The Ultimate Collection

by The Commodores, Lionel Richie

Overview

Widely acknowledged as the top band during their tenure at Motown, the Commodores were one of the bands that kept Berry Gordy's mythical hit machine on top of the commercial R&B game. Especially during a tumultuous period in Motown's history, where artists were changing creative direction (much to Gordy's chagrin) and others were fleeing for other opportunities at labels elsewhere. Amidst all of the drama, the Commodores persevered and made some of the most potent hits of the label's entire catalog. Mapping the evolution of the band primarily from the mid-'70s to mid-'80s, The Ultimate Collection spares no expense in thoroughly covering many of the group's high points, free of traditional greatest-hits filler. Funk-heavy stompers are pared next to some of Lionel Richie's most beautifully penned ballads, showcasing the unbelievable depth and production skills the group had during their heyday. Those wishing to get a fuller scope historically of the evolution of the group would be better-served to check out the double-disc Anthology set Motown issued in 2001. But for those looking solely for the hits, stay where you are. This is the most comprehensive collection of the Commodores' hits you are likely to find in print.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/25/1997
Label:	Motown
UPC:	0731453050129
catalogNumber:	530501
Rank:	6377

Tracks

1. Machine Gun
2. Slippery When Wet
3. Sweet Love
4. Just to Be Close to You
5. Fancy Dancer
6. Girl, I Think the World About You
7. Easy
8. Zoom
9. Brick House
10. Too Hot Ta Trot
11. Three Times a Lady
12. Still
13. Old-Fashion Love
14. Lady (You Bring Me Up)
15. Nightshift

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Commodores   Primary Artist
Lionel Richie   Piano,Saxophone,Vocals
David Cochrane   Keyboards,Saxophone,Vocals
Harold Hudson   Trumpet,Conductor,Keyboards,Vocals
Ronald LaPread   Bass,Vocals
Walter Orange   Percussion,Drums,Vocals
Milan Williams   Guitar,Keyboards,Vocals
William King   Trumpet,Vocals
Darrell Jones   Guitar,Drums,Vocals
Thomas McClary   Guitar,Vocals
J.D. Nicholas   Vocals

Technical Credits

Lionel Richie   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Candace Bond   Contributor,Executive Producer
James Anthony Carmichael   Arranger,Producer,Horn Arrangements,String Arrangements
David Irvin   Art Direction
Ronald LaPread   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Dennis Lambert   Producer
Walter Orange   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Milan Williams   Arranger,Composer,Producer
William King   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Steven Ivory   Liner Notes
Thomas McClary   Arranger,Composer,Producer
J.D. Nicholas   Arranger,Producer
Carol Friedman   Art Direction
Georgia Ward   Contributor
Tina Anderson   Contributor
David Moss   Contributor
Peter Wolf   Arranger