All the Best (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Tina Turner (vocals); Ike Turner (vocals, various instruments); David Bowie, Eros Ramazzotti, Bryan Adams (vocals); Estelle (rap vocals).

While not the most thorough survey of Tina Turner's career, All the Best covers most of the bases. From the early years to "River Deep Mountain High" to re-recordings of some of her work with husband Ike to her magnificent and triumphant return to the charts, it's all here in one form or another. There are a few new songs on here that are easily forgettable, and at two discs get a bit bogged down in filler (her cover of Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love" is a totally unnecessary inclusion) this could have been a powerhouse single disc. These small misgivings aside, all of the major hits are here, including those previously only available on soundtracks or singles, making it a perfect starting point for those looking to get just the hits for their collection. ~ Rob Theakston

In listening to Tina Turner's 2005 two-disc retrospective, ALL THE BEST, the term "pop legend" almost seems like an understatement. A huge swath of Turner's underrated 1990s work is included here, with overlooked gems (the harmony-soaked "I Don't Wanna Fight," the breezy "Whatever You Need") presented alongside many timeless Turner standards ("Private Dancer," "What's Love Got to Do with It").

Of course, the powerhouse singer's knack for interpreting songs and picking duet partners is equally represented. Turner tears up Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love" in a live setting, runs through a killer reading of Al Green's seminal "Let's Stay Together," and pours herself into Ann Peebles's classic "I Can't Stand the Rain." As for singing partners, Turner rocks out with Bryan Adams on the sizzling "It's Only Love," goes bilingual with Italy's Eros Ramazzotti on the soulful nugget "Cose Della Vita," and teams with British rapper Estelle on 2004's vibrant "Open Arms." Most intriguing is her pairing with David Bowie, which finds the duo in a Jamaican frame of mind for Iggy Pop's "Tonight." Throughout this 33-track collection, Turner is dynamic and energetic, reinforcing her remarkably stellar reputation. minimize