The Very Best of the Impressions [Rhino]

• Artist: The Impressions
• Rating:
• Release Date: February 04, 1997
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Rhythm & Blues

Review

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, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Gypsy Woman (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:22)
It's All Right (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:51)
Talking About My Baby (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:34)
Keep on Pushing (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:36)
You Must Believe Me (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:35)
Amen (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield, Johnny Pate	The Impressions	(3:31)
People Get Ready	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:39)
Woman's Got Soul (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:19)
We're a Winner (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:25)
Fool for You (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:56)
This Is My Country	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(2:50)
Choice of Colors (Lyrics)	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(3:20)
Check out Your Mind [*]	Curtis Mayfield	The Impressions	(3:31)
Finally Got Myself Together (I'm a Changed Man) [*]	Ed Townsend	The Impressions	(3:10)
Sooner or Later [*]	Ed Townsend	The Impressions	(3:30)
Same Thing It Took [Edit][*]	Chuck Jackson, Ed Townsend, Marvin Yancy	The Impressions	(3:20)

Credits

Donny Hathaway (Arranger), The Impressions (Main Performer), Curtis Mayfield (Producer), Hugh Brown (Art Direction), Rene Hall (Arranger), Riley Hampton (Arranger), Dan Hersch (Remastering), Bill Inglot (Remastering), David McLees (Compilation), David McLees (Compilation Producer), Ted Myers (Project Supervisor), Gary Peterson (Discographical Annotation), Ed Townsend (Producer), Ed Townsend (Original Recording Producer), Rich Tufo (Arranger), Johnny Pate (Arranger), Johnny Pate (Producer), Johnny Pate (Original Recording Producer), Roy Glover, Jr. (Arranger), Roy Glover, Jr. (Producer), Roy Glover, Jr. (Original Recording Producer), David Nathan (Liner Notes), David Nathan (Compilation Producer), Darcy Sullivan (Editorial Supervision), Nancy L. Hopkins (Design), Steven Chean (Editorial Supervision), Vanessa Atkins (Editorial Supervision), Julee Stover (Editorial Supervision), Gary Stewart (Compilation Producer)