Dusty Springfield - The Very Best of Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield's voice is one of the great pop instruments. Showcased here on 20 tracks from her '60s and early-'70s heyday, her sensuality and strength wrap themselves around everything from big-beat rock and roll like "I Only Want to Be With You" and "Stay Awhile" to seductive masterworks like "Son of a Preacher Man" and "The Look of Love." Very Best ends with a vulnerable reading of the Carole King/Gerry Goffin taking-stock anthem "Goin' Back"--a rarity in the States, where it appeared only briefly. It's great to hear it here. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com essential recording

The very best? of Dusty Springfield

If this is the Very Best of Dusty then what it tells me that she had a couple of good songs which are on this CD. The rest sound like rehashing of the hot sellers. Dusty is a Great singer and I'm glad to reminisce about those days past. But the rest of the songs I surely don't remember on the hit parader back then. September 14, 2008

Dusty

If you like Dusty Springfield, this is the cd to cover it all !!! Great CD !! June 9, 2008

a beautiful introduction to the music of Dusty Springfield......

I can honestly attest to the title of this review because this album was my introduction to British vocalist Dusty Springfield's impressive body of work. This was generated during her 1960s and 1970s heyday, as a reigning queen of "Blue Eyed Soul" (blues/soul music interpretated by Caucasian musicians) in the United States and the United Kingdom. For starters, Springfield's voice is incomparable. She has an impeccably expressive, smoky tone and beautiful range that adds life and color to every song she sings here. They include some of her biggest tunes like "I Only Want To Be With You," "The Son of a Preacher Man," and "Wishin' and Hopin'." It also features her cover of "The Look of Love" and lesser known tunes that are just amazing.

Many singers have idolized and attempted to emulate the late, great Dusty Springfield. No one can replicate her distinctive brand of soul/pop/blues interpretations. Yet, her songs and magnificent instrument (her voice) have inspired many to express themselves through the medium of music, and it isn't hard to see why. The spirit definitely moved this extraordinary woman and we all are lucky that her memory lives on in her beautiful songs. November 8, 2007

Dusty sold her songs without even trying--and that's no small feat !!!

Dusty Springfield was one of those truly rare songbirds who could take a tune and deliver it so well that she could lead her adoring audiences wherever she wanted them to go. This CD gives us twenty songs by Dusty; and her fans are sure to want this CD in their collections.

The track set begins with "I Only Want To Be With You." This pop ballad from the early 1960s gives us an example of Dusty Springfield never sounding better. Her voice is as clear as a bell and her excellent diction shines! Dusty sings this ballad about how all she wants is to be with the man she loves. Terrific! "Wishin' And Hopin'" uses horns and great percussion to bolster the melody; Dusty sings passionately of how a woman can try to land herself a man. Moreover, "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" showcases Dusty's vocals even as the drums and strings create a dramatic melody. Dusty's man has left her but she contemplates going after him to convince him to stay with her at least a while longer.

"Stay Awhile" features Dusty performing an early rock and roll love ballad; she performs "Stay Awhile" without missing a beat--what a performance! "Son Of A Preacher Man" lets Dusty sing with all her heart and soul about her character's romantic relationship with the son of a preacher; and "What's It Gonna Be" has a great beat to it with a backup chorus to bolster Dusty Springfield's delivery of this number.

"The Look Of Love" features Dusty Springfield singing in her lower range as she delivers this love song to perfection. The fine percussion and strings carry the bulk of the melody; and Dusty never misses a note. Listen for a spectacular horn solo during the musical interlude for "The Look Of Love." "Some Of Your Lovin'" sports a lush musical arrangement and the female backup chorus starts singing briefly before Dusty comes in--and that's when this number takes flight! Impressive.

"A Brand New Me" features some great guitar and percussion as Dusty sings this passionately; Dusty sings with joy because she has a new man in her life. "A Brand New Me" also uses a backup chorus to strengthen it. The CD ends with "Goin' Back;" Dusty sings this very well with an elegant arrangement for piano. Dusty wants to return to a time without counterproductive game playing and "Goin' Back" provides a strong ending for this album.

The liner notes have great artwork; and we get both the credits and chart positions for each song. Rob Hoerburger contributes an essay about Dusty and her career.

Dusty Springfield lives on through her fine music; and she will never be forgotten. Dusty could take even the simplest of tunes and create a masterpiece from them; and we are all better off because Dusty shared her exceptional talents with us.

Thank you, Dusty! We miss you!
September 19, 2007

The very best of Dusty Springfield

This CD was a waste of my money half the tracks are missing in the middle. Total rubbish is my review of the disc. A child of 5 could have made a better copy. What junk, a complete and utter rip off. I am totally disgusted with waiting 28 days for absolute garbage. I would ask for a full refund but could not be bothered with the hassle, probably have to wait another 28 blooming days for it too. August 27, 2007

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