The Look Of Love: The Burt Bacharach Collection
The greatest expression of Burt Bacharach's composing and arranging talents is the marvelous string of productions he made withDionne Warwickand lyricist Hal David for a decade or so starting in 1962. Many of their triumphs are included in this three-CD box (also see the single discThe Dionne Warwick Collection), along with dozens of other tracks made between 1957 (Marty Robbins's "Story of My Life") and 1996 (Bacharach's collaboration withElvis Costelloon "God Give Me Strength"). The master's blend of froth, deep emotion, and challenging musicality provides many masterpieces and a few unfortunate moments: he doesn't have much to show for the '80s aside from "That's What Friends Are For" and "Arthur's Theme." Its handful of missteps aside, though,The Look of Loveis an essential trove of great pop things.--Rickey Wright