CD Review: R. Kelly - The R. in R&B Collection Volume 1

(andPOP) - Often with greatest hits album, the artist wants to get out of his contract so he puts together quasi-successful material and hopes it will count as his last album with the label. Not R. Kelly. With his legal troubles aside, he actually deserves a greatest hits album, and "The R. in R&B Collection Volume 1" is well worth it.

There are two discs: one with 18 chart-topping hits and another with five remixes.

He includes things from his early days like "Bump 'N Grind" right until today with "Thoia Thoing;" gentle collaborations like "I'm Your Angel" with Celine Dion and solo efforts like "I Believe I Can Fly;" club bangers like "Ignition;" and politically-driven songs like "Ghetto Religion" with Wyclef Jean.

The second part is highlighted with a "Gotham City" remix, which he completely rips apart and redoes excellently.

And as the title says, this is just the first volume. Once he resolves his troubles, or even during all this mess, his hit streak will continue.

5*
Jive/BMG