James Brown - James Brown - 20 All-Time Greatest Hits!

A towering figure in postwar American music, for over 40 years James Brown has written, produced, and performed some of the most compelling R&B ever recorded. 20 All Time Greatest Hits! distills Startime!, itself a four-CD set that barely scratched the surface of Brown's prodigious output. As such, this collection concentrates on Brown's best-known records: "I Feel Good," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," and "Cold Sweat." The propulsive one- or two-chord vamps with Brown's hoarse, declamatory vocals laid the groundwork for modern funk. It's a perfect starter set for anyone unfamiliar with Brown's work. But be warned--Brown is addictive. Like peanuts and potato chips, it's impossible to stop with just one. Buy this and don't be surprised if one day you find yourself scouring used record bins for a rare copy of Grits and Cornbread. --Steven Mirkin Amazon.com

James Brown-20 All-Time Greatest Hits

Great CD! This is truly a great CD. James Brown is one of the greatest musicians out there and he does not get the credit he deserves. Excellent CD. THere are some good songs missing but overall, it is still great. October 30, 2008

James Brown Greatest Hits

The CD arrived swiftly, and in exactly the right format I requested (i.e. CD). The qualit is mint, and provides unmeasurable enjoyment! February 28, 2008

Terrific CD

I don't have any of my old records any more, so I purchased this CD to sort of compensate from having to purchase a whole new James Brown collection. It'll do fine for now, and I highly recommend this CD.
February 17, 2008

excellent tunes from the great James Brown

James Brown will always remain one of the few giants from the entertainment world of the twentieth century. James Brown earned his great reputation by giving blood, heart and soul whenever he performed; and it shows very well on this retrospective album.

The track set begins with "I Got You (I Feel Good)." This very famous James Brown tune features James at his very best. The tempo changes pose no obstacle for James who delivers this number with electricity! Good arrangement that uses the horns, too. "I Got The Feelin'" shows us James singing a funky type of song that can't be beat. The strong percussion works well even if once or twice it almost drowns out James! Moreover, "Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose" showcases James wailing and singing his very best; and the rhythm of those horns adds to this number.

"Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Pt. 1" gives us a very famous tune that truly belongs to James Brown. James sings this flawlessly; and "Night Train" is another masterpiece by this great singer. "Night Train" sports that late 1950s/early 1960s rock and roll beat that I love so much; the horns and percussion work well on "Night Train" which lacks nothing--it's THAT good! James doesn't sing a lot on "Night Train;" but his wailing cries and the lines he does sing enhance the number quite a bit. In addition, "Papa Don't Take No Mess, Pt. 1" starts off with some really fine jamming by the musicians with their horns, drums and percussion; and when James Brown comes in this number takes off like a jet!

"Say It Loud (I'm Black And I'm Proud), Pt. 1" lets James sing out his black pride the way that he should! James comments about the need of African Americans to fight to overcome the prejudices against them; and the way he half sings/half speaks the lyrics works wonders for this number. "Say It Loud (I'm Black And I'm Proud), Pt. 1" has an awesome children's choir, too! The album ends with the sublime "Please, Please, Please;" James never misses a note on this number and he sounds wonderful as he wails out that line from the lyrics "please, please, please." Awesome!

The liner notes give you the song credits and a very brief essay about this great artist. I wish there were a longer essay but that's a minor disappointment.

James Brown fans should run to add this to their collections; and if you like that wailing sound of a soulful crooner from back in the day you should get this album, too.

Thank you, James!
September 28, 2007

Nice Hits Package

More James Brown than most casual fans need, but the price is right for the extra cuts. Look up funk in the dictionary -- it says James Brown! May 16, 2007

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