Lesley Gore

Collectables' The Best of Lesley Gore is short at only 11 tracks, and it omits her third biggest hit, "Judy's Turn to Cry." You really can't have a collection call itself The Best of Lesley Gore and not have that song on it. It also leaves off number five hit "She's a Fool" and number 13 hit "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows." What actually does make it to the disc is a fine mix of Brill Building/girl group sounds from the distinctive singer. "It's My Party," "You Don't Own Me," and "Maybe I Know" are wonderful and timeless; "Look of Love," "California Nights," and "Off and Running" are all great, too. Still, you just don't need a Lesley Gore collection without three of her biggest hits and best songs. There are better collections out there -- you may have to pay a bit more, but it will be worth it. [This Collectables release is a reissue of the 1998 PSM collection of the same name. The only thing different is the cover.] ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide