Jimmy Ruffin

Motown released this definitive collection of Jimmy Ruffin's recordings with little fanfare, doing little to promote this excellent 20-track LP. The only glaring omissions to passionate fans are "How Can I Say I'm Sorry," the flip of "L-O-V-E Love," his bluesy "Since I Lost You," and his debut on Miracles Records. But the compiler gets kudos for including stellar album cuts like "This Guy Is Love With You," and "Lets Say Goodbye Tomorrow." Brother David appears on "Stand By Me," from I Am My Brother's Keeper. The hits pop up like candies from a Pez dispenser: "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," "Don't You Miss Me a Little Bit Baby," "I Passed This Way Before," "I'll Say Forever My Love," "Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me," and "Gonna Give Her All the Love I Got." The Originals ("Baby I'm For Real") received no credit, despite backing Jimmy on most of these tracks. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide