The Definitive Collection in Bloomington, MN

There are numerous
Patti LaBelle
compilations on the market, and
Definitive Collection
covers much the same ground as most. Nevertheless, it is a fine selection, and one that -- at 19 tracks -- offers more than many budget-line samplers while still providing an excellent single-disc overview of the R&B diva's career. The set stretches back to
LaBelle
's earliest work with the
Bluebelles
and includes one track with the funk outfit
(which is "What Can I Do for You?" and not, surprisingly, "Lady Marmalade"). But the primary focus here is the pop-oriented urban soul of her '80s and '90s solo career, and all the essentials -- "New Attitude," "Stir It Up," and "On My Own" (her number one smash with
Michael McDonald
) -- are included. Casual fans looking for a one-stop dose of
's best won't go wrong with this one.