Rating:
Genre:
R&B
Release Date: 02/26/2008
A wise buy for those curious about the kings of
Chicago soul,
The Very Best of the Impressions is a tad brief, but it hits on all cylinders for most of its running time. Beginning with the early hits
"Gypsy Woman" and
"It's All Right," this chronological 16-track collection compiles the best from
the Impressions' growing social consciousness (
"People Get Ready," "Keep on Pushing," "Amen"), then charts the later
Curtis Mayfield days with
"We're a Winner," "This Is My Country," "Choice of Colors," and
"Check out Your Mind." As sometimes happens on a
Rhino set, however, the compilers were overly reliant on the
pop charts: many superior songs from their early and middle years --
"I'm So Proud" and
"Mighty Mighty (Spade and Whitey)," to name only two -- are sacrificed for three post-
Curtis Mayfield songs, when only one,
"Finally Got Myself Together (I'm a Changed Man)," was really necessary. Still, even if the title isn't 100 percent accurate (
Greatest Hits would've been the right choice),
The Very Best of the Impressions is the most succinct set of
Impressions material available.
~John Bush, All Music Guide
;)
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