The Best of the Classic Years
Compilation album by
King Sunny Adé
Released2003
Recorded1969-1974
GenreJùjú, African pop
LabelShanachie[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]

Background

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]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[6]
Robert ChristgauA+[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 the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" by Rolling Stone.[10]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Sunny Ti De Medley"
  • 1. "Sunny Ti De"
  • 2. "Bombibele Horojo"
  • 3. "Oro Towo Baseti"
  • 4. "Ko Salapata"
  • 5. "African Beats Lu Nsere"
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

References

  1. ^ "King Sunny Ade – The Best of the Classic Years". Shanachie Entertainment.
  2. ^ Shuster, Fred (11 Feb 2003). "Playlist". Los Angeles Daily News. p. U7.
  3. ^ "Reissues". SPIN. SPIN Media LLC. April 2, 2003 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Tarte, Bob (May 15, 2003). "Raw and Uncooked". Miami New Times.
  5. ^ Moon, Tom (August 28, 2008). 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die. Workman Publishing. ISBN 9780761153856 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ a b c d "Best of the Classic Years - King Sunny Ade | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
  7. ^ a b c "Robert Christgau: CG: King Sunny Ade". www.robertchristgau.com.
  8. ^ a b Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian David (January 2, 2004). (The New) Rolling Stone Album Guide. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9780743201698 – via Google Books.
  9. ^ "Robert Christgau: Pazz & Jop 2003: Dean's List". www.robertchristgau.com.
  10. ^ "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone. 2020-09-22. Retrieved 2020-10-09.
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