Barbara Acklin

Whether or not this anthology remains true to its title is debatable (especially if you expect "hits" to be synonymous with chart-placing singles), but it is certain that it forms an introduction as ideal as any other Barbara Acklin anthology released since the mid-'90s. Released by Brunswick in 2002, 20 Greatest Hits takes care of the basics that everyone should have ("Am I the Same Girl," "Love Makes the Woman," "From the Teacher to the Preacher," "Show Me the Way to Go," "Just Ain't No Love," "After You") and draws some smart selections from the remainder of Acklin's catalog. It's not as in-depth as The Brunswick Anthology or The Complete Barbara Acklin on Brunswick Records, but newcomers unwilling to take the full plunge will be more than satisfied. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide