Barry White - All-Time Greatest Hits

I really don't even know where to begin in terms of discussing these 20 tracks; every song on here is incredible. In the liner notes, you can see where each song peaked on the R&B and/or pop charts as well as find out the original album each song was taken from. The songs I am particularly enamored with are I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby; Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe; You're the First, the Last, My Everything; Let the Music Play; You See the Trouble With Me; and Your Sweetness Is My Weakness. I might point out that two of these tracks are instrumentals: Love's Theme (which is instantly recognizable) and Satin Soul. On each and every track, Barry is just laying down that soul groove in his incredibly cool, untouchable way. Obviously, that deep, silky voice is famous for its romantic powers, but, speaking as someone with no one at this time to create the appropriate mood for, this music is also well suited for helping you mellow out and relax after a long day. When you need a little confidence boost, follow the example of Alley McBeal's John Cage; Barry White is the man. You don't listen to Barry White music; you experience it.


Most complete hits anthology but less could be more   March 5, 2002
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

There are a number of Barry White greatest hits packages available in the market, the most recent being "The Ultimate Collection". I decided on the older "All Time Greatest Hits" compilation because it is the most comprehensive, including all of Barry White's 70s R & B hits and in chronological order rather than in the haphazard hit and miss way such collections are often presented. As the grandfather of heavily syncopated smooth disco soul of the 70s, Barry is without peer. Barring the opening Love Unlimited instrumental which has sadly lost its appeal through commercial overuse and consequently degenerated into muzak or jingle, the first half of the compilation confirms that for the kind of music he was making, Barry was peerless and could do no wrong when he was tearing up the charts. "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Baby", "I've Got So Much To Give", "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up", "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe" and "You're The First, My Last, My Everything" still sound as fresh and terrific today as they did more than 25 years ago. But by the time we get to "I'm Qualified To Satisfy You", the listening experience becomes interminable because the songs begin to sound the same, except that they're of far less distinguished quality. Even "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me" which was something of a latter day chart stormer for Barry fails to impress. The slower "Playing Your Game, Baby" breaks the monotony momentarily to provide some relief but the CD's best moments have long passed. Covering Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are" isn't a good idea. This is a classic case of less being more and the law of diminishing returns setting in once past the optimum point. While Barry White fans will no doubt disagree - and I symphathise - the casual listener may be better served by a more concise greatest hits package concentrating on his early smash hits. But you can't please everyone. "All Time Greatest Hits" is still a wonderful anthology of Barry's hit making years and great value for money. What more can you ask for ?


O My.........Are 20 cuts too much? Not with Viagra.   February 21, 2006
Jenny J.J.I. (That Lives in Carolinas)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

This compilation of songs is certain to put you in a melancholy mood. Barry has a subtle way of letting the woman he's talking to know exactly what he wants, without getting straight to the point too quickly. He tantalizes the senses, soothes the spirit, and calms the inner chaos, ever so slowly and deliberately.

The essence of soul is captured in this collection of grooves by the Maestro. Not only does his smooth bass voice resonate in the hits such as "Can't Get Enough... and "My First, My Last, My Everything." But he also slows it down on "Oh What A Night for Dancing," as well as an excellent cover of Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are." If by chance you are the casual Barry White fan, You may not want to get to close, this disc will bring out the true Barry lover in you. It's White's intention that you should be with the one you love or for the one you want to swoon.

What more need be said; of the master of the love ballad. The strings & horns blend themselves very well into his work of art. Mister Barry White has the charm to soothe the savage beast in anyone! So "Heres" to the master of Swoon!!! Mister Barry White!!!

O and again...... Barry Whites "All time greatest Hit" is a pleasant package that should arrive to your destination.



Great White   April 30, 2000
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

The essence of soul is captured in this collection of grooves by the Maestro. Not only does his smooth bass voice resonate in the hits such as Can't Get Enough... and My First, My Last, My Everything. But he also slows it down on Oh What A Night for Dancing, as well as an excellent cover of Billy Joel's Just The Way You Are. If by chance you are the casual Barry White fan, You may not want to get to close, this disc will bring out the true Barry lover in you. To say this cd is hot is too much. Hot things seem to burn out quickly, instead Barry just simmers lasting as long as romance itself. If you want a quick fix look elsewhere. If you want Soul,R&B, and Funk wrapped in a pleasant package. You have arrived at your destination.


A MOST SEDUCTIVE COLLECTION OF HITS   March 8, 2002
JON STRICKLAND (Smithfield, NC United States)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

If you ever feel romantic and decide to fill half your CD changer with recordings that set in the mood, there are three specific recommendations I have: Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On, Al Green's Greatest Hits, and Barry White's All-Time Greatest Hits. I would suggest three other CD's to fill up the changer and thus make a perfect 6-CD collection, but I'm afraid that nothing else immediately comes to mind.

What makes Barry White's Greatest Hits so great is that the theme of each song is consistent. And that theme is hot romance to the max. Barry White has been able to deliver the message of love as only a true gentleman can. He commands it in a deep baritone voice that can drive the women wild as opposed to those squealing falsetto attempts that never really made it to first base.

Essentially a very thorough compilation of his 20 biggest singles that runs over 75 minutes, Barry White's All-Time Greatest Hits is missing very little. There may be slightly different arrangements in the original LP versions that some listeners might prefer otherwise, but for those who want a definitive collection of Barry White's works, this is about as good as you will ever get.

And some might say that unlike David Lee Roth's A Little Ain't Enough, you definitely can't get enough from this one particular disc. But let's be thankful that we do have this assortment, anyway.