Forever Diana: Musical Memoirs [Box] (CD - 1993)

FOREVER DIANA: MUSICAL MEMOIRS celebrates Diana Ross' 30th anniversary as an entertainer and includes her 18 #1 hits, material from both Motown and RCA, live performances and 5 new songs. Also includes a 96-page booklet which includes an excerpt from Diana Ross' memoirs entitled "Secrets Of A Sparrow," along with rare photographs.

Producers include: Brian Holland & Lamont Dozier, Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, Bernard Edwards & Niles Rodgers, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross.

Compilation producer: Diana Ross.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

A Diana Ross box set could have been a wonderful experience. Ross had a long streak of success, running from the Supremes to the middle of the '80s, when the hits simply trailed off. Most of those hits were for Motown -- only her early-'80s hits were recorded for RCA -- which means that there would have been no licensing trouble and that the box could have featured everything. And, to a certain extent, the four-disc set Forever, Diana: Musical Memoirs does feature everything, from the Supremes chart-toppers to solo smashes. The problem is, it runs too long, and the remastering and packaging are surprisingly lackluster. Certainly, hardcore fans could make it through the entire set, but less dedicated fans -- the kind who simply wants a comprehensive collection of hits -- will have trouble making it through the last disc on the set, which consists of nothing but recent, post-hitmaking years recordings. Also, hardcore fans will probably be upset by the lack of rarities on Forever, Diana, since they will own most everything on the box. So, it's a set that's sporadically enjoyable and will not truly please anyone. A missed opportunity. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Plagued by inferior sound and a weak track selection, Forever Diana is a major disappointment for fans. Only one disc is devoted to the Supremes, with Ross's spotty solo career occupying the other three discs, featuring decidedly poorer sound than previous Motown releases. Besides poor audio, the liner notes are skimpy and incomplete. Ultimately, Forever Diana is a wasted opportunity. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine minimize