Search - Deborah Harry :: Most Of All - The Best Of

Most of Deborah

John Ashley Nail | Decatur, GA United States | 11/12/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The general public has always had difficulty accepting Deborah Harry as the lead singer of the group Blondie. Instead, they think she IS Blondie. Well, she is and she isn't, and "Most of All" highlights the Deborah Harry who isn't, and proves she's just as wonderful as the one who is. Featuring such solo milestones as the funky Nile Rodgers' produced "Backfired" (from "Koo Koo"), the beautiful, shoulda-been-a-hit "Brite Side" (from "Def, Dumb and Blonde," and also featured in the late '80s series "Wise Guy") and the bouncy "Rush Rush" (from the "Scarface" soundtrack), this CD is essential for any Deborah Harry fan. Unfortunately, it also includes "Feel the Spin," which sounds like an anemic answer to Madonna's "Get into the Groove" (it was even produced by then-Madonna producer, Jellybean) and the godawful "Communion," which will only be of interest to fans of low camp. Kind of wished her contribution to the "Married to the Mob" soundtrack, "Liar Liar," was included, but you can't have everything. Even with the not-so-great songs, "Most of All" is satisfying listening experience. Whether she's Blondie, Debbie or Deborah, she'll always be a goddess."

Blondie, Debbie, Deborah

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 07/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Minus Blondie, Debbie Harry released four solo albums. Even the best of them ("Def Dumb and Blonde") were spotty, and frankly, "Koo Koo" was horrendously over-rated on release. That album is represented here by its two main singles, "Backfired" and "The Jam Was Moving," and frankly, they are the most dated sounding songs on the album.



On the other hand, when the songs were on and the producer was sympathetic, the best of these singles rates with the best of Blondie. "Most Of All" peels three astonishing songs right off the top, with the energetic dance song "I Want That Man" (written special for Debbie by the then red hot Thompson Twins), the glorious pop "French Kissin' In The USA" and the TV show "Wiseguy" featured Blondie-styled "Brite Side." In fact, that song and "In Love With Love" prove what a dynamic songwriting team Debbie and Chris Stein were.



The album also includes a few non-album tracks, like the fab duet with Iggy Pop, Cole Porter's "Did You Evah'" (from the musical "High Society"). Originally recorded for the "Red Hot and Blue" AIDS awareness benefit series (and why in heaven's name is that broadcast NOT on DVD?!?!), Debbie and Iggy are obviously having a fine romp. Not so noteworthy is the pale imitation of Madonna's "Into The Groove," otherwise titled "Feel The Spin," recorded for "Krush Groove." As soundtrack movie songs go, Giorgio Moroder's "Rush Rush" from "Scarface" is a better track, and Debbie shows who really influenced the blonde ambitioned one with the superior "I Can See Clearly." And any additional cuts from all the albums would have been a better utilization of disc space than three versions of "I Want That Man." ("Liar Liar" from "Married To The Mob" or "My Last Date" from "Debravation" would have suited my tastes more.)



Given that the solo discs are hard to find (though both "Debravation" and "DD&B" have recently been re-issued), "Most Of All" suffices for a solid post-Blondie CD of Debbie Harry's best.



PS: Solo Album ratings are:

"Koo Koo" - 2 stars

"Rock Bird" - 3 1/2 stars

"Def Dumb and Blonde" - 4 stars

"Debravation" - 3 stars"

Most Of ALL- Almost Perfect Compilation

C. W. Schultheis | Las Vegas | 03/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the only and foremost extensive compilation of Debbie Harry's solo work. This compilation is great for several reasons.

It contains "almost" all of her US and UK singles.

It has very hard to find single versions of several tracks.



Track Listing is as follows (since the track list on Amazon is wrong):



1. I Want That Man (Single Version)

2. French Kissin' In The USA (Album Version)

3. Brite Side (Album Version)

4. Sweet And Low (Phil Harding Single Remix Edit)

5. Free To Fall (Single Edit)

6. Well Did You Evah!

7. I Can See Clearly (Album Version)

8. Strike Me Pink

9. Communion (Edit) This version available only on this CD.

10. Backfired (Single Version)

11. In Love With Love (SAW Remix - London Mix Edit) Not on any other CD.

12. Rush Rush (12" Dance Version)

13. The Jam Was Moving (UK Single Version)

14. Feel The Spin (Extended Dance Version)

15. Maybe For Sure (Album Version)

16. Rockbird

17. I Want That Man (Almighty Difinitive Mix Radio Edit)

18. I Want That Man (D-Bop's 11:59 Vocal Mix Radio Edit)



What's Missing? The Soundtrack Singles Liar,Liar, Prelude To A Kiss, and Summertime Blues.



Great for a casual Debbie Harry listener a for the collector or serious fan!"