Various Artists - Lowrider Oldies Chrome, Vol. 8 (CD)

All Music Guide

Thump Records updates its popular Lowrider Oldies series with Lowrider Oldies Chrome, an identical series of compilations highlighting RB and soul classics. The eighth volume concentrates on '70s soul, featuring such classics as the Four Tops' "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)," War's "Why Can't We Be Friends," the Five Stairsteps' "O-o-h Child," the Main Ingredient's "Everybody Plays the Fool," and Love Unlimited Orchestra's "I Belong to You." The compilers don't strictly adhere to this rule, which is good when they dip back to the '60s for Brenton Wood's "Gimme Little Sign" and Little Anthony's "Hurt So Bad," and not so good when they move to the '80s for Brenda K. Starr's "I Still Believe" and Will to Power's excruciating "Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird" medley. Nevertheless, the songs flow appealingly and there are enough first-rate songs to make it worthwhile for some listeners.

- Stephen Thomas Erlewine Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide