The Definitive Collection [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

review: By Paul Tognetti "aspiring reviewer specializing...

During the years 1964 to 1986 few artists dominated the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart like Diana Ross. As lead singer of the Supremes and later as a solo artist Diana placed more than 70 tunes on the charts. During her years as lead singer of the Supremes Diana would have an remarkable 12 #1 hits! When she made the decision in 1969 to leave the Supremes to pursue a solo career Diana was on top of the world. Many of her fans wondered if she was making the right decision.

But Diana longed to pursue new musical vistas and over the next 15 years the music of Diana Ross would continue to be a fixture on radio stations all across America and around the world. "The Definitive Collection" from Hip-O records presents 20 of the biggest and best hits from Diana's highly successful solo career. You will find not only her great hits from Motown but all of her biggest hits from her time at RCA as well.
So what is your favorite Diana Ross song???? There are certainly plenty to choose from. Oddly enough, her biggest hit after she left the Supremes was really not a solo at all. She recorded the theme song from the motion picture "Endless Love" with Motown label mate Lionel Richie. That one spent 9 weeks at the top of the charts in the summer of 1981. Yes, you will find it on "The Definitive Collection". You will also find other outstanding Motown hits like the #1 "Theme From Mahoghany(Do You Know Where You're Going To)", 1973's #1 smash "Touch Me In The Morning" and one of my personal favorites "It's My Turn".
And if that were not enough enjoy once again unforgettable hits like "I'm Coming Out", "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and the quirky 1974 release "Last Time I Saw Him". I love that tune! And of course no Diana Ross collection would be complete without her remake of the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" which hit the top of the charts in the golden year 1970.
Fast forward now to the Fall of 1981. For the second time in her career Diana Ross makes a controversial career decision. Diana has opted to leave her comfortable surroundings at Motown Records. She signs a contract with RCA. How did that work out?? Over the next few years Diana would score with four more Top Ten hits. All are included in "The Definitive Collection".
These are songs you just don't hear on the radio anymore. You are sure to enjoy Diana's version of Frankie Lymons rollicking "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", the Top 10 hit "Muscles" and her moving tribute to her pal Marvin Gaye "Missing You". All of the tracks on "The Definitive Collection" are the original hits you would remember from the radio. The songs have been lovingly remastered to ensure maximum enjoyment and a beautiful 16 page booklet containing biographical information and chart data is included. For my money, "The Definitive Collection" should be considered essential in any collection of American popular music. Well done and highly recommended!