AMG Review of Best of Beausoleil

Richie Unterberger
All Music Guide

Best of Beausoleil isn't as wide-ranging as Rhino's Bayou Deluxe compilation; it only draws from records the group recorded for Arhoolie during the '80s. It's a decent collection in its own right, though, conveying the group's skill at arranging Cajun music with the right mix of musical chops and laid-back charm. It also might find more favor with more traditional-minded Cajun fans than the band's eclectic releases or compilations, with a high percentage of traditional French-language tunes. The booklet includes lyrics in both French and English.