Big Dog 92-7 Music Guide

Anthology

RELEASE
2001
LABEL
Capitol
GENRES
Rhythm & Blues, Urban, Soul

Album Review

This double-disc set compiles 30 of Peabo Bryson's highest-charting -- as well as best-loved -- R&B and pop/soul classics. Bryson's smooth tenor vocals epitomize the late '70s and '80s quiet storm genre of laid-back sexy soul music. Anthology highlights both Bryson's hits as a solo artist, as well as his highly regarded and memorable duets. Additionally, by cross-licensing songs from other labels, Anthology is easily the most comprehensive overview of Bryson's work available. While this set is drawn primarily from his albums on Capitol Records in the mid-to-late '70s and '80s, the set begins with a trio of songs -- "Underground Music," "Just Another Day," and "I Can Make It Better" from Bryson's debut on the Atlanta, GA-based Bang label. His lengthy relationship with Capitol began in earnest with Reaching for the Sky -- represented on this collection by the Top Ten title track, among several others. Bryson's tremendous crossover appeal insured that pop and R&B radio were always mere minutes away from either one of Bryson's solo hits or his numerous duets. The album that broke Bryson nationally was a volume with co-vocalist Natalie Cole titled We're the Best of Friends. Included from that release are the hits "Gimmie Some Time" and "What You Won't Do for Love." The instantly recognizable "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" is one of the three duets underscoring the special chemistry between Bryson and Roberta Flack. While no substitute for her late partner Donny Hathaway, Bryson certainly rekindles the flame. Another notable duet on Anthology is "Lovers After All," featuring co-vocalist Melissa Manchester. The track stands as the only highlight on her otherwise forgettable For the Working Girl album in 1980. Anthology features a 12-page liner notes booklet including an essay by David Nathan as well as detailed track information.
Lindsay Planer, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Underground Music
  2. Just Another Day
  3. I Can Make It Better
  4. Love Is Like Money [#]
  5. Piece of My Heart
  6. Turn the Hands of Time
  7. Reaching for the Sky
  8. Feel the Fire
  9. I'm So into You
  10. Crosswinds
  11. She's a Woman
  12. Gimme Some Time
  13. What You Won't Do for Love
  14. Minute by Minute
  15. I Love the Way You Love
  16. Lovers After All
  17. Let the Feeling Flow
  18. There's No Guarantee
  19. Impossible
  20. Give Me Your Love
  21. We Don't Have to Talk (About Love)
  22. Remember When (So Much in Love)
  23. Tonight I Celebrate My Love
  24. Maybe
  25. You're Lookin' Like Love to Me
  26. If Ever You're in My Arms Again
  27. Without You (Love Theme from Leonard, Pt. 6) [#]
  28. Show and Tell
  29. All My Love
  30. Can You Stop the Rain