Search - Etta James :: Gold

Etta's Betta

Anthony S. Prowse | Melbourne, Australia | 04/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Etta James was a prolific artist who has produced wonderful music for the best part of 50 years now. She is at home with Blues, R&B (the real kind!), Country, Pop and a myriad of other styles. What this allows "Best Of" compilers is to include only a smattering of songs from each album and still come up with a great album. In the case of "Gold" we have 36 of Etta James' empassioned performances without spoiling it if the listener decides to go after some of her album-as-albums. Too often "Best Of" compilations pick the eyes out of the best albums which leaves those who wish to investigate further a dilemna of which albums to get without doubling up too much. Here, the "At Last" and "Tell Mama" albums, her most heralded ones, are sampled a bit more than others but there is still much, much fine music on those albums not here on "Gold".



"Gold" is a fine album tracking James' career from the mid-50's to 2004 and is a great place to start investigating her stellar contribution to Blues and Soul music. Highly Recommended."

How Have I Overlooked Such A Perfect Singer?

Steven Stewart | Liverpool | 04/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I write this review, let me tell you how I came across knowing just who in the hell Etta James is. I was watching TV one day and a commercial started with At Last as the music, I loved the song instantly and wanted to hear more from this wonderful songstress. I came across this album and decided to buy it, but was surprised by the woman on the cover as I thought she was surely not the same woman with such a powerful voice, as to look at her she looks so small and frail and you can't imagine that such a powerful and soulful voice can come from such a petit lady.



What I would usually do when writing reviews for albums is I would list my favourite songs and recommend that you purchase this album to see what you think of her. I can't do this however, as every song is a true soulful gem and this is an album that you will buy before you die as it's simply her best work compiled into one great CD.



Etta has such a passionate soul and when expressing that in song, you can't help but fall in love with the woman and her music. At only 21 I feel that all youngsters should be exposed to her music as it's something that can only be experienced yourself, but when you do you wont look back."