Otis Redding - The Ultimate Otis Redding

One Redding greatest-hits is pretty much as good as another--his work as the king of soul spanned barely five years, and the big issue is how you want to hear his hits sequenced. Ultimate leads off with a few signature songs, then concentrates on the very similar 6/8 deep-soul ballads that he specialized in early on. Redding, with his gritty-as-cornmeal drawl, could communicate the depths of romantic despair better than anyone of his era, but he was also a great uptempo soul shouter. It's not until the second half of Ultimate that a few more of the faster, more joyful numbers that he got to sing later on show up, as well as "Tramp," a priceless bit of Southern humor he sang with Carla Thomas. --Douglas Wolk Amazon.com

Otis Redding Primer

If you don't have money for the box set or the 2 CD set or just want a primer for Otis Redding's sound, then this is it. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is that it lacks his amazing *Dreams to Remember*.

I have spent countless nights ruminating over lost love while listening to Otis's lovely gruff voice and his great backing band. Listen to #3,4,5,7,9,13,17 or 18 to get a taste of his unparrelled soul balladery.

You can't go wrong with this one. September 21, 2007

Otis Redding Is Still The Greatest

Wonderful CD. Everyone should have this one in their collection. Every track is excellent. May 30, 2007

Disappointed by today's R&B?

Well, I have a solution for you: pick up The Ultimate Otis Redding! Try a Little Tenderness and (Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay are two of my favorite soul songs, actually two of my favorite songs ever! And though Aretha's version of Respect outshines Otis', his is good. Plus you get Ole Man Trouble, Mr. Pitiful, Shake! & Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa (Sad Song). I only give it four stars because I don't really like the piano ballads that are scattered across the album and all sound exactly alike. Still, if you like Soul music (or even Rock music - his vocals had alot of influence on the likes of Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Roger Daltry, etc.) this is one for you! July 26, 2006

Your turn!

This CD features 20 of Otis Redding's most popular songs. The song selection is just about perfect, but the sound leaves a little to be desired. But if you are not an audiophile, it probably won't bother you much, and you should enjoy it. September 9, 2005

The one and only king of Memphis Soul.

Otis Redding was truly the one and only King of Memphis Soul and this excellent compilation includes most of his big hits. Otis was great with both uptempo numbers and ballads and this CD offers a good sampling of both worlds. The liner notes are also very informative and this package is (as a whole) anice tribute to one of R&B's most important and influential male vocalists. Otis' music remains timeless and while I strongly recommend all of his original albums (all of which are now available on CD) this CD still a fine sampler of his music. May 23, 2004

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