This new anthology from Rhino is in direct competition with the best single-disc collection of Dionne Warwick's Sixties and early-Seventies work. Suprisingly, it is also put out by Rhino: 1989's The Dionne Warwick Collection. So what's going on? Here are a few things to consider when deciding between the two:

1.) The Very Best Of is considerably cheaper. (And who doesn't want to save a few bucks?)

2.) The Very Best Of still contains 16 songs, including every song to hit the Top 20. (Collection has twenty tracks and includes some lesser hits: "You'll Never Get To Heaven, "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself," "The April Fools," and a handful of album tracks.)

3.) Very Best of includes her chart-topping million selling collaboration with The Spinners, "Then Came You," from 1974. Surprisingly, it was her only No. 1 record. (This song is not included on Collection.)

Except for the theme from "Valley of the Dolls" and "Then Came You," each of these hits are from the songwriting team of Bacharach and David. And Warwick's voice wraps around these melodies with authority and conviction. Sixties pop never sounded so good. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This CD contains some of the best adult, pop music of the 1960s. This music is "adult" in the best sense-sophisticated, subtle, and captivating. Every song here is a jewel. A young Dionne Warwick, at the dawn of her career, sings "Don't Make Me Over" as both a plea and a warning. Warwick perfectly captures the dream-like quality in "(Theme From) Valley of the Dolls." She even touches on social themes, like the Vietnam War, in "The Windows of the World." This CD is also packed with all of Warwick's top ten hits from the 60s-"Walk On By," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," and "I Say a Little Prayer." Next to Dusty Springfield's "Dusty in Memphis" these are the best female pop music recordings of the 1960s. I can unequivocally recommend this CD!

Listening to this music reminds me of being a young child again. Dionne Warwick's classic pop sensibilities are simply superb and draw me back to sweet memories of yesteryear.

The greatest element to this music is its simplicity. Few artists nowadays can achieve this, where this is Ms. Warwick's strong suite.

"Alfie" is my favorite tune as it begs answers to the questions of life and searches for meaning in it all. Almost anyone can identify with this sentiment. "Promises,Promises" and "This Girls in Love with You" are equal standouts.

Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwich are musical soulmates. Thanks to their partnership the world of music is that much richer.

It is always great to have a collection of recordings that were popularized by Dionne Warwick. Her '60s hits have stood the test of time. Any aspiring singer should reference this CD as an example of fine pop singing. The title of this CD is my only misgiving. For those desiring the "very best of Dionne Warwick", I would suggest 1992's Hidden Gems, 1995's From The Vaults and 1981's Hot! Live and Otherwise. Any true Warwick fan such as myself will agree that these previous releases have the true essence of Warwick.

Dionne has tarnished her legacy with her extra-curricular antics over the past few years. She demands two litres of premium champagne as a concert appearance perk, which she re-gifts to friends at Christmas. If you're under the age of 30, you will probably identify her as an annoying psychic hotline shill, not a singer. But...all is forgiven when one hears Dionne's silky mezzo-soprano glide over these classics. The voluptous arrangements and the unforgettable song-craft of Burt Bacharach make these 60s musical gems about as close to high art as pop music will ever get. Dionne and Burt...Thanks for the memories.