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Babyface Album - Collection of His Greatest Hits
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Release Date:2000-11-13
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Type:Unknown
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Genre:R&B, Quiet Storm
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Label:Epic
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Explicit Lyrics:No
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UPC:5099749331129
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Review :
As can be expected with a {$Babyface} retrospective, the songs are top notch and the production is excellent. At his peak in the mid-'90s, {$Babyface} was arguably the American music industry's hottest producer/songwriter. He also established himself as a top-rate {\balladeer}, as evidenced by the songs on this selection. {&"Everytime I Close My Eyes,"} {&"Never Keeping Secrets,"} and {&"When Can I See You"} are quintessential {\slow jam} {$Babyface}. His up-tempo numbers, such as {&"It's No Crime"} and the {$Shalamar} cover, {&"This Is for the Lover in You,"} are just as engaging. However, despite the inclusion of some of his best {\ballads} and up-tempo hits, this album suffers from several glaring omissions, and leaves one hoping for a more complete product, or at least a second volume to complement what's lacking in this one. Glaring omissions include two hits from his {^Tender Lover} album, those being {&"My Kinda Girl"} and the title track. Incidentally, both those songs were remixed (and greatly improved) when released as singles, so their inclusion on this hits package would have been a huge bonus for the singer's fans. Other omissions include his hit duet with {$Pebbles}, {&"Love Makes Things Happen,"} his hit duet with {$Toni Braxton}, {&"Give U My Heart,"} early singles {&"Mary Mack"} and {&"Lovers,"} later singles {&"And Our Feelings"} and {&"Rock Bottom,"} as well as his har- to-find duet with {$Lisa Stansfield}, {&"Dream Away,"} and his Top Ten hit with protégé {$Jon B.}, {&"Someone to Love."} Omitting those songs in favor of non-hit album tracks such as {&"Soon as I Get Home"} seems a tad bewildering. For completists, this collection is thoroughly lacking, but for the casual listener, it's a pleasure nonetheless. As a final note, two new songs are included, {&"When Men Grow Old"} and {&"Reason for Breathing,"} as well as a live, unplugged version of a hit he wrote for {$Eric Clapton}, {&"Change the World."} ~ Jose F. Promis, All Music Guide
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