Gwen McCrae

Apart from the improved packaging, this 2004 release from EMI U.K. subsidiary Stateside is a mirror version of the same-titled compilation released by Sequel in 1992. It covers McCrae's first four albums, all of which were released during the latter half of the '70s for the Cat label, and incorporates three duets performed with husband George McCrae. It's too bad there wasn't the room -- or means? -- to include 1981's "Funky Sensation," a brilliant dance single helmed by Kenton Nix (see Taana Gardner's classic post-disco hits for West End, like "Heartbeat"). That song, as well as the drop-dead stunning "90 Percent of Me Is You" (which is included), have been sampled dozens upon dozens of times by hip-hop sample fiends. Otherwise, there isn't much to take issue with here. All of the significant chart hits -- "Love Insurance," "Rockin' Chair," "For Your Love," "Cradle of Love" -- are contained, along with some of the better album cuts. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide