Anita Baker - The Best of Anita Baker (2002)

Rhino's 2002 compilation The Best of Anita Baker contains all of her hits -- both the pop crossovers and songs that were big only on the R&B charts. Many of these songs are presented in their single edits, not the album versions, which is a plus, since these are the versions that were played on the radio. Although it is true that nothing Anita Baker did was ever as sublime as Rapture, she did continually turn out fine adult contemporary and urban soul ballads throughout the late '80s and early '90s, all of which are here, making this not just a good summary/introduction, but a nice disc of highlights for those searching for more than Rapture.