AMG Review of Always & Forever: The Classics

Leo Stanley
All Music Guide

The title of Always & Forever: The Classics implies that this is a collection of Luther Vandross' greatest hits of the mid- to late-'90s. That's not the case. The Classics truly means classics, with each one of the featured songs (with an exception or two) ranking as a true pop classic. Since Vandross is an excellent, peerless contemporary R&B vocalist, this is an excellent opportunity for him to shine, and he does, particularly on "A House Is Not a Home," "Anyone Who Had a Heart," "Going Out of My Head" and "I (Who Have Nothing)." Occasionally, the production is a little too polished or smooth, but Vandross shines throughout the entire album, making it another treasure in his catalog.