Prior to his 1983 breakthrough with
"Electric Avenue,"
Eddy Grant
's only brush with success in the U.S. had been in the late '60s as a member of
the Equals
. Therefore, little of the material on this 1996 compilation will be known to listeners only familiar with the irresistible
"Electric Avenue"
or the breezy
"Romancing the Stone"
(both are included). However, most of the songs were hits in the U.K. and
Greatest Hits
is an interesting introduction to
Grant
's pleasant mix of
dance
,
rock
funk
, and
reggae
(although maddeningly out of chronological sequence).
"Walking on Sunshine"
is a percolating, Caribbean-flavored dance number and
"It's Our Time"
is slinky fun.
shows a socially conscious side on the rollicking, wonderful
"Gimme Hope Jo'anna."
Most fans will probably be content to pick up
on one of the many '80s compilations, but, as a sampling of
's work,
is engaging and often infectious listening. ~ Tom Demalon