You simply MUST buy this box set!
Bob L. Eskew | Upland, California United States | 01/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let me state right up-front: I'm an R & B fan, but I'm not a student of this musical genre.
So, I listened for the pure enjoyment of it.
Having said that, I'm astounded by the excellence of this collection.
SHOUT! Entertainment has compiled a captivating box set that encompasses three CDs and 60 tracks covering approximately 23 years of R & B love songs.
The selection issue dates range from 1958 to 1981.
In addition, the set is accompanied by an outstanding 39-page booklet that features archival photographs and track annotations that offer insight into the groups and tracks represented.
The booklet was written with great intelligence.
I enjoyed the fact that no musical artist was represented twice; therefore, the set offers a great deal of breadth and variety.
I am not steeped enough in R & B to know who should have been included but was not; however, not a single included track disappointed me.
Yes, I had my favorites:
I Only Have Eyes for You (The Flamingos);
This Magic Moment (The Drifters); OOO Baby Baby (The Miracles);
Have You Seen Her (The Chi-Lites);
When a Man Loves a Woman (Percy Sledge);
If You Don't Know Me By Now (Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes);
Hey There Lonely Girl (Eddie Holman);
Tell It Like It Is (Aaron Neville); and
Turn Off the Lights (Teddy Pendergrass). WOW!
Witness this --
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin) is a life-transforming experience!!!
I liked too that these are the original artists singing the original tracks.
No latter-day pretenders here.
The production value of the set was first-rate and the tracks were sequenced with great care.
In closing, it's clear to me that "Rhythm Love and Soul" was compiled and released by true lovers of R & B love songs.
I'm delighted I bought it.
Don't miss out."