The first compilation released of modern soul man
Lyfe Jennings comes from Legacy's
Playlist series, and like the generic packaging, it doesn't try too hard. There are no rare tracks or live cuts to attract loyal fans, but the tracks from his three Columbia albums are generally well-chosen, and despite the mostly chronological order, the set flows very well. Since his regular releases are big, ambitious, and conceptual, this is the easiest starting point, or you can just snatch up the big hits ("Must Be Nice," "Never Never Land") and, if deep cuts like "She Got Kids" don't hit you, never look back. Odd that "Still Here" with
Three 6 Mafia wasn't included since it would explain why "hip-hop" is often mentioned around this songwriter, and since the
Playlist series prefers the "digital booklet" liners, you'll have to drag out the computer to read his fascinating jail-to-platinum sales story.