Jr. Walker & The All Stars - Greatest Hits
Of all the artists who emerged during Motown's 1960s heyday, only Junior Walker made an impact as a musician rather than as a vocalist. Influenced by the R&B; honkers of the 1940s and 1950s, his lowdown tenor saxophone shares the spotlight with his urgent vocals on this introductory 12-song collection. Walker covers Motown classics such as "How Sweet It Is," "Money (That's What I Want)," and "Come See About Me" while adding to the Motown legacy with his own "Shotgun" and "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)." Walker's real strength, however, lies in his burning soul raveups, ebullient dance numbers including "Road Runner," "Shoot Your Shot," and "Shake and Fingerpop." At his best, Walker leaves the pop hooks behind, using basic grooves as a springboard for his sax wails.--Marc Greilsamer