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Critic's Review
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Best of George Duke: The Elektra Years culls the highlights from Duke's three mid-'80s albums for Elektra -- Thief in the Night, George Duke and Night After Night. During these years, Duke completed his shift from jazz to smooth jazz, fusion and urban R&B, which means there is very little here of interest to serious jazz fans. However, listeners who like Duke's smooth stylings, or want to become acquainted with his work, will find Best of George Duke: The Elektra Years a strong collection, containing such early career staples as "Good Friend" and "African Violet." For diehard fans, there's the added attraction of two previously unreleased tracks -- "Come to Me" and "Baby Love," the latter of which features Jody Watley on vocals.
