New Edition's
Icon compilation features the number one R&B singles “Cool It Now,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” “Can You Stand the Rain,” and “Hit Me Off,” along with seven other highlights from the group’s MCA years, 1984-1996. While material from the 1983 debut on Streetwise was licensed for
Greatest Hits, Vol. 1, it’s not here -- so there’s no “Candy Girl,” “Is This the End,” or “Popcorn Love.” Even so, this is a succinct, sensibly selected set -- one that contains most of the Top Ten R&B singles from the years it covers. Those who want a deeper anthology that includes solo and
Bell Biv DeVoe material should go straight to the two-disc
Gold, released in 2005.
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Andy Kellman, Rovi