Gloria Gaynor Albums (14)
'Gloria Gaynor's Christmas'
Release Date 10/14/2008
Tracks 17
Label Koch
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Festival de Verco Em Salvador 2006'
Release Date 3/25/2008
Tracks 16
Label Som Livre
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Gaynor's first post-Polydor effort is a vibrant mélange of early-'80s R&B mid-tempo grooves and pop-savvy dance tunes. Largely overseen by Ollie E. Brown, the tunes range in color from the jazzy quiet storm pleaser "Mack Side" to the patriotic "America." The standout number, however, is the unique cover of the Supremes' "Stop in the Name of Love." Aided by the affluent production of Amir Bayyan (aka Kool & the Gang founder Robert "Kool" Bell), Gaynor serves up an earnest, pleading vocal. The zesty new chorus is anthemic, and the background vocal arrangements are the kind that are both radio-friendly and dancefloor-riveting. But perhaps the most surprising entry is "Even a Fool Would Let Go," originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1980. A slightly country-oriented ballad, it shows a more subtly soulful and gospel-tinged side of Gaynor's abilities that brings to mind Thelma Houston. On the whole, this set is more consistent than much of the singer's Polydor catalog. Originally released on Atlantic, Hot Productions issued the album on CD in 1997 with the addition of an '80s re-recording of Gaynor's signature song, "I Will Survive." This version is notable for its understated arrangement and the melodic alterations made, though many fans of the song's powerful message will find it not nearly as inciting as the original. ~ Justin M. Kantor, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Boasting the mega-hit "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor's sixth album, Love Tracks, was the strongest, most consistent album she had recorded since 1975's Experience Gloria Gaynor. "I Will Survive," one of the most famous anthems of the disco era, is the gem that made this 1979 LP a big seller, but it isn't the only song on the album that deserves to be called a gem. Gaynor is also captivating on five-star offerings that range from the funky club hit "Anybody Wanna Party?" to the smooth soul ballad "Please Be There" and a memorable remake of Little Anthony & the Imperials' "Goin' out of My Head." The album's up-tempo selections didn't hurt Gaynor's standing with dance clubs, and yet Love Tracks is a great LP to sit down and listen to. Gaynor was well aware of disco's Northern soul roots, which is why she brings such a strong Motown flavor to "Substitute." Produced by Dino Fekaris, Love Tracks is among her most essential albums. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Gloria Gaynor's fifth album was titled Gloria Gaynor's Park Avenue Sound, but it might as well have been titled Gloria Gaynor's Broad Street Sound because much of this soul-disco LP is heavily influenced by Philadelphia R&B. (Broad Street is a main thoroughfare in Philly). Two of the arrangers on Park Avenue Sound are Norman Harris and Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey, both of who were prominent figures on Philly's R&B scene in the 1970s, and Bobby Eli, another well known R&B musician from Philly, is employed on guitar. With such heavyweights on board, Park Avenue Sound should have been a gem. But the album isn't as strong as it could have been, although Philly-influenced cuts like "Kidnapped" and "This Love Affair" are decent and likable. One of the less Philly-sounding tunes on Park Avenue Sound is a remake of the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell classic "You're All I Need to Get By," which is arguably the best thing on the album and favors the type of disco-meets-Motown approach that had worked well for Gaynor in the past. Gloria Gaynor's Park Avenue Sound falls short of excellent and isn't essential, but it has more ups than downs and is worth hearing if you're a die-hard fan. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Gloria Gaynor decided to switch producers with her fourth album, Glorious. While her first three albums were produced by the Meco Monardo/Tony Bongiovi/Jay Ellis team, Glorious was produced by disco ace Gregg Diamond and guitarist Joe Beck. The latter is primarily a jazz musician, but like so many jazz improvisers, Beck knows how challenging it can be trying to earn a living playing jazz; so in the 1970s, he took part in some more commercial projects. For Gaynor, working with different producers and songwriters meant some changes. Side one isn't turned into a nonstop dance mix this time, and Gaynor got away from the idea of having the dance-oriented tracks in one place and the slower material in another. Unfortunately, Diamond and Beck don't do as much for Gaynor as one would hope; Glorious isn't a bad album, but it's an album that never really catches on fire either. "This Side of the Pain," "Life Ain't Worth Living," and other disco-soul numbers are competent but not remarkable; except for the haunting "Most of All," none of the material is in a class with earlier gems like "Casanova Brown" and "Honey Bee." Meanwhile, Gaynor's disco version of the standard "As Time Goes By" is surprisingly stiff. While Gaynor really soared on her interpretations of "How High the Moon" and "I've Got You Under My Skin," she doesn't sound nearly as inspired on "As Time Goes By." Considering that Diamond's work with the Andrea True Connection had been excellent, one would expect him and Gaynor to be a powerful combination. But Glorious fails to live up to its potential and is strictly for Gaynor's most die-hard fans. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
