Unless you happen to have every single tune on this album because you have a monster record collection, there is no excuse in the world not to own this CD. James Brown is a towering figure in modern American music - - period. He IS to American music even now what Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington were to American music then. Though the "Godfather of Soul" and creator of funk, even if you're not a self proclaimed hard core funkateer or soul addict such as myself, it would be impossible to say that you know anything about American popular music, even rock music, until you've studied Brown, and this is a great place to start.

I like this album in particular because it offers a great yet economical window on his career, from his earliest hit "Please Please Please" until his peak in the '70s... and doesn't waste time getting to the point. - - And it offers a great glimpse into the evolution of his music from R & B to soul to funk. Strangely enough though, even if you go back 40 years, you could still throw on virtually any track on this album and people would get up and dance.

My advice would be, after getting this album, if you find yourself digging a certain era or vibe, check out some of the other great compilations to help you dig deeper. Also... If you like the '60s stuff, Live At The Apollo might be a pick you'll dig. If you dig the '70s stuff, check out The J.B.s Funky Good Time Anthology (or Greatest Hits Album).

And for a deeper study in Brown check out his Biography !

Isn't it funny how singers become even more popular once they've died. James Brown was already a legend in life and he's as much of a legend in death. I've always loved his music and he set a presidence for acts to follow all the way down the track.

I really love this cd, because it truly has some of his best best work. I especially love Make It Funky Pt 1, Try Me and my all time favourite Get Up Offa That Thing. This is a cd that you can really enjoy because the music is contagious and you can't help dancing.

What an amazing talent James was and I'm sure he'll be missed by all his fans. If you aren't a fan already, take a listen to the long list of hits on this cd and you might become a fan yourself. I love this.

I got this CD on a whim, looking to expand my musical interests. I had always "kind of" liked what I'd heard of Brown. Now, I know why.

He's having fun, delivering tight, enjoyable music. It's infectuous. And, I can hear the roots of some of my favorite music. For example, the muted/rapid/funky picking effect that runs through this music also runs through much of Talking Heads "Stop Making Sense." At one point on that album (Or was it the movie?) the Heads repeat "James Brown" several times. And, I think that Led Zeppelin also pays homage, of sorts, on The Crunge from "Houses of the Holy," where they use the same guitar technique, and make reference to "the bridge," a point of reference several times among Brown's tracks.

If you've ever enjoyed anything by James Brown, you can't lose with this album.

Whether he's being his bad self, getting on his good foot, searching for some getback, or getting down with his girlfriend, James Brown is hilarious. There's not a lot here musically except for a strong beat and funny lyrics to go with James's noises, but hey, it's James Brown, what else does anyone need? And this has all his hits - and all his noises.

My favorite track is The Big Payback. He goes into how he needs some getback and how he doesn't know karate but he does know crazy. It's worth the price of the whole CD.

Big fans might want the individual CDs or a larger boxed set, but for the rest of the world this is the CD to have. EVERYBODY, should have a James Brown CD. Everybody. This is some of the most groundbreaking, earth shattering, trailblazing music of modern times. Not only is it great fun, but it is also musically significant in the big scheme of things. Historical importance aside, you will undoubtedly look back fondly at some of the good times that just-so-happened-to-have-occurred while a James Brown CD is playing.

This review isn't done until we request that everybody listen to Superbad (Parts 1 and 2)(Track 17) a few times consecutively. Wow!