This greatest-hits title was the first of its kind upon its release in 1979. During that time,
Roy Ayers
was one of the leading acts on
Polydor Records
and solidified his
R&B
/
disco
success with
"Running Away,"
included here. The dichotomy between
Ayers
as a
jazz
act and an
quiet storm
presence is all but kicked off by this album. The emphasis is on the earlier work. The definitive early-'70s songs
"Red Black and Green"
and
"We Live in Brooklyn Baby"
both retain their snap and visceral charm. A few great tracks aren't here (including
"Kiss"
"Is It Too Late to Try"
), but
The Best of Roy Ayers: Love Fantasy
goes the extra mile to include not only the best of
' work but also key non-hits such as
"Gotta Find a Lover"
"You Send Me."
~ Jason Elias