first cd good, second cd bad
I essentially agree with the reviewer. Much of the tracks on the CD are great, particularly by the Miracles, the Jackson 5, and the Supremes. But you would be better off getting those tracks off of greatest hits CD's of the particular artists. Most of the modern stuff is fairly forgettable.

Motown Trail From Music Leader To Follower on "Forever"
"The Motown Sound" evolved from a product to a corporate symbol to representing a history and lifestyle, as much so in its own way as the Playboy bunny or Disney's Mickey Mouse. Motown Records celebrated its 40th birthday much as did the baby-boomer generation that built and reveres it; with half-shares dignity and defiance, welcoming the reverence of accomplishment while denying the effects of age.

"Motown 40 Forever" charts the label transition from trailblazer to follower. The music, even to the most devoted fan, becomes more faceless as you listen. "It's what's in the groves that count" was a Motown slogan, never more obvious than moving from the historic Four Tops, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Supremes and Stevie Wonder hits to producer-driven one-shots on Disc Two.

The album has its misfires. Diana Ross' "When You Say That You Love Me" is a bombastic, worthless ballad; rapper/producer/icon Puff Daddy (praised as a cultural successor to Berry Gordy in the liner notes) mixes the Jackson Five's "I Want You Back" into an awkward rap/jazz/whatever medley. Nonetheless, the essential music on "Motown 40 Forever" is the 60s-into-70s singles that are its legacy. Those that are here are essential, but are found in better company on other collections.

a BIG 5
This is The Type Of Compilation that is Essential too All Collections.So Many Great Songs&Artists&Groups.Berry Gordy is A Genius of Great Talent&this Double Set Showcases The Many Great minds That Has Made Motown A One Of A kind Label.their Hasn't Been A Label Like It Since&I Doubt Very Much that their will ever be Another Even Half as Close.So Many Great Minds On The Discs&Behind The Scenes as Writers,Arrangers,Producers,Vocalists&Instrumentalists.Very Essential.

Forever Great!
It had the music of my parents and the music of my generation. It is an historic CD and is well worth listening to many times over and makes an excellent gift to music lovers and collectors.

Their Greatest Songs But Still Not Enough
Hitsville USA is a far better compilation than this