Barry White — 20th Century Masters: The Best Of Barry White (2003)

This midline-priced compilation attempts to survey Barry White\’s recording career from 1973-1999, giving equal weight to different periods of that as if they were equally successful. That\’s what can happen when the artist is involved in the selection of a compilation; White is credited as compilation producer along with Universal\’s Harry Weinger in what may be his final contemporary album credit (he died while the disc was in production). As a result, \»Staying Power,\» which peaked at number 45 on the Billboard R&B/hip-hop chart in 1999, is included, but not \»You\’re the First, the Last, My Everything,\» which topped both the pop and R&B charts in 1975. As such, the collection must be viewed more as a sampler than a true best-of, and even at the discount price consumers would be better advised to pay the extra bucks it takes to pick up one of White\’s earlier compilations — Barry White\’s Greatest Hits or All Greatest Hits — instead.

Track List:

01. I\’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby

02. Never, Never Gonna Give You Up

03. Can\’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe

04. What Am I Gonna Do With You

05. Let The Music Play

06. It\’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me

07. Playing Your Game, Baby

08. Oh What A Night For Dancing

09. Love Makin\’ Music

10. Sho\’ You Right

11. Practice What You Preach

12. Staying Power