"Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods' music fit perfectly into the predominant musical image of the early 70s. With their signature hit "Billy, Don't Be A Hero" they topped the charts in '74 and followed it up with "Who Do You Think You Are", though less successful commercially, a tune that is an even better pop gem. With subsequent singles they tried to add more edge to their music but the transition proved unsuccessful commercially and two singles later they were gone from the chart radar. This collection brings together their five charted singles, some non-charting singles, b-sides and album cuts. Notably, it includes their pre-"Billy..." single "Someone Special" and two album cuts from their Family label Osmonds-imitating phase. The entire CD is well-constructed with sound production courtesy of Bill Inglot. Liner notes provide eight pages of history of the group and a few pics and promo illustrations. While not history-making, a welcome gathering of this quintessential 70s group's output."
100% pure USDA nostalgia
Zub | 08/14/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"truth be told: these songs really aren't all that great, but that's not really the point. what's important to me, on a personal level, are the memories that this band inspires. "Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods" was the first album i ever owned -- it was 1974 or so, and i was maybe 6 years old, but i remember all these songs vividly. white cover, soft lens group photo, feathered hair...ah, yes. i wish i still had that album, but this CD is a nice substitute."
A must for any fans of Bo Donaldson
John A. Huggins | Dallas, Texas | 05/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those fans out there if you can find this CD buy it! It has most of the tracks from the fabulous first LP, which I still have. It also has "The Heartbreak Kid," which has been out of print for almost 30 years now. I have both their first and second albums, and to have this "Best Of" CD is just a dream come through."
Twenty years + and Hey would I love em all over again? YES!
Denise Nipps | Peoria Hts, IL United States | 08/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"1972/3/4/5/6's nostalgic bubble gum light pop rock! It's still fun, catchy and reminiscent of some of the innocent, sweet flavor of that time in music. Lively, tuneful and upbeat. Wish they could have stayed around and developed further...Mike Gibbons has a wonderfully distinctive voice and it would have been interesting to hear how he could have flexed his vocal talents more fully! Ah,well. I'll just keep enjoying this and wishing I could have more. Remix and offer anything they once produced and I'll buy it. Then or now, I will always enjoy their special sound. So what if it's not a hard chew? Soft is tasty, too- it has its own merits- and, hey, why not enjoy blowing bubbles from time to time? Definitely worth the pink, sticky smile!!!"
The ULTIMATE in Bubble-gum rock.
Denise Nipps | 12/12/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album makes me remember my adolescence, which was amazingly pleasant, in 1970's Los Angeles. I LOVE it!"