The Soul of a Bell

Track Listings

1. Everybody Loves a Winner

2. You Don't Miss Your Water

3. Do Right Woman, Do Right Man

4. I've Been Loving You Too Long

5. Nothing Takes the Place of You

6. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye

7. Eloise (Hang on in There)

8. Any Other Way

9. It's Happening All Over

10. Never Like This Before

11. You're Such a Sweet Thang

The Soul of a Bell,William Bell,Atlantic / Wea,Deep Soul,Memphis Soul,Northern Soul,Pop,R&B,Soul,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Southern Soul,United States of America,V/a Compilations

The Soul of a Bell

Tracks:

Dope!
B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)
Let Me Know Something?!
Do Me!
Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph And Johnny (Word To The Mutha)!
Poison
Ain't Nut'in' Changed!
When Will I See You Smile Again?
I Do Need You
Poison (Extended Club Version)

Amazon.com

In 1990, it was still fairly novel to mix R&B songcraft with overpowering hip-hop beats, so this spinoff by New Edition members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe seemed innovative and exciting. Sadly it hasn't aged well. None of the three are compelling singers, and they lack the ability to plead for love effectively (anyone can demand love, but a true soulman has to convince a reluctant participant). Nor are they imaginative rappers--neither their words nor their delivery stand out. But this disc came before the likes of Missy Elliott, Puff Daddy, Jermaine Dupri, or Dallas Austin made a big impact on the scene. As such it's a fine document of black teenage lust during the Gulf War months. --Martin Johnson

Customer Reviews:

Groundbreaking in style and R&B/hiphop..........................2007-05-04

BBD kicked open the 90's with this timeless banger. No one expected these three of New Edition to be this good and dope. The production from Spiderman & Freeze and PE's Bomb Squad set this joint up for success. Many an act would take peices of their style, such as Jodeci, TLC, SWV and others. The smoothed out mental dress in back in style thanks to Usher, Kanye and just about every R & B artist today.

Top Joints:
Dope!
B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)
Do Me!
Poison
When Will I See You Smile Again?
I Do Need You

Not New Edition anymore!!!.......2007-03-19

It was in the MTV era( when they actually played music )when i heard a beat that made me stop...it was Poison by BBD. That was just the begining for me and this album. i was just starting to DJ back then and i was always looking for the next heater for the dance floor. BBD gave me more than one, in fact they gave us all music that to this day is still being requested and played well after 12:00AM...their songs are still heaters!!!"I thought it was me" and " Do me" never got old on the dancefloor. I never played a party without all of the above being requested by everyone back home in Santa Paula,Ca. For anyone who had a taste for the 80's dance music ...this is a mixture of R& b, New Jack, Soul-(When will I see You Smile Agian?) that you need in your collection. It's 2007 and i'm still DJing and i'm still playing these same BBD cuts on the dancefloor on the regular! This album is a prime example of how good the music was back in the 80's...want proof...i'm still playing BBD almost 20 years later and getting the same reaction from the dancefloor...! JC Cota[...]

This cd is DOPE!.......2007-02-05

One one my favorite groups, with New Edition being my favorite. This cd takes me back to the days when your boyfriend use to make love song mixtapes. I know i had one with "I Do Need You" and When Will I See You Smile Again. Love every song on this and with the way music is now it's rare to have a cd with more than 1-2 even decent songs. Classic, Classic, Classic!!!!!!

Ivy League.......2006-07-11

The spin-off trio from New Edition formed by Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe to form Bell Biv DeVoe. Their debut album and lead single Poison combined R&B, dance and hip-hop with timeless quotable "...never trust a big butt and a smile..." to bring back memories of that day in time. The ten song album starts off with "Dope!". This song definitely sets the tone for the LP and builds expectation that hasn't been left out with again memorable lyrics "...come here girl I wanna knock your boots..." that was also produced by Dr. Freeze. "B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?" continued on exposing the multi-talented group and their style. As a majority of this LP "Let Me Know Something?!" continues with fast pace dance tunes smoothed by Bell's vocals. "...take a look at me / tell me do you like what you see..." bluntly stated on "Do Me!" as they slow the tempo down a few degrees for a hot sexual encounter. Referencing the life of New Edition and the transition, "Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph And Johnny (Word To The Mutha)!" connects to the members and the fan which was produced themselves with the help of Peace Production. "Ain't Nut'in' Changed!" is all hip-hop down to the production from Hank Shocklee, Eric Sadler and Keith Shocklee (also Public Enemy) as one of the three songs produced by the team. Tracks nine and ten contains the only ballads found on this album produced by Timmy Gatling and Alton Stewart with "When Will I See You Smile Again?" and "I Do Need You". The ballads show more mature sound (N.E. with Johnny Gill) harmonies that made them popular for that time. As New Edition or B.B.D they still know how to entertain with great classic songs.

HIP! FUNKY! FRESH!.......2006-06-20

I got my hands on "Poison" 8 years ago when I bought it for cheap at a used CD shop. This album has its moments with the strongest tracks being the ones that were played on the radio: BBD (I Thought It Was Me), Do Me!, Poison, When Will I See You Smile Again?, and I Do Need You. The other songs I didn't care too much for. Thank goodness they didn't have more than 11 songs! Even though these guys had no real rap skills, they still delivered the goods. They had a style, they were hip, and had a few good singles under their belts.

Average customer rating:

New Edition CD
Music to get you into the mood!!
The very best and beyond!
Tha Bomb!
Why Isn't the Number Ones In Your Record Collection

All the Number Ones
New Edition , Bobby Brown , Bell Biv DeVoe , Johnny Gill , and Ralph Tresvant
Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hits
Heart Break
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The Best of Keith Sweat: Make You Sweat

ASIN: B00004T0EB
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

Candy Girl - New Edition
Cool It Now (Sing Along Mix) - New Edition
Mr. Telephone Man - New Edition
Girlfriend (Single Mix) - Bobby Brown
Don't Be Cruel (Single Mix) - Bobby Brown
Can You Stand The Rain (Under The Lamppost - Quiet Storm Mix) - New Edition
My Prerogative (Single Mix) - Bobby Brown
Where Do We Go From Here (Single Mix) - Stacy Lattisaw
Every Little Step - Bobby Brown
On Our Own - Bobby Brown
Rub You The Right Way (Single Mix) - Johnny Gill
Poison (Radio Remix) - Bell Biv Devoe
Sensitivity (Warm + Sensitive Mix) - Ralph Tresvant
My, My, My (Single Mix) - Johnny Gill
B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)? (Radio Remix) - Bell Biv Devoe
Wrap My Body Tight (Single Mix) - Johnny Gill
Humpin' Around (Single Mix) - Bobby Brown
Hit Me Off - New Edition

Album Description

There are "hits", and then there are "Number Ones." Lots of groups get a "hit" here and there, but not that many ever reach that next plateau. New Edition reached it, bought a land deed, built houses, dug gardens and grew Number One Hits like it was no big deal. Few other recording artists can claim the impact or the longevity that New Edition has realized collectively AND individually.
All The Number Ones is a testament to that fact.

Customer Reviews:

New Edition CD.......2006-08-07

I have been looking for the song " Sensitivity" for a long time and found it hard to find a CD with this song on. Using Amazon I was able to find it and gained some Bobby Brown songs as well. I didn't have to wait long for this product and it was in top condition.

Music to get you into the mood!!.......2006-06-25

This CD was ok. I bought it used so I was a bit disappointed when it came with a broken CD case, but nonetheless the music wasn't distorted. Some songs I liked were: Can you stand the rain, don't be cruel, on our own (Ghostbusters!!), johnny gill's my my my and more!! I like boby brown's and JOhnny Gills songs better so maybe I should've bought their Cd isntead of this New Edition "hits collection".

One thing I didn't like was the mixes they made of some of the songs like Can you stand the rain (Lampost mix) and the My my my (single version). I wish they would've just stuck with the original mixes. That's what makes these songs so great, but now that I have the ugly versions, I don't think so.

The very best and beyond!.......2006-05-11

As it appears to be in the photos contained in the album,New Edition has been upgraded to a sextet. We hear all six overall New Edition members Bobby Brown,Ralph Tresvant,Ricky Bell,Michael Bivins,Ronnie Devoe and Johnny Gill on this great collection of number one hits. Not only do we hear the group's recordings,we also hear Brown's solo hits,Tresvant's solo hit,Bell Biv Devoe's(Bell,Bivins and Devoe) solo hits and Gill's solo hits(one of them is a duet with Stacy Lattisaw). Let me just state for the record that the Gill/Lattisaw duet is not PERFECT COMBINATION. Instead their recording of WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? appears in this collection. So technically,this is a six-artist album,if you include Lattisaw. This collection could use 1985's COUNT ME OUT and 1986's EARTH ANGEL. Brown's solo career began in 1986 with KING OF STAGE. KOS spawned GIRLFRIEND,a beautiful slow jam. When his second album DON'T BE CRUEL was released in 1988,Brown catapulted to superstardom. 1990 saw Tresvant's solo self-titled debut and also the debut of the spinoff trio Bell Biv Devoe. The trio gave up crooning for hipping and hopping. After Brown's departure from NE in 1986,Gill filled the vacancy. Brown made headlines in 1992 when he took Grammy-winner Whitney Houston to be his lawfully wedded wife. Despite their involvement in violence and drugs,they are still married today. CANDY GIRL,from NE's 1983 debut of the same title,sounds like a Jackson 5 recording. Doesn't the voice resemble a pre-teen Michael Jackson? From the group's sophomore self-titled album released the following year are COOL IT NOW and the Ray Parker Jr.-written and produced MR. TELEPHONE MAN(indeed,that song has the sound of Parker's band Raydio). CAN YOU STAND THE RAIN is from 1988's HEARTBREAK. The other songs are excellent!

Tha Bomb!.......2005-12-04

I ordered this album from Amazon.com based on the reviews and I must admit, that I was not disappointed. Matter of fact, I let my cousin and sister listen to it and they both felt the same as I do, this CD is the bomb! It is not a New Edition the group number one, but a compilation of all the number one album from the group and individual artists. Although, I must admit, I have never been a Ralph Tresvant fan, I still think that this is a wonderful CD.

Why Isn't the Number Ones In Your Record Collection.......2005-08-18

Talented as a unit and as major soloists. Who doesn't find themselves singing along to ever tune. Every number 1 makes your toes tap and takes you to a happy place where you first heard the hit or had a similiar experience, thus connecting with their lyrics. New Edition, a band known for their superior live performances, never disappoints on wax - so give them a chance or twelve. As they matured, however, N.E.'s music did the same, reaching its glorious apotheosis on their '88 album N.E. Heartbreak. This album's triumph comes down to six elements: Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill, BBD, Bobby Brown and sterling production and songwriting.

Tightening It Up: The Best of Archie Bell & the Drells

Average customer rating:

YOU KNOW WHAT? THIS IS PRETTY DECENT!!!!
Sorry Example of "The Best Of.."
the best of archie bell7 the drells"
TIGHT!!!!!
HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! OOOH TIGHTEN UP...

Tightening It Up: The Best of Archie Bell & the Drells
Archie Bell & the Drells
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000033BU
Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

Tighten Up
I Can't Stop Dancing - Archie Bell And The Drells
Do The Choo Choo
Love Will Rain On You
(There's Gonna Be A) Showdown
I Love My Baby
Girl You're Too Young
My Balloon's Going Up
A World Without Music
Don't Let The Music Slip Away
Wrap It Up
Dancing To Your Music
Ain't Nothing For A Man In Love
I Could Dance All Night
The Soul City Walk
Let's Groove
Everybody Have A Good Time
Glad You Could Make It
I've Been Missing You
Strategy

Customer Reviews:

YOU KNOW WHAT? THIS IS PRETTY DECENT!!!!.......2007-01-25

i love archie bell and the drells' early material.......at least what i heard on the radio (THERE'S GONNA BE A SHOWDOWN, I JUST CAN'T STOP DANCIN', and of course, TIGHTEN UP). however, when i checked this out, i had no idea that.......though a lot of it sounds the same.........they did some pretty decent stuff. the word "fluke" should NOT be branded on their legacy. please check out STRATEGY. this may be worth the money or download if you are into that rare soul (in this case, other than the
hit(s).

Sorry Example of "The Best Of..".......2006-11-20

This CD is ok for an Archie Bell & the Drells primer, but this incredible group deserves better. Fortunately, it appears now as if all but 2 of the AB & D LPs have been reissued on CD (the missing 2 being; Dance Your Troubles Away--TSOP/1975, and I Never Had It So Good--Becket/1981). Unfortunately, about half of them are imports. While I'm tired of paying big $$ for imports of exported soul music(!), at least you often get the albums in their entirety, rather than hit and miss compilations like this one.

Archie Bell & The Drells are mostly known for their happy uptempo dance music, but few have appreciated Archie's ability as a powerful and passionate lead vocalist. In fact, smack in the middle of the disco years (a period when many fans wrote them off), on the LP Dance Your Troubles Away, Archie Bell is down on his knees on the delicious 9 min. slow jam "I Won't Leave You Honey, Never". But you won't find that gem here. Hey-Hey, y'all...Collectables? Rhino? Please, more LP reissues, less compilations.

Incidentally, I agree with the other reviewers about the criminal edit of the bass intro on "Tighten Up" here. But you can recapture those valuable few seconds AND hear "Tighten Up, Pt.2" on the vinyl reissue of the LP, or on the CD Tighten Up/I Just Can't Stop Dancing import(!) BTW, the music on "Tighten Up" is provided by the fabulously funky TSU Toronados.

the best of archie bell7 the drells".......2004-10-27

never got the the cd. what's going on?

TIGHT!!!!!.......2004-09-22

THIS IS A JAMMIN CD. I LIKE ARCHIE BELL HE IS FROM HERE HOUSTON, TEXAS. HE HAS SOME HISTORY. HE'S FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS AND HE STARTED A NEW DANCE CALLED THE TIGHTEN UP. HE SHOWED THE WORLD HIS STYLE AND STRATEGEY AND HE SHOWED EVERYBODY HOW TO GROOVE. THIS IS A GOOD CD AND IT HAS SOME GOOD SONGS ON HERE I LIKE THIS ALBUM AND I LIKE ARCHIE BELL. ARCHIE IS A PART OF THE SOUNDS OF PHILADELPHIA. HE HAS HISTORY WITH PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL W/ KENNNY GAMBLE AND LEON HUFF. HE IS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAD STARTED IT ALL WITH THE SOUNDS OF PHILADELPHIA. SO, THEREORE THIS ALBUM DESERVES MORE THAN FIVE STARS. ARCHIE HAS DONE SOME GOOD WORK AND HE NEEDS TO BE COMMENDED FOR IT. AND I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT HE IS A NATIVE FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS. IF YOU LIKE OLD SCHOOL MUSIC OR MUSIC FROM THE SOUNDS OF PHILADELPHIA ERA THEN YOU WOULD LIKE THIS ALBUM. MY FAVORITES ON HERE ARE STATEGY,LETS GROOVE AND THE TIGHTEN UP. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY OLD SCHOOL R&B FAN!!!!!

HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! OOOH TIGHTEN UP..........2003-04-19

What? No TIGHTEN UP-Part 2? Although it wasn't the most original track layed down by the Drells, this light hearted b-side is very endearing and justifies inclusion for it's comic relief alone. (If you're not familiar with this song, it's Archie ad libbing dance instructions etc. over the basic track . The Drells chime in with a vocal refrain of "oooh tighten up...")

Thankfully, we have the single mix of Tighten Up here. This has a very full sound with a nice reverb. Most compilations in the past have used the LP mix which is a very dry mix and the guitar (the hook of the song) is lost. The Lp mix does have merit, though. That's where you'll find the bass intro .

All in all there is a focus on later material with this CD. Why weren't we given tracks from the first 2 LPs? I would have rather had a 2cd set --or even 2 separate releases (vol.1/2 ).
There is a big difference between 1968 R&B and 1978 R&B , so if you're a fan of the latter this is a great CD. Unfortunately, most people are buying this to get the 60's tracks. Rhino should have realized this and delivered the goods.

The Very Best of William Bell
Average customer rating:

Best comp ever of underrated soul man's work

The Very Best of William Bell
William Bell
Manufacturer: Stax
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000QUCQK6
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

You Don't Miss Your Water
Any Other Way
Share What You Got (But Keep What You Need)
Never Like This Before
Everybody Loves a Winner
Eloise (Hang on in There)
Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday
Tribute to a King
Every Man Oughta Have a Woman
Private Number - William Bell, Judy Clay
I Forgot to Be Your Lover
My Baby Specializes - William Bell, Judy Clay
My Whole World Is Falling Down
Happy
Born Under a Bad Sign
All for the Love of a Woman
Save Us
Lovin' on Borrowed Time
I've Got to Go on Without You
Gettin' What You Want (Losin' What You Got)

Customer Reviews:

Best comp ever of underrated soul man's work.......2007-08-05

This is another sale attributable to a book by Dave Marsh called "The Heart of Rock and Soul." Which has now gone out of print at least twice and is one of the first items I ever reviewed. Anyway, Mr. Bell is one of several R & B veterans with several singles described in that book. This is the first CD to include all of them. "The Best of" doesn't have "You Don't Miss Your Water" and "Everybody Loves a Winner"; "The Soul of a Bell" has those but not "Private Number" (a duet with Judy Clay) and "I Forgot To Be Your Lover." All are now, finally, available on one disc that covers Bell's Stax career through 1974. [Ironically, Bell didn't reach the Pop Top 40 until he'd left Stax for Mercury. The single, "Tryin' To Love Two", got to #10 (#1 R&B) in 1977. I estimate it's the most successful song of the era I've never heard on the radio then or since. It appears on Volume 18 of Rhino's "Soul Hits of the '70's" series which, as I just checked, is (criminally) OUT OF PRINT.]

Average customer rating:

Unbelievably Good
A REVELATION; AN UNDISCOVERED CLASSIC; A MUST OWN

Proud Mary: The Bell Sessions
Solomon Burke
Manufacturer: Sundazed Music Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004W1FV
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

Proud Mary
These Arms Of Mine
I'll Be Doggone
How Big A Fool (Can A Fool Be)
Don't Wait Too Long
That Lucky Go Lucky Old Sun
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The Generation Of Revelations
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Album Description

First time CD release from the King Of Rock n Soul with thebonus tracks 'She Thinks I Still Care', 'I'm Gonna Stay Right Here', 'Generation Of Revelations' 'In The Ghetto' 'God Knows I Love You', 'The Mighty Quinn' and 'Change Is Gonna Come'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Unbelievably Good.......2001-06-07

I couldn't agree more with the previous reviewer, and have little to add, besides my agreement that this is an extraordinary album. Everyone who's heard it knows it as a masterpiece immediately. When I was purchasing it, the guy in the shop (sorry, Amazon) stopped and raved about it for five minutes or so before he'd let me take my new acquisition home. I've played it in my apartment and have had friends literally stop in their tracks, begging to know who's singing. There's also little more I can say about particular tracks themselves--John Fogarty's notes themselves shed considerable light. But while it's easy to tell which songs are genuine miracles, it's harder to tell just how Burke manages to get inside the lyrics and the melody to bring out meaning. On "That Lucky Ol' Sun," for example, I was prepared for the Louis Armstrong classic, full of joy and vim. Of course, when you actually listen to the lyrics, they're full of pathos and Burke brings this out without laying it all on too thick. Same with "In the Ghetto," a syrupy tune in Elvis's memorable but sappy rendition. But Burke sings it with restraint, and still has managed actually to make me cry several times listening to it. "Quinn the Eskimo" sounds far, far, FAR more revolutionary than Dylan--DYLAN!!--ever did. There is a fair sprinkling of Burke's trademark sad love ballads, but each is affecting in its own way. I love the uptempo tunes; not just "Generation of Revelations" but also "I'm Gonna Stay Right Here" will make you want to dance. The only song that to my ears falls seriously short of what it should be is, strange to say, Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come." For reasons unknown to me, Burke seeks to improve on Cooke's lyrics (instead of "I was born by a river, in a little tent," Burke substitutes the unwieldy "I was born by the river, in a little shack like a tent." What??) I suppose it's just that Cooke is unsurpassable in his own right, but the rest of the album is pure gold. Buy it, buy it, you won't regret it!!

A REVELATION; AN UNDISCOVERED CLASSIC; A MUST OWN.......2001-05-10

I first discovered Solomon Burke from Nick Honrby's novel "High Fidelity." In the novel, a Burke song "Why Can't We Stay Together" features prominently and since main character Rob has such a breadth of knowledge about music, I sought it out hoping to discover something new. This track can be found on Burke's "Definition Of Soul" album which has a 70's/Al Green kind of vibe to it. It's a swell song, and that album is quite good, worth owning, but it in no way prepared me for the power, and genius, and purity of purpose in "The Bell Sessions," which I've been listening to over and over and over for a few weeks now.

The back of the CD has liner notes by John Foggarty who writes that he feels Burke's recording of "Proud Mary" is definitive - that no one before had ever captured the true essence of the song as Burke did... and he's right. For the first time, I actually listened to, and heard the lyrics of this American classic. It's also the first version I've ever heard to completely erase my memory of Tina Turner's bravura rendition.

Burke has a preacher's background, so his sound is steeped in the Gospel tradition which seems the likely source for his greatest gifts - drama, pacing, and rhythm. The man knows how to build a song from the ground up. He starts slowly, gradually sucks you in, and then gives you the release you're begging for, while beautifully serving the lyric the whole way through. No song demonstrates this better than Track #6, "That Lucky Ol' Sun." In the liner notes Foggarty singles out this tune, and boy is he right. Discover this brilliant recording for yourself before some insurance company or The Gap puts it in an ad sure to give goose-bumps. After listening to Burke's version over and over, I was surprised to stumble on it in other parts of my record collection. Ray Charles does it. So does Johnny Cash on his newest "American Legend III." Obviously I'd heard the song before but I'd never heard the song. Classic doesn't even come close to describing it.

"The Bell Sessions" is made up of two distinct albums, and there's a decided shift in sound mid-way through from a stripped down, more acoustic sound to more fully produced tracks complete with enormous gospel chorus. However both styles work wonderfully - it's impossible to choose a preference. Among the fine tracks in the later half, "Generation of Revelations" will have you dancing around your living room.

Why Burke's work in this era isn't better known is a mystery to me. While you could never actually equal the thrill of discovering Aretha Franklin for the first time, listening to the "The Bell Sessions" will be its own kind of revelation. A classic.

Soul of a Bell
Average customer rating:

Click on; Give A Listen to Heartfelt Tunes

Soul of a Bell
William Bell
Manufacturer: Stax
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Soul Album

ASIN: B00006878Q
Release Date: 2002-06-18

Tracks:

Everybody Loves A Winner
You Don't Miss Your Water
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)
Nothing Takes The Place Of You
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
Eloise (Hang On In There)
Any Other Way
It's Happening All Over
Never Like This Before
You're Such A Sweet Thang
You Don't Miss Your Water (alternate version)
Any Other Way (alternate version)

Customer Reviews:

Click on; Give A Listen to Heartfelt Tunes.......2005-02-22

William Bell never really hit the big time; his biggest hit was "You Don't Miss Your Water" in 1961. I can't be sure the one on this package is even the original of that one but it matters not. These sparse lean recordings come from a very special place in time. They deserve a listen; in fact, anything with the name "Stax" on it should not be ignored.

Average customer rating:

Great CD
Why?
One reason to buy this CD
Jerraine's Review
Another Waste By MCA!!!

Bell Biv Devoe - Greatest Hits
Bell Biv DeVoe
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

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When Will I See You Smile Again?
She's Dope! (aka Dope!)
Gangsta
Above The Rim
Something In Your Eyes
Show Me The Way
Nickel
Hootie Mack
Ghetto Booty
Word To the Mutha!
Ain't Nut'in' Changed (Remix)
Poison (Remix)
Do Me (Remix)

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BBD stands for Bell Biv DeVoe, named after the three New Edition members (Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe) who made up this 80's new jack swing outfit. It also makes sense that the letters stand for Bewildered, Baffled, and Dumbfounded, which is what one will be after listening to this collection of tunes. After all, does a halfway-decent, spin-off band (best remembered for the phrase "Smack it up, flip it, rub it down") really merit a greatest hits collection? And only seven years after Hootie Mack--their last, largely unnoticed album--came out? Probably not. But there's a certain pleasure in hearing cuts poised pleasantly between cheese and nostalgia, such as the group's biggest hits "Poison" and "Do Me!", as well as lesser-known, giggle-inducing tracks such as "She's Dope! (a.k.a. Dope!)" and "Ghetto Booty." However, given that the Guy reunion album disappeared from the scene only moments after it dropped, it's probably safe to say that new jack swing isn't quite ready to make a comeback anytime soon. --Sylvia W. Chan

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-01-19

I was about to graduate from high school when BBD came on the scene. They were great! The beginning of the CD contains the tracks that most people have heard of and love. The latter part is on their lesser known songs. When I listen to this CD I find myself only listening to the beginning. This brings back so many memories!

Why?.......2002-01-03

Quiet as it's kept, Poison was a horrible album. The remixes are what saved Poison. Sure, it sold 3 million records - but all you ever heard on the radio were the remixes. The remix album was the one to have. Sadly, I actually paid money for "Above the Rim" or whatever the second CD was called. I want an apology and a refund for that. This smells like the work of Mike Bivens. Can you say "MC Brains"? Oochie-Coochie, La la la, oochie coochie. Keep your money. Spend it when MCA comes out with the next NE compilation called 'All the other songs that we didn't put out, that you probably already own". Or better yet, just listen to the BBD CD's you already own. It's not worth it just to get "Gangsta".

One reason to buy this CD.......2001-04-26

As someone who has both BBD's fine first album and bad second album, I was stunned to see they have put out a greatest hits set. There is one good reason for the album's existence, though: the inclusion of the excellent "Gangsta," which was originally meant for their second album ("Hootie Mack") but inexplicably left off (I'm sorry to say I didn't realize that till I put the CD on. Of course, for those who don't have the first CD, the greatest hits package is a worthy buy -- you can raise my rating to 4 stars. For those who do have the first CD, download "Gangsta" off Napsta and reduce my rating on this to 2 stars.

Jerraine's Review.......2001-03-18

This album should have never came out. It was too early. BBD still have a lot of hit potential. unlike the other members of new edition BBD are still talked about among music lovers. We need to hear more lines like "That girl is poison". I can't wait for the new album to come out.

Another Waste By MCA!!!.......2001-03-06

Here we go again!! Another 'New Edition-Related' Compilation, and this one makes me laugh!! Ha-Haaaa!! Bell Biv Devoe had 90% of thier hits on their 'Poison' CD, which was over 10 years ago during the New Jack period, and their 'Hootie Mack' CD can be found for less than $5.00 in most bargain bins!! This CD follows the 'Bobby Brown Greatest Hits', 'New Edition:Number Ones', 'New Edition:Love Songs', 'New Edition:The Solo Hits', 'New Edition:Greatest Hits-VOL.1', and the 'Johnny Gill:Favorites' CDs.New Edition (It's spin off groups & solo as a whole!!) MUST be through!! Now all we need is 'The BEST OF Ralph Tresvant' on CD!!!!! Oh no, I just gave MCA another idea!! At any rate, YOU DON'T NEED THIS CD!!! It is just another attempt by MCA to get your money for washed up acts!! You can make BETTER N.E. compilations with a CD recorder than this crap!!

Average customer rating:

As good as any R&B group this Decade.
Very smooth and jazzy and with a dash of hip hop thrown in
I will always be a NE fan
Horrific
No love given for One Love

One Love
New Edition
Manufacturer: Bad Boy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Poison

ASIN: B0002XL2AW
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Conference Call
Been So Long
Hot2Nite
Sexy Lady
Last Time
All On You
Wildest Dreams
Start Turnin' Me On
Love Again
One Love Interlude
That's Why I Lied
Come Home With Me
Best Man
Re-Write The Memories
Newness
Feelin' It
Leave Me

Customer Reviews:

As good as any R&B group this Decade........2007-06-23

4 Good tracks.

Come Home With Me
That's Why I Lied
Re-Write The Memories
Wildest Dreams *This is the standout song. Very nice retro sound*

Very smooth and jazzy and with a dash of hip hop thrown in.......2007-05-23

Wow,I slept on this CD for almost 3 years. I originally bought it and only listened to Hot2Nite. It was my favorite song when it first came out. That was enough to get me to buy the whole CD.

Anyways some years later, I am driving down to NC and pull the CD out from the side storage. The interludes were bad but a majority of the album is a banger.

You heard a little bit of BBD and Ralph and Johnny did their damn thing. I think one of the joints features Ralph, Ricky, and Johnny sharing lead vocals. Won't no grand standing with the vocals. E'erbody accepts their vocal ability for what it is.

Come Home With Me is in my Top 10 of favorite love songs. This is probably the best R&B product Bad Boy ever released but didn't know how to market.

BTW...Bobby wasn't missed.

If you don't have a favorite NE member, definitely get this for your collection. Very smooth and jazzy and with a dash of hip hop thrown in.

I will always be a NE fan.......2007-04-24

I have to admit that I was very disappointed with this CD but I still bought it because I am a big NE fan. I think P. Diddy- Puffy- whatever- really got this one wrong. You can tell that there was no money or real promotion/publicity put into this project.

Johnny Gill was pretty much missing on the entire cd. I don't know why P Diddy would think that his sound would not reach a younger audience. I think everyone realizes talent. Anyway NE has a true fan following and the producers they use should remember that when they introduce any new music.

Horrific.......2007-02-06

I can't believe I'm about to type this about my beloved New Edition -- This album is horrific. I tried to pawn it off on a friend and it ended up back in my collection without a word. You know its bad when you don't even hear this played on Boston radio.

I'd like to formally blame Sean Combs for this garbage. Instead of working with N.E.'s talent and fan base, Combs decided that he wanted to try and pass these guys off as 112 -- nope, nada. New Edition is too good for this and this album upsets me to no end.

When word came out that Combs signed them on to Bad Boy Records I had a moment of silence -- that was the worst thing they could've done. Honestly, I wish they could've signed a deal with J Records -- Clive Davis has a golden touch with long standing groups/singers -- see Santana! This album seems as though it was thrown together without much of a second thought.

I also heard an interview in which Johnny Gill said that Combs didn't want him to sing much on the album b/c he sounded too old -- he is trying to reach out to the younger set. Hi, the mid-20s to late 30s crowd grew up with these guys and have stuck with them for years. This is a classic example of courting the younger listeners not realizing that the established young adults that have always loved NE are the ones that will be there two/three years after the fact.

My advice -- get the New Edition "Hits" album and have a tour down memory lane. Don't upset your self, and your stomach, with this hot mess.

No love given for One Love.......2006-01-10

This album was okay, the best song being "Come Home With Me". But if you saw their "Behind the Music", you know that even they didn't like this album much. Diddy had them singing all of these "younger generation" songs when they were grown men. And this album wasn't promoted enough; looks like Diddy was saving all of his muscle for pushing that new Biggie album.

Average customer rating:

Best remix album long before R. Kelly / P. Diddy remix era
Dope Album (4.5 Stars)
Finally, A Distinguished Remix Album!
Part Interview / Part Remix Album
The Dopest Remix Cd Ever Made!

WBBD-Bootcity! The Remix Album
Bell Biv DeVoe
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Poison
Hootie Mack
BBD
Ralph Tresvant
Dance!...Ya Know It!

ASIN: B000002OHC
Release Date: 1991-08-27

Tracks:

Intro/D.J. Opening
Word To The Mutha!
Ain't Nut'in' Changed!
B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)? (D. J. Mo Grind Time
Do Me! (Smoothe)
I Do Need You
Interview/Uhh Ahh
Let Me Know Something?!
She's Dope! (EPOD Mix)
Do Me! (Mental)
When Will I See You Smile Again? (D.J. Close)
Poison (London Style)

Customer Reviews:

Best remix album long before R. Kelly / P. Diddy remix era.......2004-11-18

Bell Biv Devoe had perhaps the best remix album long before R. Kelly and P. Diddy had their remix songs and albums. Everything kicks hard here, from the New Edition sung Word To The Mutha, to the Poison songs' remixes, to the heavy funk of She's Dope and so forth! My favorite is the Wolf and Epic-remix of Do Me (Smoothe). Wished it was a minute longer than its three minutes, but it is a smoothly done, percussion driven song. The keyboards glide so smooth on its nice bridges. It sounds so nice in its ballad version. Ronnie Devoe and Mike Bivins' cools raps just glide over the hard beats of the remixes while Ricky Bell's soulful singing is so superb on all of the tracks. This is mental to the thousandth power on this album, as their street edge dominates on these edgy songs. Sometimes, these remixes are far better than the album versions. A very hot remix album to this day!

Dope Album (4.5 Stars).......2004-10-15

I was 15 when this album was released. I remember seeing BBD reunite with the rest of New Edition on the slammin' "Word To The Mutha" video. I immediately shook my mom down for $20 and headed straight to Sam Goody. If you were around to witness the dance craze that is known as the "New Jack Swing" era, then you know BBD created one hell of a buzz with their 1st album (Poison). Then to follow that up with a remix album that was actually good was simply unheard of. Aside from Mary J Blige's remix album, all the other remix albums that we were being bombarded with during the new jack era were either commercial failures or they just plain sucked (especially Bobby Brown's remix album). This album stood out though. It just had that "it" factor that made it tight. The DJ/Radio Station format was also hot. I had never sat through an entire BBD album until this album came out (I skipped a lot of songs on Poison). I was locked in to this album from start to finish. I think what made this album so tight was the fact that they took songs that were already smash hits and made them even better. The "Do Me! (Smoothe Mix)" is way better than the original in my opinion and BBD (I Thought It Was Me)(DJ Mo Grind Time Mix) was also tighter than the original version. This album was an instant hit in 1991. Most of these remixes are just as good if not better than their predecessors.

There really aren't any negatives to be associated with this album. Honestly, I think the remix for "I Do Need You" was hot, but if you're going to remix a song, it should be better than the original and this remix wasn't. The negatives end there though.

Overall, I'd have to say that this album is dope. Actually, this album STILL bumps. If you're a fan of new jack swing type music, then this album is a must have if you don't have it already. The hits from their first album are reworked and they actually turn out better than the originals. You don't see that everyday. Go out and pick this one up and get your 90's party started right.

Standout Tracks: She's Dope (EPOD Mix), Word To The Mutha (My Favorite), Let Me Know something, Ain't Nuthin' Changed, Do Me! (Smoothe Mix), B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me) (DJ Mo Drind Time Mix), and Do Me! (Mental Mix)

Finally, A Distinguished Remix Album!.......2004-04-03

Anchored by B.B.D.'s reunion with fellow members of New Edition on "Word To The Mutha", the trio surprisingly turned out a decent remix album. During this time, a barrage of remix albums were hitting the shelfs, having the same intentions of B.B.D., milk out all of their enormous popularity in a logistical manner. For most, it failed. But for B.B.D., it worked. Like "Poison", the trio manufactured another inventive album with a smash hit to prove its credibility.

To no surprise, the smash cut is the highlight, but other gems include Do Me! (smooth version), which is noticeably more interesting than the original, and the electronic/house version of "Let Me Know Somethin!", which is reminiscent of Snap! or C & C Music Factory. Also of note is the creative radio-style program format they use to portray the album, with D.J. interludes and a very interesting interview mid-way through the set.

If B.B.D. had another smash single from this set, i would have definitely marked it a 5, as "Word To The Mutha" merits 3 stars alone. Nevertheless, their work is still commendable. For all intents and purposes, B.B.D. succeeded in tying their fans over into their long-anticipated sophomore follow-up. They achieved platinum standing and, coinciding with a enonymous smash in "Poison", became one of the leading figures of new jack swing. Needless to say, if you already have "Poison", it would be a wise investment to purchase this album as well.

Part Interview / Part Remix Album.......2003-04-05

"WBBD-Bootcity!" is part interview, part remix album, redoing all of BBD's songs from their 1990 release, "Poison." The first track on here (aptly named "Intro/D.J. Opening") opens with a sample of "Iesha" by Another Bad Creation, followed by the DJ's opening, then swings right in to "Word to the Mutha!" The same DJ breaks in again at the end of tracks 4, 6, and 11, in addition to tracks 1 and 7. Track #7, with "Uhh Ahh" by Boyz II Men appropriately playing in the background (considering the conversation topic), contains a brief interview of the band, talking about high heels, women's "figures," and basketball (really deep interview, I know ;).

The music alternates between being rough and thug-ish (#3: "Ain't Nut'in' Changed"), highly sexual (two versions of "Do Me"--#5: a smooth, slower remix; and #10: a faster, more synthed version), and romantic (#6: "I Do Need You" and #11: "When Will I See You Smile Again?"), without pushing its PG-13 limit. Like the front cover states, this group/CD is ideal for listeners who like "hip-hop, smoothed out on the r&b tip, with a pop feel appeal to it."

The Dopest Remix Cd Ever Made!.......2002-11-26

Forget what you here nowdays, New Edition and BBD where the first groups that started mixing Hip Hop & R & B. This cd is probably the best pure example of it. With the smooth lead locals of Ricky Bell and the b-boy raps of Ron Devoe & Michael Bivens, BBD proves they were as good as any mixing the 2. This is probably the only remix cd I've ever bought that doesn't have a bad or mediocre mix on it. The mixes for "Do Me (Smooth)," "Do Me (Mental,) "She's Dope," "Word To The Mutha," "Let Me Know Something," & "When Can I See You Smile Again?" are as tight as any remix you'll ever come across. The best mix on this joint is the quiet storm "I Do Need You." The mix is guaranteed to get he mood right. I think this mix tape is actually slightly better than the original lp version. Hip Hop , smoothed out on the r&b tip, with a pop feel appeal to it. You can't front, there are few acts that bring it better than BBD. Peep this, steal it, cop it, just get it!

Average customer rating:

Happy party music!
It's About Time
tight collection

Tighten Up/I Can't Stop Dancing
Archie Bell & The Drells
Manufacturer: Wea/Rhino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006B5ZVC
Release Date: 2004-11-22

Tracks:

Tighten Up, Pt. 1
Tighten Up, Pt. 2
I Don't Wanna Be a Playboy
You're Mine
Knock on Wood
Give Me Time
In the Midnight Hour
When You Left Heartache Began
Thousand Wonders
Soldier's Prayer, 1967
Dog Eat Dog
Tighten Up, Pt. 1 [Original Single Version]
I Can't Stop Dancing
Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay
Do the Choo Choo
You're Such a Beautiful Child
Monkey Time
Do You Feel It?
I've Been Trying
Jammin' in Houston
Love Will Rain on You
Sometimes I Wonder [#]
Low Down [#]
Going Out of My Head [#][Demo Version]
Who's Loving You [#][Demo Version]

Album Description

Remastered reissue combines two 1968 albums augemented with five bonus tracks, 'Dog Eat Dog' (non-LP single), 'Tighten Up Pt. 1' (non-LP single), 'Low Down' (prev. unreleased), 'Going Out Of My Head' (demo - prev. unreleased), & 'Who's Loving You' (demo - prev. unreleased). Rhino. 2004.

Album Details

Two Remastered 1968 Archie Bell and the Drells Albums, 'tighten Up' Includes the USA R&B and Pop # One Title Track plus the Northern Favourites 'a Thousand Wonders' and 'when You Left Heartache Began', and the Second Album 'i Can't Stop Dancing'. 'tighten Up' features Two Non-album Singles, the Withdrawn 'dog Eat Dog' and the Original Single Mix of 'tighten Up' . The Second Album is Boosted by Three Previously Unreleased Tracks, the Fantastically Funky 'low Down' plus Two Demos Taped at the Same Texas Sessions by Producer Skipper Lee Frazier. The Liner Notes Rely Heavily on the Input of Archie Bell Himself.

Customer Reviews:

Happy party music!.......2006-03-26

It's an interesting bit of irony that one of the happiest and joyful songs in R&B history-AB&TD's "Tighten Up," was #1 during one of Black America's saddest moments-the assassination of Martin Luther King. With that said-on to the review.

"Tighten Up" is simply impossible not to like. This record is all about joy and fun. Fortunately, this Cd has the long version that is not usually played on oldies radio, with the killer bassline intro. This also has the seldom heard (but just as wonderful) "Tighten Up pt. 2." The Drells doo-woppy background singing "Tighten up-do the tighten up" as well as the gritty-but pretty funk of the TSU Toronadoes (it's a shame that the Toronadoes' own CD is so mediocre, but this CD ensures their legacy as a great R&B band) give "Tighten Up Pt. 2" added dimension. The radio edit is also included for comparison.

"Do You feel it" continues the party with some excellent hammond organ from the Toronadoes (If you're a sucker for soulful, bluesy, and jazzy hammond organ like I am, then this is surely for you), while "I Can't Stop Dancing" (which I fondly remember from childhood) and "Jammin in Houston" covers similar ground.

Speaking of covers, AB&TD do some really good covers of some popular soul tunes of the time. Their version of "The Monkey time" is a bit too fast for those fond of the original, but they do a great job with "I've Been Trying" and "Goin Out of My Head," etc. Archie also does a good cover of Otis Redding's "Sittin on the Dock of the Bay" and personalizes it with lyrics about Archie's military service in Germany (Contrary to popular rumor, Archie never went to Vietnam. The reason he sings about Vietnam in "A Soldier's Prayer 1967" is because he thought he might be sent there, but was sent to Germany instead).

In either case, this is happy party music that's good for what ails you. In case of depression-break glass and play this!

It's About Time.......2006-03-16

This is Archie and the Drells' first two albums in their entirety plus bonus cuts. If you are interested in Archie and the Drells then buy this CD and skip the Greatest Hits CD on Rhino.
The linear notes are fantastic, most of them in Archie's own words. When Tighten Up reached #1 in the Spring of 1968 Archie was in a German hospital recovering from injuries suffered in Viet Nam. Lots of great stuff.

tight collection.......2005-02-28

Archie Bell&The Drells were bringing the feel good vibe on these albums. I Can't stop Dancing" has some nice Grooves on it.but everything gets almost overshadowed by "Tighten Up". I Mean that Jam is too tight&Still cold with the Breaking down of each Instrument.Props,Daps,Claps&soul Snaps on this Whole Collection.

Soul Music:

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