The ex – Commodore co – founder, has been around for the past four decades and gives you an opportunity to sit back and take stock of 38 tracks on his first ever compilation album. The five times Grammy, an Oscar and a Golden Globe winner, brings you a collection that is appealing and unforgettable. The tracks here include his days with The Commodores and also his solo career.

The album displays Richie’s distinctive voice, from a youngster in The Commodores to more mature years showing his provocative way with words. The co – writer of We are the world brings us tracks such as the fascinating piano based Hello, Say you, Say me, Running with the night, Dancing on the ceiling, to the party stopper All Night Long (all night), Lady (you bring me up), Three times a lady, Love will conquer all, Stuck on you, Penny lover, to more recent favourites such as the fast paced, My Destiny, Angel, You are, and the inspiring duet with heartthrob Enrique Iglesias in To Love a woman.

Lionel surely does not miss including the superhit duet he had with then equally new rising star, Diana Ross, singing the mushy theme song for the movie Endless love, still a radio favorite years later. The aging singer – songwriter has penned most of the lyrics keeping them simple, so that the titles say the entire thought before going into the story. Other average tracks are Cinderella, Brick house, Flying high, Zoom and Don’t wanna lose you.

Though at times the album slows down, there’s no doubt that you would need only one listen to get hooked.

Rating: ****

Reviewed By Verus Ferreira