The Platters - All-Time Greatest Hits (CD)

The most romantic doo-wop ever

By redtunictroll  Apr 21, 2004 | 1 out of 1 found this All-Time Greatest Hits review helpful

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The Platters run of hits was not only among the most successful of the doo-wop groups, but also one of the most iconic. Their songs have become representatives of the era, with their dramatic delivery and romantic (both happy and sad) lyrics gracing seminal films like "American Graffitti," countless reissues and '50s compilations, and endless replays on oldies radio.

At 18 tracks, this collection doesn't have too much room to present anything beyond the band's hits - which speaks positively to the chart impact that the Platters maintained. All 18 of these tracks were Top-20 on either the Pop or R&B charts, or often, both. #1s include "Only You (And You Alone)," "The Great Pretender," "My Prayer," "Twilight Time," and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Surprisingly, essential tunes like "(You've Got) The Magic Touch," as familiar as they are, never made it to the top spot.

The combination of Buck Ram's songwriting, arranging and producing and lead vocalist Tony Williams' distinctive tenor elevated the group above the mass of one-hit doo-wop wonders from Los Angeles and New York. Mercury's collection pulls together hits from the original line-up, and several later tracks (recorded for Musicor) waxed by a later edition of the group.