This is one awesome album
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 02/15/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ultimate Hits: Best of the '70s has a generous offering of great rock and roll hits from the `70s; and the quality of the sound impresses me. The artwork is great, too.
Elton John starts things off very strong with "Crocodile Rock." This song rocks hard from the time when Elton was a true blue rocker. Elton sings this one out strong about how a man has been left by his girlfriend for another; the overall positive flavor of the ballad belies the sadness of the lyrics. The key changes between major and minor are awesome and they help to move the melody along. "Takin' Care Of Business" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive has an excellent beat to it as they sing this really well; I like how they sing of the ladies going to work in the city as they rock this one straight out of the ballpark!
"Maggie May" has Rod Stewart singing this rock song with great sensitivity; and the guitar arrangement couldn't be better. Lynyrd Skynyrd follow with their "Sweet Home Alabama;" this is another tune with great piano, guitar, and singing that really wows me.
Peter Frampton's "Show Me The Way" has great sounds; and "War" by Edwin Starr showcases Edwin Starr's ability to deliver a tune with forcefulness and yet have it rockin' really well! Moreover, there's also Paper Lace doing their hit entitled "The Night Chicago Died." "The Night Chicago Died" rocks harder than I remember it rockin'; this tune is a great example of how a rock tune can also incorporate some pop elements into it to make this really special.
"Stuck In the Middle With You" by Steelers Wheel is another great number I think you're going to like; and "Rock And Roll All Night" by Kiss is one of the best rock songs I've heard--ever! This anthem to rock and roll has great sounds and Kiss performs this like the giants they always were! Awesome!
The Grass Roots have a hit with their "Temptation Eyes;" this tune uses great musical effects and singing to score a big hit. The guitars, keyboards, percussion and more work really well; and The Grass Roots never miss a note! The CD ends just as strong as it began with Bachman-Turner Overdrive returning to do their awesome rockin' and lovin' hit, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet." "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" has always been one of my very favorite rock tunes and there's no secret why when you hear them do this number. The electric guitars couldn't be better and the musical effects are the best; and BTO delivers this like champs!
One cautionary note: at the time I write this, the majority of the music clips above are NOT the songs on this album; so if you need some sound clips to help you decide on this album you may have to use another website. Sorry!
Overall, this is one terrific, awesome rockin' CD with numbers that blow me away. I highly recommend this album for lovers of `70s rock everywhere.
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Track Listings (20) - Disc #1