These days, it's quite difficult to find vocal excellence in the style of the past. Music that sells tends to have some form of gimmickry going for it - be it electronic, rap, or overdubbing - likely brought on by the dictates of the day. But, of course, there must be an exception. This collection of songs is just such an exception.

Luther Vandross has been making wonderful music for around a quarter century now. Here, we see the genius he has for interpretation. Most of these songs are fairly well-known by their original artists - Karen Carpenter, Little Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Temptations, Friends of Distinction, et al. And most of those versions will always be treasured as part of our musical heritage, but... These here are, in many cases, now the definitive versions.

Let's take "Superstar", an average Leon Russell lyric, made immortal by the Carpenters about 30 or so years back. I always will treasure that version, with Karen's magnificent voice tenderly wrapping itself around the lyric - but now I have this version as well. I cannot truly decide which I prefer - it's that good. This man has an incredible ability to not only sing, not only interpret, but to reach down inside a song and pull out its very essence - not a gift too many others have ever possessed. How about the immortal Temptations classic, "Since I Lost My Baby?" Again, this version may very well surpass the original - a silky smooth, yet vibrant and vital rendition.

I can go on and on about the magic of this album, but I think you get the idea. On track after track, the virtuosity shines through - "Going in Circles", "Love Won't Let Me Wait","Going Out of My Head","Always and Forever","Anyone Who Had a Heart" - truly there are no wasted moments here. As is also Luther's custom, he enlists the aid of powerful accompaniment, in the form of singers Cheryl Lynn and Martha Wash (whose voices meld perfectly with his). The use of piano is especially powerful on many tracks.

I am now 50 years of age, and can easily remember some of the great music of the past - indeed I still very much like to listen to artists such as Dionne Warwick, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. When I do, I find this collection goes so well alongside them. This is truly one for the ages. If you are someone like me, who can remember when an artist truly had to be able to SING to reach popularity - well, you shan't be disappointed here.

Luther Vandross remembers too...

I have several Luther Vandross' cds and all of them are great! To have one of this cd is another collection to my 6 cds already. Luther is very lucky person to have this wonderful voice that God has given him. Luther, I love you for who you are and I pray that you continue to share this golden and wonderful gift of yours to your many fans. God Bless...

This is probably one of my most treasured CD's of all time. Words just cannot describe the incredible talent this man had, and news of his untimely death was devastating. However, what he has left behind is truly amazing. Just to name a few of the songs from this CD; A House is not a Home, incredible!!!, Circles, amazing!!, I who have nothing (the duet), mesmirizing!!

And one of my favorites is Always and Forever! I hated this song years ago, when it was done by Heatwave (nothing against the group of course), but when Luther sang his rendition of it, it blew me away, and I have loved it ever since.

Luther's talent really amazed me! His voice, and the way he performed a song, took your thoughts and feelings to a whole other dimension. Places you never thought your mind could go, it went. Whatever your mood, Luther had a song for it.

You will be missed Luther. Your work is apparently done here on this earth, and may you now rest in peace, and thank you, for sharing your incredible talent with us all!!!!!

Hello my name is carenda cummmings I am 20 years old and I have been a large luther fan since I was about 10 years old. So that means I been loving luther for almost all my life. The CD
Always & Forever is a classic CD and I know its loved by many al the songs on the Cd is great. My favorite is Always & Forever. Luther is the Best Artist/songwriter that ever walked the surface of this earth. I won't to tell Luther and all of his family that he is in my pryers and will stay there until he fully recovers. I rate Luther Vandross CDs from a scale from 1-10 I give him 20. Luther is a great artist may GOD be with him.
love your#1 fan,
Carenda Cummings

Since the early 1980's, Luther Vandross has emerged strongly on the charts. Now celebrating over 20 years in the spotlight, his ballads still stand out strong.

His 1998 album, Always & Forever: The Classics, is hardly recognized as a greatest hits album. Nonetheless, it still displays his unique talent in R&B music. The collection consists of some of his lesser known hits, and covers of old school standards like Going In Circles, Always And Forever, and Superstar / Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do).

Always and Forever: The classics, is a fantastic companion album to Luther's 1999 Greatest Hits Album. Nonetheless, the music is still as strong and dynamic as usual, from the soul of Luther Vandross.