Bryan Ferry Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023 (Super Deluxe Edition) Review
Artist: Bryan Ferry
Title: Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023 (Super Deluxe Edition)
Label: BMG
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Average Review Score: Not available yet
Genre: Sophisti-Pop, Art Rock
CD1: The Best Of Bryan Ferry
CD2: Compositions
CD3: Interpretations
CD4: The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
CD5: Rare and Unreleased
Bryan Ferry’s “Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023 (Super Deluxe Edition)” is a celebration of his 50-year career. Known for his smooth vocals and sophisticated style, Ferry’s work spans from Roxy Music’s glam rock era to his solo ventures into sophisti-pop and art rock.
Track Listings
Disc: 1
| 1 | A Hard Rain’s A-gonna Fall |
| 2 | These Foolish Things |
| 3 | The “in” Crowd |
| 4 | Smoke Gets in Your Eyes |
| 5 | Casanova |
| 6 | Let’s Stick Together |
| 7 | Sign of the Times |
| 8 | Slave to Love |
| 9 | Don’t Stop the Dance |
| 10 | Windswept |
| 11 | Kiss and Tell |
| 12 | As Time Goes By |
| 13 | Your Painted Smile |
| 14 | I Put a Spell On You |
| 15 | Which Way to Turn |
| 16 | Knockin’ On Heavens Door |
| 17 | Make You Feel My Love |
| 18 | You Can Dance |
| 19 | Love Letters |
| 20 | Johnny and Mary |
Disc: 2
| 1 | Can’t Let Go |
| 2 | Tokyo Joe |
| 3 | This Island Earth |
| 4 | Love Me Madly Again |
| 5 | Limbo |
| 6 | When She Walks in the Room |
| 7 | Boys and Girls |
| 8 | Zamba |
| 9 | Chain Reaction |
| 10 | Bete Noire |
| 11 | I Thought |
| 12 | The Only Face |
| 13 | Valentine |
| 14 | Loop De Li |
| 15 | Reason Or Rhyme |
Disc: 3
| 1 | The Price of Love |
| 2 | Shame Shame Shame |
| 3 | Hold On (I’m Coming) |
| 4 | Just One Look |
| 5 | The Girl of My Best Friend |
| 6 | What Goes On |
| 7 | That’s How Strong My Love Is |
| 8 | You Go to My Head |
| 9 | Where Or When |
| 10 | The Way You Look Tonight |
| 11 | One Night |
| 12 | Simple Twist of Fate |
| 13 | Positively 4th Street |
| 14 | Song to the Siren |
| 15 | Fooled Around and Fell in Love |
Disc: 4
| 1 | Virginia Plain |
| 2 | Do the Strand |
| 3 | While My Heart Is Still Beating |
| 4 | This Island Earth |
| 5 | Bitter-sweet |
| 6 | Dance Away |
| 7 | Zamba |
| 8 | Reason Or Rhyme |
| 9 | Avalon |
| 10 | Back to Black |
| 11 | Limbo |
| 12 | Young & Beautiful |
| 13 | Love Is the Drug |
| 14 | Sign of the Times |
| 15 | Chance Meeting |
Disc: 5
| 1 | Feel the Need |
| 2 | Mother of Pearl |
| 3 | Don’t Be Cruel |
| 4 | I Don’t Want to Go On Without You |
| 5 | I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know |
| 6 | Crazy Love |
| 7 | Whatever Gets You Through the Night |
| 8 | Bob Dylan’s Dream |
| 9 | He’ll Have to Go |
| 10 | A Fool for Love |
| 11 | Lowlands Low |
| 12 | Is Your Love Strong Enough |
| 13 | Sonnet 18 |
| 14 | She Belongs to Me |
| 15 | Oh Lonesome Me |
| 16 | Star |
Concept and Themes:
This extensive compilation not only offers a 20-track “Best Of” selection but also dives deeper into lesser-known tracks, cover songs, and contributions from The Bryan Ferry Orchestra. It paints a rich tapestry of Ferry’s artistic evolution, exploring themes of love, introspection, and sophisticated melancholy that have defined his music.
Album Highlights:
The compilation features standout tracks like “Love is the Drug,” “Slave to Love,” and “Avalon,” highlighting Ferry’s knack for blending sensual melodies with lyrical depth. The inclusion of rare and unreleased tracks provides fans with fresh insights into Ferry’s creative process and musical experimentation.
Lyrical and Thematic Analysis:
Ferry’s lyrics often delve into romantic and existential themes, characterised by a poetic and sometimes enigmatic quality. Songs like “Dance Away” and “More Than This” reflect on emotional complexities and fleeting moments, capturing a timeless sense of longing and introspection.
Musicality and Production Quality:
The production quality is impeccable, with remastered tracks that bring a fresh clarity to Ferry’s intricate arrangements and lush soundscapes. Collaborations with prominent musicians and producers over the years have enriched his music, blending elements of rock, jazz, and electronic music.
Critical Analysis:
This retrospective not only serves as a comprehensive overview of Bryan Ferry’s career but also as a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry. While some tracks might feel dated to contemporary listeners, the collection’s breadth and depth showcase Ferry’s versatility and artistic growth.
Conclusion:
“Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023” is a must-have for fans and a compelling introduction for new listeners. It captures the essence of Bryan Ferry’s enduring appeal and his significant contributions to modern music. This collection is a fitting tribute to an artist who has continually reinvented himself while maintaining a distinctive musical identity.
The “Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023” by Bryan Ferry is a comprehensive 5CD deluxe set that spans half a century of his music career. This collection includes:
- The Best Of Bryan Ferry – A 20-track selection of his most iconic songs.
- Compositions – Showcasing deep cuts and album tracks.
- Interpretations – Featuring Ferry’s notable cover versions.
- The Bryan Ferry Orchestra – A unique selection from his retro-jazz projects.
- Rare and Unreleased – Includes 16 rare tracks, four of which are previously unreleased.
The set is packaged in a 9″ x 9″ slipcase with a 100-page hard cover book, filled with photos and artwork curated by Ferry himself. This deluxe edition is available in limited quantities and offers a rich exploration of Ferry’s diverse musical styles and influences. It is also available in single CD and 2LP vinyl editions for those looking for a more concise collection.
It highlights Bryan Ferry’s evolution as an artist, blending rock, pop, and jazz influences. It is a must-have for fans and collectors, celebrating Ferry’s enduring legacy and contributions to music​.