Dobie Gray - The Soulful Sound of Dobie Gray (1997)

Prior to the release of Hip-O Select's four-CD Complete Dobie Gray (1969-1979) box set, this full-length single disc compilation from Polydor U.K. was the best to have been gleaned from Gray's 1970s long-players Drift Away (1972), Loving Arms (1973), Hey Dixie (1974), New Ray of Sunshine (1975), Let Go (1976), Midnight Diamond (1978) and Dobie Gray (1979). Gray's vocals present a distinctly laid-back blend of country and soul that was not only epitomized in the title track of his debut LP "Drift Away," but perfected during the remainder of his criminally underappreciated career. A primary factor in the lack of attention given to his mid- to late-'70s material was Gray's label hopping from Decca, which folded into MCA and then on to the short-lived indies Capricorn and finally Infinity. The Soulful Sound of Dobie Gray (2001) offers healthy portions of his inimitable balladry, such as the cover of folkie Tom Jans' "Loving Arms" and the similarly lovely "Rose," one of several entries from Paul Williams and brother Mentor Williams -- both of whom contributed significantly to Gray's formative outings. In fact, Mentor was Gray's producer and musical collaborator through Hey Dixie, when the artist split from MCA. Complementing the slower and softer melodies are mid-tempo feel-good tunes, like the fun and funky "Lovin' the Easy Way," as well as the driving rocker "Watch Out for Lucy" from guitar legend Lonnie Mack who joined forces with Gray for the Hey Dixie album. The latter years are not represented as thoroughly and if any criticism could be leveled at the 21 songs featured here, it is the essentials "Drive On, Ride On," the Top 40 chart hit "You Can Do It" and "Sunny Day to Rain" are nowhere to be found. Luckily, neither is the remake of Gray's early-'60s classic "The "In" Crowd," as it was turned into an extended disco remix that came off as bad as the original was good. Since none of Gray's other recordings from the '60s are here either, folks wishing for a compact anthology might be better served by the Ultimate Collection (2001) as the '66 reading of "The "In" Crowd," "See You at the Go-Go" and "Look at Me" are among the highlights.