Search - Luther Vandross :: The Artist Collection

Surely, Not Luther Enough

Michael Kerner | Brooklyn, New York U.S.A. | 04/23/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There have been so many times when Greatest Hits records can often make, or they can break a detailed reflection of a legendary artist. For BMG's overseas Artist Collection series, they haven't been able to accurately detail a career any artist brings out. That has happened unfortunately, with these editions from legendary acts like Whitney Houston, Hall & Oates, and Toni Braxton to name a few. That is absolutely unfortunate for anybody, especially Luther Vandross. His voice has been one of the most seductive of all the male soul singers. While he had such great triumphs with Sony, his work with hasn't been detailed enough.



The Artist Collection: Luther Vandross, is a reflection of his status fairs quite well in reflecting his work with J records on his 3 albums, his live album, Dance With My Father, and the apply self-titled record of 2001. The collection includes some great songs including Take You Out, the adult comtemporary hit I'd Rather, the deep-detailed Buy Me A Rose. Yet, the collection does have a few disadvantages to this collection. One of them is that it overshadows a lot of his well-recieved work when he was with Sony. Especially great tracks like Power Of Love, Any Love, Don't Want To Be A Fool. Surprisingly, the album also overlooks the Grammy-winning Song of the Year Dance With My Father, and his collaboration with Beyonce' on The Closer I Get To You. Not only for that reason, but especially even after the merger of Sony & BMG last year there was just not enough here to portray.



While Luther Vandross has made such great classics, many longtime fans might want to avoid this collection. It isn't really worth the feeling his voice had. I also hope he can sing again after his disabilitating stroke. The world needs his voice, not this collection right now.



Album Cover: C



Price: C



Mastering: B



Songs: C 1/2-



Overall: C-"