AMG Review of Essentials: Betty Wright

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Although it doesn't surpass Rhino's 2000 collection The Very Best of Betty Wright, Warner's 2002' compilation Essentials contains exactly what its title claims -- namely, the essential moments from her recordings from the '70s, such as "Girls Can't Do What the Guys Do," "Clean Up Woman," and "Let Me Be Your Lovemaker." Serious listeners will want to seek out the Rhino set, but for those who just want the hits on a budget price, this is an excellent choice.