The Best of KC & the Sunshine Band Reviews



Amazon.com Customer Reviews

blast from the past - Review written on March 09, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

I enjoyed the CD. Lots of great tunes from yesterday. Plus a few I had not heard. And my kids like it, too. I think I appreciate the music now even more than when I first heard it when the songs were originally released.
Great - Review written on January 26, 2007
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful, 1 did not.

Ordered for my daughter who loved them when it was first published. Music was great and brought back many memories. Amazon only place I could find it. Thanks!
The Best of KC & the Sunshine Band - Review written on November 09, 2006
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Rating: 1 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

It sounded like a remix sung by someone else, not at all like the original. My husband and I were very disappointed and because of it I haven't even opened the other CDs by KC & the Sunshine Band that I ordered. Don't order this product.
That's The Way I Like it - Review written on August 18, 2006
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Rating: 4 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

If you feel like Shake, Shake, Shakin' or Gettin' Down Tonight then let your backbone slip with KC + The Sunshine Band!
You know the music, you know the songs - they bring up your mood!
My only problem - some of the songs aren't high energy, Top Ten quality. But, so what? Just skip 'um!
The Best of KC &the Sunshine Band - Review written on August 14, 2006
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Rating: 5 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful.

Love it, love it, love it!!! Takes me back to the time I was stationed in Germany when I was in the Army. All his greatest songs are on the CD. I was hoping they would have pics of KC and his band back in the 70s. Sure enough, they do. It's a lot of fun listening to this CD. I am so happy I bought it from Amazon and so thrilled to own it so I can listen to it over and over again!!!

Thanks, Amazon, for carrying such wonderful music that I can purchase. Trust me, this won't be the last!!!

Jocelyn Hart
THIS IS STILL A REAL BAND - Review written on June 21, 2006
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

In the last few years I have noticed that many of these so-called soul acts are basically singing along with prerecorded tracks. It's true. Many times there is not a band anywhere on stage, or if there is a band, some of the players may be playing along with the tracks. Not KC & the Sunshine Band. I had the good fortune to catch the act at a venue near Atlanta a few years ago. I was astounded at how great the show was. The musicians were incredible, and the band actually has a real horn section. They reproduced the old hits perfectly and added some new parts that made the songs sound very fresh, almost like a new release. I am an old rock-n-roller, but I will go see this show again. I ordered the greatest hits Cd. If anyone reading this gets the chance, go see this act!
KC - Review written on March 09, 2006
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Rating: 5 out of 5

This CD brought back a piece of my childhood. All the best songs together. The quality great..
Great dancing and exercising music! - Review written on May 26, 2005
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 2 did not.

Music to dance to and enjoy while working out. Has all the best hits of the group. I mix it up with others from the same era.
Not quite the best compilation by an underrated band... - Review written on April 29, 2005
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Rating: 3 out of 5
63 customers found this review helpful, 4 did not.

Ok, when some folks who know me see that I have a review up on KC and the Sunshine Band, they probably would say "you have got to be kidding me??!!". However I think it's that kind of reaction that has actually become sort of an unfair rap for KC and the Sunshine Band. This is a band that really emerged in the 1970s. While many consider KC and the Sunshine Band a part of the Disco era, they really were one of the bands that came up on the early end of the Disco era (I consider the early era to be Pre-Saturday Night Fever). I do think it is unfair that they are lumped with the artists of the Disco era. When KC and the Sunshine Band began to gain popularity in the 1970s, they did it with a very unique style. This style is a fusion of many different genres of music. However, whether you like them or not, one cannot deny they were a major part of the 1970s music scene. "The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band" provides a single collection of 16 of the band's hits from 1973 through the early 1980s. However it is worth noting that this isn't the best compilation by this band that is out there.

There were two things that set KC and the Sunshine Band apart from the other bands of the Disco era. It are these two things that really helped them having the staying power for over 30 years. The first are the elements of the band themselves. While lead singer Harry Wayne Casey (better known as "KC") didn't have the greatest lead vocals - he did have the vocals that worked perfectly in his band. This band was made up of a potpourri of instruments: guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, percussion, trumpets, trombones, and saxophones. In particular, I think it is the use of the Brass Section and Percussion that gave KC and the Sunshine Band their sound. Many of the Disco acts that came and went relied heavily on synthetic sounds and drum machines. The use of the instrumentation and in particular - the horns; would really go a long way to helping define KC and the Sunshine Band's sound.

The second element was the music that was written. What Harry Wayne Casey lacked in terms of lead vocals, he more than made up for with his music. Casey would team up with Richard Finch to write, arrange, and produce most of KC and the Sunshine Band's material (all of the material on "The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band"). While their lyrics weren't exactly the deepest - it would be the melodies that would set them apart. Casey and Finch would use the wide variety of instrumentation to integrate elements of Funk, R&B, and even Latin to create a very distinctive sound. As you listen to the material they developed, you will hear the Funk element in much of their earlier works (especially their first hit "Sound Your Funky Horn"). As the 1970s went on, you would hear other elements such as the R&B and Latin get incorporated. Even by 1980 - when KC and the Sunshine Band were past their prime, their song "Let's Go Rock and Roll" was sort of a song meant to address the backlash of the Disco era that was occurring. This particular song incorporated a touch of 'doo wop' showing that they were more than capable of changing with the times. In all cases, KC and the Sunshine Band was able to produce a quality product.

"The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band" is a good representation of songs that were hits by KC and the Sunshine Band. However most notably missing are two terrific duets that KC did with Teri DeSario: "Yes I'm Ready" and "Dancin in the Streets". While KC does have solo material on here (i.e. his solo hit "Give It Up" is included), it would have been nice to have this duets included.

"The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band" is one of several compilations of hits by KC and the Sunshine Band. Here are some others to compare it against:

"KC and the Sunshine Band: 25th Anniversary Edition": This is a much more comprehensive collection than "The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band". All 16 tracks that are on "The Best of" are on "25th Anniversary Edition". This collection is highlighted by some additional remixes. It is also nice that the "Yes I'm Ready" and "Dancin in the Streets" duets with Teri DeSario are included on here.

"KC and the Sunshine Band's Greatest Hits": I would consider this a very incomplete compilation. It only includes ten songs. While there are four songs on this collection not included - there are some major hits missing that are on "The Best of" ("Keep it Coming Love", "Boogie Shoes", "Do You Wanna Party", "Shotgun Shuffle").

"VH1 Behind the Music: The KC and the Sunshine Band Collection": This does provide some songs that are not on "The Best of", most notably: "Blow Your Whistle", "I'm So Crazy", "I Get Lifted", and the Spanish Version of "Please Don't Go". At the same time it is missing some songs included on "The Best of" - most notably: "Shotgun Shuffle", "Lets Go Rock and Roll", and "Give it Up".

As for the collection, I usually prefer my greatest hits collections to have its tracks in chronological order. This allows me to see how the artist progresses over time. It is disappointing that this collection does not do that because it would have been appropriate to see how this band progressed over time. The liner notes include a nice write-up that documents the history of the band. Overall, while I do think KC and the Sunshine Band get a bum rap, and while I do think this the 2nd best compilation they did - I'd still go for the more complete 25th Anniversary Collection.
Add Some Sunshine To Your Party - Review written on March 19, 2005
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Rating: 3 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful, 4 did not.

KC and The Sunshine Band will always be rembered for some funky upbeat disco hits. This greatest hits collection features such classics as Shake Your Booty, Thats The Way I Like It, Give It Up, Get Down Tonight, and Keep It Comming Love. There are few surprising lesser known tunes such as Sound Your Funky Horn and Please Don't Go.

However, most of the sixteen songs sound the same with very little trace of variety. That can be overlooked somewhat if you are dancing up a storm. However as musicians the band just does not distinguish itself outside of a few captivating rhythms. The songs are good but the lyrics are oh so basic.

Yes, KC and the Sunshine Band is good if you want to go party and disco dancing. But somehow there are many bands of varying styles that will rank ahead of these guys when people remember the seventies. Still, these tunes will add some sunshine to a funky party.
Lightweight funky seventies soul music - Review written on March 14, 2005
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Rating: 5 out of 5
6 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

KC and the Sunshine Band are remembered for their very catchy songs that appealed equally to radio stations, record buyers and disco dancers. They were extremely popular in America, where they had four number one hits in the seventies. In Britain, they had just three top ten hits in the seventies but they eventually had a British number one (Give it up - not included here) on a different record label in the eighties.

Their first major hit, Queen of clubs, made the top ten on both sides of the Atlantic. After another transatlantic hit, Sound your funky horn, they had three consecutive number one hits in America (Get down tonight, That's the way I like it, Shake your booty) but two of these just missed the UK top twenty while That's the way I like it made the UK top five. More hits followed including I'm your boogie man (their fourth American number one but only a minor UK hit).

KC and the Sunshine Band surprised everybody by releasing a ballad in 1979, Please don't go. It made the top ten on both sides of the Atlantic. It was their first UK top three hit. Not long after that, their record label collapsed and their subsequent music is outside the scope of this compilation.

This contains all the significant tracks that the group recorded in the seventies. If you enjoy seventies disco music, you'll love this collection.
I like it - Review written on March 22, 2004
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Rating: 4 out of 5
21 customers found this review helpful, 4 did not.

KC and the Sunshine Band were the most successful disco group of the 1970s. They produced a lot of fun records. The songs didn't have any serious messages, but they were had a lot of charm. This is just good time, get up ... and dance music. This CD contains all their big hits and some songs that weren't big hits, but should have been. I would recommend this CD to anybody who is a fan of disco.
tight Collection - Review written on August 03, 2003
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Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

K.C.&The Sunshine Band were truly Slammin on there 70's Jams.Henry Wayne Casey"KC" truly was on the Pulse&Groove scene with this Cuts that never get old.though I have better Compilations of these Jams on other Greatest Hits Sets the songs themselves never date with my ears&feet.they still sound as fresh as ever.Summer Jams that blaze all year long with me.the Band was tight as well&truly knew how to Groove&kepth things Simple but made a Heck of a Impact.
Still Booty Shakin' - Review written on February 27, 2003
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

KC & The Sunshine Band were always a guilty pleasure everytime thier songs were played on the radio in the 1970's. Super hooky, catchy as heck, fun and so easy to dance to. Like 60's Motown, it's amazing that KC's classic tunes can still pack a dancefoor in seconds after 25+ years.

KC's stuff has been repackaged many times but Rhino has done the best job if you're looking for the hits. You get all the original single mixes, no cheap remakes, and excellent liner notes.

My only little gripe is that the compilers should have included the single version of his 1978 cover of the 4 Tops "It's the Same Old Song" - the song didnt do so well nationwide (it barely scraped the Billboard Top 40) but it still got a lot of regional and disco airplay. Other than that, this whole CD is a lot of fun.
Full length version of KC's greatest songs are missing - Review written on July 24, 2002
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Rating: 3 out of 5
9 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

Full length versions of Get down tonight and That's the way I like it are not in, so I only gave 3 stars to this CD. The full length version of these two songs can be found in the CD "KC & the Sunshine Band and more" (Rhino) and "KC & the Sunshine Band Greatest Hits" (BR Music of Sweden). Furthermore, "I'm your boogie man" and "Keep it coming love" are linked together in "Part 3 and more" CD (Rhino), thus make this "Best of" CD less attractive. Other than the above, KCSB's music is immortal dance music, let's compare KCSB music to the recent dance music, 27 years from 1974, KCSB's music is still popular, I can say that no one will recall what kind of dance music is popular in 2002.
Great Nostalgia Trip - Review written on July 06, 2002
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

It was great to find this CD and play all the old hits that I remember growing up in the 70s. My favorite songs are "Do You Wanna Go Party" and "Give It Up". My husband's favorite is "Please Don't Go". All in all, this is a great CD to have on when you have to clean the house...makes the time go by quickly!
Thanks for the Memories - Review written on February 14, 2002
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

If the Bee Gees were the Beatles of 70's Disco music, then KC were their Beach Boys counterparts.

Thanks for all those 70's memories

buy a used cd - Review written on January 12, 2002
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Rating: 5 out of 5

thanks Don I love this cd it was in perfect conditon thanks soo much I can't stop listening to it and I will recommand this used cd to every one buy it used thanks again Judy
kc the best - Review written on May 26, 2001
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Rating: 5 out of 5

kc is one of the very best of the 70's their full of energy funky like that. listen to him all the time. never get tired of this funky stuff.one of my favorites is boogie shoes. that song rocks.
kc the best - Review written on May 26, 2001
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

kc is one of the very best of the 70's their full of energy funky like that. listen to him all the time. never get tired of this funky stuff.one of my favorites is boogie shoes. that song rocks.
1 of the best. - Review written on May 23, 2001
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

This album is 1 of the best in the 70's. Whatever I listen to it I don't ger bored, specially songs like "Thant's the way I like it" because the name of the song describes it self.
Get YOUR dose of K.C., et al! - Review written on May 13, 2001
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

This is a great collection and features all of K.C. & The Sunshine Band's big hits. These songs still sound fresh! Also included is "Give It Up", which was one of the last hits for K.C. The lyrics may be redundant, but if you like music that makes you "hum", tap your foot, and re-live a tiny part of the 70's without much guilt, then buy this.
All the KC Most People Need - Review written on March 30, 2001
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Rating: 4 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

KC & the Sunshine Band, for whatever reason, don't strike me as the kind of band with a massively devoted following. Most folks will probably just want to hear a good collection of their work. This is probably your best bet - containing all the hits (and several that weren't!) from the band. "Get Down Tonight", "That's the Way (I Like It)", "I'm Your Boogie Man", the ballad "Please Don't Go" and the late-period "Give It Up" get the most plays in my player, but the rest of the tracks probably won't disappoint. The inclusion of the early junku/disco tracks "Sound Your Funky Horn" and "Queen of Clubs" adds some needed variety. "Let's Go Rock and Roll" isn't exactly rock, and you'll start swearing you heard "Do You Wanna Go Party" just four or five songs ago - around this point, my interest starts to wane. The liner notes are notably lame for a Rhino Records release, but hey, just peruse 'em once and forget about 'em. Anyone interested in some KC should pick this up, listen to it once, then program around the tracks you're not crazy about. That's what CDs are all about, right?
Un-huh Un-huh! I Like It Un-huh un-huh! - Review written on March 24, 2001
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Rating: 5 out of 5
10 customers found this review helpful.

Put the CD on, and you'll find your toe tapping in seconds. After listening to this CD for about two weeks, I have to say that Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch are geniuses. If you want songs about politics, religion, or so on, this isn't your music. If you want fun music, and well-written, well-arranged, and unbelievably catchy music, this is for you. Every one of these tracks is a real prize. I was just a little kid when this came out, and today find this music amazingly sophisticated. Lots of poliphony, a very astute understanding of the power of rhythm. But since we're led to believe by the musical snobs that music has to be about something "important" to be important, most people probably brushed off KC and the Sunshine Band long, long ago. Take a second listen today. As you find yourself shaking your bootie or putting on your boogie shoes, you'll be ready to give it up! This music is something. And you'll probably find your eyes watering up when you listen to "Please Don't Go." In all, this album shows that people knew what they were doing when they were buying these songs on 45s 25 years ago.
Excellent seventies disco collection by KC's music! - Review written on April 16, 2000
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

This has all of their best like songs from "I'm Your Boogie Man", "Get Down Tonight" and "Shake Your Booty". It's the perfect album to remember the seventies era on how we re-lived it. Because all to K.C. & The Sunshine Band who defined it's american revolutionary disco trend faze itself!
ALL THEIR HOT DANCE HITS! - Review written on January 26, 2000
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Rating: 5 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

What boomer doesn't remember jumping around to I'M YOUR BOOGIE MAN in the '70's or grooving to PLEASE DON'T GO in the '80's. This cd combines the absolute best of this popular South Florida band and helps you recall just how dance music got to be so HOT! Buy this CD and dance on down memory lane!
I,m your boogy man;entire sound track - Review written on January 02, 2000
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

Truly a great collection.Brought back the importance&influence of this group.
great music and songs - Review written on November 07, 1999
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Rating: 5 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

this album has everything that you'll ever need from this group.all the catchy dance songs and solid slow jams are all here.kc's voice and the horns are all going on well here.get down tonight,please don't go,i'm your boggie man it's fun music.and no matter what any one says this music has had a lasting impact.
Disco is dead? - Review written on October 23, 1999
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Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.

As long as there are songs like this around Disco lives! All the songs on this CD will have you dancing around. I dare you to keep still! Buy it! It is great!
"Keep It Comin' Love" - Review written on August 26, 1999
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Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

This is a really cool cd a must buy and must hear.A great music for your party and friends BUY IT NOW!!!!!
Totally Groovy, Funky, Wicked Di§co!! - Review written on March 05, 1999
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

I absolutely love di§co, but even if you don't like it, you'll probably love this CD. It's absolutely impossible to stand still while listening to this CD! A must for all true di§co fans!
The way I like it - Review written on February 19, 1999
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Rating: 5 out of 5

Go ahead and snicker all you like at the song list, music snobs, but just try to stand still when "Shotgun Shuffle" is playing. You won't be able to. There's a reason why this music is still popular today: enthusiasm and great musicianship.
Great! - Review written on January 11, 1999
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Rating: 5 out of 5

I Have Everthing From KC But The One I Like best Is "Hang Ten"
The Best 70's Album Ever - Review written on December 30, 1998
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Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

This is IT!!! The album of definative 70's music that is a must for any real music lover of that genre. KC epitomises what good music is all about, the best album to ever reach the presses. BUY IT!
THIS is the 70s - Review written on September 09, 1998
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Rating: 4 out of 5
5 customers found this review helpful.

If you're less than 20, and you want to know what it was like to be a kid in the 70s, buy this CD. Listen to cuts #2 "Get Down Tonight", #3 "I'm Your Boogie Man", #4 "Shake Your Booty", and #6 "That's The Way (I Like It)". Then, listen to them about 100 more times each.

Meaningless lyrics, bps (beats per second) percussions, and rich horns, THAT's 70's music.

Cuts number #8 "Please Don't Go", #7 "Keep It Comin' Love", and #9 "Boogie Shoes" are also great tunes.