The Best of the Classic Years | |
---|---|
Compilation album by | |
Released | 2003 |
Recorded | 1969–1974 |
Genre | Jùjú, African pop |
Label | Shanachie[1] |
The Best of the Classic Years is a compilation album by the Nigerian musician King Sunny Adé.[2] It was released by Shanachie in 2003.[3] The album showcases Adé's rawer pre-Island Records sound.[4][5]
The compilation compiles material recorded between 1969 and 1974 for the Nigerian market.[6] The 1974 hit "Synchro System" was re-recorded by Adé for his 1983 album of the same name.[6] The album was compiled by Randall Grass.[7]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [6] |
Robert Christgau | A+[7] |
(The New) Rolling Stone Album Guide | [8] |
(The New) Rolling Stone Album Guide called the compilation's music "an engrossing dream of interlocked beats, pealing guitars, and sweet voices."[8] In his review of the album, Robert Christgau called Adé "a titan, one of the great pop musicians of the 20th century."[7] He listed The Best of the Classic Years as the best album of 2003.[9] AllMusic called it "the perfect place to start" with Adé's work.[6] In 2020, the album was ranked number 465 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".[10]
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Sunny Ti De Medley"
| 17:53 |
6. | "Synchro System (complete original version)" | 18:12 |
7. | "Ibanuje Mon Iwon" | 13:56 |
8. | "Afai Bowon" | 7:04 |
9. | "Ogun Party Part 1" | 8:59 |
10. | "Adena Ike" | 5:36 |