Gold (CD - 2005)

In the late '50s and early '60s, there were few bigger stars in the world of music than Connie Francis. Able to sing many different styles convincingly, from rock & roll to country, from lush adult ballads to Italian love songs and girl group sounds, Francis had hits galore and created a very impressive body of work. 2005's Gold rounds up 50 of her singles recorded between 1957 and 1969 on two discs and becomes the best Francis collection on the market for anyone who wants to get the full scope of her incredible talent without forking over the money for a box set. Included are such classic tunes as "Who's Sorry Now," "Stupid Cupid," "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You," the Phil Spector-penned "Second Hand Love," and the tough Ellie Greenwich/Jeff Barry girl group rocker "Don't Ever Leave Me." Consider Gold a crash course in Connie Francis. Just one listen will either remind you how much you already dug her or it will make you a staunch supporter. ~ Tim Sendra minimize