Most of the volumes in Universal's Number 1's series recycled oft-compiled material, such as '70s soul and James Brown's chart-toppers. But when this was released, in early 2007, compilations of '90s R&B hits weren't nearly as common as that of '70s funk or new wave. Containing 16 tracks, this disc is filled to near capacity with singles that reached the top of the R&B chart during the '90s. It leans more on the earlier half of the decade and is balanced rather well between sedate ballads and club jams. Some of the more enduring selections include Jodeci's "Stay," Aaron Hall's "Don't Be Afraid," Montell Jordan's "This Is How We Do It," and Tony! Toni! Ton‚!'s "It Never Rains (In Southern California)." ~ Andy Kellman

2007