Search - The Beach Boys, The Lovin Spoonful, The Rascals :: Best Summer Album in the World Ever

A definitive "Summer" album - but why only one disc?

Jon | Scotland | 03/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like the sound of this album, and the line-up is *very* impressive, you may be disappointed to know this is actually just one half of the original two-disc UK version that featured 40 all-time great summer songs. Notwithstanding this is a shortened version of "The Best Summer Album In The World Ever!", you're still left with a fantastic array of summer grooves.No 'summer' album would be complete without a contribution from the 'kings of summer', The Beach Boys. "California Girls" may not be their best song ever recorded, but it certainley fits the mood of this album perfectly. And anyone who's ever had the displeasure of working without the luxury known as air conditioning in the height of summer will no doubt relate to the lyrics found on The Lovin' Spoonful's, "Summer In The City". One of my favourite summer songs of all-time simply has to be The (Young) Rascals', "Groovin'". As anyone who's ever heard this song will testify to, "Groovin'" is *the* song to 'chill-out' with when all you want to do is sit back and watch the world go by. Eddie Cochran's, "Summertime Blues" was one of the first mainstream 'summer' songs recorded, and it isn't half bad either. Returning to a more mellow setting, The Style Council's beautifully relaxing, "Long Hot Summer" - another one constantly on my playlist come that time of year - is a perfect mix of soothing soul and cool jazz. My only gripe is the version found here is not the one found on the Style Council's album. "Echo Beach" by Martha and the Muffins - a song from the punk rock era follows. I didn't like this when I first heard it, but it *does* grow on you after a while. And it's only right that Katrina & The Waves' uptempo dance hit, "Walking On Sunshine" is features on this CD too. If there's ever a track to play at a summer party, then it's this. Shaggy's, "Summertime" - one of three cover versions on "The Best Summer Album In The World...Ever!", may have proved popular when released as a single, but it's not even anywhere near as good as Mungo Jerry's original. In fact, Shaggy's contribution is the weakest on this compilation.KC & The Sunshine Band's, "Give It Up" is also an excellent summer party song, and what kind of album would this be without Britain's own, Cliff Richard, and his summer *classic*, "Summer Holiday"? It sounds a bit dated now, but still one of the best. Bobby Goldsboro's 'coming-of-age' song, "Summer (The First Time)" brings the tempo down again. How many guys have claimed - or would *like* to claim - this is a song written about their experiences on a hot summer day/night?! The line, "...the boy took her hand and walked to the sand, and I saw the sun rise as a man" is one of the most poignant lyrics you'll ever hear. Brilliant.First Class' slice of 70s bubblegum pop, "Beach Baby", injects fun back into the album, while the Doobie Brothers', "Takin' It To The Streets" - which I admit *isn't* on the UK version of this album - continues with the summer feeling. Reggae band, Aswad, recorded many fine summer-themed tracks during their career, so it's surprising the person who compiled this CD opted for "Shine", which isn't their best I can think of. "Don't Turn Around" would have been a better choice. Soul II Soul's club classic, "Back To Life" from 1989 gives this collection a more up-to-date feel, and it's followed by another 80s summer classic, "Carribean Queen" by Billy Ocean. The last two tracks on "The Best Summer Album In The World..Ever!" features two great tracks. "Summertime", by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith in his pre-Hollywood days) is another fine 'chill-out' groove. If you need something to relax you, look no further than playing this track. And if it fails to conjure up thoughts of 'summer' in your mind, you need to see a doctor! I really enjoyed The Fat Boys' version of The Safaris', "Wipe Out" with The Beach Boys guest appearing on background vocals. It's not to everyone's liking, but I loved it!It's a shame the UK version of "The Best Summer Album In The World..Ever!" is unavailable anymore (it was released in 1995). There's some classic songs missing from the 'International Version', including: "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers, "Sunny Afternoon" by the Kinks, "Dreadlock Holiday" by 10CC, "Sunday Girl" by Blondie, another Beach Boys classic, "Do It Again", Otis Redding's, "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" and several more. Still, this is an album worthy of it's title, and should be a *must-play* come summer time. Highly recommended..."

Summer Sounds

Xeneri | 07/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fun cd, from beach classics like The Beach Boys "California Girls" and "Summertime Blues " by Eddie Cochran to smooth contemporary standards like "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. A great mixture of songs for summer that's perfect to play for your beach parties. This one is going into my car for trips to the beach!"