Brothers carmeo88 and technofreak,
There are two highly-recommended approaches to learning a new language out there. One of them is the Pimsleur Approach and this is the one behind the CD set that I got. I can't remember the name of the other one.
I find the method of learning very effective. When you listen to the CDs and repeat after the native speakers, you aren't simply memorising phrases mindlessly. Rote-learning doesn't help. Yes, you do learn new words and phrases, but more importantly, you learn the grammar too. You learn how words are stringed together to form proper phrases/sentences and so on. Then as you learn more new words, they get you to recall what you had learnt earlier (to move the words from temporary storage to permanent storage within your brain) and also to form new phrases by using mix and match (for example, they first teach you "Where is Orchard Road?" and "I want to eat in a restaurant", then later, you're challenged to form a new question on your own, "Where is the restaurant?").
I don't want to sound like I'm working for the publisher of the courseware, so you might want to do a search on Google. Use the keywords "Pimsleur approach". You can also visit
www.pimsleurapproach.com. This site belongs to one of the many authorised resellers appointed by Simon and Schuster, Inc, the original publisher. I bought my Quick & Simple Vietnamese CD from them. However, since finding other resellers, I have ordered the next level courseware from someone else -- much cheaper! Incidentally I'm letting go of my Quick & Simple set. If you're interested, send me a PM.