The Definitive Greatest Hits

Al Green's Greatest Hits was first released in 1975 and has gone through several incarnations since then. Each successive edition has improved on the one preceding it, and though it is a little irritating that Definitive Greatest Hits (despite a slightly different title, it is the latest variation) follows its predecessor by only a year-and-a-half, it does make further improvements with the addition of six tracks. Given the greatness of Al Green's catalog, the title could expand to three or even four discs of highlights and only increase in value. Most of the expected classics -- including "Let's Stay Together," "Tired of Being Alone," "I'm Still in Love with You," and "Call Me" -- are here, along with a handful of welcome additions, from 1967's "Back Up Train" to 2004's "I Can't Stop." This is not just a fantastic introduction to a legend, or even soul music. It's a fantastic introduction to recorded sound.