A wonderful (and welcome) homage to one of all-time great vocalists,this CD combined with previously released "The Very Best of Darlene Love" (her classic 1960s work) gives more or the less clear story of Darlene Love music and career.Gifted with a strong,booming and soulful voice that clearly shows gospel influence in everything she did,Love graced many of Phil Spector hit singles way back and she was one of the stars of his famous Christmas album recorded in 1964. That work has been compiled already so now we have "The Rest of Darlene Love" that shows singer working away from mad genius and it's interesting that best cuts here are ones that nod towards Spector sound.
Clearly,Love is in her element when music gears to girl group sound ("Gospel truth") or Christmas pop ("All Alone on Christmas") - her beautiful 1958. recording of "So much love" is earthshaking in gospel power,as opposite to Dusty Springfield later delicate and vulnerable version. Because this compilation is cherry-picked selection of rarities and because Love on her own did not have anything close to success of Spector hits,it will be mostly of interest to collectors and fans of 1960s pop. That is not to say music is not good,it has stunning vocals and period charm but it has great talent working away from the man who made her known. Lots of curiosities here,some demos and even TV ads,not to mention several cuts from excellent album "Shockwave" (1972). where she was lead vocalist of "The Blossoms"
To get real complete picture,it would have been nice to have some of her gospel recordings or perhaps her own take on "River Deep,Mountain High" (the only song she ever really wanted to sing and begged Spector to do it,but he had somebody else in mind) until than,this is the best presentation of her later discography.
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