The World's Greatest Girls Group: The Shirelles

Although there are scores of compilations featuring seminal R&B female vocalists the Shirelles, World's Greatest Girl Group (1995) is without a doubt one of the most complete overviews of their decade ('58 -- '68) on Scepter Records. The original quartet included the talents of Shirley Owens (vocals), Doris Coley (vocals), Beverley Lee (vocals) and Addie Harris (vocals). The four friends initially garnered a name for themselves under the guise of "the Poquellos" as high school students in Passaic, New Jersey. Their blend was modern and new, yet hearkened back to earlier doo wop influences. They caught the ear of a fellow classmate who's mother happened to be Florence Greenberg, soon-to-be Scepter Recordsowner/operator. Prominent early sides contained their remake of the Five Royales' "Dedicated to the One I Love" and the chart-topping "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," marking the first time an all-girl aggregate had reached the number one spot and quickly establishing them as a formidable combo. Among other highlights on this 49-song/two-disc anthology are the Shirelles' sizable sides "Tonight's the Night," "Mama Said," "Big John," "Baby, It's You," "Soldier Boy," "Welcome Home Baby," "Stop the Music," "Everybody Loves a Lover," "Don't Say Goodnight and Mean Goodbye" and "Foolish Little Girl." There is also a healthy sampling of lesser-known selections such as "Boys" -- which was covered to great effect by the Beatles -- "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," and their debut hit, the a cappella platter "I Met Him on a Sunday." Accompanying the collection is a 20-page liner booklet with an extended historical essay by noted rock musicologist and author Bill Dahl. ~ Lindsay Planer