The Miracles

While a deeper dip into the Miracles' first release (Renaissance) wouldn't have hurt, The Essential Collection is still a fine overview of their post-Smokey Robinson recordings on Motown with Billy Griffin. The CD relies heavily on cuts from their best-selling City of Angels album: "Waldo Roderick DeHammersmith," "My Name Is Michael," the dreamy "Smog," the controversial "Ain't Nobody Straight in L. A.," and their number one smash "Love Machine." Other gimmes are "Do It Baby," "What Is a Heart Good For," and the super-classy "Don't Let It End (Til You Let It Begin)." Ronnie White's seldom-used (as a lead) second tenor is refreshing and provides a good contrast to Griffin's delicate first tenor on many tracks. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide