Reviewed by Dave Brassington

From the dawn of rock'n'roll to the British invasion, Pat Boone was king of the charts. He scored more than 50 hits and sold more records worldwide than almost anyone during that era. He was in the charts every single week from 1955 to 1959. This is the first definitive set to profile Pat's incredible career. Covering the period 1953 to 1959, these 12 CDs contain "All the original mono versions and the 1959 stereo recordings." This is the first time many of these original versions have been reissued. This magnificent box set including the contents of Pat's LPs from the '50s - even a complete unissued LP! It also contains 88 previously unissued recordings, including early unissued versions of songs that became big hits, like "Friendly Persuasion", "Love Letter In The Sand", "A Wonderful Time Up There" and "Too Soon To Know". You also get an 84 page hard cover book featuring a newly researched biography by Joseph Laredo, and photos from Pat's personal archive. For many years Pat was known in pop music as "Mr Clean", something I know Pat says he really doesn't deserve. Love him or loathe him, there can be no denying two things about Pat Boone. Firstly, as already outlined, his incredible music sales, second only to Elvis Presley in many years of rock'n'roll by it's peak. Secondly, Pat Boone put gospel music in the charts and included here amongst all the goodies are all the gospel tracks when almost alone amongst pop singers he recorded and featured gospel music on prime time US TV. A monumental work and essential for any Pat Boone fan.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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