Chris Isaak – Wicked Game

Why is this listed as an album when it's a compilation?

"Wicked Game", released in 1991 to coincide with Chris Isaak's recent ascent to stardom, was presumably titled so as to capitalize on the titular smash hit single, the mere mention of which was enough to get even the most casual of fans to shell out. Ostensibly a mop-up of lesser-known tracks already available on his neglected late '80s albums, all of which more or less preserve the same smooth yet rootsy sound, "Wicked Game" enlightens those largely unaware of all the great tunes that Isaak put out before hitting it big. In 1990, two of Isaak's most recent album cuts featured to great effect in David Lynch's film "Wild at Heart", with the aforementioned eponymous track ending up a million-selling top-ten hit, due in no small part to its iconic Herb Ritts-directed promo clip. Throughout the '90s, Isaak continued to extract and heavily stylize Orbison's moody melancholy and aching vocals, and, for a while at least, it paid dividends. As the decade came to a close, so too did Isaak's commercial viability, though he still remained active, either by way of acting or touring.

Not until 2006 did Chris Isaak get around to releasing an official greatest-hits compilation, and considering he had released a handful hits since his heyday, it was not the boon it was expected to be. Frankly, it was a rather mixed affair, favouring covers, rarities and acoustic takes instead of charting singles and deep cuts. In terms of quality and consistency, "Wicked Game" is the preferable option, especially for those who only want to hear the shimmering highlights from his first three albums, namely "Blue Spanish Sky," "Heart Shaped World," "Blue Hotel," "Dancin'," "Voodoo," and "Lie to Me". Admittedly, its sequencing leaves a lot to be desired, as does the wholly unnecessary instrumental version crudely affixed to the end of the set, but any flaws can be easily forgiven when one simply focuses on the utterly dreamy retro-pop contents herein.

Rating: 4.5/5

European LP pressing is very good. Clear and rich sound.

Dunno about the 'Twin Peaks' thang, but I do agree that it sounds out of this world...even on CD! F# KiNG GREAT album!!