Cher Album: “The Very Best of Cher: Special Edition”

There have been several Cher "Greatest Hits" compilations over the years, but this one is the best. While I would have preferred they dropped the 2 songs with Sonny and included a few more of her hits (e.g., "The Way of Love," "Love and Understanding," "We All Sleep Alone," "Living in a House Divided" and "Train of Thought"), and put in the original version of "A Different Kind of Love Song" (far better than the remix version on this CD), I nitpick. This is still a good representation of her songs from the 60's to today. The range of music is pretty amazing, and only Cher can carry it off. She's not technically the best singer, but her voice is distinctive and sounds appropriate for rock, country, pop, and dance. Everyone I know that has listened to this CD has loved it.

There is no way the very best of Cher can be offered on one disc. Her five-decade career has truly been amazing and her triumphant comebacks are always anticipated. While this CD certainly contains a lot of the 'very best,' it is still missing a number of brilliant tracks that should have been included. Didn't anyone think a two-disk woud have been more appropriate for this timeless diva, who--along with Madonna--is the best of the best?

Thankfully "Dark Lady," "Half-Breed," "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves," "If I Could Turn Back Time, " "Just Like Jesse James", "After All," "Heart of Stone," "And the Beat Goes On," and of course, "I Got You Babe" are all included here.

Tracks that should have been included are "You Better Sit Down Kids"; "Where Do You Go"; "Alfie"; "Living in a House Divided"; "The Way of Love"; "All I Ever Need Is You"; "A Cowboy's Work Is Never Done"; "Train of Thought"; "We All Sleep Alone"; and "Love and Understanding," plus a few more, which would have made for a terrific second disk. I'm sure every fan wouldn't have minded paying more for that.

Rodney Jerkin's remix of "Different Kind of Love Song" is inferior to the original album version, which should have been included but unfortunately is not. However, "The Very Best of Cher" gets bonus points for including the phenomenal track "All Or Nothing," from the "Believe" album, an underrated and overlooked flop single that's just as good as "Believe," if not better. This CD makes for an addicting guilty pleasure from one of the most fabulous female entertainers around.

Her newer fans should definitely pick this up. It is still a pretty good representation of her songs from the 60's to today. The range of music is pretty fantastic, and only Cher can carry it off. Her voice is distinctive and amazing, able to carry all types of beats-- from folk, pop, disco, rock, country, and house. The queen continues to reign. Let the beat go on!

This new collection really does showcase Cher at her best. "Believe" is the international #1 smash that catapulted Cher back into the musical spotlight. I am not familiar with electronica or house music, but I know a great song when I hear it. The vocal effects and insistent beat work to great effect, and Cher never sounded better. The power ballad "If I Could Turn Back Time" is another classic Cher song. Judging from her recent TV concert, it appears that Cher may have discovered a way to turn back time, since she doesn't look anywhere near her age. "I Found Someone" is another great power ballad that, judging from the tabloids, reflects Cher's love life! Just when the disco era threatens to overwhelm this compilation, the playfully upbeat "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)" reminds the listener of an earlier musical era. That song is immediately followed by "All I Really Want To Do," Cher's first solo hit. Listening to her early vocal style, one can hear the influence of Sonny Bono. Cher's voice is more mature on the melodramatic "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)." Three #1 songs follow in rapid succession. "Half-Breed," "Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves" and "Dark Lady" helped define Cher as a solo artist and allowed her to emerge from the shadow of Sonny Bono. This compilation would be painfully incomplete without including Sonny and Cher's two biggest hits, "The Beat Goes On" and their signature tune, "I Got You Babe." However, this is a Cher collection, and it ends with a remix version of "A Different Kind Of Love Song." Cher wisely acknowledges her past, but also reminds the listener that she has succeeded for several decades as a solo superstar.

What a great compilation cd,although the order of the cuts is rather random. And still this cd leaves some hits out, including the current disco smash, "When the Money's Gone, and "We all sleep alone".

Cher has 3 plus decades of folk rock, (All I really..)to current disco anthems with a few "gypsies " in between.The original version of "Bang Bang" is superior to the Geffen version, and that too is here.The voice that cuts through concrete sailed through the new millenium.Cher has been known as a single artist,and this cd supports her successes in the single arena.She has preveiled through several styles. Once again her 70's Warner Brothers material is missing,and there is no real reason for the dedicated fan to purchase this if they are looking for a stone unturned. The voice is powerful today as it was in the 70's,and the image only gains momentum. Choicest cuts are "Believe", "Heart of Stone",and the 60's flower power anthem, "I got you babe" with Sonny Svengali Bono.

Cher proves a voice plus a character as strong as they come preveil.This so far is the definitive greatest hits package.So why is this icon absent from the rock and roll hall of fame I ask?Well perhaps the powers that be will reconsider after looking at this compilation?Five stars for the hits alone, even if there is some question on the order the tracks are placed in. This "babe" needs a comprehensive box set...

There are few that started when Cher did that are doing other than the "state fair" circuit. Cher's chameleonlike qualities have allowed her to last for over close to four decades. That's not bad for the former Cherilyn Sarkisian from El Centro, CA.

To be honest, I had not paid attention to much of her work after the 80's until her "rebirth" with the monster smash from '99, "Believe". I purchased "The Very Best of..." in order to update my knowledge of the diva.

The "discovery" from the album that made it worthwhile is "One on One" from 1996's "It's a Man's World". I don't know why the song didn't soar on the charts for it has one of Cher's most alluring vocals and also sports a killer musical/choral accompaniment.

THAT standout, among an album of standouts, makes this a purchase that I am glad to have made.