The Original Album Series (2010, Rhino) is a 5-CD box set that collects five of Ben E. King’s classic early-to-mid 1960s albums in mini-LP sleeves. It’s designed as a straight reissue set—no bonus tracks or remaster extras—just the original albums as released.

📀 Albums Included

This set brings together five key studio albums:

1. Spanish Harlem (1960)

2. Sings for Soulful Lovers (1962)

3. Don’t Play That Song! (1962)

4. Seven Letters (1964)

5. What Is Soul? (1967)

Together they span King’s transition from early Latin-tinged pop/soul through to deeper, more mature soul material.

🎶 Musical Style & Highlights

* Genre: Soul / R&B with pop and Latin influences

* Signature sound: Smooth baritone vocals, orchestral arrangements, and emotional delivery

* Key tracks featured:

* “Spanish Harlem”

* “Stand By Me”

* “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”

* “I (Who Have Nothing)” (not in this set but from the same era)

The albums include a mix of:

* Original hits

* Standards and covers (e.g. “Fever,” “Moon River”)

* Soul ballads and early pop-soul crossover material

📦 Packaging & Presentation

* 5 CDs in cardboard mini sleeves (no jewel cases)

* Compact slipcase box

* Minimal liner notes (typical of the series)

* Total runtime approx. 2 hours 40 minutes

⭐ Overall Impression

This set is a great value introduction to Ben E. King’s Atlantic-era albums:

Pros

* Excellent core albums in one place

* Includes major hits like “Stand By Me”

* Affordable entry point for collectors

Cons

* No bonus tracks or detailed booklet

* Basic packaging

🎯 Who It’s For

* Soul/R&B fans building a classic collection

* Anyone wanting more than just a greatest hits

* Collectors of the Original Album Series line