Greatest Hits

by

Gloria Gaynor

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With her soulful vocals and a powerful backbeat, Gloria Gaynor was the only Disco Diva who seriously challenged Donna Summer's title as "The Queen of Disco"--but although Gaynor certainly had a remarkable, unique sound, she lacked Summer's talent for creating one hit after another, and today she is best remembered for her anthem-like "I Will Survive."

And "I Will Survive" is the reason for purchasing this particular collection, for unlike most versions available this is the full, extended play mix that made the song such a legendary, monster hit of the disco era. And there is absolutely nothing to criticize about it: Gaynor has a jazzy, soul-struck voice that leaps and dives with incredible, beauty, power, and fury here against the song's driving sound. Almost as effective are her popular recordings of "Honey Bee," "Never Can Say Goodbye," and "Reach Out."

But ultimately this collection suffers from the same problem as Gaynor's career: a lack of material that could equal or top "I Will Survive." Once you've listened to that one, the rest seems increasingly tame by comparison, and only the first few songs in this collection are really memorable. Even so, even Donna Summer herself couldn't best that extended remix of "I Will Survive," and that alone would earn this collection four stars. Get ready to get down til you give out!