I'd actually give this about 3 1/2 stars. This version is okay, but the left off some of the best remakes. The import, also title Odyssey depending of where it's imported from, version is a double CD, has 28 tracks versus 11 and mainly has artists from the U.K. If you like the original versions of their songs the half they left off on the U.S. release are more true to the original.
I had high hopes for this, maybe because I bought The Isley Brothers' 'Taken To The Next Phase' the same day (which rips, spend your money on it instead of this CD). I have listened to this CD several times, even putting it away for a few weeks and then coming back to it again, just to see if I can get a fresh perspective on it. Well, it didn't work, I still don't like it. As the above reviews mention, these 'remixes' destroy, rather than compliment, the original songs. It is sad enough to see the funk power of Kool and The Gang mellow into the 70's disco craze (get the 'Best of 69-76' or 'Funk Essentials' to hear the real power of this band), but now this weak attempt to go 'mainstream' by trying to hip-hop their sound...it is pathetic. Luckily, The Isley Brothers avoided all that with Next Phase, the original music still stands as wonderful pieces or work...it is too bad Kool and The Gang failed to learn that lesson.
This was a great idea. Remix Kool and the Gang hits with the help of different artists. The problem is that the new versions are so different from the originals that in some cases I did not even recognize the song. Jungle Boogie was destroyed. I can't even listen to it. The disc has it's monments but in my opinion they should have stayed a bit more true to the originals.
Unfortunately the production is too smooth and too less heartfelt. The originals of Kool & The Gang are WAY better. One would have wished that such great song material gives a great album with groove and fun, but in fact it's pretty boring....and the more I hear of Ashanti (Cherish), the more I get the impression that she can't sing....
This is a remake version of Kool & The Gang's Hits. With some well known artists.
Summer Madness is a nice Smooth Jazz tune, so does 'Too Hot'
If you have a chance, buy the UK Import version which comes with double CD. The track listing:
Kool & The Gang featuring
Disc: 1
1. Ladies Night - Atomic Kitten
2. Get Down on It - Blue, Lil' Kim
3. Fresh - Liberty X
4. Cherish - Ashanti
5. Celebration - The London Community Gospel Choir, Lulu
6. Joanna - Blazin' Squad
7. Too Hot - Lisa Stansfield
8. Let's Go Dancin' (Ooh, la, la, La) - Bounty Killer, Jimmy Cliff
9. Straight Ahead - Jamelia
10. Steppin' Out - Beverley Knight
11. Hollywood Swinging - Jamiroquai
12. Stressin'
13. Jones vs. Jones - Angie Stone
14. Summer Madness - Lauryn Hill & Youssou N'Dour
Disc: 2
1. Jungle Boogie - Redman
2. Funky Stuff - Big Brovaz
3. Take My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It) - Blu Cantrell
4. Ladies Night - Sean Paul, Spanner Banner
5. Where da Boogie At? - R.O.C.
6. In the Heart - D-Side
7. No Show - Blackstreet
8. Bigg Thangs
9. Jazziacs at the Kool Jazz Café
10. Jungle in My House - FM, Rachid
11. Misled - Tony Hadley
12. Tonight - Indiana Gregg
13. Cherish - Natural
14. Serious - Xavier Naidoo, Mousse T.
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