The Best Of The EMI Years showcases the endlessly inventive melodies John Barry scattered with fruitful abandon across arguably the most creative period of his career, the 1960s to early 70s. There are 25 tracks, from early John Barry Seven singles to TV and film themes and album cuts, including a good selection of the most famous: "The James Bond Theme", Goldfinger, Born Free, Midnight Cowboy and Diamonds Are Forever. Fortunately, given that there are numerous other collections available, including Themeology: The Best of John Barry, Moviola and The Classic John Barry, this set concentrates on lesser-known gems. Here is a sensuously jazzy "Human Jungle", late night "Satin Smooth", a groovy Beat Girl, kitsch yet haunting "Tears", and cues such as "Beat For Beatniks" and "The Challenge" which play like proto-007 suspense themes.

Considering the age of the earliest tracks, the sound is exceptionally good, bringing to life every detail of Barry's eclectic fusion of jazz, rhythm and blues, MOR pop and orchestral scoring. Barry fans who enjoy this collection should also thrill to the blisteringly dynamic Bond Back In Action, featuring suites from the first seven 007 adventures and 20 minutes of never before available music. --Gary S. Dalkin