The Rascals

Although Rhino issued a deluxe two-CD set covering the Rascals a few years ago, this single-disc set contains enough essential songs for you to get the point. The Rascals, along with the Righteous Brothers, defined blue-eyed soul singing, making records that were as churchy, earthy, and convincing as anything that came out of the South or Motown in the '60s, backed by tight, anthemic arrangements and excellent combo playing. The 16 cuts include their first hit, "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore," and continue on into their flirtation with psychedelia in 1970. The only quibble is their failure to include "Look Around," a sociopolitical cut from the Freedom Suite album that's just a cut below "People Got to Be Free" or "A Ray of Hope." [Rhino reissued this same set, artwork and all, in 2007, adding a slide-off slip cover adorned with the title Greatest Hits.] ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide