is an aural celebration of 's 25th anniversary, and features completely rearranged versions of some of the best known tunes in its catalog. Lots of acts try this; more often than not the result is a mixed bag at best and an utter failure at worst. Not this time. Vocalist and composer and keyboardist/arranger/composer (the two remaining members of the original group) appear here with a backing quintet that includes on guitar, on backing and duet vocals, on percussion, on upright bass, and on fluegelhorn, to completely revision these tracks in what amounts to a brand new next step worthy of being called the band's first new studio offering since 2008's brilliant . While it's obvious that will appeal largely to ' devoted fan base, it shouldn't be limited to it. Some of these versions, in particular "Notgonnachange," "Incomplete Without You," and "Mama Didn't Raise No Fool," are all jazz-based pop gems with elegant, breezy arrangements; 's voice is so singular and original in its phrasing, and classy and soulful in its delivery, it remains undiminished by time. The gorgeous late-night club cover of 's and 's soul classic "La La Means I Love You"-- intro'ed and outro'ed by languid, sexy groove-based themes -- is worth the album's purchase price by itself. The new version of ' first smash "Breakout" is subtitled "(Fabulous Party Mix)," and is a deliberate attempt at humor. Rather than the celebratory dancefloor pop of the original, this one is a midtempo ballad full of lilting strings, shimmering keyboards, and shuffling percussion that is more tempered, sure, but also more emotionally resonant. While may be an atypical introduction to , it's still a fine one for beginners. For fans, it's an absolutely essential addition to the catalog. ~ Thom Jurek