Hands On With The Ultimate Grammy Collection: Contemporary R&B and Contemporary Pop

When I received the Grammy Collection: Contemporary R&B and Contemporary Pop CD’s on my desk I knew that the CD’s were going to have some of the best music in the industry on it, after all that’s what the Grammy’s are about right?

Well, reading the track listings, I was amazed at how diverse these Grammy Winners were. The two CD’s I had were filled with anthems that almost everybody knows and it was clear to see that the Grammy Awards really do celebrate all music.

With a regal looking brown and gold colour scheme, the CD’s and their cases certainly looked the part but when I clicked play did the music live up to the expectation? The first CD I listened to was the Ultimate Grammy Collection: Contemporary R&B and it was just anthem after anthem.

Here are the track listings for the Contemporary R&B CD and what I thought of each track:

Anita Baker: Giving You The Best That I Got - I didn’t recognise the song at first but it didn’t take long before I was singing along. Anita Baker is an amazing talent and this song showcases her voice brilliantly.

Terence Trent D’Arby: Wishing Well - Again, I didn’t recognise the song from the title, but as soon as the chorus kicked it hit me that i did know this song. Great sing-a-long song and a worthy winner.

Soul II Soul Featuring Caron Wheeler: Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) - This is the music I grew up with and what can I say? Absolute tune! Listening to this song just made me want to go out and hit the dance floor.

Luther Vandross: Here And Now - What can I say about Luther Vandross that hasn’t been heard before? The song is brilliant, one of Luther’s best. He was such an incredible artist and the music he left behind is the greatest legacy anyone could ask for.

Ray Charles: A Song For You - Ray Charles is an icon and absolutely deserved his grammy. Jamie Foxx did Charles justice but no one can beat the real thing.

Sade: No Ordinary Love - One of my favourite songs of all time. Sade’s voice is almost haunting when she sings this song and it proves that Britain has got talent!

Toni Braxton: Breathe Again - Fabulous song by a fabulous talent.

Boyz II Men: I’ll Make Love To You - My favourite boy band ever. Cheesey song, but beautiful voices. One of their best.

Blackstreet Featuring Dr. Dre: No Diggity - Just goes to prove how diverse the Grammy’s are! Great song, not usually my type of music but I love this song.

R. Kelly: I Believe I Can Fly - This is the anthem of the Space Jam generation! Amazing song, definitely R Kelly’s greatest. I sang a long with this at the top of my voice!

Brandy & Monica: The Boy Is Mine - Again, another sing-a-long anthem.

TLC: No Scrubs - One of my favourite TLC songs ever, fantastic voices and a great group - Girl bands these days should take a leaf out of TLC’s book.

Whitney Houston: It’s Not Right But It’s Okay - Whitney Houston is a legend and this song empowers women everywhere! Fantastic Song, amazing lady.

D’Angelo: Untitled (How Does It Feel) - Wasn’t familiar with this song, but enjoyed listening to it.

sher: U Remind Me - One of my favourite songs of all time. I cranked the volume up and sang my heart out! I prefer Usher’s early music so was thrilled to see this on the album.

Beyonce Featuring Jay-Z: Crazy In Love - Great summer song and a great end to the album. Beyonce has a great voice and this song proves it.

Overall Verdict: Although there were a few songs I didn’t instantly recognise, the album is filled with amazing songs. With this album, it’s obvious that The Grammy Awards go out to only the crème de la crème of the music industry! 9/10

The second album I received was the Ultimate Grammy Collection: Contemporary Pop. This is more my kind of music, so I turned the volume up and prepared to be entertained by the top pop artists in the industry. I wasn’t disappointed! So, what pop tracks made the cut for this album?

k.d. lang: Constant Craving - This song took me back to a great time in my life. It was great hearing it again after so long. Fantastic opening song.

Seal: Kiss From A Rose - I love Seal and this song is one of my favourites. Seal has such a brilliant voice and the song itself is an anthem!

Annie Lennox: No More I Love You’s - Annie Lennox is a legend. This song is stunning - music at its best.

Eric Clapton: Change The World - Eric Clapton is a phenomenon in the music industry. Change The World isn’t my favourite song of his, but his voice is so beautiful it’s hard not to like it.

Shawn Colvin: Sunny Came Home - Not a fan of this song. Shawn’s voice is great but the style of song isn’t my cup of tea.

Sarah McLachlan: Building A Mystery - I didn’t know of this song until I listened to it on this CD. Sarah has a beautiful voice but I wasn’t too keen on the track.

Jamiroquai: Virtual Insanity - One of the best artists to come out of the UK. Jamiroquai’s music is so unique, total sing-a-long tune.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Jump Jive An’ Wail - Is it swing, is it rockabilly? Whatever you want to call it, this song will have you tapping your feet within seconds.

Madonna: Ray Of Light - I’m not really a fan of this song, but Madonna is an icon and it’s easy to see why she’s been so successful for so long.

Macy Gray: I Try - There’s only one Macy Gray! Her vocals on I Try are fabulous and the song itself is brilliant.

Nelly Furtado: I’m Like A Bird - This is my summer anthem! It makes me want to be sitting out in the backyard with my friends relaxing.

Norah Jones: Don’t Know Why - Norah Jones is such a huge talent. Her voice is enchanting and this song is stunning.

Justin Timberlake: Cry Me A River - My favourite Justin song. You can’t help but sing a long to this one.

Los Lonely Boys: Heaven I hadn’t heard this song before but I enjoyed it. Great music, great feel-good vibes.

Kelly Clarkson: Since U Been Gone - This song is such an anthem! Kelly is still the best American Idol and I suspect she will be for a long, long time.

John Mayer: Gravity - Gravity is such a beautiful song and John Mayer’s voice just floats over the notes. A feel good song.

Overall Verdict: All the tracks on the album were so different. It just goes to show pop isn’t just the cheesy bubble-gum songs we instantly think of. I enjoyed listening to the album and sang a long to most of it! 8/10

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