You've Got What It Takes - Brook Benton & Dinah Washington

Advantages: Includes the most famous songs recorded by her
Disadvantages: Only for classic jazz/blues fans.

...and fifties was female artists. It is here, that we pick up with probably the greatest, and most loved of them all, Dinah Washington. This 2 CD album takes us through the very pinnacle of her outstanding career. Dubbed 'The Queen Of The Blues,' she touched on the hearts of many listeners in her day with her sweet, soulful vocals and catchy melodies. Singing for songwriters such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin, she came from, like most of her contemporaries, from Gospel music inherited from by parents. Starting out as a jazz singer, she left her piano and choir days behind and reached out to 'the devil's' music' at the age of nineteen. This album takes us through her recording life right up to the year before she died from heart failure, induced by a drugs overdose in 1963 and the tender age of only 39. A singer, who... Read review

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Advantages: Good for the money
Disadvantages: can be a bit monotonous

...connotations. It gave me the impression of a feeling of, how can life go on if someone so important to you has died. I did not necessarily like the aggression of the music but the words are very clever. 3. Three babies Yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s about three babies!!! This song is very refreshingly portrayed, although it seems to be about the wanting to mother three babies of a father who doesn’t want to know. The chorus is very addictive as it is the negativity of the mother toward the father, and I find myself wanting to sing it with her. 4. The Emperor’s New Clothes Yet again another song about babies and relationships, not much to review about this one. Not sure what my opinion is of it, it’s one that needs a lot of deciphering I think. Listen yourself; I’d like to know what you think… 5. Black Boys on Mopeds One of my favourite... Read review

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Advantages: An excellent introduction to some modern day country songs
Disadvantages: If you don't like country music, you probably won't want this one!

...have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance" FINAL QUOTE FROM GARTH BROOKS: "Happiness isn't getting what you want, it is wanting what you've got" WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS CD? Yes definitely, as an entertaining and worthy listen, with 20 tracks full of good country sounds including some excellent ballads, although I still prefer to watch the videos and listen at the same time! The CD alone lacks that extra something that his live performances provide ie. The energy and spontaneity.... Read review

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