Joni James enjoyed considerable success as a recording artist for MGM in the early 1950s. "Why Don't You Believe Me" was a million-selling number one in 1952. This collection, though, is culled from her later career when the hits stubbornly refused to continue, although her contract with MGM lasted until 1964. The accompanying notes describe it as "a collection of Joni's most requested and rare singles" but in truth, it is most likely to be of interest to archivists who specialise in the general history of the female pop singer rather than focus on the top rung of performers. There's a hint of Doris Day here, a touch of Connie Francis and Brenda Lee there, and a sense of Vikki Carr throughout. The overall effect is never less than pleasant, but Joni doesn't really have the vocal equipment to match the aforementioned. The choice of songs is standard teenage angst fare ("You Were Wrong", "I Laughed At Love" and "My Last Date (With You)", for example). Odd material for a singer who might, at that stage of her career, have been investigating a more mature style. --Piers Ford