Winner Takes All [Digipak] - Isley Brothers (The)

Advantages: good lyrics
Disadvantages: silly album title

...With Christmas illuminating hearts around the world, what could be more satisfying than having the Isley Brothers sing to you right in your very own home. Their new yuletide offering, The Isley Brothers: I'll Be Home For Christmas, will stay in your CD player for many years to come, guaranteed. The Isley Brothers first holiday album features ten classic hits, including "Winter Wonderland," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and "Silent Night." So, what's so special about this album compared to many other holiday albums out there? Take a guess -- Ron Isley. With his soothing voice on top of these timeless holiday tracks, it is very much a present for all to enjoy. If there are lovers out there during this Holiday season, Mr. Smooth hasn't forgotten about you. They may not be your traditional Christmas songs, but "I'm In Love With You... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Highly varied
Disadvantages: A couple of tracks weren't as strong as the rest

...genre), but still manages to connect on a deeper level with their love for 'The Game'. With this thing which draws them together, they come with an incredibly strong Hip Hop track, switching from the direction of the rest of the album. Kanye offers the production with a clear sample of an '80s RB groove form Gil Scott Heron to give this one a retro feel. **Four Stars** 15. "Never Can Say Goodbye" (feat. Latoiya Williams) When I read that this one included samples of both Biggie's "Big Pppa" and the Isley Brothers' "Between The Sheets", I was excited as I expected to hear a nice and smooth track from Game, however, these were only little things which allowed Game to show his influences over the rests as he follow a similar delivery which Notorious B.I.G. did in "Big Poppa". Thsi track has lyrics whcih completely contrast from... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: These are two of their greatest studio albums
Disadvantages: None!

...mostly songs by other Motown artists such as The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Isley Brothers, The Elgins and Martha Reeves And The Vandellas. Diana Ross puts in a fine, easy-going performance on their cover version of The Isley Brothers, This Old Heart Of Mine (Is weak For You) though it does admitedly lack the punch of the original. There are a total of three cover versions of The Four Tops classic hits. Ross' sweet, sensual voice may have not have that bite and edge of Levi Stubbs rocketing vocal style but she remarkably manages to make any song she sing completely her own. Though quite lightweight their take on The Four Tops classic 1965 chart-topper I Can't Help Myself is contagious from its fantastically arranged orchestrations and comes complete with a super fine performance from Ross. This could have easily been a hit... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful