In the grand tradition of albums titled Greatest Hits Live,
Kool & the Gang's 1998 Rhino release finds them running through their greatest hits several years past their prime. Recorded in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, the album consists primarily of early-'80s hits such as "Joanna," "Cherish," "Ladies Night," "Too Hot," and "Celebration," which is good, since the band is now too slick to pull off the ferocious funk of its early albums.
Kool & the Gang are veteran musicians, so they're able to make these performances entertaining but, when compared to the original studio versions, these are a little pat and predictable. It may be of interest to the hardcore fan, but it's unnecessary for everyone else. [The Japanese version is missing "Jungle Boogie," which is included on the Rhino edition.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine