Kool & The Gang Album: “Number 1's: Kool & The Gang [Digipak]”

When I first thought of Kool & the Gang, I originally always had them pegged as just another 80s R&B pop-band. Much of my main memories of this band came from 1985, during their height of popularity from their album "Emergency". However recently I heard the song "Hollywood Swinging" and soon came to realize that Kool & the Gang was much more than an 80s pop-band, but also one of the great Funk bands from the 1970s. Many of the great songs from Kool & the Gang from the 1970s and 1980s are captured on the greatest hits collection entitled "Number 1s". Although there is some very good music on this particular collection, when comparing it to other compilations available by Kool & the Gang, it falls short.

I really think it was the acquisition of lead singer James 'J.T.' Taylor that helped Kool & the Gang undergo a metamorphosis. It was following when Taylor emerged as the lead singer that the band moved away from its Funk roots and moved to become a more traditional R&B styled band. While some core Funk fans might not like this change, it did help Kool & the Gang emerge again as commercial success.

One thing that I always felt was a distinguishing characteristic for this band was some of the incredible bass work by Robert "Kool" Bell. One reason why I think John Deacon of Queen is the greatest bass player of all-time because he took the bass to new heights and made it a lead instrument. Bell's bass playing should not go underrated either. He, like Deacon also made the bass a lead instrument. It could be heard on many hits - including the pre-Taylor work such as "Hollywood Nights" and in the Taylor era on "Misled".

Typically when I listen to a greatest hits compilation, I like it when the songs are arranged chronologically by release date. This allows me to see how a band develops their sound over a period of time. On "Number 1s", Kool & the Gang chose to mix up the songs. I'm not sure why the band decided to do this, however the ordering on "Number 1s" truly hurts trying to hear how the band underwent the metamorphosis from Funk to more mainstream Pop.

The title "Number 1s" is a bit misleading. It has an inference that this includes "Number One" songs by Kool & the Gang. However, one has to look carefully at "Number One" and determine what the formula truly is. In the United States, Kool & the Gang has had only one number one song on the Billboard pop charts - 1982's "Celebration". However, "Number 1s" contains 14 additional tracks. For this collection, the songs selected were number one songs on the R&B charts - not the overall pop charts. In fact, there are only 11 songs that are categorized as number one songs on this collection. The remaining 4 songs ("Jungle Boogie", "Misled", "Too Hot", and "Victory") were either #2 or #3 R&B songs. These songs are listed as "bonus tracks".

There are two glaring omissions of classic Kool & the Gang songs. One is from the pre-Taylor era - "Open Sesame"; while the other is from the Taylor era, "Tonight". Many may remember "Open Sesame" was included on the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack and this song developed a cult following. It has great Funk and Disco elements. Meanwhile "Tonight" is more in-line with the pop-feel the band developed int the 1980s.

When considering "Kool & the Gang" compilations, it is important to know that there are other compilations out there. Each are going to be different and have their own unique formula for assembling the collection.

"The Very Best of Kool & the Gang": The songs from "Number 1s" not included are "Higher Plane" and "Spirit of the Boogie". However, this does contain the legendary song "Tonight". The material is not arranged in chronological order.

"Best of Kool & the Gang 1969-1976": This material focuses on material prior to when J.T. Taylor joined the band - more of the Funk influence. Includes "Open Sesame".

"Best of Kool & the Gang 1979-1987": This material focuses on the material from the J.T Taylor era - more of the Pop influence.

"The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kool & the Gang": All of the songs on this collection are found on "Number 1s" with the exception of 1982's "Big Fun".

"Kool & the Gang - Gold": One of the more comprehensive Kool & the Gang collections. It is a two disc collection. Includes all of the songs from "Number 1s" with the exception of "Take it to the Top". This album arranges the songs chronologically. Both "Tonight" and "Open Sesame"' are on this one.

"Everything's Koll & the Gang - Greatest Hits & More": Seven of the 13 songs on this collection are not found on "Number 1s". In addition to including "Open Sesame", but it is also missing "Tonight". It does include a terrific remix of "Hollywood Swinging".

One thing I did not like was the "Eco-Friendly" (disposable/recyclable packaging). The CD is packaged in a very flimsy digipak. To me the digipaks just aren't as durable as jewel cases and don't look as nice in your collection. There is nothing in the way of liner notes on this particular collection. While the music is solid on here - and will definitely give you a good taste for Kool & the Gang. However the omissions of "Tonight" and "Open Sesame" - while I understand they might not be #1 songs, I think they could have been bonus material. Ultimately, I think the best value for your money would to get the two disc - "Gold" collection.