Sorry it took me so long to respond to your post bejeweled (love that name - & the game!). It's hard for me to say since I don't have the first set but I can tell you that a fitness message board I go to helped me make the decision to go with the Live and skip the Goddess package. Apparently most like the Advance (?) tape the best out of that set and the Live beats that one. I have enjoyed each one I have done so far (I have one left - a body scultping one). The heartrate isn't as high of course as Taebo or Cathe but I think once I learn the moves, I'll be able to get it up higher.
From what I understand, these are way better then the first set.
Music is hard for me because it is so easy for me to block that out. That is why I've never had a problem doing a Denise Austion workout

. I like it - it's different - I don't know what the guy's name is but he is really good playing on the drum. The Jazz one has the jazz music, etc.
I think they are worth having. I sold Slim Series, Project You is so-so, & I have P90X but haven't tried one workout out of there yet.
Sorry I'm not much help! Rachelle