Part of Verve's
Diva Series of compilations, this
Billie Holiday collection is by no means the definitive account of her career -- Columbia's Lady Day: The Best of Billie Holiday takes that honor. That said, it is still a great introduction to the vocalist's singular and influential style. There is a timely flow to the track listing on most of the
Diva Series albums, and this collection is no exception. Included are such landmark recordings as "Don't Explain," "God Bless the Child," and
Holiday's haunting signature tune, "Strange Fruit." Longtime
Holiday fanatics will most likely already have these recordings, but for newly interested listeners, at over 14 tracks, this competes well with other similar single-disc collections. ~ Matt Collar