"Known as Raymond Edward O'Sullivan to his mother, Gilbert O'Sullivan had one of those careers that gave us a number of memorable hits but unfortunately flamed out when all of his songs started to sound the same. The exception was "Alone Again (Naturally)". It was just one of those songs that grabbed you when you first heard it. It even takes on more meaning over thirty years later when those of us that were around when it was released have lived a lot more of life and can reflect on the song's meaning even better. The other semi memorable little ditties would include "Out of the Question, Clair and Get Down".These are all good little tunes for a trip down memory lane."
The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!
Frederick Baptist | Singapore | 01/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rhino has once again managed to release an excellent best of compilation. Not only are the 20 tracks here great value for money, they represent the best that Gilbert O'Sullivan has ever done and each track has been mastered brilliantly for a great sound. Amazon yet again has made an error on the track listing as "Christmas Song" although a great song is not on this album but the duet with Peggy Lee, "Can't Think Straight" is.
Gilbert O'Sullivan represents that quirkey, talented, individual who can write great melodies and tongue-in-cheek lyrics that make you smile and even laugh at yourself as you empathise with the characters in his lyrics. I'm sure many of us can at one time or another identify with the individual described in "Alone Again, Naturally" for instance or even thought about the stuff on "Matrimony" while not actually acting upon them and yet nonetheless, having sympathy with the people involved in the lyrics.
All the great ones are here, from "Alone Again..." to "Claire" to "What's in a Kiss" to "Get Down." No weak tracks to talk about as you marvel at the great melodies and lyrics that this guy's able to put together track after track after track. I never get tired of listening to this guy and if you are looking for the best one-disc compilation of Gilbert that's out there, this one is it. Very highly recommended!"
All the singles, plus What's In A Kiss
Paul D. Rasmussen Jr. | Pittsburgh PA, United States | 07/25/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Collectors rejoice! This CD, unlike some compilations, includes all of O'Sullivan's Top 40 charted songs. The bonus is getting "What's In A Kiss", released by Arista (if memory serves) in the early 80's. Another one of those songs that coulda, woulda, shoulda been bigger."
A CLASSIC, must-have for O'Sullivan fans
S. McCormick | 05/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let me begin by saying this: I LOVE Gilbert O'Sullivan. Not like....LOVE. Now, one of the reasons I happen to LOVE O'Sullivan is because of how much he reminds me of Paul McCartney. Because, you see, I LOVE Paul McCartney also. More specifically, I LOVE the Paul McCartney of the Beatles days and his Wings days. With all due respect for the witty reviewer from Tacoma, WA, I have to say that anyone who would even try to suggest that Paul McCartney is put to shame by Gilbert O'Sullivan is missing some of their marbles. You have to have more respect for the "original" than you are showing with your comments. The "original", of course, being McCartney...without whom, Gilbert would not even have had a career. (a fair statement given that Gilbert CLEARLY took after Paul's stylings in his melodic approach...and was successful because of it) If you dis-like McCartney so much, then how on earth can you like Gilbert O'Sullivan? I'm taking a wild guess that you also prefer Badfinger over McCartney? (another artist that owes their career to the former Beatle). While I would agree that the solo McCartney has put out his share of really LAME stuff, the fact remains he has also written COUNTLESS classics...many more than could ever fit onto a SINGLE compilation CD. (I don't need to start listing all of the songs, do I?) Come on, man! If you are going to play "Music Reviewer", at least put things into their proper perspective!!!
Anyway...now that I've gotten that off my chest, if you are in your mid thirties like me, or older...then music like Gilbert O'Sullivan's really takes you back down memory lane. I have nothing but fond memories whenever I hear songs like "Clair" or "Alone Again (Naturally)". As a singer-songwriter myself, I am absolutely blown away at the melodic structure of Gilbert's music...as well as his lyrical style. Some previous reviewer had a shall we say "interesting" interpretation on the meaning behind "Clair". Call me naive, but I really think it's merely an innocent song about an Uncle's sincere doting and love of his neice. (Yes...this type of love still ACTUALLY exists!) Anyway...unfortunately, nobody is making music like this anymore. Maybe that's what makes artists like Gilbert O'Sullivan so timeless.
My final comment is simply this: YIKES!!! What's the deal with that PRICE tag???? OUCH!!! Am I buying a CD or a magazing subscription???"