by Thom Owens
Cold Snap has a stronger R&B direction than Collins's previous Alligator releases, most notably in the presence of a slicker production. That approach doesn't suit him particularly well -- he's at his best when he's just playing the blues, not when he's trying to sing. Nevertheless, he turns out a number of gripping solos, and that is what prevents Cold Snap from being too much of a disappointment.