SOUTHERN GIRL

At a mere seven tracks, 1992's SOUTHERN GIRL might not seem like a sensible purchase for a best-of compilation, but fans of Frankie Beverly and Maze won't be disappointed. The tight groove of the title track, and the lengthy workout "Back in Stride" are worth the album's budget price by themselves, but the smooth "Travelin' Man" and the sweet ballad "Never Let You Down" are icing on the cake. Fans of late 1970s/early '80s smooth R&B (that doesn't skimp on funk and jazz influences) will find much to appreciate here.

• Genre: R&B
• Format: CD
• Released: 04/01/1996