Original Album Series

Bread was a rock band from Los Angeles, California. They placed 13 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart between 1970 and 1977 and were a prime example of soft rock.The band consisted of David Gates, Jimmy Griffin, Robb Royer, Mike Botts who joined in the summer of 1969 and Larry Knechtel who replaced Royer in 1971.Before forming Bread, Gates had worked with Royer's previous band, The Pleasure Fair. Royer introduced Gates to his songwriting partner, Griffin, and the trio joined together in 1968 choosing the name "Bread" in 1969.Their debut album, Bread, was released in September 1969 and peaked at No. 127 on the Billboard 200. Songwriting on the album was split evenly between Gates and the team of Griffin-Royer. Jim Gordon, a session musician, accompanied the band on drums for the album.In the summer of 1969, Bread did some concerts with Gordon on drums But when Gordon's schedule conflicted and he proved unavailable for future outings, they quickly brought in Mike Botts as their permanent drummer.Botts appeared on their second album, On the Waters (peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard 200). This time their efforts quickly established Bread as a major act with the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit "Make It with You" in 1970, which was Bread's only No. 1 on the Hot 100.Their third album was the 1971 release titled Manna (#21), which included the Top 5 hit single, "If". As with the first album, songwriting credits were split evenly between Gates and Griffin-Royer.Royer left the group after three albums, although he would continue to write with Griffin, and was replaced by Larry Knechtel, a leading Los Angeles session musician in 1970.In January 1972 Bread released Baby I'm-a Want You, their fourth and most successful album, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The title song was established as a hit in late 1971 before the album was released, also hitting No. 3. Follow-up singles "Everything I Own" and "Diary" also went Top 20.The Fifth album, Guitar Man, was released ten months later and went to No. 18. The album produced three Top 20 singles, "The Guitar Man" (#11), "Sweet Surrender" (#15), and "Aubrey" (#15), with the first two going to No. 1 on Billboard's adult contemporary chart.Unfortunately, this collection contains the vast majority of the Bread repertory. These songs are very soft rock and some even work as country or folk.The sound of these albums is sharp and clear. Highly recommended for those who enjoy soft rock.You can get this set through the Amazon marketplace for a bit under four dollars per CD delivered. That's a bargain that's hard to pass up.

Just bought this five album set, to just have new copies of my bread albums, on vinyl and c.d. I have bread records since the beginning, 1969, truly one of the best bands ever, singing, songwriting, totally not just a soft, syrupy ballad band that they are labeled, tho, nobody writes a heartfelt ballad like David Gates, that can bring you to your knees emotionally.

I give this a five star rating because it has a lot of great music.! I read in one of the ratings that the buyer mostly liked the set, but that Bread doesn't sing any songs that rock. Not true. There are several tunes that rock like ,Freedom, Truckin', This Isn't What The Government. All very good songs. I consider this a very good purchase. I now have all the great songs that they left off the Ultimate Bread CD

My wife loved these guys. I like some of what they produced. David Gates could do "rockers" but threw in too many wimpy ballads for my taste. The price is right and it covers some of their best material.

Bread was one of my favorite bands. This set has the songs just as I remember them. The sound is great and this has a large selection of songs. If you like Bread. You can't go wrong with this collection. Just to name a few songs:London Bridge, Any way you want me, Make it with you, Look what you've done. Let your love go, Truckin', If, Baby I'm a want you, Everything I own, Diary, Guitar Man, Aubrey, Yours for Life. And so many more.Love this deal!

Bread! Great tunes!

I love Bread. The songs never go out of style.

Several CDs in one pack. It's a good deal.😁