Search - Diana Ross :: Definitive Collection

Outstanding anthology of Diana's biggest and best at Motown

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 09/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"During the years 1964 to 1986 few artists dominated the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart like Diana Ross. As lead singer of the Supremes and later as a solo artist Diana placed more than 70 tunes on the charts. During her years as lead singer of the Supremes Diana would have an remarkable 12 #1 hits! When she made the decision in 1969 to leave the Supremes to pursue a solo career Diana was on top of the world. Many of her fans wondered if she was making the right decision. But Diana longed to pursue new musical vistas and over the next 15 years the music of Diana Ross would continue to be a fixture on radio stations all across America and around the world. "The Definitive Collection" from Hip-O records presents 20 of the biggest and best hits from Diana's highly successful solo career. You will find not only her great hits from Motown but all of her biggest hits from her time at RCA as well.

So what is your favorite Diana Ross song???? There are certainly plenty to choose from. Oddly enough, her biggest hit after she left the Supremes was really not a solo at all. She recorded the theme song from the motion picture "Endless Love" with Motown label mate Lionel Richie. That one spent 9 weeks at the top of the charts in the summer of 1981. Yes, you will find it on "The Definitive Collection". You will also find other outstanding Motown hits like the #1 "Theme From Mahoghany(Do You Know Where You're Going To)", 1973's #1 smash "Touch Me In The Morning" and one of my personal favorites "It's My Turn".

And if that were not enough enjoy once again unforgettable hits like "I'm Coming Out", "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and the quirky 1974 release "Last Time I Saw Him". I love that tune! And of course no Diana Ross collection would be complete without her remake of the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" which hit the top of the charts in the golden year 1970.

Fast forward now to the Fall of 1981. For the second time in her career Diana Ross makes a controversial career decision. Diana has opted to leave her comfortable surroundings at Motown Records. She signs a contract with RCA. How did that work out?? Over the next few years Diana would score with four more Top Ten hits. All are included in "The Definitive Collection".

These are songs you just don't hear on the radio anymore. You are sure to enjoy Diana's version of Frankie Lymons rollicking "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", the Top 10 hit "Muscles" and her moving tribute to her pal Marvin Gaye "Missing You". All of the tracks on "The Definitive Collection" are the original hits you would remember from the radio. The songs have been lovingly remastered to ensure maximum enjoyment and a beautiful 16 page booklet containing biographical information and chart data is included. For my money, "The Definitive Collection" should be considered essential in any collection of American popular music. Well done and highly recommended!"

Diana Ross in a nutshell

Amanda Richards | Georgetown, Guyana | 09/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This remastered collection is a précis version of Diana Ross' music career during her first solo stint with Motown and then with RCA, with nineteen Top 40 songs from 1970 to 1984. There's also one track from her 2006 album "Blue", titled "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes", which is a version of the 1930s classic jazz/pop hit also sung by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Dinah Washington, among others.



It contains six songs that hit the number one spot in the USA - Love Hangover (1976); Touch Me in the Morning (1973); Upside Down (1980); Ain't No Mountain High Enough (1970); Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To?) (1975); and Endless Love (with Lionel Richie) (1981). Seven other tracks were Top 10, and the remaining six made it to the Top 40.



If you haven't been collecting her albums through the years, this album is a kind of "CliffsNotes" to Diana Ross - not the whole story, but enough to get the gist.







Amanda Richards, September 15, 2006

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Superb remastering

Tom | Toronto | 08/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are many Diana Ross compilations out there but this is one of the best ones because it gathers up most of her Top 40 hits as a solo artist, including a handful of her 80s RCA material.



It's concise, and a perfect compilation for those interested in Diana but do not want to purchase too many of her individual albums.



It's disappointing that "Chain Reaction" (a number one UK hit) is not here but there are many things to rave about this collection.



The sound is impeccable, making the hits sound fresh. It's great to have the 80s RCA material finally remastered.



The sequencing may annoy fans, but I actually like it since most Ross compilations begin with "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)". But this one starts with "I'm Coming Out" which is the perfect beginning.



Highly recommended."