Search - Isaac Hayes :: Best Of: The Polydor Years

Not his best, but still worth a listen

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 01/10/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though Isaac Hayes's best years were in the late 60's and early 70's when he was a staple on Stax Records, he still had some successes, though moderate, when he moved to Polydor Records. One of his biggest hits, "Don't Let Go" (cut #4), shows that Hayes, like most artists of the day, was significantly influenced by disco.



The 9:38 long "Moonlight Lovin' (Ménage a Trois)" sounds like a melding of both Hayes' Oscar-winning "Theme from Shaft" and the extended "Joy", making for a treat for his true fans.



However, it is on the slower tracks, beginning with "What Does It Take," where the singer really shines. Though he and contemporary Barry White were often compared because both had deep basses, Hayes was more refined, clearer, and more soothing.



For the younger generation that only know Hayes for his voiceover work as "South Park's 'Chef'," this compilation is a fair introduction to the singer and may serve to spurn interest in pursuing some of Hayes's landmark Stax recordings."