With her 1999 worldwide smash "I Believe in Love," the woman born Cherilyn Sarkasian LaPier not only became the oldest woman to score a No. 1 record, she seemingly transcended pop music itself as a force of nature. While her early years are best remembered for her mid-'60s hits with partner-mentor Sonny Bono and a string of '70s kitsch classics ("Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves," "Half Breed," "Dark Lady"), her solo career actually began as a sidelight to Sonny and Cher, with Bono writing and producing a string of successful singles for his wife-to-be. That both musicians were alumni of Phil Spector's legendary hit factory is amply evident here, both in the drama of their themes (the murder metaphor of "Bang Bang," the rare pop take on divorce of "You Better Sit Down Kids") and in Bono's full-bodied, if sorely underrated, productions. Fans should also be delighted by Cher's readings of a generous selection of period covers, ranging from Dylan and Bacharach to the Righteous Brothers, Jobim, and even Tom Jones. Such are the unlikely roots of a legend. --Jerry McCulley