Track Listing

1. Keep on movin'
2. Fairplay
3. Holdin' on Bambeleda
4. Feeling free
5. African Dance
6. Dance
7. Feel Free
8. Happiness
9. Back to life
10. Jazzie's Groove

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18261 in Music
• Released on: 1989-04-10
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
Take the sweet soul vocals of Caron Wheeler. Add jazzy hip hop beats and early Balearic rhythms. Mix with one of the most influential producers of the decade, Nellee Hooper, and pour through the musical uber-talent of Jazzie B. The result is Soul II Soul's seminal debut album Club Classics Volume 1. Although it was originally released in the 1980's, the chart-topping tunes still retain their credibility and freshness. Almost a greatest hits collection, the album contains "Keep On Movin'" and a phenomenal a cappella version of "Back To Life". An exceptional and innovative record whose rough edge keeps it fresh. --Ed Potton

CD Description
Where previous British translations of classic US black music styles had been hit and miss affairs, Jazzie B revolutionised contemporary soul music on both sides of the channel with the sublime (and occasionally ridiculous) Club Classics. Caron Wheeler's emotive performance on the opening track, 'Keep On Movin'' (the album's title in the US) set the tone ofthe album. It's not flawless - Jazzie B, genius producer and all-round music man, may be many things, but a rapper he is not. And a second great single, 'Back To Life', is included here only in 'a cappella' form. When Jazzie and Nellee Hooper's ideas and musical instincts coalesce the results boasta feel-good factor and warmth absent from recent soul music.

Customer Reviews

20 years on and still a landmark album in British music.
For many this album was the cool soundtrack to the late 80's and with good reason. Launched at a time of cheesy chart domination by messer's Stock, Aitken and Waterman, this album has certainly dated less than anything that was produced from that stable. As soon as I recall the initial crackle when the needle hits the record quickly followed by Caron Wheelers succulent vocals with a the full bass line kicking in, I am instantly transported back to the magic of those warm summer days from my youth, the recording onto cassette to play in the car, windows down (no posh aircon in those days!). At the time especially in London thanks to the Pirate stations of the day, through which I discovered Soul II Soul in the 1st place, it felt that almost every car and home, every open window had this playing out of it.

I will concede that at times this albums tight budget origins are apparent, and it is a little rough around the edges. The inclusion of a fairly average live rap track, the tracks African dance and Dance sharing the same backing track, and yes some Chic orchestral samples are blatantly used, but the strong appeal remains and that sparse honest nature is part of the appeal. Free of over production and complex techniques, this was the moment when British Soul and what became R&B found its first true voice and confidence. From this point forward, there wasn't an R&B, Acid Jazz, Garage or a British soul act that didn't in some way owe Soul II Soul a debt or two.

This album definitely deserves its place amongst what can be called classic albums. The fact that 20 years on we are still writing about it says a great deal about this albums appeal. Sometimes a classic album is not necessarily the best of its genre but the most significant or a benchmark by which others are judged. Other British soul artists may have released technically superior records or achieved longer lasting success, but Soul II Soul where those that lead the way in opening the door, and for many of us formed an indelible musical postcard in the soundtrack of our lives, and for that without reservation, 5 stars are given.

Timeless classic
Granted I think some tracks on this album have stood the test of time better than others, but it is a classic. The acapella version of Back to Life is inpsired and a true testament to the level of talent here.

If you don't own it - you should.

Classic
How strange to see this back in the top sellers, anything to do with 'I Love 1989'?? I saw it on the TV and it made me dig out my copy.

What foresight Jazzie had to call it Club Classics because it is just that - an absolute classic which defined music for over a generation.

If you dont own this CD then you should buy it - NOW!