**Playlist: The Very Best of Basia**
**Definition**
*Playlist: The Very Best of Basia* is a compilation album by Polish singer Basia, released in 2013. It features a selection of her most popular songs spanning her solo career, highlighting her blend of jazz, pop, and Latin influences.
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## Playlist: The Very Best of Basia
### Overview
*Playlist: The Very Best of Basia* is a greatest hits compilation album by Basia Trzetrzelewska, known mononymously as Basia. Released in 2013, the album serves as a curated collection of her most acclaimed and beloved tracks from her solo career, which began in the late 1980s. The compilation is part of the *Playlist* series by Legacy Recordings, which aims to showcase the definitive works of various artists across genres.
Basia is recognized for her distinctive voice and her unique fusion of jazz, pop, and Latin rhythms. This compilation captures the essence of her musical style and highlights her contributions to the adult contemporary and smooth jazz scenes. The album appeals both to longtime fans and new listeners seeking an introduction to her work.
### Background
Basia first gained international recognition as the lead vocalist of the band Matt Bianco in the early 1980s. After leaving the group, she launched a solo career with the release of her debut album *Time and Tide* in 1987. The album was a commercial success, particularly in the United States, and established her as a solo artist with a distinctive sound characterized by sophisticated arrangements and jazz-inflected pop.
Over the years, Basia released several studio albums, including *London Warsaw New York* (1990), *The Sweetest Illusion* (1994), and *It’s That Girl Again* (2009). Her music often incorporates elements of Brazilian and Latin music, reflecting her interest in diverse musical traditions.
The *Playlist* series, under which *Playlist: The Very Best of Basia* was released, is known for compiling essential tracks from artists’ catalogs, often remastered for improved sound quality. This release aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of Basia’s career highlights in a single package.
### Track Listing
The compilation features a selection of tracks from Basia’s solo albums, showcasing her most popular and critically acclaimed songs. The track list includes hits such as:
1. „Time and Tide”
2. „New Day for You”
3. „Promises”
4. „Cruising for Bruising”
5. „Baby You’re Mine”
6. „Drunk on Love”
7. „Third Time Lucky”
8. „An Olive Tree”
9. „Yearning”
10. „I Must”
11. „Reward”
12. „More Fire Than Flame”
13. „If Not Now Then When”
14. „Love Lies Bleeding”
These tracks represent a broad spectrum of Basia’s musical output, from upbeat, danceable numbers to more introspective ballads.
### Musical Style and Themes
Basia’s music is characterized by its smooth blend of jazz, pop, and Latin influences. Her vocal style is noted for its clarity, warmth, and expressive phrasing. The arrangements often feature lush instrumentation, including brass sections, percussion, and layered harmonies.
Lyrically, Basia’s songs explore themes of love, longing, personal growth, and emotional resilience. The upbeat tracks often convey a sense of optimism and celebration, while the ballads delve into more reflective and intimate emotions.
The fusion of jazz and Latin elements in her music is a distinctive feature that sets her apart from many contemporaries in the adult contemporary genre. This stylistic blend has earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
### Reception
*Playlist: The Very Best of Basia* was generally well received by fans and critics as a concise and accessible introduction to Basia’s solo work. While it did not chart significantly, the compilation was praised for its thoughtful selection of tracks and the quality of the remastering.
Critics noted that the album effectively captures the highlights of Basia’s career and serves as a useful collection for both new listeners and longtime fans who want a comprehensive overview of her music in one release.
### Legacy and Influence
Basia’s influence extends beyond her commercial success, as she has been recognized for bringing a sophisticated, jazz-inflected sound to mainstream pop music. Her work has inspired other artists in the smooth jazz and adult contemporary genres.
The release of *Playlist: The Very Best of Basia* helped to reaffirm her status as a significant figure in late 20th-century and early 21st-century pop and jazz music. It also contributed to maintaining interest in her catalog during a period when physical album sales were declining and digital music consumption was rising.
### Conclusion
*Playlist: The Very Best of Basia* stands as a definitive collection of Basia’s most memorable and influential songs. It highlights her unique musical style and enduring appeal, offering listeners a well-rounded experience of her artistry. The album remains a valuable resource for those seeking to explore the work of one of Poland’s most successful international musical exports.
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**Meta Description:**
*Playlist: The Very Best of Basia* is a 2013 compilation album featuring the most popular songs from Polish singer Basia’s solo career, showcasing her blend of jazz, pop, and Latin influences.