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Album Details

• Artist: Ian Brown
• Album: The Greatest
• Label: Fiction
• Year of Release: 2005
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dadair on 2005-11-11

Of course, many are going to argue that the greatest of Ian Brown was produced in his previous group that is about to become his new group again, if the rumour mill is to be believed. However, much like the Stone Roses best of album that hit the stores a few Christmases ago, this offering is well put together and reminds you of the variety of Brown's material and the fact that despite talk to the contrary; he can still sing! The choice of opener; 'My Star', if looked at laterally can be seen as Ian Brown's progression of the fantasizing 'Made Of Stone'. It implies that he still has Stone Roses Blood running through him with the prevalence of this offering.
Obviously, the 'Music Of The Spheres' and 'Golden Greats' albums feature heavily, with the mournfully reflective 'Golden Gaze' immediately followed by the poignant and lively 'F.E.A.R.' to highlight Brown's range. A crafted and soulful reworking of the oft overlooked; 'Forever' adds some freshness to the collection. The omission of 'Set My Baby Free', may perturb the hardcore fan base. The new number that is tagged on at the end; 'Return Of The Fisherman' is Ian Brown at his most soulful and moves from a bluesy instrumental backdrop to that of a meditative oriental style one towards the end. Say what you like about him (and people often do), the monkey man's contribution to music will be remembered for a long time and this is a good way of celebrating it.

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