20 All-Time Greatest Hits!, released in 1991, is the definitive James Brown compilation, distilling the Godfather of Soul’s most iconic recordings into one essential package. Spanning his career from the late 1950s through the 1970s, the collection includes cornerstones like I Got You (I Feel Good), Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag, It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World, and Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine. Each track captures Brown’s unparalleled energy, charisma, and influence, tracing the evolution of soul and funk through his groundbreaking work.

More than just a greatest hits album, 20 All-Time Greatest Hits! serves as both an introduction for new listeners and a compact reminder of Brown’s towering legacy. The sequencing highlights his innovation, from raw R&B roots to the funk sound that laid the groundwork for hip hop, dance, and modern pop. Few compilations carry such weight, offering a near-complete portrait of an artist whose music permanently reshaped the sound of the 20th century.

Reviews:

“An essential primer in the hardest working man in show business, 20 All-Time Greatest Hits! is as close to perfection as a single-disc James Brown collection could get.” – AllMusic

“This set distills the essence of Brown’s genius, from the raw shouts of his early soul to the rhythmic innovations that birthed funk.” – Rolling Stone

“One of the greatest single-artist compilations ever assembled, capturing both the power of Brown’s voice and the unstoppable drive of his band.” – The Guardian

“These recordings don’t just document an era; they defined it, influencing everything from funk to hip hop and beyond.” – NME