Unlike other compilations that remaster the 80s pop sheen into oblivion, the Icon master tapes (2012) sit in a sweet spot: loud enough for modern car stereos, but dynamic enough to respect the original analog recordings.
There are “Greatest Hits” albums, and then there are curated journeys . Lionel Richie’s 2012 release, Icon , falls into the latter category. While hardcore fans might own Back to Front or The Definitive Collection , the Icon series—slotted neatly between a budget comp and a box set—offers a surprisingly tight listening experience.
You can still find the Lionel Richie Icon CD at retailers like Amazon or Tower Records for your own lossless ripping and archiving.