It's Only Dance 1965-1969 follows the pattern of JCI's It's Only series, offering a seemingly random collection of 20 hits from a given genre or style for a period of five years. These songs weren't necessarily the biggest hits of these five years, although there are a number of classics and smashes here. It may be hard to deduce exactly why these songs were chosen -- especially since the compilers apparently define "dance" as anything you could conceivably dance to -- but the end results are nevertheless quite entertaining. All of the songs are featured in their original hit versions, not remakes, which isn't always the case with midline collections. Furthermore, there a few cuts that aren't easy to find on other collections or even greatest-hits albums, which means it's interesting to collectors as well as casual fans. Most importantly, each volume captures the feeling of the era, even if it's missing several big hits, and that's what makes the series a nice introductory overview for curious listeners. Among the highlights on It's Only Dance 1965-1969 are Archie Bell & the Drells' "Tighten Up," the Rascals' "Good Lovin'," Aretha Franklin's "Think," Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs' "Wooly Bully," Wilson Pickett's "Funky Broadway," the Music Explosion's "Little Bit O' Soul," Roy Head's "Treat Her Right," the Count Five's "Psychotic Reaction," Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man," Fontella Bass' "Rescue Me," James Brown's "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," Sam & Dave's "Hold On, I'm Comin'," the Monkees' "Valleri" and Three Dog Night's "Celebrate." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide