The Very Best of Otis Redding

iTunes Review

It’s reasonable to argue that Otis Redding was the greatest soul singer ever and this compilation, which collects a formidable string of hits, could serve as proof. Redding, who died at the age of 26 in a plane crash, continually developed his craft throughout his tragically short career. “These Arms of Mine,” from 1962, nicely captures his early style; just two years later, his sound had modernized into something more hard-hitting, as evidenced on the stone-cold classic, “That’s How Strong My Love Is.” And you can’t go wrong with “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” the original of “Respect,” the fiery “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” and his no-nonsense version of “Satisfaction.” In 1966, Redding put out the amazing “Try a Little Tenderness,” and the next year he released a fun-loving cover of Sam Cooke’s “Shake.” To top things off, he recorded the mysteriously reflective “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” just days before he died. Redding had great musicians behind him, and it should be noted that he had a hand in penning ten of these songs. The Very Best of, indeed.