Rose Royce-The Definitive Collection 3CD Box Set [Robinsongs/Cherry Red UK-5/20/2022]

[Motown Eddie]

A ’70s music night without Rose Royce would be unthinkable. In soul music terms, it would be like the ’60s without The Temptations, or the ’80s without The Gap Band. That’s because the Los Angeles group played an important role in spreading Disco-Funk. Rose Royce’s music defined by its blend of funky grooves and soft romantic ballads, was part of the soundtrack to those heady days, when the whole world seemed to be a big disco ball dancing through space.
This Rose Royce ‘Definitive Collection’ includes all the extended versions of the biggest hits including the ballads ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’, ‘Wishing On A Star’, ‘I Wanna Get Next To You’ and the Funk anthems ‘Car Wash’, ‘It Makes You Feel Like Dancin’, ‘Is It Love You’re After’ and ‘Do Your Dance’. Also included is the full 12-minute version of ‘RR Express’.
Producer Norman Whitfield, known for his work with The Temptations and The Undisputed Truth was the brainchild behind Rose Royce, and signed them to his Whitfield Records label, which was backed by Warner Brothers. He produced the majority of the tracks in this package, and you can feel his influence in these recordings.
Track Listing:
DISC ONE
1 Car Wash – Long Version / From “Car Wash”
2 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
3 I’m Going Down
4 I Wanna Get Next To You
5 Wishing On A Star
6 It Makes You Feel Like Dancin’
7 Do Your Dance
8 Funk Factory
9 Ooh Boy
10 Love Don’t Live Here Anymore
11 I’m In Love [And I Love The Feeling]
12 Do It, Do It
13 First Come, First Serve
14 Get Up Off Your Fat
15 Help
DISC TWO
1 That’s What’s Wrong With Me
2 Is It Love You’re After
3 Bad Mother Funker
4 Pazazz
5 What You Waitin’ For
6 Shine Your Light
7 I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
8 Golden Touch
9 Funkin’ Around
10 You’re A Winner
11 Wanna Make It With You
12 Love Is In The Air
13 Help Yourself
DISC THREE
1 RR Express
2 Jump Street
3 Illusions
4 Tell Me That I’m Dreaming
5 Pop Your Fingers
6 You Blew It
7 Best Love
8 Still In Love
9 Dance With Me
10 Fire The Funk

Rose Royce: The Definitive Collection, 3CD Box Set - Cherry Red Records

[PeaceNHarmony]

Hi, MEddie - this is interesting to me. For whatever reason, back in the 70's I 'whatevered' Rose Royce, maybe because there were so many amazing recording artists at the time I just didn't process RR's output. I'll look forward to hearing this set!

[Sotosound]

I love the intro to "RR Express", especially when the train sounds its horn. Once the vocals kick in, however, the track reverts to standard late-70s Whitfield funk. Not bad, but not quite up to that stunning intro.

I also love " I Wonder Where You Are Tonight", which is a beautifully understated ballad. Not instant smash hit material but, instead, a sit-down-and-repeatedly-enjoy track.

And then there's "Ooh Boy"......

Some great music.

[daviddesper]

I might have the same general feeling about the group.......didn't dislike them but never really warmed up to them. One thing I like from the sound of this set is that all the songs are different. I am not a fan of filling up a CD or boxed set with all those re-mixes and extended versions of the same old songs.

[Sotosound]

I think that they suffered after Gwen Dickey left. She had a unique, versatile, and identifiable style.

A shame, but not an uncommon occurrence in the music industry.

[Danno]

I think that they suffered after Gwen Dickey left. She had a unique, versatile, and identifiable style.

A shame, but not an uncommon occurrence in the music industry.

Sadly, Gwen didn't really hit the heights after leaving either. I notice this release only seems to have the Whitfield and Epic material. I always liked "New love" when they went over to Montage. Then in 84, "Magic touch" was a minor hit over here in UK. I'm on the fence currently. It will depend on price and what else is released around the same time. It looks like a worthy purchase if you don't have much of their material though.

[Optimal Saint]

This album cover clearly has one eye on the bargain bin

[TomatoTom123]

"Still In Love" is a TUNE from their post-Gwen Dickey period!!