Personnel: Etta James.

Recording information: 1955 - 1997.

This excellent 2006 compilation presents many of the finest moments by R&B/soul singer Etta James. Given James's bold, full-bodied vocals, she was a natural for the blues, but she made her biggest mark in the 1960s with lush, pop-tinged ballads such as the gorgeous "At Last" and the forlorn "All I Could Do Was Cry," both included here. Although HER BEST features many of the same songs, and THE ESSENTIAL JAMES is more extensive, THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION offers a remarkably wide selection, even including material from her 1994 Grammy-winning Billie Holiday tribute, MYSTERY LADY.