The Essential Michael Bolton cover

The Essential Michael Bolton

Michael Bolton · 2005

177 min · 40 tracks · pop rock

A collection of soulful ballads and heartfelt pop-rock anthems showcasing Bolton's powerful vocal delivery and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Soul Provider Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    How Am I Supposed To Live Without You — This track encapsulates Bolton's signature blend of emotional vulnerability and powerful vocals, making it one of his most recognizable songs.
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    When A Man Loves A Woman — Bolton's rendition revitalizes this classic soul ballad, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion while paying homage to its original artistry.
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    Said I Loved You...But I Lied — This song highlights Bolton's knack for crafting romantic lyrics paired with soaring melodies, exemplifying his strength as a balladeer.
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    Georgia On My Mind — Bolton's interpretation infuses this well-loved standard with soulful passion, demonstrating his versatility beyond original compositions.
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    Time, Love And Tenderness — 'Time, Love And Tenderness' stands out for its lush arrangement and poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with themes of love and connection.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • cathartic emotional ballads collection
  • for romantic evenings
  • nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
  • soulful reflections on love
  • steady pacing for relaxed listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat party tracks
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A comprehensive collection that introduces new listeners to Bolton's key hits.
Career context
By the time 'The Essential Michael Bolton' was released in 2005, Michael Bolton had firmly established himself as a prominent figure in pop and adult contemporary music, following his commercial peak in the early 1990s with hits like 'Time, Love and Tenderness'. This album serves as a comprehensive retrospective of his career, highlighting both his chart-topping singles and lesser-known gems across multiple decades.
Stylistic neighbors
Kenny Rogers· Richard Marx· Bryan Adams

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Soul Provider Start here 4:28
  • 2 (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay 3:52
  • 3 How Am I Supposed To Live Without You 4:15
  • 4 How Can We Be Lovers 3:54
  • 5 When I'm Back On My Feet Again 3:47
  • 6 Georgia On My Mind 4:57
  • 7 Time, Love And Tenderness 4:17
  • 8 When A Man Loves A Woman 3:50
  • 9 Missing You Now 4:32
  • 10 Steel Bars 3:25
  • 11 Said I Loved You...But I Lied 5:01
  • 12 Lean On Me 5:17
  • 13 Can I Touch You...There? 5:15
  • 14 Love Is The Power 5:33
  • 15 Soul Of My Soul 5:41
  • 16 Whiter Shade Of Pale 4:42

Disc 2

  • 1 I Promise You 5:17
  • 2 I Found Someone 3:47
  • 3 A Love So Beautiful 4:05
  • 4 Ain't Got Nothing If You Ain't Got Love 5:03
  • 5 Drift Away 6:05
  • 6 Reach Out I'll Be There 3:48
  • 7 The Best Of Love 4:15
  • 8 Go The Distance 4:42
  • 9 Sexual Healing 4:35
  • 10 Ain't No Sunshine 3:34
  • 11 Nessun Dorma! From Turandot 3:13
  • 12 Once In A Lifetime 5:53
  • 13 A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes 3:13
  • 14 To Love Somebody 4:06
  • 15 Now That I Found You 4:32
  • 16 That's What Love Is All About 3:57

Disc 3

  • 1 Dance With Me 3:30
  • 2 Completely 4:26
  • 3 In The Arms Of Love 4:49
  • 4 Fool's Game 3:54
  • 5 Hold On, I'm Coming 3:14
  • 6 Che Gelida Manina [From La Boheme] 4:48
  • 7 We're Not Makin' Love Anymore 4:42
  • 8 Stand Up For Love 4:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata