Brook Benton: 40 Greatest Hits

BROOK BENTON'S music was a study in contrast. The lushness of the backings was juxtaposed against the contained passion in his voice. On much of his best work there is a simmering tension where his restraint serves to heighten the drama. Benton's music pointed concurrently in several directions, but it was the subtle shadings that remained from his gospel background that stood out so vividly against the massed strings. Perhaps it is that contrast which has enabled his music to survive in style.