While some later compilations make this one obsolete,
The Best of the Chordettes remains a fine collection for '50s/'60s female vocal group lovers.
The Chordettes are beloved because they patterned themselves after male groups; their lineup included a bass and a baritone singer, unusual for a female group, and
Jinny Osborn's affable leads. They were like a female barbershop quartet, but more hip and able to cross over to pop and R&B easily.
The Chordettes' harmonies are enthralling; each member carried her weight (nobody was there for decoration), performing their respective parts to perfection and making the whole group bombastic. Among the 18 tracks are their big hit, "Sandman," and covers of
the Teen Queens' "Eddie My Love" and
Ronald & Ruby's "Lollipop." As delightful as these studio recordings are, the Chordettes were more so live; nothing's more pleasing then witnessing a female group on-stage blowing out harmony parts like their male counterparts.