With the previous Renaissance Classics being a stomper, there was no doubt that this one would follow suit. With a tracklisting like no other, this album was sure to be a hit.
When we got our copy I had to prise it away from my mother, which says a couple of things.
- My mothers cool. (Possible, but unlikely.)
or
- The CD’s full of old classics from the early dance music days. Most of which everyone remembers. (Most definitely)
Having managed to get hold of the discs, my first impression was as always with the Renaissance stuff… wow! The artwork is yet another masterpiece, which is only to be expected from the establishment.
Upon inserting the first CD I knew I was going to have to relax, and just let it take me back. With the varied mix of music I knew I was going to hear, my ears pricked up and I felt giddy. The CD starts with an ecletic mix of classics, powering through tunes like Candi Staton’s timeless ‘You Got The Love’ and Paul Simpson’s ‘Musical Freedom’. Before moving onto more soulful lyrics from the likes of Ce Ce Rogers peaking with Dee-Lite’s mainstream hit ”Groove Is In The Heart’. Afterwhich the piano’s kick off and full on house takes over, giving way to more mainstream sounds with Stevie V ‘Dirty Cash’ taking us to the concluding Roger Sanchez’s ‘Another Chance’.
The second CD just as the first starts off in a similar fashion, with a superb varied mix of classic club tracks and mainstream mixes and you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s this CD which includes the awesome ‘Your Loving Arms’ and you’ll be even more pleased to learn that it is the Original Edit which takes presedence over later remixes. This personally is the best CD of the Album, it’s so good that you cannot justify in words just how ‘authentic’ it feels. Superb flowing mixes and an abundance of quality classics.
CD3 takes a bit of everything from the first two CD’s and sticks them all together for a proper quintessential house music mix. This is the CD that will suit everybody young or old. This is the CD that starts with the stupidly good ‘Come Together’ by Primal Scream, from which blends legendry tracks such as The Beloved’s – ‘Sweet Harmony’ and the Stone Roses’ – ‘Fools Gold’ with instantly recognisable house party tracks like ‘Ain’t Nobody’ by Rufus & Chaka Khan. Further tracks inclue the piano sounds from CD1, the deep grooves of CD2 and throw in Guitar riffs with tracks like Talk Talk’s ‘Life’s What You Make It’ and St Etienne’s ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ showcasing the variety. The CD as with the previous two, flows perfectly and builds up to a gorgeous close with the fantastic Shannon – ‘Let The Music Play’ (which for some reason whilst writing this has put Lionel Ritchie’s – All Night Long in my head)
This compilation is one for the sun, one for the summer and one for everybody. Not everybodies idea of ‘classics’ is the same as the next person, however, there will be something on this CD for everybody. Tracks come out of the blue and bring a smile to your face. This collection is sure to bring back some memories from the past 20 years. If your prepared to take a trip back to them, then this CD will give you a huge helping hand.
Renaissance: The Classics Part 2 is available now and can be snapped up at Amazon.co.uk
(8 out of 10)
