Icon

Kool & the Gang's budget-line Icon compilation, released in 2011, supplants 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection (2000). This includes "Let's Go Dancin' (Ooh La La La)" and "Open Sesame" in place of "Big Fun," giving it a slight edge over its predecessor. Most of the group's big hits from 1974 through 1985 are included, including the Top Five R&B singles "Hollywood Swinging," "Jungle Boogie," "Ladies Night," "Celebration," "Too Hot," "Take My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It)," "Get Down on It," "Joanna," "Cherish," and "Fresh" -- a very impressive run involving a smooth transition from gritty funk to highly polished pop-R&B. ~ Andy Kellman