Martha Wash

While a collection of Martha Wash's assorted hits is a great idea, The Collection is likely to leave most listeners wanting more. While most of Wash's hits -- which she typically performed anonymously for studio projects including C+C Music Factory and Black Box -- are included, many are in newly recorded renditions which pale next to the originals; for every vintage track like the C+C chart-topper "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)," there's another like "It's Raining Men...The Sequel," which substitutes the original Weather Girls camp classic for a tired retread featuring RuPaul. Also subpar are the three new tracks -- "God Bless the Road," "Come" and "Catch the Light" (presented in both "East Coast" and "West Coast" mixes). ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide