Jr. Walker & The All THE DEFINITIVE COLLE

Arranger: Willie Shorter.
While not as revered as Motown legends Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, or Marvin Gaye, vocalist/saxophonist Junior Walker recorded some of the label's grittiest R&B songs, while also delivering heartrending tracks like "What Does It Take to Win Your Love." The Definitive Collection delivers 18 essential tracks by Walker & His All-Stars, spanning six years on the Motown/Soul label. Though the songs aren't in chronological order, all of the hits from that era are represented, from the first chart entry, "Shotgun" in 1965, through the last "Do You See My Love (For You Growing)" in 1970. Also included are a few singles of equal quality that didn't get as much radio play upon initial release: "Home Cookin'," "Cleo's Mood," and "Way Back Home." While there are other, more exhaustive compilations, such as the 25-track set Ultimate Collection, this is the best concise overview of Junior Walker & the All-Stars' career, containing the most hits on a single disc. ~ Al Campbell

• Format: CD
• Genre: R&B