Although packaged and presented as a studio LP,
The Chordettes is in effect a greatest-hits collection spanning from the group's first and biggest hit, "Mr. Sandman," to later efforts like "Eddie My Love" and "Soft Sands." But despite its patchwork origins, the record hangs together as a cohesive listen thanks both to the consistency of Svengali
Archie Bleyer's dreamy, stripped-down arrangements and the group's angelic harmonies. Subtle flourishes like echo add bold new dimensions to
Bleyer's signature sound, and the harmonies achieve a new level of complexity, yet never lose the girlish charm so much a part of
the Chordettes' essence. [The Japanese label Solid's 2008 paper-sleeve CD reissue appends a whopping 13 bonus cuts, including "Zorro," "Love Is a Two-Way Street," and "Wonderful One."]