BMG Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023 is a double vinyl album that offers a rich exploration of Bryan Ferry's remarkable solo journey. Spanning over five decades, this collection presents tracks from Ferry's career, illustrating his evolution as a solo artist. Each record in the set showcases a different aspect of Ferry's music, whether it's rock 'n' roll, refined pop, or jazz and blues influences. Highlights include original tracks like 'Slave To Love' and 'Don't Stop The Dance,' alongside stunning covers such as 'The Price of Love' and 'Song To The Siren.' The set also includes rare and unreleased gems, providing fans with a broader look at Ferry's extensive catalog. The included book offers a unique insight into Ferry's artistic legacy, further enhancing the experience. With its diverse selection including a few covers, this collection serves as a fitting tribute to Ferry's enduring impact on music, making it a valuable addition for those who appreciate his work.

Review: The double gatefold edition of The Best Of Bryan Ferry offers a comprehensive look at the artist's illustrious career, with the 20 tracks including two brand-new recordings, the arrival of 'Star' marking Ferry's first new music in over a decade. The compilation opens with the classic 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall' and 'These Foolish Things,' setting a reflective tone, before the covers of 'The 'In' Crowd' and the timeless 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' proving to be great additions from Ferry's early work. 'Casanova' and 'Let's Stick Together' highlight his evolution into a dynamic solo performer, then side-2 includes 'Slave To Love,' a global hit from the mid-80s, and 'Don't Stop The Dance,' blending Ferry's signature style with new wave influences. LP2 continues with another chart success in 'Kiss And Tell,' and 'Your Painted Smile,' a gem from the underrated Mamouna in 1994. 'I Put A Spell On You' stands out as a testament to Ferry's mastery of covers, while 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' runs with that amazing talent. The set closes with 'You Can Dance' and 'Johnny And Mary,' encapsulating the breadth of Ferry's career and providing a nuanced view of his musical journey. This compilation offers as much of brilliant career as possible into a 2x12 retrospect while being unique in the additions spanning his career plus the debut of a couple new songs. The king of suave is still making it happen more than 50 years after Roxy Music took pop music by storm.

Review: There’s something timeless about the way this veteran UK singer carries himself and this 2010 album, now reissued on striking red vinyl, makes that all the more clear. It feels like a continuation of the Roxy Music legacy in spirit, mood and style, with that familiar air of suave detachment and immaculate detail. The production here is lush and forward-thinking, bridging classic lounge-pop stylings with modern textures that still sound fresh over a decade later. The sleekness is no accident. Every element is meticulously placed, from the glossy synths to the hushed guitars and orchestral flourishes. 'Shameless' is one of the more adventurous tracks, pulling in electronic flourishes courtesy of Roots Manuva. It’s a bold move that actually works, blending suave vocals with a beat-driven framework that never feels forced. The real surprise, though, is the version of 'Song to the Siren'. It’s a haunting, almost fragile take that shows just how much weight his voice can carry with minimal backing. Easily one of the most affecting covers in his catalogue. 'Tender Is The Night' rounds out the highlights with a melodic, romantic glow. There's an added layer of interest with Brian Eno contributing, creating a sense of full-circle collaboration. Throughout, this album sees a seasoned artist evolving gracefully, without losing the qualities that made him magnetic in the first place.