Producers: Daryl Hall, John Oates, Christopher Bond, David Foster, Bob Clearmountain.

Compilation producer: Paul Williams.

Includes liner notes by Michael Hill.

All tracks have been digitally remastered by Bill Lacey.

Photographer: Lynn Goldsmith.

There's one thing wrong with The Very Best of Daryl Hall & John Oates, and it's minor -- the promotional 12" mix of "Adult Education" is included in favor of the 7" version. This isn't a big deal and it doesn't mar what is the best overview of Hall & Oates' RCA years, the era when they became the biggest-selling duo in the history of rock. If the Atlantic years were more adventurous, dabbling in folk and album rock, The Very Best of demonstrates the virtues of consistency, since these blue-eyed soul songs rank among the very finest singles (and songs) of their time. And Hall & Oates weren't unadventurous, either, since they deftly blended elements of new wave, contemporary soul, and soft rock into their signature sound. Most impressively, smaller hits like "Wait for Me" and the splendid "Did It in a Minute" (easily one of the greatest songs they ever cut) more than hold their own alongside familiar items like "Sara Smile," "You Make My Dreams," "Private Eyes," and "Maneater." Hall & Oates may not have been hip, but they made addictive soul-pop that not only rocketed to the top of the charts but has stood the test of time as some of the best pop made during the early '80s. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

While it's not quite as flawless as The Very Best of Daryl Hall and John Oates, Complete Best does feature most of the duo's classics, from earlier hits like "Rich Girl," "She's Gone," and "Sara Smile" to singles such as "Private Eyes," "Kiss on My List," and "Maneater." The collection also includes a good selection of their second-tier songs, such as "Wait for Me," "Did It in a Minute," "Adult Education," and "Method of Modern Love." It does miss a few key tracks -- it's unfortunate that "Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid," "Family Man," and "You Make My Dreams" didn't make it on here -- but Complete Best is still a fairly comprehensive look at Hall & Oates' best work. ~ Heather Phares