One of the last songs John Belushi performed on Saturday Night Live is the desperate self-pitying "Guilty." Juxtapose this with Grammy-nominated "I Love to See You Smile," from the movie "Parenthood," and his symphonic film scores. It is obvious why Randy Newman is uncategorizable and unendingly entertaining. This is an indispensable collection of music from the creative genius of an influential and truly original American artist.


Eclectic collection from an eclectic composer   February 22, 2000
W. E. Weinman (Phoenix, AZ USA)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

Randy Newman is one of the most versatile composers of all time, able to write witty parodies (Short People; I Love L.A.); touching ballads (When She Loved Me); award-winning theatrical scores (Ragtime, Toy Story, etc.) and a lot of great stuff that just doesn't pigeonhole very easily.

A lot, but not all, of it is here in this compilation; and given the fact that this is four packed-to-capicity CDs, it's remarkable that so much of what was left out is also great (Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Pleasantville, etc.).

For those of us who really love Newman's music this compilation is a must-have. The third disc is filled with demos and unreleased songs that are not available elsewhere. The other three discs are more than just a "greatest hits", they are a sort of a musical biography -- a chance to see how Newman has changed and grown as a composer and performer over the years.


One of the best boxsets of the decade   January 5, 1999
Wayne Klein (My Little Blue Window, USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Long overdue, this collection captures the broad range of styles that Newman has mastered, and a master he is of style and substance. If you listen very carefully, you'll hear the roots of Elvis Costello and Graham Parker in Newman's songs and sound.

This collection sequences both Newman's major songs, along with his novelty pieces well. The arrangement of the discs allows for a full picture of Newman as both an artist and innovator in American song. In fact, Newman's craftmanship harks back to Gershwin, Berlin and others of that era, but puts a modern sophisticated sheen to the music and lyrics.

While the soundtrack portion might seem overkill, or less worthy to a lot of fans, but, in fact, it just adds greater depth to the picture of Newman that this anthology paints. The scores for his pictures(including THE NATURAL, THE THREE AMIGOS and others) are delightful, particularly if you're a musician.


Amazing   December 28, 2000
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Randy Newman is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I spent 60 bucks on this set. And even though I don't like all his music, it grows on you. His unique voice and look at the world open up to you. The music itself is odd. I bought this CD because of a few of his songs I enjoyed like "Sail Away", "I love LA", and "You've Got a Friend". And as I listened to it I found some awesome tracks, like "Political Science" "Rednecks", "Short People", "My Life is Good," and "I Love to see You Smile." I'm sure in time I'll learn to enjoy more of these songs (I better, because for a teenager 60 bucks is a lot). Randy Newman sings about the daily things America has seen, heard or experience. What a genius he is! He tell is plain, simple and blunt. Not afraid to speak (or should I say sing) his mind. God bless you Mr. Newman!


No Ordinary Composite of Any Composer's Work   January 11, 2000
Bobbie Scannell (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

What got me the most were the reviews by his friends, co-musicians, reviewers and all the fabulous photographs in the book that comes with the disc set! The stories and photos really make this set LIVE ON! He has a true voice of distinquished luster that provides listeners with gutsy feelings! I have always loved his work from "You can leave your hat on" to "Toy Story 2". Your music is a tribute to your uncle Alfred and I loved his music too! "How the world was won" by Randy! Many thanks. A terrific collection for any Fan!