This CD covers Neville's A&M solo albums and throws in 3 ringers: His hit duet with Linda Ronstadt ("Don't Know Much") and 2 classic solo sides from the 60's (both of which sound great and are the original cuts). There's also a fine cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" from the Neville Brother's album Yellow Moon, and a selection from Rob Wasserman's Duets album. What's missing are the records Aaron made after "Tell It Like It Is" from the late 60's and mid 70's. For that I strongly recommend Rounder Records superb "My Greatest Gift" - The Classic Aaron Neville. As an overview of his A&M years this is good, indeed. Tracks like his covers of "The Grand Tour" and "Lousiana 1927" show his taste in great songs. And ballads like "Betcha By Golly Wow" and "Warm Your Heart" are carried along by his incredible voice. Good liner notes and excellent sound. If you're just getting in to Aaron Neville's solo career this is the best collection out there.

I wasn't familiar with Aaron Neville's music until I heard him sing "Louisiana 1927" on TV after hurricane Katrina and during the flooding. That song truly touched my heart. I had to have it. I found it on Amazon and liked the other song samples too, so I purchased it. When I heard the whole CD, he went from "never heard of him" to "all time favorite" instantly. His wonderful, unmistakable voice is addicting. I love all the songs on the CD, but I'm partial to "Don't Take Away My Heaven", "Warm Your Heart", "Louisiana 1927", and "To Make Me Who I Am", as well as the livelier "Over You" "Angola Bound" and "Use Me".The last song is the very beautiful "Don't Know Much" which he sings with Linda Ronstadt; it's a captivating blend of their two very distinctive voices.

Aaron Neville, of New Orleans, he of the extraordinary, angelic voice, and the equally extraordinary five decade long career, is still making heavenly sounds today. His first big hit (and still his biggest), 1966's "Tell It Like It Is," reached Number 2 on the national charts. The strain of trying to distribute it bankrupted his tiny Louisiana label, Par Lo. He received his first Grammies, the recording industry's highest honor, for his 1989 duets with Linda Ronstadt. He's gotten 16 Grammy nominations since. He reacted to Hurricane Katrina's recent massive, tragic destruction of his home town by revving up his career again, giving numerous, world-wide benefit concerts.

Neville, of mixed black and American Indian heritage, was influenced by the Cajun music native to Louisiana. He also credits his famous vibrato to Gene Autry's yodeling; then cites several 1950's doowop groups, and various gospel groups for helping to form his sound. He was blessed, for sure, with his ethereal voice; also with three talented brothers, known as the Neville Brothers. And then with various talented nieces, nephews, and sons, all raring to go. I was once lucky enough to see him perform live, with the family, in New York's Central Park. The Brothers' earthy, funky sound works to bring his voice down from the churchy ether to the world where we mere mortals can catch our breath.

"The Very Best of Aaron Neville" mostly delivers on its promises, the sound is good, and it's a substantial introduction to, or summary of, the singer's work. On it, you'll find his first hit, "Over You." Diane Warren's melancholy yet jaunty "Don't Take Away My Heaven." Two Drifters hits, "Warm Your Heart," here given a barrelhouse piano barroom sound, and "Don't Go, Please Stay," a Ronstadt duet,that, as arranged by her and backed by the Grace Episcopal Choir, sounds just heavenly. Also a second duet with Ronstadt,"Close Your Eyes," a 1955 hit for the Five Keys. And a third Ronstadt duet, the Grammy-award winning "Don't Know Much," written by several Brill Building luminaries. A reggie-tinged version of "Everybody Plays The Fool," Main Ingredient's 1972 hit. Chuck Berry's Cajun-flavored "You Never Can Tell." George Jones's 1974 country hit, "Grand Tour." "Use Me," a Bill Withers tune, jazzier, funkier and sexier than the original. Two classic R & B ballads,"The Bells," co-written by Marvin Gaye, a 1970 hit for the Originals, and "Betcha By Golly, Wow," a 1972 hit for the Stylistics. Hoagy Carmichael's melodic evergreen "Stardust."

Then there's "Tell It Like It Is," of course, one of the great Southern soul classics, a torch song with pride, intelligence, and attitude. Neville and his brother Charles wrote "Angola Bound," traditional chain gang rhythm, modern treatment. Neville brother Cyril, and Aaron's son Jason play on the track, as do Bob Seger and Dr. John. Sam Cooke's yearning classic, "A Change Is Gonna Come," as backed by the Neville brothers, an anthem brought down to earth. Finally, there's Randy Newman's almost unbearably poignant "Louisiana 1927;" it will probably always speak for Katrina's recent victims.

what a great voice.this man can really sing.his voice&music are still solid.tell it like it is is a classic.

It's always a pleasure to hear that wonderful voice of Aaron Neville.

No one else can put such emotion in a song. This was a great purchase.