The New Birth - The Very Best Of The New Birth (1995)

A comprehensive package of producer Harvey Fuqua's concept, New Birth Inc. consisted of the Nightlighters, Love, Peace & Happiness, and New Birth. The Nightlighters' "K-Jee" was the first hit out the box, scoring before New Birth; the lively, festival-sounding instrumental has enjoyed an amazing longevity. It's still popular at the halftimes of football games and on classic radio shows. Love, Peace & Happiness, which featured Anne Bogan and two Wilson brothers, who also sang with New Birth, are represented by one number, a soul-dripped version of "I Don't Want to Do Wrong," the Gladys Knight & the Pips smash. New Birth is well represented. Their deep soul rendition of "Dream Merchant" still sends shivers up and down one's spine, as does "Wild Flower" and the poppish "It's Impossible," sung by Londee Loren. Attempts at disco are less pleasing, but on this package the songs "I Wash My Hands of the Whole Damn Deal," "Comin' from All Ends," and "Keep on Doin' It" are more palatable. © Andrew Hamilton