The 5th Dimension - The Very Best Of [Remastered] (1999)

Between 1967 and 1973, the 5th Dimension enjoyed 29 U.S. hit singles on the Soul City and Bell labels. This compilation selects all of their Top 40 hits (bar two live tracks) and tops up the running order with five lesser hits. Top-notch material by Jimmy Webb, Laura Nyro, Neil Sedaka and Bacharach & David is rendered as exquisite harmony pop by the vocal group and their producer Bones Howe.

Although "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" (from the musical "Hair") and Nyro's "Wedding Bell Blues" were the chart-toppers, Webb's "Up, Up And Away" is the archetypal 5th Dimension sound. That the songs still sound remarkably fresh is due to the avoidance of formulaic writing, with no one writer or team being allowed to dominate. From the first hit, tellingly a cover of the Mamas & The Papas' "Go Where You Wanna Go," via material by Tony Macaulay, Sloan & Barri, and Ashford & Simpson, the quality never diminishes.