Library - Reviews

With an unconventional U.S. new release, M People surface some of their trademark songs on "Testify." Having released a greatest hits package throughout Europe in late 1998, some Stateside fans either bought this or the accompanying limited edition with a bonus enhanced disc with live tracks. "Testify" has most of M People’s hits, considering they only had one or two "crossover" hits in the US. Us European fans know almost all of the hits from the Best of Album, while in the US only the very loyal club kids would.

What makes this US release special is the hard to find new, upbeat, vocal interpretations of classic tracks "How Can I Love You More" (by Jimmy Gomez), "Moving on Up" (by Mark Picchiotti), and "Colour My Life" (by Joey Negro) in addition to songs from "Best of" and the 1996 release "Fresco". Granted "Site for Sore Eyes" sports the extension "M People Classic Mix" it is the same version found on the album "Bizarre Fruit." Although the M People album "Fresco" was never released in North America, 5 of its 12 tracks found their way onto "Testify". Sadly, M People’s remake of Roxy Music’s "Avalon" was left on the "Fresco" imports. Disco regulars ought to recognize "Testify" which crossed over in a remixed form to the dance charts. "Just for You" shows potential for single release, with its choir filled finale and Heather Small’s voice sounds sweet and very playful. Another untypically slower song on this package is "Search for the Hero" which initially same out in 1995 on "Bizarre Fruit." Heather’s voice glides beautifully yet again over this well produced and over looked song.

The 1998 retrospective contains 14 certified M People hits in their edited form and three new tracks, including their cover of "What a Fool Believes." American fans should immediately recognize "Moving on Up" which was featured in several films including 1996’s "First Wives Club." With this disc, you cannot go wrong with Heather Small’s instantly recognizable voice and M People’s upbeat sound. "How Can I Love You More" was skillfully restructured especially for this package. Also found here is their cover of "Itchycoo Park." The funky "You Just Have to Be There" was sadly overlooked for this collection. Please note the evolution of their sound – brassy, funky, and upbeat changing to romantic and yearning but always soulful and strong.

Disc Two of "the Best of M People Limited Edition version" has 8 live tracks. Heather Small provides a wonderfully soulful introduction to "Site for Sore Eyes." "Open Up Your Heart" and "Colour of My Love" are stripped down to slow tempoed masterpieces. While "Search for the Hero," "One Night in Heaven," "Just for You" and "Moving on Up" never stray too far from their original form. Once in a CD Rom, fans will see clips of M People videos, including the visually stunning "Testify."

If you are not sure which disc you want, think about what you already have and how much you are willing to spend.

Testify: A-

Best of: A

Best of Limited Edition: A+