Stylish, confident and oh-so-sexy/sexual - Debbie Harry was probably the first Rock Diva that I responded to and followed fervently. Not that I think she was overtly sexual, but she definitely knew secrets that I desperately wanted to know hidden behind her alluring looks and sultry class. Even in her punk years, she had that… class. A Queen. It is no wonder or surprise that she stood above her peers at that time. Chrysalis’s 1981 release ‘The Best Of Blondie’ (CHR 1337) is pretty much exactly that: the best and most commercially successful of the band’s output from 1976 to 1980 (with just a couple of personal faves omitted from their punk years, but that is a small quibble). The best songs on here are those that are now, or should be, etched in our pop culture conscious: ‘Heart Of Glass’, ‘Rapture’, ‘One Way Or Another’ and the song that still knocks me out - ‘Call Me’ (Theme From American Gigolo). With those two songs: ‘Heart Of Glass’ and ‘Call Me’ being enough to solidify Blondie’s impact on popular music just for the fact that either song embodies a certain time, a certain place and a certain feeling. I cannot hear either song with a strong sense of nostalgia coming over me in waves wallowing in its excess. The whole album shows the confidence that Debbie Harry has from punk to disco, from reggae to sixties girl-pop. The two big rediscoveries for me on this album are ‘Atomic’ and especially ‘Hanging On The Telephone’ which is like a hidden jewel in the New Wave movement that wouldn’t sound out of place now. Highly recommended and I highly urge anyone reading this to rediscover this seminal and important band of the late 70’s and 80’s. Although this a great place to start, do not stop here - there are more great songs just waiting for you in her discography. Five stars. Out of five, no less!Read full review
Growing up... I thought Blondie was a close to a female Stones. Little did I know that she and her band members were home grown and that it took their third album to make it big. She was the center of attention and clearly eclipsed the other members. This album is important becaues it gives the listener fun music created over a numbe of genres... Rock, Disco, Reggae, New Wave and Punk. With such versatility one would be hard pressed to say there's nothing on the album they enjoyed. And if the listener has more than one taste, then like the courses of a meal, their appetites are treated to a minimum of a starter, soup, Entrée and dessert. I will leave it to the listener to make their own selections to fit into each course.
Who can have an 80's old school music collection , and not include Blondie featuring Debbie Harry? This best of type CD is a great collection of he finest work.. with all of her hits here on one CD for your enjoyment.I remember the ground breaking video that she did with Fab 5 Freddy..and that song among others are here.I played the entire CD as soon as it arrived in the mail, and it was a wonderful stroll down memory lane. If you are an 80's Rock/Pop style music pick this up.
Listen to this & its the 80's all over again!!!! The song RAPTURE makes this CD. You have to hear the full uncut version the local radio stations did not play. She raps & is most talented. She is light years ahead of today's dumb a#$ rappers with here HUGE talent!!!! I basically purchased this CD just for RAPTURE. You should too!!!! The song so totally ROCKS!!!!! Other good songs too on this compilation. A few songs are no big a deal however & maybe even a tad weak. Others songs on here are all right but again it is ALL ABOUT RAPTURE with me. The song has it all: energy, tranquility, smoothness, harshness, great words, & terrific beat. I am telling you..it's got it all!!!! If you buy only one BLONDIE CD...GET THIS ONE!!!! You will be glad that you did!!! PEACE!!!!Read full review
The song "Rapture" introduced Rap Music to the world. They must have been working the words into the song's to-be accompaniment (I was in a group and we did this) and said, "you know, let's go with prose" and the rest is history. Black artists grabbed on to this and created a genre that will last throughout the ages.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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