50 Years Of The Greatest Hit Singles - Various Artists > Reviews > MEMORY LANE TRIP

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Not applicable
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Not applicable
Value for Money

Advantages:	Great price
Disadvantages:	none

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The other day made me stop and think that I have been around for 4 decades, now that seems a hell of a long time doesn’t it?.Lol. I will now get to the point of my opinion, which is about a wonderful CD that I purchased recently and its called 50 YEARS OF THE GREATEST HIT SINGLES. I grew up with music, from the sixties, seventies and leaving my teenage years in the eighties, these three decades have produced some unforgettable songs. I saw this advertised on CD-WOW.Com that I am sure most of you are members already or at least heard of it. It’s a brilliant site to purchase CD’s, DVD’s and games too, which I highly recommend.

This compilation has been put together to celebrate 50years of the official uk singles chart and is actually two discs. It covers all moods and styles from the last five decades; some of you will no doubt remember some of this wide selection. The Cover is Gold with bold black writing the inlay booklet shows pictues of some of the artists and it gives you where in the charts each record reached.

SO come with me for a trip down memory lane.

DISC ONE:

1.Queen -Bohemian Rhapsody: This great record was released in 1975 and is known as Queen’s signature song, as every one remembers this one. I can remember buying it and learnt all the words off by heart. It seemed to be in the charts for ages. It is a powerful unforgettable song and one that I could listen too again and again.

2.John Lennon- Imagine: Every one knows that this gifted man was part of the famous Beatles, who branched out on his own, after the group split. This song was his best solo record ever and it was aimed towards peace on earth. His death was a great loss to the music world

3.Elton John-Candle In The Wind: Elton has always been a favourite of mine and has produced some brilliant music over the years. He originally wrote the record as tribute to Marilyn Munroe and in later years re-worked it to commemorate the death of Diana princess of Wales in 1997.

4.Marvin Gaye- I Heard It Through The Grape Vine: Marvin gay has been known as the prince of Motown, which is basically soul music. He has a brilliant voice and has been around for as long as I can remember. Gladys knight, a great lady soul singer, also did this record.

5. The Beach Boys- Good Vibrations: This was their first number one record, but I don’t remember it from the first time round, as I was a bit too young. It was re-released in 1976. Not really my cup of tea, but they were a popular band.

6.The Kinks- Waterloo Sunset- They were an all boy band and this record was written by one of the members who was inspired by the sunset across London’s waterloo bridge. I don’t remember much of their music.

7.Gerry Rafferty- Baker Street: Gerry had a great voice and this was his first solo success. There are some excellent saxophone solo pieces through out the record, which made this a unusual song. I liked this record as it’s easy listening.

8.Don McLean- American Pie: Everyone must have heard of this one. It was written as a tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the big bopper who were tragically killed in a plane crash after a concert. February 3rd 1959 was the day the McLean refers to as” the day the music died.”. Madonna also had a hit with this one in 2000, which reached no 1.

9.Cliff Richard & The Shadows- The Young Ones: This record I know well as my Mum has always been a cliff fan and I used to go to concerts with her and actually met him once. Cliff’s records were played often while I was growing up. I know a lot of people don’t like him, but he has had hit singles in 6 separate decades making him one of the most successful artists of all time. I can honestly say he has a fantastic voice and sounds the same live.

10.The Supremes- You Can’t Hurry Love: This great female group, were originally known as the Primettes and the wonderful Diana Ross was their lead singer, until she left to go solo in 1969. The Supremes dominated the sixties and I became a fan in the seventies. You may remember that Phil Collins released this record in 1982, which got him his first solo no1 hit. I love this record, and like both versions, a very tune.

11.Abba- Dancing Queen: Well this group were very popular in the seventies and appealed to all age groups. They first became known when they won the Eurovision song contest in 1974. Most of their hits were no 1’s and this particular one is still played today at family get togethers.

12.Madness- House Of Fun: I really loved their music, because it was different. The group always dressed weird and you never knew what to expect next. Their videos were always interesting to watch, and yes I was a fan.

13.The UnderTones- Teenage Kicks- I really can no say much about this group, as I don’t remember them very well. It’s no one of the greatest records I’ve ever heard.

14.The Jam- Going Underground: This group were known as a punk group, their music was catchy and did well in the seventies. This one most people can remember, more than any of their others.

15.Derek And The Dominos- Layla: This record was inspired by a difficult love triangle between Eric Clapton, his close friend George Harrison and his wife Pattie.

16.David Bowie- Heroes: I have always been a huge fan of his; he has an amazing voice and writes wonderful lyrics. The first record that I remember of his was called the Laughing Gnome, which I brought a copy that I still have today.

17.Pink Floyd- Another Brick In the Wall: Although I had left school when this was released, I loved it and the video was brilliant.

18.Paul McCartney & Wings- Mull of Kintyre: I like most of his music, but can honestly say that I did not like this one at all. He has an outstanding voice and is a brilliant songwriter too.

19.Procol Harum- A Whiter Shade Of Pale: This is excellent record; it was based on a surreal poem and set to music. I have had the record years, but it’s scratched, so I was delighted see that it was included in this collection. It is a very moving piece of music.

20.Simon & Garfunkel- Bridge Over Troubled Water: These two singers had been childhood friends and became the most successful folk-rock duo of the 1960’s. Their style of music was so different, Paul Simon wrote most of the music.

21.The Righteous Brothers- Unchained Melody: This song has been very successful for many artists, jimmy young (1955) Robson & Jerome (1995),
Gareth Gates (2002). I personally feel that the righteous brothers (1965) version is without a doubt the best. This is a great favourite of mine and always will be.

22.Al Martino- Here In My Heart: This record was the first ever No 1 in the hit parade in 1952.

DISC 2 :

1.U2- Where The Streets Have No Name: Bono and his band have made some outstanding songs over the years and he wrote this one after returning from a relief mission in Ethiopia. A brilliant record indeed, well I think so, you might not agree.

2.The Police- Don’t Stand So Close To Me: The lead singer is the famous Sting, he wrote this record about a teacher who lusts after one of his students. The police were big in the seventies and had a large following. No one has a voice like his, if you know what I mean.

3.Queen And David Bowie- Under Pressure: This was the first time that Queen had ever sang with another artist and was their 2nd number one hit. Freddy and David’s voices worked really well together.

4.Soft Cell- Tainted Love: This record was a huge hit and one that everyone sang along too. Gloria Jones, a former member of T-REX, girl friend of the late Marc Bolan, first recorded it. Marc Almond became famous with his version.

5.Frankie Goes To Hollywood- Relax: This record caused uproar when it was released and the BBC tried to ban it because of its sexual lyrics, but it still got to number one. I actually liked the group and all their other hits.

6.The Human League-Don’t You Want Me Baby- Human League only had moderate success until they released this one. It had great lyrics and sing along tune. They did well in the eighties and today part of the lyric’s and tune are used in a car advert on TV.

7.Dexy’s Midnight Runners- Come On Eileen: This was one of their best hits ever and it was a mix between Irish folk, fiddles and whistles. It told a story and everyone remembers the words to this one.

8.Culture Club- Karma Chameleon: The lead singer was Boy George and I remember when I first saw him on top of the pops, I just could not work out if he was male or female. He had such a high voice and wore loads of make up.

9. Blondie- Heart Of Glass: Debbie Harry was the lead singer of this band and they had a few hits in the seventies and eighties. Altogether they had a total of 6 number ones.

10.Oasis- Don’t Look Back In Anger: This group have caused lots of publicity over the years, for their foul mouths and violent behaviour. But they are talented and have produced some excellent tracks, which you cannot take away from them. I like the lyrics to this record and admit to owning a few of their albums.

11.The Verve- Drugs Don’t Work: This is another favourite of mine, and it is thought that Richard Ashcroft wrote this about his dad who was dying of cancer and it is to me a very personal track, with such meaning. I love it, but brings tears to my eyes.

12.Robbie Williams- Angles: Well what can I say about this great performer, he has done so well for himself after leaving (Take That). He just gets better and better.

13.Sinead O’Conner- Nothing Compares to U- This song was written by Prince for her, she has a truly amazing voice. This track has so much emotion in it and will be remember in years to come.

14.Atomic Kitten- Whole Again: This was their first number one with their new line up. They have had some good hits and are one of the top leading girl bands at the moment.

15.Wet Wet Wet- Love Is All Around: This was their biggest success record as it was featured in the film (Four Weddings and A funeral). They have had some other good hits over the years.

16.Britney Spears- Baby One More time: She has done well for her self, although I personally can’t stand her music or voice.

17.Spice Girls- Wannabe: I have to admit that I hated this record, but actually liked some of their others. This record was the biggest ever-selling record for an all girl band.

18.Kylie Minogue- Can’t Get You Out Of My Head: Kylie has done very well and her come back was a surprise to me, as I hated her first records. She has transformed and this has to be one of her best tracks ever.

19.Steps- Tragedy - This was original the Bee Gees record which made it to the top and is one of their most famous records. It was Steps first No 1 and I feel they made a good job of it.

20.Band Aid- Do They Know It’s Christmas: This record was all down to Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. It was the greatest all star charity record, with over 20 different artists featuring on it. The record raised millions.

I’m sorry it was so long, but I hope you will agree with me that there are so brilliant records amongst this lot. I paid only £ 9.99, which was worth every penny.

Thanks for reading bye for now Deni