David Ruffin - The Best of David Ruffin 20th Century Masters The Millennium Collection (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Classic R & B from one of the genre finest performers

S. Paradoa | Miami, Florida United States | 11/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With David you could hear the pain and anguish in this troubled souls voice everytime he sang a song. After he left the Temptations and started his solo career many thought he would disappear, but David managed to record some good material like "My Whole World Ended" and "Walk Away from Love." The real find here is the final track, the reunion of David and fellow Temptations' lead Eddie Kendricks (backed by Hall & Oates) live at the Apollo circa the mid 80's. This recording hasn't been available on a domestic CD before. Worth the price of the disc. Get this one today."

Each day is a lifetime, With a STATUE of a FOOL.

Ruth LoveWebb | Carson,CA | 08/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album proves that David had the gift of being a solo artist. With hits like Walk a way from LOVE, I miss you, proves that he (David was more that a statue of a fool). Why would anyone not want to allow this much talent to flow? David will always live on in the HEARTS of his TRUE fans. Much love to this tall, talent, and handsome man, who could not rid his DEMONs. I'll bet Everythings comming up LOVE now!!"

Soul God

Glenn Nippert | Alpharetta, Georgia United States | 01/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Things got off to a good start when David Ruffin left The Temptations. He had a smash hit with "My Whole World Ended(The Moment You Left Me)" and a decent hit with "I've Lost Everything". But then he did not have another hit until 1975, with "Walk Away From Love". Whats more interesting is what took place during the intervening years, such as his legendary unreleased album, recorded between 1970 and '71. Hardcore Ruffin fans maintain that this was his best solo material and would have taken him to another level of stardom, but strangely, Motown did not release it. Some of these songs have turned up over the years on compilations like this one,(Each Day Is A Lifetime) and his scorching version of The Jackson Five's "I Want You Back",(Motown's Greatest Rarities Vol. 1). Also of note was an album of duets with his brother Jimmy entitled "I Am My Brothers Keeper", which is very hard to come by, and featured a hit duet of "Stand By Me". Vocally, David was like the bridge between Ray Charles and Teddy Pendergrass. In fact he does Teddy P's "I Miss You" on here and the vocal resemblance is uncanny. I was very pleased to see the medley of "The Way You Do The Things You Do"/My Girl" with Eddie Kendricks and Hall and Oates on here, as it was a fluke top 20 hit in 1985. Hall and Oates also took David and Eddie with them to perform at the legendary Live Aid concert later that year. Sadly, David would die of a drug overdose several years later. You can almost hear this tortured man trying to exorcise his demons through his emotional vocals on songs like "Statue Of A Fool", which was a highlight of his live performances. As a solo act, David had trouble finding material that matched his talent, however, his magic, soulful vocals always shone through. Overall, one of the best soul singers of all time, though his best work was with the group he never should have left."

Good voice, uninspired material

Ryan A. Rigg | 04/05/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit, I am not a Temptations fan. As far as David Ruffin's solo career, I was unfamiliar with any of these tunes. I was raised on radio back in the 70's, and I love 70's music, but none of these songs were familiar to me. Of course, that does not mean they weren't hits. Two of David's solo hits included on here did make the Billboard Top 40, "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)" and "Walk Away from Love". My reason for buying this CD was "A Night at the Apollo Live! The Way You Do the Things You Do/My Girl", which was a song David recorded with Daryl Hall, John Oates, and Eddie Kendrick. That song went to #20 in 1985. At that time, Hall & Oates were at the peak of their popularity and just about anything they put out with their name on it became a hit record. The joke is that on the record, Hall & Oates received top billing to capitalize on their popularity, but on the recording they are just backup singers to Mr. Ruffin and Mr. Kendrick. Anyway, I have been looking for that recording on CD for quite some time and that was my reason for purchasing this disc.

After listening to the CD, I can kind of understand why David's solo career faltered. He certainly had a very emotional voice, but the songs to me are forgettable. Of the songs here, I prefer the material from 75-77 that was produced by Van McCoy. At the time, Van McCoy had just had a #1 hit with "The Hustle", so I assume he was brought in as a hot producer to re-invigorate David's career. The results are mixed. The arrangements contain that light and breezy, "hustle-esque" disco beat, which seems to be in conflict with David's coarse vocals. It's like he is trying to put meaning and emotion into what is clearly a vapid disco song.

For hardcore fans, I think you will enjoy this CD. For those who like the Temptations or who are looking for that Hall & Oates song, you may be disappointed in the rest of the material."

Truly One of the Best

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 07/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"David Ruffin was a Entertainer's Entetainer. a Singer's Singer. you felt the Emotion,Soul&Feeling in His voice&Work. He was the link between Jackie Wilson&Marvin Gaye for many Artists.He was a true Showman."Walk away from love"&Whole World ended" are timeless. the Brother has never gotten his full due.He left a huge mark with the Temptations&then Solo."

Search - David Ruffin :: The Best of David Ruffin: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection

CD Details

Similarly Requested CDs

CD Reviews