Reviews Written by John Cady

Awesome Collection by Awesome Group

Pros: Tight vocal interaction, well-crafted production

Cons: Slower songs not as memorable

I first heard of 2 Unlimited during a deployment overseas. At that time, "No Limits" had just been released and "Tribal Dance" was ripping its way up the charts. When I saw the video onboard ship, I could tell this group had their act together. Unfortunately, 2 Unlimited never caught on in the USA...not because they weren't talented, but because of our own prejudices against Euro-styled dance music. We were too bust listening to grunge bands to give these wonderful entertainers their due.

Ray Slingaard and Anita Doth succeed in the impossible; Anita's lovely voice seamlessly interchanging with Ray's tight raps. They were definitely a team, and their positive approach to their music reflected in practically every 2 Unlimited song written between 1991 and 1996. "Get Ready For This", their first and only US hit, was a masterpiece but it was not the best song they did. "Workaholic", "No Limits", "Tribal Dance", "Here I Go", and "Maximum Overdrive" accurately portrayed a group who did not rest on their creative laurels. Each album was better than the previous one, and thus it was difficult to compile a Greatest Hits CD. There were just too many good songs to choose from.

Since Ray and Anita left 2 Unlimited in 1996, Phil Wilde tried to resurrect the group using two different singers - both of them female. They had a couple memorable songs but they just did not have the musical chemistry of the original 2 Unlimited. Anita and Ray have been pursuing solo projects over the years, but the fans' interest in their years as the greatest Dutch vocal team just keeps growing. The classic songs are still hot items for CD sales and MP3 downloads even after almost a decade.

The current reissue of 2 Unlimited's CDs overseas in remix form (check out the remixes for No Limit and Tribal Dance on the ZYX label - available only via import) are a great tribute to a great group. Currently there is a move to ask Ray and Anita to reunite and bring 2 Unlimited back in the studio and onstage; I am hoping it happens, and soon!

In the meantime, all of those who are just now learning of 2 Unlimited can savor their greatness here. This collection is a wonderful start. ...