For those who have other
O'Jays compilations, this one might be overkill; the song selections will baffle front-runners but not ardent followers. The tracks start from their
Message in Our Message album and emphasize their strong
urban singles that in most cases didn't cross into the
pop Top 20. After the opening track,
"Message in Our Music," this set becomes a love-fest, with sizzling tracks like
"Forever Mine," "Serious Hold on Me," "Keep on Lovin' Me," and
Oprah Winfrey's favorite,
"Darling, Darling Baby (Sweet Tender Love)." A good for-lovers-only disc that would be even better with more obscure singles (i.e.,
"Once Is Not Enough," an excellent tune written by
Bunny Sigler that can't be found on an
O'Jays CD). ~ Andrew Hamilton