Not merely the best of ALW, but the Best of him as played by the BBC Concert Orchestra. That is, without words.
I swear that I did not buy this. Possibly it fell off the front of a magazine, more likely, judging by the inlay card, and specifically the phrase Licensed from Ian Summers Promotions, this was bought by some fiancé of mine who shall remain nameless to save his blushes. In his defence, the only place he buys CDs is in pubs when people come round selling rejects from jukeboxes.
And you can see why this was Rejected from Jukeboxes.
I am not a fan of Andrew Lloyd-Webber. I have slightly enjoyed several of his musicals and very enjoyed Joseph, especially but not exclusively because of Jason Donovan. I just think that ALW is massively over-rated by those who think he's the bee's knees. Disposable derivative formulaic pop (and rumour has it he doesn't even write his own orchestrations).
But were I to be a massive ALW fan, taking comfort in the predictable melodies and confusing their familiarity and easy-digestibility with greatness, I would buy the Original Cast soundtrack album. Or I would buy a compilation album culled from various OCs, featuring the big hit songs with the singer who made them famous. Or I would buy an album with a variety of really great singers taking on the Lloyd Bank's opus. I wouldn't buy an orchestra-only album.
I can see such an album having some use in some bar or restaurant which wants insipid background music. On the other hand would you want to eat in a restaurant that plays instrumental Lloyd Webber as background. I know I wouldn't! Perhaps these tracks have a place in a much larger compilation called Familiar tunes that don't offend too many people if played not too loud. Catchy it ain't.
