Make no mistake: though this reissue has a wealth of treats for hardcore fans, "To Love Again" just might be an essential Diana Ross album for any CD collection. The original LP -- represented by the first 9 tracks -- contain some of her biggest ballad hits for the millions who dig Diana for her way with a romantic love song: "It's My Turn," "Touch Me In The Morning," "Theme From Mahogany," and "I Thought It Took A Little Time" are classics (the latter two having been covered by Mariah Carey and Gloria Estefan, respectively). The hits don't end there, though. Also included are 2 Lionel Richie duets (the timeless "Endless Love" and lost gem "Dreaming of You), and the classic Marvin Gaye duet "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)." The tunes that round out the collection prove just how stunning Diana Ross' romantic performances were. From the Michael Masser-penned tunes featured on the original LP ("One More Chance" and "To Love Again" to name a few) to the newly added, equally timeless show-stoppers "After You," "Come In From The Rain," and "Never Say I Don't Love You," not a single track is out of place, inaccessible, or even second-rate. This beautiful anthology can be considered a must-have to mark all the romantic moments in your life, regardless of your age or musical tastes. Add this to other classic love song collections from Elton John, Ray Charles, and Madonna, and Happy Valentine's Day.

In 1981, this was not a huge album. However, I Loved It! It spun on my turntable ALOT (it was all about vinyl, then, boys and girls!). Now, after many years, it's available on CD. I was excited to see it's re-release announced in Entertainment Weekly 2 weeks beforehand. Needless to say, I'm more than a bit biased in favor of this album.

Also remember this album followed on the heels of a very successful year for Diana Ross. The "diana" album was wildly (and deservedly) popular and "It's My Turn" was a wonderful hit single (included on this album). I was very happy at the time for more Diana product (still am happy for new Diana Ross tunes!)

Originally a showplace for Diana Ross' work with Michael Masser, this expanded version focuses on romance also. So there are also collaborations with producers Tom Baird, Richard Perry, Hal Davis, Greg Wright, Ron Miller as well as Lionel Richie. More tracks from Michael Masser were also included.

The original tracks sound better than ever. The bonus tracks were thoughfully chosen and there are 2 previously released tracks that do not disappoint. They are "Share Some Love" & "We're Always Saying Goodbye". Both were to be used on the 1978 album "Ross" but ultimately making their debut here instead. The one track, "Share..." was recorded in 1976 and was an outtake. The other track, "We're Always...", according to the new liner notes, was recorded in 1974 and mixed but not used for "Ross". Both are fresh and delightful.

It's also very nice to see Diana Ross & Lionel Richie's other collaboration from the "Endless Love" soundtrack album, "Dreaming of You", included here. I think it would have made a great follow-up single back in 1981 to "Endless Love".

It's nice to be able to fall in love with this album all over again! Where I thought Motown would add only more Michael Masser produced tracks when I found out there'd be bonus tracks, they took an even more inventive and refreshing approach. A very worthwhile re-release...more than a collection, just short of an anthology and very special....Just in time for Valentine's Day!

To Love Again is a masterful collection of some of the most gorgeous vocal performances ever by Ms.Ross. It is a reminder of the class and influential stylings that have been absent so long from this legend. Now to re-live the love again on this cd is a must. The sound is crisp and every orchestral arrangement upfront. The songs, although some as old as 25 years, still sound as fresh today, because quite simply the message of love is always in style and on this CD, no one can do it better than Lady Diana. From the beauty of the her photographs to the last track on this cd, it is quite simply a masterpiece.......

I have an old copy of the original album and always thought this was an underappreciated classic. Now, with the re-issue and the bonus tracks, I think it's finally getting its due. What's best about this collection of ballads/love songs is that Diana just sings here -- effortlessly. Her voice is stunning, sexy, and vulnerable and the production (thanks mostly to Michael Masser) never gets in the way of her truly unique instrument. From the original album, "Touch Me in the Morning", "To Love Again" and "It's my Turn" all hold up quite nicely. But I am especially fond of the extra tracks that include "After You" (which should definitely have been a single), "Too Shy to Say", and "Come in From the Rain". Diana at her best.

Lawrence

This was one of my favorite compilations of Diana Ross' when it was first released on tape/vinyl/8-track back in the early 1980's (just after she left Motown for RCA). Now with this extended CD version it is well worth the purchase, again.

Diana's forte has always been the romantic ballad, and on this collection most of her finest ballads are included. Some may consider them to be too sappy, and overdone but there is real emotion in these tracks never the less, "Nobody's Going To Be A Fool Forever", "Touch Me In The Morning", "Theme From Mahagony" all showcase Ross when she was at the top of her game. Considering that her last US Top Ten Pop Hit was a ballad (1984's "Missing You", not part of this set), she would be smart to rediscover her forte on her next studio album.