The Very Best of the Impressions [Rhino]

Performer: The Impressions
Producer: Curtis Mayfield; Ed Townsend; Roy Glover, Jr.; Johnny Pate; David McLees (Compilation); David Nathan (Compilation); Gary Stewart (Compilation)...
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Recorded between 1963 and 1975. Includes liner notes by David Nathan. The Impressions: Samuel Gooden, Curtis Mayfield, Jerry Butler, Leroy Hutson, Nate Evans, Ralph Johnson , Reggie Johnson , Richard Brooks, Arthur Brooks, Fred Cash. A wise buy for those curious about the kings of Chicago soul, The Very Best of the Impressions is a tad brief, but it hits on all cylinders for most of its running time. Beginning with the early hits "Gypsy Woman" and "It's All Right," this chronological 16-track collection compiles the best from the Impressions' growing social consciousness ("People Get Ready," "Keep on Pushing," "Amen"), then charts the later Curtis Mayfield days with "We're a Winner," "This Is My Country," "Choice of Colors," and "Check out Your Mind." As sometimes happens on a Rhino set, however, the compilers were overly reliant on the pop charts: many superior songs from their early and middle years -- "I'm So Proud" and "Mighty Mighty (Spade and Whitey)," to name only two -- are sacrificed for three post-Curtis Mayfield songs, when only one, "Finally Got Myself Together (I'm a Changed Man)," was really necessary. Still, even if the title isn't 100 percent accurate (Greatest Hits would've been the right choice), The Very Best of the Impressions is the most succinct set of Impressions material available. ~ John Bush

Rolling Stone (2/3/00, p.53) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...16 career-spanning songs, including 3 dubious post-Mayfield tracks..."

Although the Impressions will forever be associated with Curtis Mayfield, they were an important stand-alone musical entity both with Mayfield and without. The original incarnation of the group, formed in the late 1950s, was led by the deep-voiced Jerry Butler; however, the group truly made its mark under the guidance of Mayfield. Infusing their light harmonies and gentle, soulful swing with a fiery urgency born out of the struggle for civil rights, the Impressions became arguably the most important soul group of the '60s. Mayfield's political vision reached its pinnacle in his solo work in the '70s, but no other ensemble has ever mixed artistry and social commentary as flawlessly as the Impressions.

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