Search - Chic :: Best of Chic 2

Lesser Known Chic

disco75 | State College, PA United States | 07/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Any disc that delves further into the rich vaults of Chic albums, past the chart hits, is a worthwhile project. The aim is to provide a representation of the "rest" of their oeuvre. There is so much to select from, given that Volume One, edited by Rodgers and Edwards, was crammed with the popularly known stuff. Volume Two does the job, although with this great opportunity I differ with many of the selections.Some are obvious choices. "At Last I am Free," "What About Me," and "Will You Cry" made the cut. However, given that C'est Chic and Risque remain in print as CD's, valuable space might ought to have been offered to tracks from lesser known lp's. At the time Volume Two was released, the Real People and Take It Off albums were available on CD. Anticipating that they might not always be available because of lacking chart hits, "Open Up," a terrifically innovative instrumental from the former album, might have been paired with "Real People," a superlative track that is found here. From the latter album, "Would You Be My Baby," an addictive pop song, "Take It Off," a sexily arranged (and worded) humor piece, and "Baby Doll," a steaming instrumental groove, would have sat well with "Just Out Of Reach." Surely better than "Your Love Is Cancelled."More disappointing was the selection of tracks from Chic's final two albums of the 80's, which have never been released on CD. The last, Believer, was a failed experimental foray into electronic instruments, and one song from this project would have sufficed. The other album, Tongue In Chic, contained some bravura performances in both the arrangement and vocal departments. Rather than include the non-hit "Hangin," coordinator Ken Barnes would have been better to add the infectious, brief, wonderfully sung "Hey Fool." The production/arrangement of "I Feel Your Love Comin' On" is the closest thing to an aural representation of the sexual act I have ever heard. It deserves to be heard on CD players. Fortunately, "When You Love Someone," a song as good as "I Want Your Love," is included."

Incredible musicianship - Pop gems.

Mark J. Koenig | 04/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chic was berated and dismissed even during their successful career as only a "disco" act. This album puts the lie to that assertion.Listen to "Will You Cry?," and "Stage Fright," to get a taste of just how talented an ensemble this was. Absolutely superb musicianship and transcendant arrangements make this a first-rate collection, and a must for anyone who appreciates great jazz/pop/dance music. Awesome!"