Customer Reviews

Before Meat Loaf, there was Tom! - By: Pieter, 11 Jul 2007
This compilation encompasses both the early & the later hits of the legendary vocalist. The most unforgettable songs from his most productive periodin the 1960s & early 1970s are here: the country classic Green Green Grass Of Home, classic pop like It's Not Unusual, What's New Pussycat, She's A Lady & I'll Never Fallin Love Again & pulsating vocal rock or dramatic power ballads (Pre-Meatloafian) like Delilah, Thunderball, Help Yourself, Daughter Of Darkness & Young New Mexican Puppeteer. There are some omissions, like Detroit City & minor hits such as Once Upon a Time, Little Lonely One, & With These Hands.

The second phase of his career is well represented by his innovative collaborations with new generation artists like Art Of Noise - the magnificent Kiss (1988), Burning Down The House with the Cardigans, the cover of the Three Dog Night hit Mama Told Me Not To Come with Stereophonics, the Medley with Robbie Williams & Stoned In Love with Chicane. Of course his booming baritone is the factor that holds all the styles together, whether it's the lush orchestral arrangements of the 1960s or the more experimental stuff of recent years. So although there are some important omissions, this album deserves five stars for providing a thorough overview of an impressive body of work.