A Classic International Reissue
James A. Najjar | Annapolis, MD USA | 04/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Universal Music Company issued The Best Of Collections under the series known as 2oth Century Masters-The Millenium Collection; the basis of this CD, issued originally in the US in 2000, with 11 tracks which included all 6 of Diana's USA #1 Solo Hits. Excluded from the international versions known as Classic are"Theme From Mahogany," and "The Boss." However 6 additional tracks were included and first released the same year as the US compilation under the series known as Classic-The Universal Masters Collection in Holland, which included the same songs as in this collection,with different cover art and the same liner notes, that still states erroneously that the collection includes "Someday We'll Be Togehter." In 2005, the same collection was reissued under the series Legends, in Malaysia in a LP format with a cover photo from Diana's Central Park Concert. In 2007 the collection was issued as part of the series Colour Collection, with different covers in the UK and Germany. And last this collection released in 2008 for the EU market with cover art you may recognize as the photo used on the cover of J.Randy Taraborrelli's biography "Call Her Miss Ross." Diana Ross collectors will still enjoy this collection because it includes some of her best recordings with Ashford & Simpson and Rodgers & Edwards. The former are represented by the hit singles "Reach Out And Touch"; "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Remember Me" and "It's My House." Also the very vibrant dance hit "No One Gets The Prize", (a possible sequel to "Keep An Eye") and a very hearfelt "I'm In The World" (perhaps the sequel to "Dark Side Of The World.") The Rodgers & Edwards hits include "Upside Down","I'm Coming Out", the international favorite "My Old Piano";and "Friend To Friend", a lovely ballad from the Diana album. The one flaw of this collection is that "Love Hangover" (and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough")have been issued in the single format. Rounding out the collection are the lovely ballads "It's My Turn";"Endless Love","Touch Me In The Morning" and "Reflections", the only track from her Supremes era. You won't be disappointed with this collection. Every cut is Diana at her best."