As other reviewers have stated, this is NOT the original 1973 HALF BREED studio album, but instead a collection of 1971-74 Cher material including her three Billboard #1s: Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, Half Breed and Dark Lady. Cher was the Queen of the story songs back then. Well, perhaps she and Helen Reddy shared the title, but only two of Helen's story songs went to #1, so that still puts Cher ahead. Among the other tracks, the standouts are Carousel Man with it's interesting tempo change and the bluesy rockin' Train of Thought, which I've always believed was one of Cher's more underrated songs. The tracks are not remastered, but they still sound great and this is a nice, basic collection from Cher's '70s heyday that is sure to please most casual fans.
This compilation should not be confused with the 1973 album "Half-breed". It is a fine representation of Cher at 25 going solo and coming of age. However, during this period of 1971-75 she did maintain a business relationship with exhusband Sony Bono, mainly revamping the "Sony and Cher Comedy Hour" for TV. This disc includes her first solo #1 hit, 1971's "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves. "Half-Breed"(1973) her second number one, along with the #1 "Dark Lady"(same album) are also included. So this disc scores well with hits but I like her rendition of Leon Russell's "Song For You". You'll take notice that Cher's distictive voice, her striking figure,(remember the showing the belly-button controversy)and the glitzy costumes blossomed at this time. So this disc serves well for what was to come!