Massive R&B Classics [Box] [PA]

Performer: Various Artists
Artist: Busta Rhymes; Petey Pablo; Keri Hilson; Snoop Dogg; Tyrese; The McCampbell Brothers; Kelly Rowland
Distributor: n/a

Notes: Unlike many similarly titled compilations that include nothing but contemporary hits, MASSIVE R&B CLASSICS does actually attempt to represent the last three decades of the hugely successful genre. The noughties-heavy first disc kicks off with two of the decade's biggest singles, Rihanna's "Umbrella" and the Pussycat Dolls' "Don't Cha." Two Rodney Jerkins productions, Brandy and Monica's timeless duet "The Boy Is Mine" and Toni Braxton's feisty "He Wasn't Man Enough for Me," are the highlights of the much better second half. The new jack swing era of the '90s dominates the second disc, with TLC's effortlessly cool "Creep," Montell Jordan's joyous "This Is How We Do It," and R. Kelly's career best "She's Got That Vibe" as the standouts. Elsewhere, Cameo's funk-defining "Word Up" and Bobby Brown's attitude-laden "My Prerogative" are the best of the few '80s selections included. The third disc is a much more laid-back, soulful affair, with inclusions from Boyz II Men, Alicia Keys, and K-Ci & JoJo. Featuring 63 tracks, MASSIVE R&B CLASSICS is undoubtedly value for money, and with its combination of recent hits, forgotten gems, and '80s-'90s classics, should ensure there is something to please every R&B fan. Unlike many similarly titled compilations that then only include nothing but contemporary hits, Massive R&B Classics does actually attempt to represent the last three decades of the hugely successful genre. Indeed, only N-Dubz, bizarrely featured here twice considering the wealth of material to choose from, and Ne-Yo's number one "Closer" were released in the previous year. The noughties-heavy first disc kicks off with two of the biggest singles of recent times, Rihanna's "Umbrella" and the Pussycat Dolls' "Don't Cha," and Chris Brown and Ciara's brief attempts at the short-lived crunk genre, before a rather disappointing selection of hip-hop tracks (50 Cent's laughable "Candy Shop," G-Unit's clich�d "Stunt 101") that don't exactly represent the genre in its best light. But the two Rodney Jerkins productions, Brandy and Monica's timeless duet "The Boy Is Mine," and Toni Braxton's feisty "He Wasn't Man Enough for Me" are the highlights of the much better second half, alongside Nelly's party anthem "Hot in Herre" and Eve's Latin-flavored "Who's That Girl?" The new jack swing era dominates the second disc, with TLC's effortlessly cool "Creep," Montell Jordan's joyous "This Is How We Do It," and R. Kelly's career best "She's Got That Vibe" the standouts. Elsewhere, Cameo's funk-defining "Word Up" and Bobby Brown's attitude-laden "My Prerogative" are the best of the few '80s selections included, while there are several underrated classics from some forgotten artists (702, Next, Mya). The third disc is a much more laid-back, soulful affair, with inclusions from Boyz II Men, Alicia Keys, and K-Ci & JoJo. But several tracks will be unfamiliar to listeners (Brian McKnight's "Back at One" and Kelly Price's "Love Sets You Free" were unreleased in the U.K.), and the nine continuous male-led R&B ballads are a little too samey to distinguish from one another. But featuring 63 tracks, Massive R&B Classics is undoubtedly value for money, and with its combination of recent hits, forgotten gems, and '80s-'90s classics, should ensure there is something to please every R&B fan. ~ Jon O'Brien

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.5