Stephanie Mills The Collection [Spectrum]

Liner Note Author: Dave McAleer.

Surprisingly adequate despite the horrid budget-bin artwork, Spectrum's The Collection, released in 2001, compiles most of Stephanie Mills' biggest hits. Hip-O's single- and double-disc compilations (The Ultimate Collection and Gold) are respectively more accurate and thorough, but this 18-track set is a decent substitute. Though some of Mills' '80s ballads have not aged well (her version of Prince's "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" is the prime exception), they were hardly fluke successes and remain memorable. The biggest mistake Spectrum makes with the disc is that "Put Your Body in It" -- one of Mills' best club tracks -- is not included. ~ Andy Kellman