Search - Rita MacNeil :: Working Man Best of

A Unique Musical Talent

Supernova | Canada | 10/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rita MacNeil was one of the most unlikely music stars in Canadian history. From humble beginnings, to multi-platinum status around the world, including her own TV music show, she managed to carve out a successful career amidst Barbie doll-like contemporaries who held not an ounce of talent, compared to the likeable, humble MacNeil. Her great powerful voice was a key to her success, but it was her emotional songwriting that elevated her to star status and garnered her a huge following among people who shared her sorrow, grief, emotional circumstances and a life of battling against the odds.



From 1986 to 1993, MacNeil was one of the most commercially successful artists in Canada. Her concerts at Expo '86 in Vancouver brought her into the national spotlight and international fame soon followed. With producer Declan O'Doherty, MacNeil was an unstoppable sales force through 1986-1993 in Canada and Australia (where she holds the record for having the most (3) albums on the year-end album charts). An indication of her popularity in the years 1989-1992 came when she out-sold Garth Brooks in Canada who was the hottest thing in music at the time. Her seminal recordings "Reason to Believe" (1988); "Rita" (1989); and "Home I'll Be" (1990) showcased her at her very best, with "Home I'll Be" possibly her best effort in that it was a very interior, personally revealing lyrical outpouring of dark, hidden memories, succinctly written my MacNeil, with commercially-accessable music and sound production from Declan O'Doherty.



This compilation is an odd entry in her calalog. It is basically a re-release of her 1993 album "Thinking of You" with a half dozen of her earlier hits. This CD includes her most emotionally wrenching song ("Working Man"). From the first few bars of the opening piano to the crescendo of backing vocals from the real-life miners choir, Men Of The Deeps, this song remains MacNeil's crowning achievement. Her later work through the 90's was inconsistent and well below par. This CD will satisfy those wanting a hits collection, but what is really needed from MacNeil is a complete career retrospective, including her hard to find, acoustic, powerful vocal work from the 70's, her 80's hits and her selected 90's work. Only then will her surprising, unique career will be justly rewarded."

Rita is one of a kind--a gem, a treasure!

Supernova | 07/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My husband and I fell in love with Rita on a trip to Nova Scotia. Over the years her CD's have provided us with so many hours of enjoyment. "Working Man," "Home I'll Be," and "She's Called Nova Scotia" are three of our many favorites. Rita and her music are invaluable to us! To learn more about Rita's humanity, as well as her talent, be sure to read her book, On a Personal Note."

Haunting and Beautiful

MIKEL MCGREW | Charlottesville, VA | 01/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered Rita MacNeil quite by accident when I tuned in to a PBS special featuring her. I was taken with the haunting beauty of her voice and the vast variety of the music she sings. Since then I have been systematically collecting her recordings - all available in Canada through one of the many search engines. Among my favorites on this CD are Working Man, Lupins, Flying on Your own, and She's Called Nova Scotia, though I love all the selections on this fine CD."