Search - Thelma Houston :: Best of

Good overview - could have used more Sunshower however

James E. Bagley | Sanatoga, PA USA | 04/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Thelma Houston is an extremely gifted vocalist who was rarely given top material at Motown (usually Diana Ross castoffs). In addition to her Grammy-winning, number one smash "Don't Leave Me This Way," all of her other significant Motown singles are included here, such as "Saturday Night Sunday Morning," "If It's The Last Thing I Do," "You've Been Doing Wrong For So Long" and "I'm Here Again" (the latter two are omitted from the import Houston collection).Only one recording, "Jumping Jack Flash" is included from her acclaimed debut album "Sunshower," which was produced by Jimmy Webb. It shows Houston at her most vibrant and is worth seeking out. Unfortunately, Sunshower is currently only available on cd as an import and at an inflated price. The import Houston collection has a few more Sunshower tracks on it. It would also have been nice to have included on this collection her original version of "Do You Know Where You're Going To" which of course Miss Ross later had a major hit with. Ultimately, the Best of Thelma Houston is a good overview of Houston's Motown work, but most of the time it is a frustrating example of mediocre material overcoming a superior talent."

A Must for Anyone that Loves Good Music

James E. Bagley | 02/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation covers most of her material (mainly from her debut to her late 70's- early 80's material.) I love all her songs. She posesses earthy, soulful, diva vocals. Although she is mainly a soul singer, Thelma throws it down every time on uptempo numbers like "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning", which proves she is a highly engaging dance diva. Her music stands the test a time well. Hopefully she will be signed to at least a moderate or small record label and record music just for her fans who appreciate it. Any lover of soul and dance music should have this album. I also suggest fans untilize her message board at VH1.com."

Always a Pleasure!

Beverly Praiswater | 05/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There is nothing to match the voice of Thelma Houston. A highly overlooked diva, she continuely has an abundance of energy and soul to bring audiences of all ages to standing ovations.This is a great collection of her early works. Who could forget "Don't Leave Me This Way"! It is Thelma's signature song.Other fun numbers are "Love Machine", "Stealin' In The Name Of The Lord", "Piano Man" and "I'm Here Again". Great ballads include "Just A Little Piece", "Me and Bobby McGee", and "You've Been Doing Wrong For So Long".Missing from this "best of" are some of the other (in addition to "Jumpin' Jack Flash") brilliant numbers from "Sunshower" and the songs from the exceptional "Thelma and Jerry" album which features brilliant duets with Jerry Butler.Thelma always deserves 5 stars for her singing, but because this "best of" is missing some of her VERY best from these other albums, I'll give it 4 stars."