Personnel: Robert Cray (vocals, guitar); Warren Rand (saxophone); Mike Vannice, Peter Boe (keyboard); Richard Cousins (bass instrument); David Olson (drum).

Liner Note Author: Scott Schinder.

Released in 2007, this 16-track compilation presents an excellent overview of Robert Cray's first 25 years of recording. Although it shares many tracks with 1999's HEAVY PICKS--including, of course, the Georgia-based bluesman's ominous '86 hit, "Smoking Gun"--DEFINITIVE COLLECTION tops that set by extending its reach to '05 with the wistful "Poor Johnny," making it the more comprehensive anthology.