Search - Sam Cooke :: 20 Great Hits

Early Sam Cooke Still an Essential

Dean Martin Dent | 02/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The biggest headache about collecting Sam Cooke is that a)there is only a few domestic releases b)many are scattered on different labels c)many pre-RCA compilations are only available on imports.I may also add that the best of his latter day compilation The Man & His Music has been out of print since 1997(with it the classic A Change Is Gonna Come).20 Greats is a must-have because it displays Sam as not only a versitile stylist with his choice of standards(Tammy,Ol Man River)but a great self contained songwriter(No One Can Take Your Place,Wonderful World,You Send Me) in his pre RCA days.Unfortunately many of these tracks are marred by overdubs,probably due to the fact that during the late 60's after his death someone thought they'd sell if these 50's era songs sound more up to date.Most of the time they stifle the charming low key arrangements(especially the ballroom-esque Let's Go Steady Again).But his version of Debbie Reynolds Tammy is enhanced by the overdubs transforming this already marvelous performance into an more dramatic reading.The sound isn't all that great probably due to making room for the overdubs,but until someone finally comes out with a worthy box set this is a must have for any Sam Cooke fan."

A Must!

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 05/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have quite a few Sam Cooke Sets in my house&it's hard to get one that fully has all of His Hits or the right Sound because you can hear things have been touched up.anyway the most important thing is that the Music here stands up.His Voice is still a Standard of what true Greatness is about.as a Stylist&Songwriter the Man had it all.truly a force that still looms large.this past weekend i was booming His jams&still in awe at his incredible depth&range.this is a must have ASAP."