Donny Hathaway - The Best Of Donny Hathaway (2012) [Hi-Res]

Listen to "Song for You" and taste the musical genius of the late Donny Hathaway -- he delivers a strong, understated reading of Leon Russell's song. He blends deliciously with Roberta Flack on "Where Is the Love," and on a poignant rendition of "You've Got a Friend"; their chemistry is breathtaking. "Someday We'll Be Free" has an inspiring message that is bogged down by a meandering tempo -- the hook is compelling but isn't repeated enough. Van McCoy's "Giving Up" is done in a torching style; the emotional ballad scored for Gladys Knight & the Pips before their Motown days. Hathaway's "This Christmas" has become as regular as "Jingle Bells" around the holiday season, with kettle drums adding spice to the memorable arrangement. "The Ghetto" wasn't Hathaway's biggest hit sales-wise or chart-wise, but it's probably his most revered tune. A rolling piano, inspired backing voices, an incessant tambourine, a drummer, and bass that appeared to be joined at the hip, along with Hathaway's caricature vocals, make "The Ghetto" a captivating piece of music. Later compilations have made The Best of Donny Hathaway obsolete. ~ Andrew Hamilton