Mathis was among the singers who, in the '60s and '70s, churned out an album every few months--often made up largely of the same recent chart hits his peers (Andy Williams, Jerry Vale) were covering. Despite the presence of "Feelings," however, this four-CD box is low on chaff and high on the wispy romanticism of hits such as "Chances Are," "Misty," and "It's Not for Me to Say."

Essential Heart is the only compilation that covers the group's tenure at both Epic and Capitol. All the hits of the '70s are featured on the first disc and include "Crazy on You," "Magic Man," "Barracuda" and "Straight On." The second disc includes all of their comeback material recorded in the '80s such as "What About Love?," "These Dreams," and "Nothin' at All."