Greatest Hits

by

Pebbles

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1. Love Makes Things Happen 9.5/10

2. Always 10/10

3. It's Alright 10/10

4. Giving You the Benefit 10/10

5. Girlfriend 10/10

6. Backyard feat. Salt 'N' Pepa 10/10

7. Mercedes Boy 10/10

8. Give Me Your Love 10/10

9. Take Your Time 10/10

10. I Can't Help It 9/10

11. Are You Ready? 10/10

12. Do Me Right 9.5/10

13. Why Do I Believe 8.5/10

14. Angel 9.5/10

Pebbles proved her herself capable and deserving of a lengthy

career in the Urban and Dance-Pop world. I feel like she gave up a bit too soon. Pebbles has a rare voice that very distingishable and enjoyable to hear. I can't wait for her to come back to recording! If Cher can come back about 10 times, Pebbles has the right to come back at least once! The grace, class, honestly, sophiscation, timeless, intelligence and lady-like attitude Pebbles exhibited is sorely missed by many! Nearly no Pop singer (in the U.S. that is) can come close to the charisma and natural charm she radiates. Pebbles never needed to look like a tramp and/or stray too far from the initial purpose music videos to get her point across. Thankfully, there are new, hard-working, no-nonsense Pop singers rising up such as Kimberly Locke, Anastacia, Dannii Minogue, Reina, Tina Ann, Fantasia, Samantha Mumba, Louise, Robyn and many more. So, there is a lot hope for her future. Not to mention, Pebbles helped pave the way for TLC (a group Pebbles created), Toni Braxton, Monica, Brandy, Faith Evans, Beyonce and other similar artists/singers. I give Pebbles the praise and the credit that is due to her. My favourite songs on this CD are the four #1 hits, the dynamic Dance-Pop songs "Girlfriend", "Giving You the Benefit", "Mercedes Boy" & the smooth Urban/Soul ballad "Love Makes Things Happen" feat. Babyface. My other favourites include her Top 40 R&B chart hit "Are You Ready?", the "That's the Way Love Goes" from Janet like "It's Alright", the would have been Adult Contemporary crossover smash hit, the low-key, slightly haunting ballad, "Angel" written by Pebbles herself among others! If you are looking for honest, straight-up, high quality Pop music, I highly recommend all of Pebbles' releases. Much thanks to her main producers Babyface, Andre Cymone and Pebbles ex-husband, L.A. Reid for bringing this fabulous lady of song to us! I hope to the heavens she records again! I also recommend music from Paula Abdul, Jody Watley, Cynthia, Karyn White, Lil' Suzy, and Laura Branigan.

Pebbles maxed out after "Girlfriend" and "Mercedes Boy", no matter what anyone else says...especially the person who wrote the liner notes.

Having said that, those two songs are absolutely fantastic dance-club, R&B-pop classics, as irresistible today as they were twenty years ago. They have aged well, and are the single reason to get this disc. The remastering job is appreciable...

"Giving You The Benefit" is OK, but the song starts pointing out the limitations of Pebbles' voice. The beat is killer, but the melody is lacking.

"Love Makes Things Happen" was a pleasant surprise; a nice duet that opens the collection. I was unaware of it before this, and it's a nice, elegant song.

I DARE you to name any of the other songs after listening to this one time. Even twice. The songs are professionally created; they sound nice and all...but her voice is noticeably weak. And this coming from someone who is perfectly fine with Madonna's and Janet's lack of vocal finesse.

Some songs, like the remake of "I Can't Help It', are excruciating. Almost like a joke.

And if you know anything about Pebbles' personal history, reading the liner notes is a laugh. They are written in an angry fashion, like someone trying to convince you that they are really important, and unappreciated.

You shouldn't try to convince somebody you are important. You will sound shrill and defensive.

Pebbles, no matter what is said here, is NOT the center of the R&B universe...and not "ahead of her time".

She is a perfect example of a time; those hit singles are ageless wonders that will bring you back some terrific memories...THAT'S what we should celebrating here.