Yes, the Best...Ever! series has a really silly title, but each volume in the ongoing (seemingly endless) series is a terrific listen, and the 1999 edition of The Best Summer Album in the World...Ever! is no exception to the rule. The 18-track collection betrays its English origins -- most American audiences will not be intimately familiar with Cliff Richard's "Summer Holiday" or the Style Council's "Long Hot Summer" -- but that doesn't matter, since the album is such a good listen. There are a number of classic oldies here -- "California Girls," "Summer in the City," "Groovin'," "Summertime Blues" -- but they're balanced by relatively contemporary material like "Walking on Sunshine," "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)," "Caribbean Queen," and DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince's "Summertime." It all evokes the feeling of a good day at the beach, and that's why it's a worthwhile listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide