Hits

Considering his dominance of the British pop scene in the 1950s, "America's Number One Song Stylist" Frankie Laine's back catalog has been surprisingly neglected by the record-buying public ever since, with his last charting album appearing way back in 1977. Released to celebrate his 60th anniversary of signing with Columbia Records, this 2011 compilation, Hits, rectified this situation, entering at number 16 thanks to its impressive collection of 26 tracks, covering the golden era of his 60-year career from his first U.S. hit, 1947's "That's My Desire," up to 1963's "I'm Gonna Be Strong." Alongside his four British chart-toppers, "Hey Joe!," Guys and Dolls number "A Woman in Love," "Answer Me" (which knocked off David Whitfield's version of the same song), and "I Believe" (whose 18-week stint still holds the record for longest number of weeks at the top), and three Billboard number ones ("That Lucky Old Son," "Mule Train," "The Cry of the Wild Goose"), there are duets with Doris Day ("Sugarbush"), the Four Lads ("Rain, Rain, Rain"), and Johnnie Ray ("Up Above My Head"); renditions of legendary Western theme tunes ("Rawhide," "High Noon," "Champion the Wonder Horse"); and adaptations of songs originally performed by Merle Travis ("Sixteen Tons"), Hank Williams ("Cool Water"), and Chinese artist Yao Lee ("Rose, Rose, I Love You") -- all of which showcase Laine's effortless ability to tackle the worlds of big band, folk, pop, jazz, country, and blues. With nothing from the second half of his career, and a surprising omission of his famous themes for Blazing Saddles, 3:10 to Yuma, and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Hits isn't the definitive Laine compilation, but it's still a fitting tribute to the legendary crooner that deservedly appears to have re-ignited interest in his eclectic repertoire. ~ Jon O'Brien