This review is from: The Very Best of Diana Krall (Audio CD) Let me first say how much the new practice of jazz/pop stars irks me. They hold off a few tracks from an album, which only get released on import versions costing three times as much, or greatest hits CDs. This Krall offering contains 3 previously unreleased tracks, only available hereperfect to get those who already own everything to buy this disc, just for 3 songs. Anyway, on to the actual review.

Typically, greatest hits compilations are designed for the consumer who wants to get the biggest songs from a particular artist. And that scheme works for most rock/pop artists (Elvis, Rolling Stones, etc). But in the case of Diana Krall, she doesn't really HAVE hits. The majority of her recorded output is old standards from the world of classic pop vocals & jazz, spanning the 1920's-1960's. Most of those already were huge hits, regardless of the performer. So, it seems that a greatest hits album for her is sort of a silly point.

Since buying this disc would give you a sampling of her most recent albums (only the Verve albums, by the waynot her early albums), it would give you a sampling of many styles and arrangements. If you are looking for a hodge-podge of Krall, with no theme or style of its own, then this is definitely the disc for you. However, if you are just getting into Diana Krall, and only want to buy one disc, a better option would be to decide what you like about her music, and get one of her original albums. You don't need to buy every one. Even if you only get one CD, any of her albums will find her singing big hits with her unique vocal style. One of her original albums will set the mood much better than any "hits" album. She sings on all albums.

For example

if you like lush, romantic string ballads with an orchestra, then pick up either "When I Look In Your Eyes" or "The Look Of Love."

If you like the Nat King Cole Trio (piano, bass, guitar), then pick up either "All For You" or "Love Scenes."

If you like a more traditional jazz trio (piano, bass, drums), then pick up either of her first two albums "Steppin' Out" or "Only Trust Your Heart."

If you like the big band sound, get her latest effort, "From This Moment On." It contains fast and medium tempos with a large ensemble (sans strings).

If you don't really like jazz or classic pop, and want something with more of an easy listening, rock/pop jazz feel, get "Girl In the Other Room." The songs are more modern. This one is tough to describe, and not her best effort. But it's still good.

My favorites are the ballad album "The Look of Love," which contains several of thetracks with a gentle bossa nova beat. Very romantic. I prepared a bath for my girlfriend and i with this album playing in the background, and she LOVED it. Trust me. Also, her snappiest, coolest jazzy album is "All For You" which is a tribute to the Nat Cole Trio, and contains many of his classic hits.

You may love the "Very Best Of" CD, but just remember you are getting a very random mix of styles and moods on this disc. But you may want it for the previously unreleased tracks. Whatever you get, i think you'll love Diana Krall.