20th Century Masters: The Best Of Robert Palmer CD

This is part of MCA's 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection series.

A collection of 10 Robert Palmer songs can only represent a small section of his nine solo records released in the '70s and '80s. This is nevertheless a fine selection. While his albums are often eclectic affairs, he has always had a knack for solid singles, and this set gathers most of his essential work.

The set moves chronologically through every stage of his career, beginning with the very first cut from his first solo album (the sublimely funky "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley"), and progressing through his early singles, the jaunty "Man Smart, Woman Smarter," and the Motown groove of "Every Kinda People." Naturally the hits are here, too, from the rocking "Doctor Doctor" and the Number One smash "Addicted to Love" (which, according to the liner notes, began as a duet with Chaka Khan), to the sleek dance music that's Palmer at his most popular ("I Didn't Mean to Turn You On").

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Photographers: Todd Kaplan; Vinnie Zuffante.