James Brown's catalog was in a shambles for years, but the CD age reversed the situation to such an extent that buyers now have a wide variety of greatest-hits options to choose from. On the whole,
JB40: 40th Anniversary Collection might be the best buy, cramming 40 of his biggest hit singles from 1956-1979 onto two discs. It's perhaps a little too weighted toward the '70s (which comprise all of disc two), and some decent moderate-size hits are omitted, like "Oh Baby Don't You Weep," "Bring It Up," and "Get It Together." But it does have the core classics. If you don't want to spring for the
Star Time box, but want more than a single-disc collection, this is the one to have. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide