Seventies music shows Aretha influence
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 01/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Natalie has a long and distinguished career behind her but her seventies music, showcased in this collection, is sometimes forgotten. This is especially true in the UK, where Natalie only had one (minor) hit but even in the USA, Natalie's biggest successes came later in her career. Natalie's style back then was clearly influenced by Aretha Franklin. She could rock with the best but was also an excellent R+B ballad singer.This particular compilation was originally released on the British MFP label but was later re-issued on the Dutch Disky label. With so many classics not charting in Europe, the compilers felt free to ignore some seemingly obvious songs (Inseparable, Mr Melody) although they have included most of the big American hits. Of course, there are other compilations that include the missing hits, but the absence of those hits allows for some quality album tracks and B-sides to be included, which may not be available elsewhere.Inevitably, this collection of Natalie's seventies music opens with This will be, a top ten American hit that also made the UK top forty, but the rest of this set shows just what Brits missed out on. Oh daddy is a cover of a Fleetwood Mac song from their classic album, Rumours. Among the American hits that failed to chart in the UK, you'll find Sophisticated lady, Stand by, Be thankful and I've got love on my mind.Natalie's brand of seventies R+B may not have appealed to Brits at the time (perhaps because Natalie didn't go after the disco market) but the music here has a quality that will last forever. If you enjoy seventies R+B, you'll love this collection."
An Excellent Greatest Hits Package
Peter Durward Harris | 10/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This greatest hits package imported from England is a must have. It contains hits from Natalie Cole's career starting with "This Will Be" and ending with "Stand By." Containing over 70 minutes of music, this CD truly shows Natalie at her best. From the rocking "Touch Me" to "Your Face Stays In My Mind," "Needing You," and the irrestible "You," Natalie shows she was as versertile then as she is today. Also included here are the classics "Our Love," "I've Got Love On My Mind," "Be Thankful," and my favorites "I Love You So," and "Stand By." So if you want to listen to some good classic R&B, order this CD now. You won't be disappointed...I promise."
Best of the Rest
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | 07/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Natalie Cole could actually have a two-CD Greatest Hits set but this one showcases her earlier work quite well. Many of the hits and favorites are here from This Will Be to I've Got Love On My Mind. Missing, however, are Top 100 hits such as Mr. Melody and Inseparable. But, if you want more of her "hits" you can also purchase The Natalie Cole Collection. If you are a Natalie Cole fan wanting some of her earlier work on compact disc, I would purchase both The Natalie Cole Collection and this fine import - Sophisticated Lady. There are many great things about this compilation, mostly that it contains some hard to find "B" sides and great albums tracks including Joey, Good Morning Heartache, and Unpredicatable You. Unfortunately, it does not have the excellent early "B" sides How Come You Won't Stay Here and La Costa. You'll have to search for those elsewhere. But, the CD certainly makes up for its few omissions with an overall view of Natalie's best earlier work. Just wait until you hear her version of Christine McVie's (Fleetwood Mac) version of Oh Daddy. Wow! This is a must for Natalie Cole fans!"
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1