AMG Review of Absolutely the Best

Heather Phares
All Music Guide

Absolutely the Best: Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee collects 14 of the acclaimed country-blues duo's most memorable performances, including "I'm a Stranger Here," "Down by the Riverside," "Drinkin' in the Blues," and "Blowin' the Fuses." Terry and McGhee are joined by Lightnin' Hopkins and Big Joe Williams on "Blues for Gamblers," "Early Mornin' Blues," and "Right on That Shore," and "Trouble in Mind," "I'm a Stranger Here," and "Po' Boys" are among the album's other highlights. While it's not quite as extensive a collection as Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1, Absolutely the Best is an entertaining, thoughtfully chosen compilation of Terry and McGhee's beloved folk-blues.