow Down

Coming Home

21 Number Ones

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