Jackie Wilson The Best of Jackie Wilson (1957-1965), Volume 1

Bargain Audio CDs & Priceless Collection (series)

Personnel: Jackie Wilson (vocals).

Collectables' 2003 collection Best Of, Vol. 1 1957-1965 has several of Jackie Wilson's biggest hits: "Lonely Teardrops," "That's Why (I Love You So)," "Baby Workout," and "Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want to Meet)." However, it doesn't have them all -- the tremendous slow-crawl blues "Doggin' Around" is MIA -- not to mention that it missing later hits like "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," so it can be thought of as complete, either as an overview of his career or this particular era. That said, it's an enjoyable budget-line sampler, containing nothing but hard-driving R&B that showcases Wilson at his best. There are better collections out there, but this is a satisfying bargain nonetheless. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine