30 Greatest Hits zeroes in on Aretha Franklin's prime recording period for Atlantic, from her breakout in 1967 with 'I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)' through the end of 1974, during which the Queen of Soul truly reigned over the charts she averaged over one pop hit every two months. This two-disc set delivers all of her classics ('Respect,' 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,' '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,' 'Chain of Fools,' 'Think,' 'Spanish Harlem,' 'Rock Steady'), plus much more excellent material for those who won't recognize much more than the songs (and there are quite a few) that have entered the cultural consciousness ('I Say a Little Prayer,' 'The Weight,' 'Spirit in the Dark,' 'Day Dreaming'). It's a great foundation to any collection that has yet to be equaled by a pair of Rhino sets, the two-volume Very Best of Aretha Franklin from 1994 and Aretha's Best from 2001.

Known for one of the world's most popular operas, Carmen, Georges Bizet deserves attention as well for other works of remarkable melodic charm. Many of his works received cool receptions upon their premieres but are now considered central to the repertory of classical music.