Lorraine Ellison

The definitive compilation: 23 songs from 1966-1973, including three non-LP singles, three unreleased cuts from an aborted 1970 session at Muscle Shoals, her only two charting singles ("Stay with Me" and "Heart Be Still"), and even an Al Kooper song from an obscure 1970 soundtrack. These are among the foremost examples of the collision of soul, gospel, and pop, with the accent on the soul and gospel. The first half of the program, consisting of 1966-70 sides produced by Jerry Ragovoy (who also wrote most of those songs), have the edge over the early-'70s sessions. But Ellison's vocals are hard to fault anywhere. Includes the original version of "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)," covered by Janis Joplin. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide