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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Take the sweet soul vocals of Caron Wheeler. Add jazzy hip hop beats and early Balearic rhythms. Mix with one of the most influential producers of the decade, Nellee Hooper, and pour through the musical uber-talent of Jazzie B. The result is Soul II Soul's seminal debut album Club Classics Volume 1. Although it was originally released in the 1980's, the chart-topping tunes still retain their credibility and freshness. Almost a greatest hits collection, the album contains "Keep On Movin'" and a phenomenal a cappella version of "Back To Life". An exceptional and innovative record whose rough edge keeps it fresh. --Ed Potton
Review
Soul II Soul's pivotal debut album is 20 years young. Make anyone feel old? 1989's Club Classics Vol. 1 has firmly cemented itself in UK soul music history. With their funky anthems, unforgettable lyrics and signature beats, appreciation for the group's unique twist on classic soul can be found from America (where Soul II Soul hit top 10) to Australia (where they still tour today).
Chunky, ballsy single Fairplay was both Soul II Soul's first official release and the reason major label Virgin signed Jazzie B's groundbreaking group. Having already created major hype on the underground with their street party soundsystem (Notting Hill carnival still hosts the collective), Fairplay was proof that the Londoners could cut it in the mainstream.
Twisting voluptuous female soul vocals (Caron Wheeler, Rose Windross, the late Do'Reen Waddell) with rare groove-styled dance beats gave Soul II Soul a niche that would see them win a broad array of fans worldwide. Back To Life (However Do You Want Me), their best-recognised hit, is a classic example of this musical melting pot.
Keep On Movin' -another key anthem- was the group's first real mainstream success (Fairplay only made it to 63 in the UK charts) and came at a time when American artists saturated the R&B scene. Founder Jazzie B made his record label more than happy as the track hit number five in the UK and number one on the US R&B chart.
Much like Bristol's trip-hop supergroup, Massive Attack, Soul II Soul have had a huge and important effect on black British music. Like Massive Attack's Blue Lines, Club Classics Vol. 1 is one of those rare albums that make you want to listen to every single track, over and over, again and again. Something most musicians can but dream of. --Elle J Small
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Granted I think some tracks on this album have stood the test of time better than others, but it is a classic. The acapella version of Back to Life is inpsired and a true testament to the level of talent here.
If you don't own it - you should.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
For many this album was the cool soundtrack to the late 80's and with good reason. Launched at a time of cheesy chart domination by messer's Stock, Aitken and Waterman, this album has certainly dated less than anything that was produced from that stable. As soon as I recall the initial crackle when the needle hits the record quickly followed by Caron Wheelers succulent vocals with a the full bass line kicking in, I am instantly transported back to the magic of those warm summer days from my youth, the recording onto cassette to play in the car, windows down (no posh aircon in those days!). At the time especially in London thanks to the Pirate stations of the day, through which I discovered Soul II Soul in the 1st place, it felt that almost every car and home, every open window had this playing out of it.
I will concede that at times this albums tight budget origins are apparent, and it is a little rough around the edges. The inclusion of a fairly average live rap track, the tracks African dance and Dance sharing the same backing track, and yes some Chic orchestral samples are blatantly used, but the strong appeal remains and that sparse honest nature is part of the appeal. Free of over production and complex techniques, this was the moment when British Soul and what became R&B found its first true voice and confidence. From this point forward, there wasn't an R&B, Acid Jazz, Garage or a British soul act that didn't in some way owe Soul II Soul a debt or two.
This album definitely deserves its place amongst what can be called classic albums. The fact that 20 years on we are still writing about it says a great deal about this albums appeal. Sometimes a classic album is not necessarily the best of its genre but the most significant or a benchmark by which others are judged. Other British soul artists may have released technically superior records or achieved longer lasting success, but Soul II Soul where those that lead the way in opening the door, and for many of us formed an indelible musical postcard in the soundtrack of our lives, and for that without reservation, 5 stars are given.
I will concede that at times this albums tight budget origins are apparent, and it is a little rough around the edges. The inclusion of a fairly average live rap track, the tracks African dance and Dance sharing the same backing track, and yes some Chic orchestral samples are blatantly used, but the strong appeal remains and that sparse honest nature is part of the appeal. Free of over production and complex techniques, this was the moment when British Soul and what became R&B found its first true voice and confidence. From this point forward, there wasn't an R&B, Acid Jazz, Garage or a British soul act that didn't in some way owe Soul II Soul a debt or two.
This album definitely deserves its place amongst what can be called classic albums. The fact that 20 years on we are still writing about it says a great deal about this albums appeal. Sometimes a classic album is not necessarily the best of its genre but the most significant or a benchmark by which others are judged. Other British soul artists may have released technically superior records or achieved longer lasting success, but Soul II Soul where those that lead the way in opening the door, and for many of us formed an indelible musical postcard in the soundtrack of our lives, and for that without reservation, 5 stars are given.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
How strange to see this back in the top sellers, anything to do with 'I Love 1989'?? I saw it on the TV and it made me dig out my copy.
What foresight Jazzie had to call it Club Classics because it is just that - an absolute classic which defined music for over a generation.
If you dont own this CD then you should buy it - NOW!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Why did i never return this!!!?
Bought this album on CD as ii had previously owned it on cassette, the CD jumps and does not play my favourites properly and ultimately stops playing! Read more
Published 20 days ago by anonymous
Soul to soul
Brought back great memories of these old tracks!
Great to have them in cd quality. My original copy was on cassette tape. Read more
Great to have them in cd quality. My original copy was on cassette tape. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Simon
Classic old school
Bought this album for nostalgia's sake. It's still great after all these years. Jazzy's a legend. Keep on moving is still as good as was all those years ago.
Published 4 months ago by The Red Hood
A Little Stretched a Long Way
I heard a documentary on the radio about Soul II Soul, and greatly enjoyed it so bought this album.
And it starts brightly enough with 'Keep On Movin', a great slab of... Read more
And it starts brightly enough with 'Keep On Movin', a great slab of... Read more
Published on 24 Oct 2008 by Mr. Anthony JONES
Not As I Remembered It
I actually like most tracks on this album, but that's all, just like. Not love or could listen to over & over again.
But I do like it!
But I do like it!
Published on 18 Jan 2008 by S. Brady
Club Classics? Not Quite
I am also encouraged to dig out my old vinyl copy, if only to turn it into an ashtray. I bought this on the strength of Fairplay, Keep On Moving and Back to Life and was terribly... Read more
Published on 15 May 2001
it is the 80s
the beat , the image , the lyrics it was the 80s 15 years on , the beat the image the lyrics just as powerful .....
Published on 17 Feb 2001 by midsman6412@hotmail.com
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