Ray Stevens

While not as definitive an overview as Rhino's Best of Ray Stevens, Classic Masters is still a solid introduction to the unique work of Ray Stevens. Featuring 12 of the singer/songwriter/comedian's best songs and humorous skits recorded between the late '60s and the mid-'70s, the collection gives the schizophrenic impression of Stevens as both melodic social commentator and variety show-style cutup. However, given the high quality of Brill Building-style tracks like "Everything Is Beautiful," "Mr. Businessman," and "All My Trials" -- which reveal Stevens to be a songwriter on par with Todd Rundgren with the chops of a Righteous Brother -- it is unfortunate that Capitol didn't simply forgo the comedic bits for the more melancholy, serious stuff. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide