Completely disagree. They usually have 3 or 4 absolutely killer tunes per release that would have been radio hits back in the day and the rest of the tracks are for the most part excellent compliments to those 3 or 4 gems.
As for the topic at hand...for me, tough call. I had never given Shakra a try until I picked up Back On Track on a whim. I loved it so I started tracking down the the other releases. So that is how I started and they have very quickly become one of my favorite bands ever. That said, I think he could get the very first CD and enjoy it just as much and then make his way forward with the 2nd, 3rd, etc. and see the progression of the band, the change in lead singers, etc.
I agree with Jeff. Great band. Start with Rising. Then get them all