Disco de Sugar Ray: “The Best of Sugar Ray: Newport Beach, CA, Est. 198”

"The Best of Sugar Ray" is like an old friend you might not have spoken with in weeks...months...years...

And, yet, when you finally run into that old friend, you're delighted to discover that nothing has changed. Your relationship is as sharp, healthy, and enjoyable as ever...

If you've walked by a radio sometime in the past decade or so, then you will probably recognize a good 5, 6, or 7 of these songs already. So, it's already a relatively safe investment...

But, the new or lesser known tracks are noteworthy selections in their own right. The concert fave "Mean Machine" harkens back to their harder rock days, while the new single "Shot of Laughter" is a traditional Sugar Ray tune in the vein of "Someday" and "Every Morning" (perfect for summer lethargy).

"Chasin' You Around" is a lofty, feel-good excursion from their 2003 "ITPOL" album that deserves a second chance at life...

Then, of course, there is the summer anthem "Under the Sun", a song that, amazingly, has evaded radio play thus far.

The plan is simple, but ingenious. Lure people in with the hits...then clobber 'em with a showing of depth and versatility that few people knew Sugar Ray had. Diabolical.

In spite of its omissions ("Mr. Bartender", "Iron Mic", "Waiting") this is a great start for people wanting to learn about Sugar Ray's career.

If you know Smash Mouth then you know Sugar Ray, they are always compared for the dact that they are both party bands.Loving life or atleast showing it in their upbeat music.

Sugar Ray was the more orignal of the two as Smash Mouth followed 60's grooves and got stuck in that rut.This compilation magnifies all of Sugar Ray's biggest hits and some of their more destructive hits from back in the day.Anyone who grew up i nthe 90's can easily recite the lyrics to "Fly" and "Every Morning" just plaine out enjoyable songs.Many may go for the heavier Sugar Ray material like "Mean Machine" and "RPM" both punk influenced songs.Whats nice about this greatist hits is the fact that they tried to make a good compilation with a fully detailed booklet and every thing just adds to the experiance.This set will even apeal to the hardcore fans as two new tracks were added ("Time After Time" and "Shot Of Laughter") and their are 15 tracks to choose from.

If you aren't a big fan of Sugar Ray and you just want those timeless party songs, do yourself a favor and grab a copy.

always been a big fan of sugar ray - i had this cd before but it got lost in a move. as soon as i saw it on here i knew i had to snatch it up

I went to see Sugar Ray at a free concert recently in St. Paul, MN, and it was so much fun. I'd have paid to see it, but a FREE one, how great is that? Anyway, that's why I went out and bought this CD, and I love it. It's easily my favorite one right now. My other CDs are boring in comparison. It has all the songs I expected it to have, plus a few I didn't know Sugar Ray recorded. As much as I like Fly, Every Morning, etc. my favorite track is, Is She Really Going Out With Him? I listened to it 3 times in a row the first time I listened to the CD. I can't remember the last time a song appealed to me so much!! I think anyone who likes Sugar Ray will like this CD.

I always find myself singing songs in the car but didn't know a lot were Sugar Ray until recently. I was pleased when I came across the Best of Sugar Ray CD that included some of my favorite radio hits such as Every Morning, Fly, Someday, When It's Over, and Is She Really Going Out With Him? I purchased the CD from a local retailer and anxiously played it. I was very disappointed with the album.

First of all, it is a mix of the radio hits and the harder punk-side of the band. There doesn't seem to be a logical order to the play order. It's as if it almost alternates between radio played songs and punk songs. To me, the genres are different and to flip flop back and forth like that is hard to take!

Second, I may have been a bit naive by not knowing the punk side of the group but I was not expecting to have 3 tracks containing the F-word in it WITHOUT an explicit lyrics warning!

It's a shame I will not be able to enjoy listening to the CD more often since I have 2 small children and cannot just plop it in the CD player and let it play.

My point....Don't buy the CD if you only like the radio hits and don't care for hard-punk side of the group.