Despite his penchant for writing the perfect song, Chris Isaak is, at heart, an album artist. He creates an incredibly strong mood that works to its best advantage when played out over a long-playing record. This “Best Of” plays not like a collection of singles but as one beautifully wrought collection of originals that belong together. Perhaps the familiarity of “Wicked Game” will stand out among the tracks, but it flows nicely surrounded by “Somebody’s Crying” and “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing.” Isaak’s old-school style and charm never sounds dated, but rather the natural expression of his musical talents. He can’t help it if he conjures up comparisons to Roy Orbison or Elvis Presley. He even suggests their influence on something as stylistically opposite as a cover of Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.” Simply putting Isaak’s voice into the mix on top of the driving guitars labels it an Isaak recording. His peerless melodicism makes him a superior cut above the rest. This “Best Of” is a great place to start, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself seeking out the individual albums as well.