' fusion of and energetic propelled their eponymous 1991 debut to levels of artistic and commercial success that subsequently eluded them on solid follow-ups like . Unsurprisingly, when the choice was made to mine their early sessions for unreleased material, the resulting compilation became the group's most consistently enjoyable effort since . The bulk of was recorded in 1990, around the same time contributed her dynamic vocals to the versions of and which bolstered the debut. Lead singer/songwriter/keyboardist/drummer doesn't have 's pipes, but his understated croon and light touch successfully recast in a arrangement that retains only the seductive bassline from his Top Five hit. is one of three inclusions recorded with for in 1988, and she invests her co-composition with an emotional intensity equal to 's interpretation. Elsewhere, the band flexes its muscle on the -inspired and the adventurous live version of which features on trumpet. As with other compilations, one could fuss over the missed opportunity to gather non-album favorites such as their U.K. Top 20 version of but the adherence to earlier tracks results in a cohesiveness not often experienced on collections of demos or outtakes. Unlike most assemblages of its type, does not need to be programmed to sequence a few highlights; it is exceptionally engaging from start to finish. ~ Vince Ripol