The very best of

The Very Best of Paul Anka is a comprehensive 18-track compilation that chronicles the Canadian singer-songwriter's meteoric rise during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied on professional songwriters, Anka was a rare triple threat who penned many of his own hits, including the global phenomenon 'Diana'. This collection highlights his ability to blend the sophisticated arrangements of traditional pop with the burgeoning sensibilities of early rock and roll. Sonically, the album is characterized by the 'Nashville Sound' and New York studio polish, featuring prominent string sections, backing vocal groups, and Anka's signature crooning style. It serves as a bridge between the era of Frank Sinatra and the arrival of the British Invasion, showcasing a songwriter who understood the mechanics of a hook as well as the emotional resonance of a ballad. The inclusion of 'Put Your Head on My Shoulder' and 'Lonely Boy' cements this as the definitive entry point for his early catalog.