A much-needed look at an overlooked side of the genius of Quincy Jones – not his jazz work, not his productions for famous soul artists, but instead his huge legacy of soundtrack material – a part of Q's career that really took off in the 60s! By the time he started working in films, Jones had already had a decade under his belt as one of the hippest arrangers, leaders, and composers in jazz – and the film business really respected those talents, and allowed Quincy to bring some really fresh styles into play – modes that really opened up the vibe of American cinema, and also paved the way for the funky styles of the 70s! As that decade approached, Jones left behind the cinema to take on some more higher-profile records of his own – but all the charms of those great albums can be found here at their roots – in this stunning collection of soundtrack material, some of which has never been on CD. The package is way more than just a sampler – and includes an album's worth of material from the films The Pawnbroker, Slender Thread, Mirage, The Deadly Affair, In The Heat Of The Night, In Cold Blood, Walk Don't Run, The Italian Job, Lost Man, and John & Mary – plus two versions of the love theme from The Getaway, and a bonus CD with 18 tracks – titled Q's highlights, and featuring tracks from his Mercury records – plus more by Billy Preston, Arthur Prysock, Bill Cosby, Shirley Horn, Letta Mbulu, Toots Thielemans, and others. Even features the "Sanford & Son" and "Ironside" themes!

Collection includes: Private Dancer (1984); Break Every Rule (1986); Foreign Affair (1989); Wildest Dreams (1996); Twenty Four Seven (1999); Tina! (2008).

Smooth Grooves After Hours Cool Down is a 2002 various artists compilation released by Rhino as part of the Smooth Grooves series, focusing on extended versions of classic soul, funk, disco, and R&B tracks designed for relaxed late-night listening. The compilation brings together a carefully selected lineup of well-known artists whose music defined the smooth urban sound of the late 20th century, including New Edition, Stephanie Mills, Soul II Soul, Daryl Hall & John Oates, The Human League, Billy Ocean, and others. Each track is presented in an extended or remixed form, allowing the grooves, vocal performances, and instrumental arrangements to unfold with greater depth and atmosphere, enhancing the laid-back and sensual mood of the collection. The sequencing of the album maintains a consistent after-hours vibe, balancing romantic ballads with rhythmic funk and disco influences while preserving a smooth and cohesive flow from start to finish. Designed as both a nostalgic journey and a mood-setting listening experience, the compilation captures the essence of classic groove-driven music tailored for cool-down sessions and intimate environments.

Pillow Talk - Miki Sings The Classics is a 2006 album by acclaimed American R&B and soul vocalist Miki Howard, released through Shanachie. The record is a tribute-style collection in which Howard interprets a selection of well-known soul, pop, and R&B classics, reimagining them through her expressive vocal delivery and smooth contemporary production. Known for her rich tone and emotional phrasing, Howard brings a mature and intimate feel to each track, blending traditional soul influences with modern adult contemporary arrangements. The album features reinterpretations of iconic songs such as “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” “Pillow Talk,” and “Misty Blue,” each delivered with a refined balance of respect for the originals and her own distinctive vocal identity. Across the project, the production remains understated, allowing her voice to take center stage while highlighting the emotional depth of the material. Pillow Talk serves as both a celebration of classic R&B songwriting and a showcase of Miki Howard’s enduring artistry and interpretive skill.

Machismo is the twelfth studio album by legendary American funk group Cameo, released in 1988 during the height of the band’s commercial popularity. Known for their distinctive fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and electronic production, Cameo continued to evolve their sound on this release while maintaining the groove-heavy style that defined the group throughout the 1980s. Fronted by Larry Blackmon, the album features polished production, energetic rhythms, smooth vocal harmonies, and a strong blend of dance-oriented funk and sophisticated urban soul. One of the album’s most notable moments is “In The Night,” featuring iconic jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, creating a unique crossover between funk and jazz fusion. Tracks such as “You Make Me Work” and “Skin I’m In” highlight Cameo’s signature bass-driven arrangements and infectious hooks, while slower tracks bring a romantic and melodic atmosphere to the record. Machismo reflects the late-80s transition of funk music into a more electronic and contemporary R&B direction while preserving the band’s unmistakable personality and style.

1991 The Gun Hits is a diverse various artists compilation released by Festival Records, capturing the energetic and constantly evolving sound of popular music during the transition from the late 1980s into the early 1990s. The album combines major international hits with alternative rock, synth-pop, soul, punk-influenced rock, and emotional ballads, offering a strong snapshot of radio and chart favorites from the era. Featuring well-known artists such as Faith No More, Duran Duran, Icehouse, Bananarama, Vanilla Ice, and Jimmy Barnes, the compilation balances mainstream pop appeal with edgier rock performances and memorable crossover singles. Tracks like “Ice Ice Baby,” “King Of Wishful Thinking,” and “Falling To Pieces” reflect the broad musical landscape of the time, while classic inclusions such as “Unchained Melody” add a timeless touch to the collection. With its mixture of energetic rock tracks, melodic pop songs, and soulful ballads, 1991 The Gun Hits serves as both a nostalgic retrospective and an entertaining compilation for fans of late 80s and early 90s music culture.

All That I Am is the breakthrough second studio album from American R&B singer Joe, released in 1997 through Jive Records. The album established Joe as one of the leading male vocalists in contemporary R&B during the late 1990s, blending smooth soul melodies with modern hip hop-influenced production. Featuring rich vocal performances, emotional ballads, and polished grooves, the record became a commercial and critical success. The album includes several standout singles, most notably the hit “All The Things (Your Man Won't Do),” which gained major popularity after appearing on a film soundtrack and became one of Joe’s signature songs. “Don’t Wanna Be A Player” also achieved strong chart success and further expanded his audience. Throughout the album, Joe delivers heartfelt lyrics about romance, desire, and relationships, supported by sophisticated arrangements and memorable hooks. The combination of sensual slow jams and radio-friendly production helped make All That I Am a defining R&B release of its era and an important step in Joe’s long-lasting career.

Billy Stewart's greatest album and song were both contained on this fine recording from the mid-'60s. "I Do Love You" was that rare anguished testimonial that never became vapid, sappy, or overly sentimental, and was compelling and captivating throughout Stewart's marvelous leads and the piercing harmonies. The album also contained other gems like "Fat Boy," "Reap What You Sow," and "Sitting In The Park." Maybe someday this album will be reissued intact, after Stewart's hits have finally been recycled to death.

Jennifer Hudson's sophomore album is a soulful masterpiece, / filled with powerful vocals and emotional depth. / The deluxe edition offers a range of unforgettable tracks, / showcasing Hudson's incredible talent and versatility.

Epiphany: The Best Of Chaka Khan is a 1996 compilation that showcases the versatility and enduring impact of Chaka Khan across soul, R&B, funk, and disco. The collection spans her work from solo hits to key recordings that highlight her powerful vocal range and expressive delivery. Known for her dynamic presence and ability to blend genres effortlessly, Chaka Khan's performances here move between energetic funk-driven tracks and deeply emotional ballads. The album reflects her evolution as an artist from the late 1970s through the 1990s, capturing both her commercial success and her influence on contemporary R&B and soul music. Each track emphasizes her signature vocal intensity, rhythmic precision, and emotional depth, making the compilation a comprehensive overview of her legacy.

The Best Of 20 Years is a comprehensive compilation by The Brand New Heavies, released in 2011, celebrating two decades of the group’s influence on acid jazz, funk, and soul music. The collection brings together their most recognizable tracks along with key collaborations featuring vocalists such as N'Dea Davenport, Siedah Garrett, Carleen Anderson, and Jan Kincaid. It highlights the band’s evolution from their early instrumental funk roots into a vocal-driven act that helped define the 1990s acid jazz movement. The selection spans upbeat funk grooves, soulful ballads, and hip-hop-influenced crossover tracks, reflecting their versatility and enduring appeal. This compilation also emphasizes their strong connection to live instrumentation and classic soul traditions, while showcasing how they successfully bridged jazz-funk aesthetics with mainstream pop and R&B audiences over a 20-year period.

Elephantitis (Funk + House Remixes) is a 2007 remix compilation by Brand New Heavies, focusing on reimagined versions of the group’s most influential tracks through the lens of funk-driven house, acid jazz, and club-oriented production styles. The collection highlights the group’s strong connection to the dancefloor, showcasing how their soulful jazz-funk foundation can be transformed into extended club mixes and modern electronic reinterpretations. Featuring a wide range of remixers and producers, the album bridges classic acid jazz aesthetics with late 2000s house music sensibilities. Tracks such as “Dream Come True,” “You Are The Universe,” and “Stay This Way” are reworked into extended grooves emphasizing rhythm, basslines, and DJ-friendly structures. The result is a continuous reinterpretation of the band’s legacy aimed at both longtime fans and club audiences.

The Pussycat Dolls are kicking off the celebration for the 20th anniversary of the PCD era, and the new cover for PCD Forever Deluxe Edition is here to set the tone. The project arrives tomorrow alongside a re-release of Doll Domination, giving fans a fresh reason to revisit two of the group’s defining albums and the era that made them global pop mainstays.

Some Kinda… is the second studio album by Dwele, continuing his refined approach to contemporary soul and neo-R&B with a smooth blend of live instrumentation, layered harmonies, and intimate songwriting. The album highlights Dwele’s signature fusion of classic soul influences with modern production techniques, creating a warm and atmospheric listening experience built around groove-oriented arrangements and melodic subtlety. Vocally, he delivers soft, expressive performances that emphasize emotional nuance rather than dramatic intensity, allowing the songs to flow naturally through themes of romance, attraction, personal reflection, and emotional connection. The production combines laid-back rhythms, jazzy keyboard textures, funk-inspired basslines, and understated electronic elements that support the album’s relaxed and sophisticated tone. Tracks transition seamlessly between upbeat soulful grooves and slower reflective moments, maintaining a cohesive mood throughout. Overall, Some Kinda… reinforces Dwele’s reputation as one of the key figures in modern neo-soul, balancing contemporary R&B accessibility with musicianship rooted in classic soul traditions.

Chromeo - Ce Soir On Danse! is a retro-inspired dance compilation curated around the electro-funk and boogie aesthetics that heavily influenced the sound of Chromeo. The collection gathers rare and classic grooves from the late 1970s and early 1980s, blending funk, disco, freestyle, and electro into a nonstop party-oriented listening experience. Featuring artists such as Patrice Rushen, The System, Dazz Band, and T-Connection, the compilation highlights the era’s signature use of synthesizers, drum machines, slap basslines, and infectious dance rhythms. Most tracks appear in shortened DJ-style edits, giving the album a continuous mix feel with quick transitions and high energy throughout. The release captures the colorful nightlife atmosphere of vintage roller discos, underground dance clubs, and early electro scenes while emphasizing melodic hooks and groove-heavy production. Overall, the compilation serves both as a tribute to classic boogie culture and as an accessible introduction to the sounds that shaped modern electro-funk revival movements in the 2000s.