2019-01-28

Bruce Willis - Classic Bruce Willis: The Universal Masters Collection

Bruce Willis - Classic Bruce Willis: The Universal Masters Collection

Album Notes
Bruce Willis (Bruno his nickname for those who don’t know) can he sing and he’s good at it!
This compilation includes the “Return of Bruno” album in its entirety (though the tracks are re-sequenced) plus the 12″ remix of the hit single “Respect Yourself.”
In addition to all of “Bruno” the collection also has seven tunes originally found on Bruce Willis’ follow-up album “If It Don’t Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger.” Highlights include a nice version of “Save the Last Dance For Me” and James Brown’s “I’ll Go Crazy.”
The songs are Old Classics, with a special twist on redo of “Secret Agent Man/James Bond is Back” (awesome).
Enjoy this music.

Review by JGC (amazon.com)
"Bruce is one hell of a man. I think that's one of the reasons why people often put him down. When you do everything so well there will always be haters who just want to drag you down. What this multi-talented man can do with his voice, few can accomplish with their entire bodies. Bruce Willis is such an underrated musical star that deserves so much more acclaim than he received. Give him a chance and pick up this CD and hear for yourself.

These are all of the tracks on the CD:
** UNDER THE BOARDWALK / 3:03
The first track starts out with Bruno speaking to another beach comber before he starts singing this classic tune. This is probably my very favorite song on the entire CD because Bruce sounds so youthful and full of energy. This is a very slow song which includes a great set of instrumentals which only compliment Bruce's marvelous voice.

** RESPECT YOURSELF / 3:52
Horns, harmonicas and a deep base are a prelude to Bruce's strong voice. Besides the powerful singing, this is a great song because of the fantastic background singers. This is a song that everyone will want to dance to, it's a fast and fun celebration.

** DOWN IN HOLLYWOOD / 5:19
I love hearing the laughter as the song begins because it's a reminder that this entire collection was put out so you can have a good time. This is another fast song with a very strong hook and lots of great jazz beats. The chorus is very addictive because it comes out of nowhere and will hit you like a ton of bricks.

** YOUNG BLOOD / 4:08
This is a classic jazz track. Totally frenzied lyrics, singing, background music, beats and rhythms make this one of the best songs of this entire CD.

** COMIN' RIGHT UP/ 3:29
"1-2-3, hit it boys," Bruce yells out at the beginning. "And for anything and I'll say up, coming right up..." This song has wonderful music and lyrics that are furious, fast and completely carefree. This is a universal song that everyone can dance to.

** SECRET AGENT MAN / JAMES BOND IS BACK / 4:47
Bruce gives this classic song a jazzy spin. The range of his voice is really displayed on this track as he sings in a different octave. It's a mid-tempo song that's bluesy and picks up quickly. I also enjoy this song because the instrumental is a perfect fit.

** SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME / 3:50
"Save the Last Dance For Me" is one of the slowest songs on the entire CD. Bruce sounds so sexy and sensitive on this song. Listening to this song is like listening to a private concert. Every time I listen to it I always close my eyes and pretend that Bruce is singing right in front of me. The song is so romantic and is a reminder that no one should have to dance alone.

** FUN TIME / 3:38
Fun time is exactly what this entire song is. It's a 3 minute party. The song is very fast and loud and a wonderful track to shake your booty to.

** LOSE MYSELF / 3:57
I really enjoy the lyrics of this song. The beginning, middle and ending is just so perfect because it starts out a little slow and even somber but Bruce really picks up momentum. The lyrics are a little risque and Bruce has been called many things throughout his very long career, but a shrinking violet he is not.

** FLIRTING WITH DISASTER / 4:29
The tenth track starts out really fast and within seconds Bruce is on the hook, sounding better and more manly than ever. This song is just 110% pure Bruce Willis. It's another frenzied song with lots of jazz sounds.

** JACKPOT (BRUNO'S BOP) / 4:11
Bruce wrote "Jackpot" and anyone who listens to it can tell because it starts out with a bit of his signature comedy that we have come to expect in his music. He doesn't take himself too seriously and that's why I love him and this song. This would have to be the fastest and the most crazed track Bruce has ever sang. He's singing a mile a minute and when he isn't singing the harmonica is in full force. This song will be playing in your head for days on end after you hear it.

** BLUES FOR MR D / 5:26
Another track that Bruce produced. This is actually a moody slow song that has a rather retro feel to it. Listening to "Blues for Mr D" is like a throwback to the speakeasies of yesteryear. This is a masterfully produced song because it displays just 1 more facet of Bruce's musical talents.

** TENTH AVENUE TANGO / 4:05
This is a mid-tempo/fast instrumental track. Bruce's harmonica just won't quit. I don't think he ever played better. It just goes on forever, but it also feels too short because Bruce leaves the listener wanting even more.

** LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND / 2:55
This is a very sweet and romantic ballad. Bruce sounds almost timid and shy as he churns out another hit. Although not as in-your-face as some of the other songs on this collection, this is a memorable track because it presents a very relaxed and at-ease Bruce.

** HERE COMES TROUBLE AGAIN / 4:53
On this jazz track Bruce's voice sounds so masculine and deep that you may think you're listening to another performer at first. But it is Bruce. The man knows more tricks than a rodeo clown. And his voice is the canvas of the art which is his music.

** SOUL SHAKE / 2:53
This is totally a throwback to the classic songs of the '50s. Bruce and his lady singer sound like the greatest duet I have heard in a long time. The lyrics aren't overly powerful but the music more than makes up for it. Lot's of electric guitar can be heard in the background.

** I'll GO CRAZY / 3:30
A mid-range track that is both fast and slow. This song has a special quality to it because Bruce is able to sound both modern and classic. I can hear so much energy every time I listen to "I'll Go Crazy."

** RESPECT YOURSELF (EXTENDED 12" REMIX) / 6:36
This is the perfect track to tie up this entire album because like all of the songs, it is a celebration of music, life and love. Listening to this song has always been a reminder to me that respect is just as important as music. The extended remix is even better than the original track because the hooks, beats and interludes make this a great song to dance to. This is also a great song to listen to anytime you're feeling a little down because Bruce will be sure to put a smile on your face. No one can listen to this song and not be happy afterwards.

"Classic Bruce Willis: The Universal Masters Collection" is Bruce's 18-track greatest hits CD. This came out in 1999 in Europe and includes a 2-page biography about Bruce as well as some great pictures, too. This is one of the very best jazz CDs that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. If you love colossal harmony (and harmonica!) and enjoy having a fun time and don't give a fiddle about popular music than this is certainly for you."


EC1068 Bruce Willis - Classic Bruce Willis: The Universal Masters Collection
Label: Motown | Universal Music Company
Catalog#: 157 270-2
Format: CD, Compilation, Reissue, Remastered
Made in: EU
Released: 1999
Barcode: 6 01215 72702 9
Style: Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul

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Bruce Willis - Classic Bruce Willis: The Universal Masters Collection
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01. Under The Boardwalk
02. Respect Yourself
03. Down In Hollywood
04. Young Blood
05. Comin’ Right Up
06. Secret Agent Man/James Bond Is Back
07. Save The Last Dance For Me
08. Fun Time
09. Lose Myself
10. Flirting With Disaster
11. Jackpot (Bruno’s Bop)
12. Blues For Mr. D
13. Tenth Avenue Tango
14. Love Makes The World Go Round
15. Here Comes Trouble Again
16. Soul Shake
17. I’ll Go Crazy
18. Respect Yourself (Extended 12′ Version)

Total Time: 01:15:10

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Motown Record Company, L.P.
Copyright (c) – Motown Record Company, L.P.
Pressed By – EDC, Germany – 51011866


Credits
Harmonica – Bruce Willis
Producer – Robert Kraft
Vocals – Bruce Willis


Barcode and Other Identifiers
Barcode (Text): 6 01215 72702 9
Barcode (Scanned): 601215727029
Matrix / Runout: [Universal logo x 4] 06012 157 270-2 03 * 51011866
Matrix / Runout (Inner ring): MADE IN GERMANY BY EDC D
Mastering SID Code: IFPI LV26
Mould SID Code: IFPI 0152

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