AMG Review of Classic JJ Cale: The Universal Masters Collection

Thom Jurek
All Music Guide

1999's single-disc Classic JJ Cale: The Universal Masters Collection is as solid as the Chronicles double CD issued a few years prior, but without any of the filler. This one is loaded with 18 tracks from J.J. Cale's prime, including "Magnolia," "After Midnight," "Call Me the Breeze," "Cocaine," and more. It also includes latter-day staples such as "Shanghaid" and "Downtown L.A." The consistency of this Okie-drenched, red-dirt, laid-back blues strut is remarkable. It packs a quiet yet unmistakable wallop. This is easily the best single-disc collection out there and features completely remastered sound.