Christmas With Boney M - Boney M

Advantages: The original versions of 'Daddy Cool' and 'Ma Baker'
Disadvantages: Too many remixes - not the original versions.

...The main reason why I give this particular Boney M compilation the lowest possible rating is because hardly any of the tracks are the original versions of the songs. Ever since the 1980s, Frank Farian (Boney M's driving force) has remixed, edited and spliced the original recordings and sadly, this compilation is full of the 1992 remixes. Worse still, the version of the UK million selling Christmas Number 1 from 1978 - 'Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord' has a minute and a half completely edited out! Unless you have heard the original versions from the 70s, many will not notice the difference, but those who are familiar with the 1970s versions will notice the slightly 1980s megamix drum sound on a lot of these tracks - to me, it is offputting, hence why I didn't buy the compilation. The only saving grace is at least the original vocal tracks... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: 90% of the tracks are original versions; great catchy pop tunes - perfect for nostalgia
Disadvantages: The original version of 'Mary's Boy Child' is not present; poor liner notes

...In short, if you are looking for a one-stop Boney M compilation with the hits, this is the one to get, IF you can get hold of it. I have just written a review for the 2006 compilation 'The magic of Boney M,' which to be frank, is appalling compared to this 'Greatest Hits.' The main reason : The Greatest Hits (this product) contains most of the original versions of the tracks AND better still, the album versions. The only complaints I have is that the liner notes are very basic - just a list of the tracks and the usual copyright information AND sadly, the original unedited 1978 version of the Christmas Number 1 'Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord is not present.' All in all however - the original versions, bar from 'Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord' - the 1992 overdub of 'Mary's Boy Child' is essentially no different from the original bar under... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great music
Disadvantages: None

...**Oh, what a classic this song is! It's a slow song, but it's one of those songs that you just can't get out of your damn head! These 2 lads have done themselves proud with this song!** 4) Fern Kinney Together We Are Beautiful. **This is a good song, but I have been known to skip this song, as there's some songs I love on this set far more than this one.** 5) Smokey Robinson & The Miracles The Tears of A Clown **This is a mediocre style song, sung wonderfully by the above mentioned. A classic 70's hit that is still a popular play today.** 6) Boney M Rivers of Babylon **God, I used to love Boney M! I've got one of there tapes. Alas, it's not got this song on, so was chuffed to bits when I found this song! A real beaty little number that like many of the songs, you just can't help singing to!** 7) John Holt Help Me... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful