Craig David - Rewind, The Collection

Craig David – Rewind, The Collection (2018)
Album: Compilation | Released: 2018
Genre: R&B, UK Garage, Pop
Label: Sony Music

Craig David's Rewind, The Collection (2018) is a comprehensive compilation that spans the highlighted moments of his career, marking an exploration of both his early UK garage hits and his subsequent R&B and pop evolution. Released under Sony Music, this collection gathers his most iconic tracks from his breakout days in the early 2000s up to his later work, celebrating a legacy built on smooth melodies, infectious hooks, and memorable collaborations.

This compilation serves as a great introduction to Craig David for newer listeners, while offering nostalgic appeal for long-time fans who followed his rise to fame. With hits like “Fill Me In,” “7 Days,” and “Rewind,” the album provides a snapshot of his ability to mix UK garage with classic R&B and pop influences. Rewind, The Collection also shows Craig David’s musical growth, including more recent hits and collaborations that demonstrate his versatility.

Track Listing:

Disc 1:

1. "Fill Me In"
2. "7 Days"
3. "Rewind"
4. "Walking Away"
5. "Rise & Fall" (feat. Sting)
6. "What's Your Flava?"
7. "Hidden Agenda"
8. "Can't Be Messing 'Round"
9. "Keys to the 5ive"
10. "Spanish"
11. "Frustrated"
12. "Personal"

Disc 2:

1. "Insomnia" (with Artful Dodger)
2. "You Don't Miss Your Water" (feat. T-Pain)
3. "Take 'Em Off"
4. "This Is the Girl"
5. "I Know You"
6. "Heartline"
7. "Hot Stuff (Let's Dance)"
8. "She Said"
9. "World Filled With Love"
10. "Just a Man"
11. "What's Your Flava?" (Jazzie B’s Remix)
12. "Rewind (feat. Artful Dodger)" (Live)

Album Highlights:

• "Fill Me In"
  A defining track in Craig David's career, this UK garage hit mixes catchy R&B with electronic beats. It was the song that launched his career, with smooth vocals and a story of a secret relationship that was a breakout for its time.

• "7 Days"
  With its catchy rhythm and smooth melodies, "7 Days" solidified Craig David as a mainstream hitmaker. The song narrates the progression of a relationship over the course of a week, and it remains one of his signature tracks.

• "Rewind"
  A collaboration with Artful Dodger, this upbeat track remains one of the most recognizable songs from the UK garage scene, with its vibrant beats and catchy lyrics capturing the early 2000s vibe. It’s one of his most important songs that shaped his early success.

• "Rise & Fall" (feat. Sting)
  This collaboration with Sting is a more soulful and reflective track, mixing R&B with pop and showing Craig David’s ability to diversify his sound while keeping his signature style. The track is about falling in love and the ups and downs that come with it.

• "Insomnia" (with Artful Dodger)
  One of the iconic UK garage collaborations, "Insomnia" is a track that perfectly encapsulates the garage movement of the late '90s/early 2000s. It's energetic, catchy, and stands as a reminder of the genre's influence on mainstream UK music.

Sound and Production:

The sound of Rewind, The Collection showcases Craig David’s evolution from his garage-influenced roots to his more polished pop and R&B work. The compilation expertly blends his early UK garage and soulful R&B vibes, with tracks that feature distinctive 2-step rhythms, smooth melodies, and infectious hooks. The production is sleek and well-crafted, with tracks ranging from upbeat anthems to more contemplative ballads that highlight Craig David’s versatility as an artist.

From the electronic beats of "Rewind" to the more classic R&B structures in “Walking Away” and “Rise & Fall,” the compilation mirrors his ability to craft tracks that combine his distinctive voice with diverse musical styles. The inclusion of both remixes and live versions (like the "Rewind" live remix) showcases not only his recorded work but also his ability to deliver engaging performances on stage.

Critical Reception:

Released by Sony Music, Rewind, The Collection was well-received by critics and fans alike. The album's mix of Craig David’s chart-topping singles and deep cuts from his catalog earned praise for both its nostalgic appeal and its ability to highlight his musical journey over the years. Fans of the UK garage movement of the early 2000s appreciated the presence of classic tracks like “Rewind” and “7 Days,” while his newer tracks and collaborations highlighted his growth as an artist.

The compilation also received positive comments for its well-curated selection of both early hits and later material, offering a balanced view of Craig David’s career. Critics noted that the album provided a solid introduction for newcomers to Craig David’s signature sound while giving long-time fans a satisfying retrospective of his most influential moments.

Conclusion:

Rewind, The Collection is an excellent overview of Craig David’s career, showcasing both his groundbreaking UK garage hits and his subsequent pop and R&B evolution. Whether you're a longtime fan looking for a greatest hits compilation or a newcomer discovering his work, this album serves as a perfect introduction to Craig David's diverse catalog.

Released under Sony Music, the collection highlights his lasting influence on UK garage and modern R&B, making it a must-have for both fans of the genre and those who appreciate the fusion of pop and soulful storytelling. With its mix of classic tracks, live versions, and newer material, Rewind, The Collection underscores Craig David's status as one of the most prominent figures in British music from the early 2000s to today.