Overall the best collection so far and brought a lot of memories. Can't describe it in words. Teddy Pendergrass so far was the epitome of using the art of love and life mixed together. Songs you never get off your mind anytime you hear 'em. Look at Close the Door, Turn off the Lights, When Somebody Loves You Back, If You Don't Know Me by Now, Joy, I Miss You, Bad Luck, Come Go With Me. If you ever felt in the time when a situation or a relationship isn't going right or you felt so much sorrow in your heart, then prove it by none other than Teddy P himself. Or whatever you wanna get down, party and have a good time, you know what you're looking for right here. He's a true pioneer and incomparably a legend in his own right and ability. Reading the book Truly Blessed (his memoir he penned 10 years earlier, find my review based on that) shows where he facing thru his times even today. Strong power, Incredible arrangements, remarkable lyrics, very live and good taste.

Excellent. What more can I say? He evokes memories of my childhood in Kenya and the UK.

There have been countless TP anthologies over the years, and each one has strengths and weaknesses. "The Essential Teddy Pendergrass," while by far the best collection yet released, offers a wide range of classic songs with pristine sound (thanks to remastering); I was particularly impressed by the inclusion of "Nine Times Out of Ten," one of Teddy's best songs (in my opinion) and one that has been unjustly overlooked by previous anthologies. That said, I do have two minor criticisms of this collection: First, the songs are not arranged in chronological order; if they were, the listener would gain a better understanding of Teddy's development over time as he emerged from Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes ("Wake Up, Everybody," "If You Don't Know Me By Now") in the early 70s to become an R&B titan in the late 70s ("Close the Door," "Love TKO") to his remarkable comeback following a tragic car accident ("Joy," "Hold Me in Your Arms"). Which leads to my second criticism: Teddy's work in the 90s is given short shrift despite some remarkable achievements ("A Little More Magic," "Say It"), no doubt owing to the fact that they didn't become hits. Fans who are just discovering Teddy would do well to supplement "The Essential Teddy Pendergrass" with a couple of his later albums, in particular "Truly Blessed" and "A Little More Magic."

THIS CD IS GOOD BECAUSE IS THE BEST OR ESSENTIAL OF TEDDY P., I REALLY LIKE VERY MUCH THE SONG "CLOSE THE DOOR", AND MANY OTHERS AND WELL... TEDDY P. AND HIS FRIENDS LIKE B. WHITE, MARVIN GAYE AND ALL THE SINGERS OF THIS KIND OF MUSIC OF SOUL IS EXCELENT!!.

this is probably the best overall collection on Teddy Pendergrass yet. all the extended versions and the soulful feelings from the songs and sentiments which still hit. great Production and strong songwriting. Teddy pendergrass is One of the most underrated Soulful Giants ever. this collection is very soulful and on time.