The S.O.S. Band ICON

Photographer: Rick Diamond.
Part of the Icon series' spotlight on Clarence Avant's Tabu imprint, which also involved titles covering the label's Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal, this set effectively replaces 2004's Greatest Hits. "S.O.S.," "It's a Long Way to the Top," "Have It Your Way," "Love Won't Wait for Love," and "No Lies" aren't contained here, but that allows more room for additional extended mixes, as well as "Even When You Sleep" and "No One's Gonna Love You," two grade-A ballads that were missed on that earlier comp. The tinny Reggie Thompson/Scott Folks remix of "Just Be Good to Me" is here instead of the preferred album or eight-minute version, but even so, the disc is essential for any '80s R&B fan -- disciples of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' productions especially -- who doesn't have all the original vinyl releases. ~ Andy Kellman

• Format: CD
• Genre: R&B