Barbara is my favorite pop-country singer - I don't count Dolly as a pop-country singer, as most of her recordings are traditional - and this compilation of some of her music with MCA shows why.
Barbara tackled every type of song, or so it seemed, but she had a soft spot for R+B classics. Her biggest hit came via a cover of an R+B song (If loving you is wrong) and it suits her well. My favorites are Married but not to each other (a similar idea to Kenny Rogers' Daytime friends, but a very different song), That's what friends are for, Standing room only, Darlin' and Years .... but every song here is a masterpiece.
This collection has a lot in common with the Ultimate Collection, the strongest collection released in America (not counting the unavailable Razor and Tie double CD).
So, this album (exclusively compiled from MCA masters) contains six songs not available on the Ultimate Collection, these being Wish you were here, Darlin', To me (with Lee Greenwood), That's what friends are for, After the lovin' and When you get to the heart (with the Oak Ridge Boys). The six tracks on the Ultimate Collection but not here are Tonight my baby's coming home, The midnight oil, Fooled by a feeling, In times like these, Angel in your arms and I wish that I could fall in love today.
Most of you will therefore not want both and you can make up your mind based on the differences. Dedicated Barbara fans should note that some of the tracks here are not currently available anywhere else. Knowing how record companies operate in Britain, if you want this particular compilation, don't delay - it might go out of print.