AMG Review of People Get Ready: 21 Greatest Hits

Steve Leggett
All Music Guide

This set collects tracks from the Impressions' early-'60s years with ABC-Paramount and includes classic tracks like "It's All Right," "Keep on Pushing," "Gypsy Woman," "I'm So Proud," and the majestic "People Get Ready" along with later-era Impressions sides like "This Is My Country" and "Choice of Colors," which show lead tenor vocalist and songwriter Curtis Mayfield blossoming toward his subsequent solo career. It would all add up to a fine introduction to the glorious gospel-pop of this influential and just plain wonderful Chicago soul group if these were indeed the original versions, but they appear to be either re-recordings or redone mixes -- which doesn't negate the songs, but it is bothersome.