Alison Moyet

The voice of Alison Moyet was one of the defining sounds of the '80s — an inimitable, bluesy thing of beauty that stood out a country mile when she first arrived on the charts as one half of Yazoo with former Depeche Mode member, Vince Clarke, whose sparse and melancholy electro-pop arrangements ("Only You") provided the ideal backdrop for Moyet's deep reserves of soul. Her solo career began in '84 and delivered a stunning cover of Billie Holiday's "That Ole Devil Called Love" (her biggest hit here in the U.K.), the following year's "Is This Love?" (co-written by Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics), and the outstanding pop ballad, "All Cried Out". Moyet adds a touch of cultured, 21st century rock to Next Steps.

Whether she's belting out original material, or showcasing her mastery of the great American songbook, Moyet owns the kind of voice that can freeze time — just check out her heart-melting version of Bacharach & David's "Alfie" or her slowed-down, exquisitely-paced take on "Windmills of Your Mind". Hoodoo (1991), the ambitious third album on which she signalled an intention to broaden her ambitions outside of straight-up chart fare, features "Wishing You Were Here" (with Kirsty MacColl on backing vocals), and "This House", an incredibly powerful blend of vulnerability and raw soul. The Turn (2007) finds Moyet rockin' magnificently through "A Guy Like You".

Alison Moyet started out on the fringes of the Essex punk and pub rock scene in the late '70s, when she was known as Alf — hence the title of her debut solo album in 1984. She became a chart fixture alongside Vince Clarke with Yazoo, then struck out on her own with a series of classic '80s singles and albums that set her apart as one of our most compelling vocalists. Never content to rest on her laurels, Moyet's career has brought its share of record label friction, as she held out for greater creative control, determined to show the world there was far more to her talent than radio-friendly pop. This collection of her finest work takes in "Love Letters" (1987), one of her best-loved cover hits (also known by the Elvis Presley version), early original tracks like "Love Resurrection", and newer material from her seventh studio album, The Turn.