AMG Review of Best of Yvonne Elliman

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

The Best of Yvonne Elliman is the first comprehensive collection ever assembled on the '70s pop/disco diva. Elliman first came to attention as Mary Magdalene in the London production of Jesus Christ Superstar (from which "I Don't Know How to Love Him" and "Everything's Alright" is included), but she shot to fame as part of the Eric Clapton Band, which eventually led to her placement on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Saturday Night Fever launched her biggest hit, "If I Can't Have You," which branded her as a one-hit wonder. The Best of Yvonne Elliman doesn't really disprove that -- there's a lot of filler here, even if it culls 16 highlights from her entire career -- but it does demonstrate that she possessed a pleasant, professional voice and did make several enjoyable pop/disco records, which happened to be her singles. Which, of course, makes The Best of Yvonne Elliman not only a terrific introduction, but also all you need to know.