Best of the O'Jays: 1976-1991
After their early-'70s breakthrough with "Back Stabbers" and "Love Train," the O'Jays were the main vehicle for Philadelphia International's social-comment songs. After the likes of the half-hearted "Message in Our Music" became the norm, however, the trio's focus locked mostly on matters of the heart. The results were sometimes inspired (1978's "Use Ta Be My Girl" and a 1991 cover-transformation of Dylan's "Emotionally Yours"), if hardly as essential as their earlier work. This 17-cut CD, though, will be prized by fans.--Rickey Wright