I think this is a bit disappointing, considering, the great catalog of music, this has been taken from. Quite a few of the numbers are alternative versions. Also the playing order is a bit weird, for instance on the first disc, it starts out with some of their late fifties hits, then goes on to some of their late sixties funk stuff, and then at the end of the disc, suddenly some of their late fifities numbers like 'Rockin McDonald' and two other early numbers, crop up again. The same is true on the other discs, where for instance, late nineties tracks, are followed by late seventies tracks, that soundwise really clash. So with this one it's like the chance to make a really great compilation have been missed.

Not many groups that got their start in the 1950's have continued to have a successful recording career into the new millenium. The Isley Brothers are the exception to the rule. Entering their fifth decade of hitmaking, the groups track record proves that talent can truly transcend time. The 50 songs spread over three CD's cover the years 1959 to 1996. Career highlights such the Isley's first hit "Shout"(pts 1&2), "Twist And Shout", "This Old Heart Of Mine", "It's Your Thing", as well as 70's classics like "That Lady", "For The Love Of You", and "Fight The Power" are included. This set does have it's drawbacks however. Even with three discs there's a lot missing, particularly from the 70's and 80's period. Key singles and album tracks such as "Choosey Lover", "Livin' The Life"/"Go For Your Guns", "It's A Disco Night(Rock Don't Stop)", "Hurry Up And Wait", "Inside You", "I Wanna Be With You", "The Winner Takes All", aren't in this package. On top of that hits such as "Groove With You", "Voyage To Atlantis", and "Don't Say Goodnight(It's Time For Love)" are not the original album versions but alternate versions cut live in the studio in 1980. In my opinion it would have been better to make this collection a four disc set instead of three. On the positive side, the collection is well packaged with a silver foil slipcase, a nice booklet, and has been nicely remastered. Now that the Isley's classic 70's albums "The Heat Is On" and "Harvest For The World" have been remastered, hopefully the folks at Legacy will be doing the rest soon. Good box set, but not definitive.

I am a collector of R&B music. This is definitely one of the best Isley Brothers compilations; however I agree with an earlier reviewer that the arrangement of this compilation could have been more in synch within each individual decade of music. It is obvious that the tracks clash. Overall, it is a very entertaining and rich blend of pop, rock, soul, jazz and doo wop!

This has to be the best box set i have heard and own in a while.. The Isley Brothers still grooving after all these years .. How many groups can see that they have had hits in every decade.. The Isleys 50's,60's,70's,80's, and the 90's.. This great collection illustrates the staying power that most groups could only dream of having .. I really enjoy this cd a whole lot.. The earlier material not to familiar with most of it .. either it was slighty before my time or i was just a lil guy .. Some very interesting music on that disc ranging from 50's doo-wop soul .. to the Motown Era.. Love the song This Ol Heart Of Mine .. Disc Two and Disc Three O man this put in me in heaven all these songs sound great then and even more so now .. I recommend this collection highly for music lovers

No other group from the 50's can say that they're still having hits today other than the Isleys,and this box set is testimony alone.All the essentials are here from Shout! to Mission To Please and the other goodies in between(Twist & Shout,This Old Heart Of Mine,It's Your Thing,Fight The Power, Between The Sheets etc).Unfortunately like all boxed sets,vault material clutters it to where classic omissions(Spill The Wine,If You Were There<3+3>,Choosy Lover,Spend The Night and much more)could've been well represented,as well as the choppy playing order.The remastering however give it pristine sound making it an essential collection despite its selection flaws.