Yazoo - Only Yazoo (The Best Of) (1999)

Although Yazoo split in 1984, it wasn't until 15 years later that a substantial compilation album appeared. Only Yazoo: The Best Of represents some of the best synth pop ever committed to record, and provides a fine display of the range and power of Alison Moyet's incredible voice. All of the singles are present (with the exception of "The Other Side of Love"), as well as a handful of quality album tracks. Thankfully, the Francois Kevorkian mix of "Situation" is included, as well as three "1999" mixes. These modern mixes don't reach the same heights as the originals, and the Todd Terry remix of "Don't Go" almost manages to ruin a beautiful song. However, for the most part, Only Yazoo is close to perfect. Tracks like "Nobody's Diary" remain landmarks of pop songwriting, although the sparse arrangements sometimes sound dated. Even so, it's a great album, and a fine overview of Yazoo's brief career.