Tracey Ullman

This might be slightly inferior to 1991's Best of Tracey Ullman on Rhino, as that compilation had a few more tracks (20 to Takes on the Hits' 17). Each of the anthologies has songs not on the other, but either one will satisfy the basic needs of someone looking for an Ullman overview. Takes on the Hits, most importantly, has all five of her British Top 40 hits: "They Don't Know" (which also made the Top Ten stateside), "Break-a-Way," "Move Over Darling," "My Guy," and "Sunglasses." Filling out the picture are various other A-sides and B-sides and cuts from her two 1980s albums, though only one of the songs (the 1983 B-side "Dancing in the Dark") didn't appear on either of those LPs. While she might not have had the greatest voice, and her material and production might have been extremely derivative of 1960s girl group pop, this does have an ebullience that lifts it above the mere novelty or period piece. In fact, it's surprisingly worthwhile, if not as good as quality, genuine 1960s girl group sounds. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide