GOLD

Additional personnel: Diana Ross (vocals). Liner Note Author: Steven Ivory. Photographers: Greg Gorman; Aaron Rapoport. Arrangers: Commodores; Gene Page. This impressive two-disc collection presents not only a wealth of tracks from Lionel Richie's solo years, but 13 of his finest moments with the Commodores. Although the set's non-chronological order is a bit disorienting at times, GOLD offers up a fine selection of the R&B/pop singer's many 1980s hits, including the Caribbean-tinged "All Night Long (All Night)," the absurdly catchy "Dancing on the Ceiling," and the melodramatic ballad "Hello." While the connection between these songs and the Commodores' lighter tunes is apparent (see the piano-driven ballads "Three Times a Lady" and "Easy"), GOLD also reminds listeners of Richie's funk background, as showcased on the tight instrumental groove of "Machine Gun" and the dance-floor classic "Brick House" (featuring Richie on saxophone). With a formidable track list that boasts almost all of 2003's DEFINITIVE COLLECTION plus many other singles, GOLD is the essential Richie compilation.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: CD
• Released: 1/10/2006