Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 [Bonus CD]
by Arista
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 August, 2003)
list price: $19.98
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Editorial Review

You don't have to get very far into Alan Jackson's splendid second anthology of hits before you're struck by how well the rangy Georgian has built his catalogue and how beautifully Keith Stegall continually produces his songs, filling the instrumental breaks with unexpectedly creative solos. While Jackson's choice of cover songs is usually inspired ("Pop-A-Top," "Little Bitty"), he's a deft writer, alternating his tongue-in-cheek, Sheriff Andy Taylor persona with his "just a singer of simple songs" earnestness, lacing it all with an unfettered delivery and a Haggardesque dedication to the bedrock honky-tonk sound. There are times when he edges too close to formula, running the romanticized, small-town, cornbread-and-chicken conceits ("Where I Come From") into the ground. But then he quickly redeems himself with a lip-tremblingly good "Drive" or "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)." This package consists of two discs, 16 hits and two new cuts filling the first and an unnecessary and somewhat inferior eight album tracks occupying the second. Of the two new songs, the emotional husband-and-wife ballad "Remember When" handily outdistances the too-trite "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" with perennial smart-ass Jimmy Buffett. Jackson's too good an artist to settle for such an easy reach, but hey, let's cut him a little slack. He's paid his dues. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Features

• Limited Edition

Reviews (37)

well, it's Alan
Alan Jackson is an anomaly in modern country music.He's a traditionalist in an era tending away from tradition, and he continually defies the odds by remaining popular and relevant.His second greatest hits album does not sound like quite as much of a throwback to the old country style as his first greatest hits album did: there is an undeniable radio-friendly sheen to the music.It feels contemporary.Still, at the center of the music is Jackson, expressing his down-home sentiments in an impressive country voice; when the instrumentation and production stray into pop territory, we still have Alan there to hold it all together and bring it back home.Which makes this collection a fine one indeed, with a whole line-up of instantly recognizable radio hits from the past several years.Very enjoyable.

STELLAR STUFF!
I like that, Alan Jackson just happens to include some "other stuff" along with his GREATEST HITS 2 album.But what stellar stuff!Two discs, 26 tracks and no filler and what you've got is an album that's got to be one of the best in recent times.

Jackson hits include Little Bitty, Who's Cheatin' Who, The Blues Man, Drive and Remember When (Jackson's newest hit!). It's Five O' Clock Somewhere is a classic duet with Jimmy Buffet. And that's just disc 1!

For Alan Jackson fans everywhere or a great one with which to start a country music collection.

THE HORSEMAN

Alan Jackson could be the greatest Country Music Star EVER!
Here is yet another album from Alan Jackson that is sure to go Platinum.Just when you get finished with his #1 Album "Drive", he sends us another treat with GH Volume 2.This, by far, is his greatest album with all of the "Alan Jackson Necessities" enclosed.Just think, this man started as a struggling artist and, if not for his flight attendant wife running up to Glen Campbell, he might never had been heard!His greatest music (eg "Gone Crazy", "I'll go on loving you") came after he and his wife went through a separation and near divorce.A terrible ordeal for anyone but what a blessing for his fans.You truly can't go wrong with this CD.Possibly the best Country Music CD EVER! ... Read more

Asin: B0000AGWEX
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop   

Alan Jackson - Greatest Hits Collection
by Arista
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 October, 1995)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

As a superstar who's revered by both the young country audience and traditionalists, Alan Jackson is at his finest when he's steers clear of trifles like "Chattahoochie" and takes those youngerfans to school. Here he does just that by paying respects toHank ("Midnight in Montgomery"), swearing allegiance to George Jones ("Don't Rock the Jukebox"), and calling out all those newcomers who've decided it's time to get twangy now that country's hot ("Gone Country"). All of it pales next to "Here in the Real World," however, as perfect a honky-tonk weeper as mainstream Nashville has produced in 30 years. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (48)

A Quality Collection
This CD is still one of my favorite Alan Jackson CDs.This CD has a more traditional tone than some of his newer stuff.And of course, since it is a Greatest Hits CD, every song was released and successful.From the smash hit "Chattahoochee" to "Don't Rock the Jukebox" to "I Don't Even Know your Name," this CD is almost sure to have songs any country fan would recognize and enjoy.

A.J. is a Super Songwriter - Duh!
Absolutely great collection of Alan Jackson's best, without the filler.A must-have.
By the way, is everyone laughing yet at the 9/2/01 reviewer who suggested that Alan Jackson's "songwriting skills need work"?!!

Traditional country in a mainstream world!
Alan Jackson is one of those few stars who's made a career in the nineties out of sticking to his roots. George Strait's another I can think of...and Randy Travis...you gettin' the picture?

A traditionalist through-and-through, Alan Jackson is country to the core. Hell, his hat tells you all, but that's not enough to make a great artist. Nope, you need a smooth, country voice...a kind heart...one hell of a talent for songwriting...with those qualities, no one's gonna dispute that Alan Jackson is a great artist. No one.

From such honky-tonkers as "Don't Rock the Jukebox;" to more rockin (but still country, ya'll) songs like "Mercury Blues; to heart-wrenching ballads like "Who Says You Can't Have It All;" to confessional pieces like "Home"--this CD has it all. If it's country, it's here. This is Alan Jackson's early years...and guess what? He's still making music like this today, and he's still churning out #1 hits. In my book, that's incredible. "Greatest Hits Collection" is definitely a CD that all country music fans should own. And for those of you out there who listen to some other type of music...buy this CD and see what you're missing. ... Read more

Asin: B000002VPP
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

The Man That I Have Been
by Write on
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 February, 2001)
list price: $18.98
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Reviews (3)

Cory's got a new fan
I have been A Pat Green fan for a couple of years now,and I heard a lot about but never got into Cory Morrow's music.
Until, now. A buddy gave me the CD "Man That I Have Been",and man, they earned theirselves a new fan!I will be checking out his earlier CD's.If you love Texas music like I do; then this is a must buy!Cory keep up the good work!

Texas is not just rich with oil -- great music abounds
People generally tend to recall the past as being more memorable than it actually was at the time.Surely, many people today probably recall fondly a time before the 80s when music was more of an art than a production.Since time traveling is obviously impossible, perhaps the best option -- so as to experience very good music -- would be to listen to TEXAS COUNTRY.Pat Green's music definitely is a must.Just as good, and perhaps very true to its roots, is the music of Cory Morrow.Songs like "Nashville Blues" and "Texas Time Travelin'" are Texas anthems (absolutely great live, still great on disc) that will have the listener instantly hooked and singing along, even without knowing the words.Fans of Willie and Waylon will love this disk.Fans of great music will tell all of their friends about Morrow's music.N'Sync fans won't have a clue.

Cory Morrow = A +
Cory Morrow is a wonderful artist that really makes you want to get in a truck and drive the backroads of Texas.His music will make you feel good. This CD not only includes beautiful Texas country music like Texas Time Travelin but also funny songs like Drink One More Round & Big City Stripper. I highly recommend this CD as well as any other Cory Morrow CD's. ... Read more

Asin: B000059T4N
Sales Rank: 105318
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Live at Billy Bob's Texas
by Smith Music Group
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 February, 2002)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
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Features

• Live

Reviews (7)

BEST BILLY BOB'S EVER
Live at Billy Bob's is the "essential" Pat Green cd, so if you've never heard him, get this or "Here We Go (Live)" first. Both live albums are awesome, but Billy Bob's has better sound to it. I give this and Here We Go both 5 Stars, so either is a fine choice. GO PAT.

Darn Good Texas Country Music
Pat Green has revitalized interest in Texas country singers.This is a great album and doesn't sound "Nashville" ('cause it was recorded at Billy Bob's!).Pat Green's songs are written about all the good things in life: partying, girls, and Texas.A great album for anyone trying to escape the country music fallbacks of wining, crying, dog-left-me, wife-left-me, ain't-my-truck-great style of music.

Great Listening!
A long-time Pat Green fan, this album ranks right up there.His live performance of Southbound 35 is awesome, as well as the track Nightmare.
Everytime I play this album I wish I were at Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth drinking a Shiner Boch!You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Asin: B00000J5XF
Sales Rank: 65688
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Carry On
by Universal
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 February, 2001)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Reviews (12)

Real Country Music
I love many different types of music including country, and I have really been saddened the last decade to see the genre disappear. At least it has in Nashville. Everything (with a few exceptions) seems to be really awful pop. Thank God country music survives with a few outstanding musicians in Texas. In my opinion, Pat Green is probably the best of these musicians, and Carry On is a great album. Every song (except "Louisiana Song" which he admits is a departure) is real country music. All have something to say. All are well arranged and well played. "Whiskey," "Ruby's Two Sad Daughters," "You Gotta Know", "Rusty Old American Dream," and "Washington Avenue" are all really solid country songs. "Carry On" is a perfect song with a lot of wisdom. "Crazy" is a beautiful love song. My favorite "Take Me Out to the Dancehall" is a love song which could stand alongside any classic country song. Pat Green's music really captures life in rural Texas and in the rest of small-town America. His music is what happens in everyday life. Green's sound is also based on what you have always been able to hear at local dancehalls, and it is so refreshing in constrast with most of todays modern music. Hopefully, more people will begin to listen to Pat Green's music, and country can be saved.

Come on, now...
True, this may not be as good as some of his other stuff, but I don't think it deserves just one star.With Nashville ... the only thing else to turn to, I'll stick with Pat.

Future Nashville Star?
For a guy that says he despises Nashville, he sure is starting to sound as cheesy as those guys.The only good song on this CD is the title song.Everything else is garbage.Stick with his old stuff, it's much better. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RD00
Sales Rank: 63535
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Dierks Bentley
by Capitol
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 August, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Dierks Bentley’s debut album is a textbook case of the good things that can happen to a talented singer/songwriter who comes to Nashville and holds fast to his dream.Arriving from Phoenix at age 19, Bentley played the downtown clubs and allied himself with bluegrass musicians and commercial songwriters who loved country’s tradition, but modernized the form with rhythmic energy and contemporary lyrics.The result is an impressive debut that melds the attitude of honky tonk with the instrumentation of bluegrass (the Del McCoury band and Bryan Sutton guest), and establishes Bentley as a New Artist to Watch.Already the irresistible "What Was I Thinkin’," a breakneck story song with a plot line straight out of The Dukes of Hazzard, has topped the charts as the first debut single to reach number one in two years.But Bentley’s appeal runs far beyond a catchy novelty song, and his choice of originals and covers (Buddy and Julie Miller’s "My Love Will Follow You") add up to one of the year’s most memorable albums--just one more factor in country’s burgeoning swing back to tradition. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (40)

Best CD ever!!
I've been to 3 Dierks Bentley concerts and had the chance to meet him once.He is the most amazing, down to earth, and not to mention HOTTEST, country singer there is.His shows are awesome and always enjoyable.This cd is definately a must to have because every one of the songs are a hit!Also you better hurry and get this one if you haven't already because his next one will be out in May!

Great Music, and a great person, too.
Normally when a new act breaks into the country scene, I'm skeptical about how much of an impact they can have.The same went for Dierks when "What Was I Thinkin'" came out in the summer of '03.However, when the song took off, then his other singles followed suit, I knew he was the real deal.His debut is a gem; every song is worth listening to from start to finish.

I had the chance to see him in concert Labor Day weekend last year at a small Nebraska town holding their county fair.He did not disappoint the crowd, comprised mainly of cowboys, farmers and ranchers.The best part of the night, however, was when I met him in person afterwards.He took the time to sign autographs and take pictures with the eagerly waiting fans.I, myself, had to wait about 45 minutes, but when I finally walked up to him, he was as down-to-earth as anybody.He shook my hand, chatted for a minute, and signed the sleeve of the CD I brought along.The fact that the setting was small and not a huge colosium likely helped.But, his awareness of the fans around him gained my respect.I can't wait for his new release later this year.

great CD great LIVE BAND
this cd is great!!!! about a week ago, i got the chance to see dierks live for the first time.he is a great musician with an awesome band.his show is full of energy, fun and amazing talent from dierks and the men that stand behind him.

i strongly recomment this cd and if any ofyou get the chance, go see his live show.these men are very talented!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B0000AM6FV
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop   

Mud on the Tires
by Arista
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 July, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

When Brad Paisley sings, as he does on the lead single "Celebrity," "No matter what you do, people think you're cool just 'cuz you're on TV," he ratifies his status as a formidable voice in modern yet accessible and traditional country music. "That's Love" and "Is It Raining at Your House" offer romance freed of hazy metaphor or greeting-card slogans. There's a miniature morality play, "The Cigar Song," and the obligatory closing gospel chestnut ("Farther Along"). The guest shots--by contemporary stars Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, and veterans Bill Anderson, George Jones, and Little Jimmy Dickens--are pleasant but hardly necessary, since Paisley's good musical sense abounds. He also revives a long-vanished tradition: the featured sideman. As Chet Atkins once played for the Carter Sisters and Don Rich picked behind Buck Owens, Paisley spotlights the amazing guitarist, Merle Haggard alumnus Redd Volkaert, letting him loose on "Spaghetti Western Swing." Paisley himself flies free on the extended country-jazz jam in the middle of "Make a Mistake with Me." With wit, heart, and unyielding devotion to the earthy, Paisley follows his 2001 gem, Part II, with an even more compelling album that should set a new standard. --Rich Kienzle ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Brad Paisley....
I Love This Guy! All 3 of Brad's CDs are excellent, with wonderful singing and remarkable guitar playing (all Paisley) to boot. Some songs will make you laugh your head off, cry a river, or just shake your head in amazement and say "Bradley Douglas Paisley, how did you write this!". Brad is the greatest country singer ever and his work proves it!

Great CD! Paisley is true country
This is the best country CD of 2004, with When The Sun Goes Down in a close second. There is not one bad track on this cd. Paisley also sounds more like traditional country with his lyrics and songs. This is a welcomed changed to the many rock-out country stars like McGraw, Chesney, and Urban. Please buy this CD, you will not be dissapointed. Farther Along, Two People, Whiskey Lullulaby, hell all the songs are great. I can't wait till his next one comes out. GIT R DONE

I really enjoyed most of this album
I'll admit that the intial twang that I heard from this album was almost enough to make me give right up on it, but now I enjoy it.Country music is an aquired taste for me, so I approach most country albums with caution.This album however can be a nice alternative to hard rock and/or classic rock for a guy like myself.The 'Cigar Song' is my particular favorite.Glad I bought this album. ... Read more

Asin: B00009YXGV
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop   

Part II
by Arista
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 May, 2001)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Brad Paisley's unabashedly back-to-basics 1999 debut, Who Needs Pictures, went platinum. Part II continues in that direction with 13 songs (10 of them cowritten by Paisley) that build on that impressive beginning. While "Two People Fell in Love" and "I Wish You'd Stay" overflow with heart and eloquence, he's witty on "Two Feet of Topsoil," loungy on "You Have That Effect on Me," and loopy with "Come on Over Tonight." He evokes his West Virginia roots with a stark rendition of Darrell Scott's "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive." Buck Owens, George Jones, and Bill Anderson join him on the obligatory vocal event, Anderson's "Too Country." But Paisley's courage goes further. It takes nerve to slap an instrumental ("Munster Rag") on any Nashville-produced album in 2001 and even greater fortitude to close it out with an emotional acoustic performance of "The Old Rugged Cross" recorded live at the Opry. Part II makes one magnificent, resounding point: mainstream Nashville, try as it might, hasn't quite succeeded in confining traditional country to the Hall of Fame --Rich Kienzle ... Read more

Reviews (51)

very cool!
its not as good as mud on the tires in my opinion but its still an awesome cd. i strongly reccomend it!

country boy
It's a good CD! I live right across the Ohio River from where he grew up. (That's a real river; not a creek for all of you who think that a creek is a river)

Good!...but not GREAT
Part II, Two People Fell in Love, Come On Over Tonight, and You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive. All outstanding songs. The rest, well..to me they were "Ehh." I really love Who Needs Pictures, and this one couldn't quite top that. But it is still definitely better than most other sophomore efforts out there. ... Read more

Asin: B00005EBQP
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country-Pop    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop   

Wide Open Spaces
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 January, 1998)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

The major-label debut from this Texas trio proves their instrumental abilities, blending more traditional twang with slow melodic blues, foot-tapping rockabilly, and bluegrass-inspired pop harmonies. From the opener, "I Can Love You Better," the Chicks let their love of music and genuine joy shine through while the energy on this album reminds one of Carlene Carter. Solid musicianship, topnotch vocal performances, and infectious pop hooks make this a stellar project. --Paula Ghergia ... Read more

Reviews (333)

Pure MainstreamNashville Junk
IMO the Dixie chicks are mainstream nashville junk. They are the definition of sell-outs. They started out as an ok country trio in the late 80's and early 90's, by the end of the 90's they were pure mainstream nashville junk. They just like shania twain, faith hill, tim mcgraw, garth brooks, shedaisy, kenny chesney, keith urban, martina mcbride are a prime example of whats wrong with nashville these days. They could'nt just sing real country they had to throw a bunch of pop just to get airplay. If you are a real country/bluegrass fan pass up the dixie chicks add go buy some Del McCoury, Randy Travis, Doc watson, john anderson or any other REAL country singer. Just not the dixie chicks. Go support real country artist that nashville refuses to play.

The Dixie Chicks rock!
This album, as mostly all other albums they released is terrific and highly recommended. You don't have to be a big country music lover - their music is simply great, regardless of the genre.

Inexorably American Hometown
The Dixie Chicks perform with a real American bravado that rings so true that I just had to stop and listen to this CD. It made me think of what makes great America a great nation. In times of strife and muddled ethics in the headlines it is good to know that there is still a constant in our country.The Dixie Chicks' music remains true to the ideals that this nation was built upon. This CD is really quite moving.
... Read more

Asin: B000002BZ0
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Fly
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 August, 1999)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

After the roaring success of Wide Open Spaces--a blend of turn-of-the-century pop and country traditionalism--what do you do for an encore? Rather than deliver more of the same, the Chicks have chosen instead to up the ante in country radio with a follow-up that's both poppier and twangier than its predecessor, and just plain better too. Some of it we've heard before: "Hello Mr. Heartache," for example, adheres pretty closely to the honky-tonk model of "Tonight the Heartache's On Me." Mostly, though, the record lights out for new territories. "Without You" is driven by an in-your-face string arrangement that's downright fierce, and the rootsy "Sin Wagon" may rock harder--and with more solos--than any mainstream country since Buck Owens held forth. That's not to say Fly's perfect. A couple of songs miss the mark, particularly "Goodbye Earl," an abusive-husband murder song that's sure to get criticized (wrongly) for being anti-male but actually fails because it can't decide if it's a moral lesson, a horror movie, or a joke. Still, even in this failure, the Chicks are bravely pushing the envelope. If they push hard enough, maybe Young Country radio will open up some wider spaces. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (464)

Country Lineage
This is a very good Compact Disc from the Dixie Chicks. Sounds of authentic Americana abound in this musical extravaganza. Land of the Fee and Home of the Brave is what it is all about. It is very well done. ALABAMA should listen to this one. Love songs are great but this is what makes America great.

Let's hear it for the chicks!
I have always loved the Dixie Chicks music, and in my opinion this is their best CD.
Their music is smart, funny, sassy, couragous and diverse.There's something for everyone, from the tender, melodious, dulcet tones of 'Cowboy Take Me Away,' to the sassy, cheerful, message-bearing 'Goodbye Earl.'I can honestly say that I listen to every track on this CD--a rarity for me.Sometimes I will buy a CD and only listen to one or two tracks on it.And, of course, it has two of the gbest songs ever performed by the Chicks on it; 'Sin Wagon,' and 'Goodbye Earl.'

not just fly...soar!
i absoluteley love this CD. i think it is their best one. even better than Home. I love Cowboy Take Me Away, Goodbye Earl, Sinwagon, Hello Mr. Heartache, and basically all of the other tracks on this CD. this is a "must buy" ... Read more

Asin: B00000K29H
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Double Live
by Capitol
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 November, 1998)
list price: $26.98 -- our price: $24.49
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Editorial Review

Garth Brooks's obvious inspirations for Double Live were all those 1970s double-album concert recordings from album-oriented-rock influences such as Bob Seger, Kiss, and Peter Frampton. The difference between those classic-rock sets and this one is that Live Bullet, Alive and Frampton Comes Alive all helped to rescue their respective artists from virtual obscurity. Coming as they did from still largely unknown commodities, they seemingly promised nothing yet delivered everything. Already a superstar, Brooks merely promises more of the same on Double Live. He delivers, too. "You guys already know what's coming, don't you?" he asks at one point. "And you know what? You're right." Loaded with 22 hits (and three new tunes) recorded in any number of unnamed cities (and studios, too) over the past seven years, Double Live finds Brooks exaggerating his most irritating tics--the Wynnona-ish growls, the ridiculously elastic twang--in the process ruining even his finest songs. Still, even those convinced that Brooks is the Garth Vader of country music will be brought to pause as tens of thousands of admiring fans sing earnestly along to "The Dance" or "Unanswered Prayers," and scream their way through the anthem "Friends in Low Places." (Please note: You may receive any one of the album's six different covers.) --David Cantwell ... Read more

Features

• Limited Edition
• Live
• Box set

Reviews (237)

Tearin' it up
There's a reason why this is the highest selling live album of all time and why this is my favorite album of all time.There's just something about Garth live that is even better than his studio albums. The only thing I would add to this cd is his cover of "American Pie".

Garth Brooks Double Live
Garth Brooks isn't your traditional and typical country singer. With music roots that go back to his love for Kiss when he was younger, it is obvious through this double live album that he tries to emulate what Kiss did on their own Double Live albums, and through their shows. And you know what, Garth succeeds.
Nothing about this double live album is dull. Garth shows through his music what a true performer he is, and you only need to listen to this album to understand why everyone raves about his showmanship.
With classics that range from Friends in Low Places to newer songs such as The American Honky Tonk Bar association Garth brings a little rock to his country, and a little country to his rock, and he does it exceptionally well.
Garth brings his own style to country.
In each song he performs he speaks volumes with emotion. Songs like "We shall be free" touch the soul completely.
Other songs such as "The American Honky Tonk-Bar Association" and his exceptional cover and redo of Aerosmith's "The Fever" has one tapping their foot along to the beat of the music.
Whether he is being cocky and confident, or humble and tearful, through and through he brings emotion to the music, and it is heard not only through his voice, and the lyrics but through the crowd, and the atmosphere.
Songs such as "The Thunder rolls" and "Friends in low places" are two songs, in which the extra verses can only be heard in concert and the response to those extra verses is enough to hear it.
Garth's connection with his fans is obvious, and what is even more obvious is his own enjoyment at seeing how much his fans love his shows.
And it wouldn't be right without Trisha Yearwood singing a duet with Garth, as she does on "Wild is the wind".
This Cd is a must to all Garth fans. And for those who aren't Garth fans this is the album that will either make you one, or not.
The best way to listen to this is to turn down the lights, turn up the music, close your eyes and let Garth take you there.

Classic Garth
This two disk set is awesome.I've had it since it came out in 1998 and play it all the time.This is the best compilation by a country artist ever.This album is packed with 25 great tracks from some of his classic hits such as, "Thunder Rolls" and "Unanswered Prayers" as well as some of his more recent songs like, "Callin' Baton Rouge." Okay so all of his songs are older now but they are still great.Unlike some artists who put out best of albums that still have filler tracks in them these are all hits that fans love.This collection is definitely a must have. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DMJG
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop   

Scarecrow
by Capitol
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 November, 2001)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Nearly a decade ago, Garth Brooks's ability to incorporate '70s pop material and arena rock into his act made history (and controversy) as he propelled country to its pinnacle of success. One fact remains in 2001. When he simply rears back and sings (in the spirit of longtime pal Chris LeDoux), the results are often fresh and natural. That's the case on the Beatle-esque "Wrapped Up in You," "Thicker Than Blood," and the trite but catchy blue-collar bopper "Big Money." Alas, that slicker, more calculated material is never far away. Awash in melodrama, "The Storm" (a bathos-ridden variant on "The Thunder Rolls"), "Mr. Midnight," and "Pushing Up Daisies" each run four-plus minutes and seem longer. The hyperactive bluegrass romp "Don't Cross the River" seems less homage than a nod to the successful O Brother soundtrack. While duets with George Jones and Trisha Yearwood have merit, one wonders who really needs who. All this might have been cutting edge in 1992. Now it simply seems long in the tooth. --Rich Kienzle ... Read more

Reviews (150)

Review Number 150
Is it any wonder this is Garth's last studio album? Could his career have survived much more stuff of this ilk? Gotta have a rodeo song; yeah, but it turns out to be a cheap double entendre. A Dr. Pepper commercial?An America cover? A cacophonous b-ee-rr-un? A thunderstorm re-run??

!!!!GREAT MUSIC!!!!!
(:This is one of Garth Brook's best CDs!!! This CD would defintly be worth you're money. Very Entertaining!:) *_*

garth at his best
i am a very big garth fan and i have all the albums and most deffintley this one stands out the most .All garth albums have very powerful words and sends out big emotions but if you listen to scarecrow it will make you laugh and it will make you cry.I thnik the storm is a very emotional song and his best song yet. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QB7M
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Alright Guy
by Mca Nashville
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 October, 2001)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

It's rare for a staunch traditionalist to project an image as a serious musician and a sex symbol, but that's what Gary Allan has been aiming for--and achieving--of late. His 1999 star-making album, Smoke Rings in the Dark, played that sensual card with the title single and its smoldering video, as well as with the randy "Right Where I Need to Be." Now he reprises the formula with "Man of Me," this album's first single, a hard-driving, libido-strutting rocker with such sexual heat it threatens to burst into flames. If that, and its hubba, hubba video are what draw buyers, so be it, but there's plenty else to like here, even if Alright Guy, with too many novelty songs and edgy fillers, falls short of its predecessor. While this album takes Allan farther from the honky-tonk than his previous efforts, there's no resisting a guy who can imbue the heartbreak ballad "What I'd Say" with such restrained anguish, or handle the Western swing of "Adobe Walls" with such aplomb. Of all the stylish guys in Nashville in 2001, he's the one to keep your eye on. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Best of Gary Allen
"All Right Guy" contains some of Gary Allen's best work to date.This album shows how incredibly versatile his voice is, and showcases some of his greatest talents.Gary Allen is one of todays best county artist.Very traditional sound with a modern twist.

More Than Alright
This is a great album from Gary Allan. His fourth album shows the honky tonker showcasing more bawdy tunes than he has on his previous albums. The big hit from the album was the #1 hit "Man To Man", which was the third single from the album. Other released singles include the honky tonk driven "Man Of Me" and the ballad "The One". The title track was meant to be the fourth single, which would have been a controversial release, but instead they pushed for a the first single from his SEE IF I CARE album.

"The Devil's Candy" is one of my favorites, a great uptempo tune with a great chorus. His version of "What I'd Say" is well done, very haunting. "I'm Doing My Best", "I Don't Look Back" and "What's On My Mind" are other good uptempo country tunes. He does country as traditional as it can get, and his voice works well with the material. All this and more makes for a great release from Mr. Allan. Check this one out for sure!

Gary Allan is alright indeed
Gary Allan's first album of the new millenium, Alright Guy, adds several more hits to his growing resume.Gary shows the full spectrum of his amazing voice, throwing accusations in "Man to Man", making propositions to a spanish waitress in "Adobe Walls", and proving he's a good man in "Alright Guy".While not as searingly hot as his previous release (Smoke Rings In The Dark), this album still deserves recognition and praise. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OLEL
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Smoke Rings in the Dark
by Mca Nashville
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 October, 1999)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

After two close-but-no-cigar efforts for the now-defunct Decca label, Smoke Rings in the Dark marks Gary Allan's emergence as a major talent. The album was coproduced by MCA Nashville honchos Tony Brown and Mark Wright, who between them have been responsible for dozens of No. 1 country hits in the '90s. Thanks to shrewd song selections, Allan's sound bridges the gap between the contemporary Nashville mainstream and West Coast alt-country with style and integrity. With its haunting Roy Orbison-style refrain, the title track is among the most immediately memorable singles to penetrate country playlists in 1999. The ballads "Bourbon Borderline" and "Greenfields" recall labelmate Mark Chesnutt, whose traditionalist leanings Allan clearly shares. At the same time, he's not averse to slinking and strutting through the zoot-suit swinger "Sorry" and howling a faithful cover of Del Shannon's "Runaway." Smoke Rings should make Allan a bona fide star; it's already established him as a bona fide artist. --Rick Mitchell ... Read more

Reviews (73)

Third is the charm!
This was the album where people finally started to take notice of Gary Allan. On his third album, he seems to find his footing and some great songs. Not that his first two albums were bad, quite the contrary they are great, but this album has songs that really captured the attention of the public at large. On this album he does an excellent cover of "Runaway", one of the best I've heard. The title track is smoldering piece of country music that was a good hit from the album. "Right Where I Need To Be" was another top 10 hit for Allan, and the haunting ballad "Lovin You Against My Will" cracked the top 40. "Sorry" is a fun uptempo tongue-in-cheek kind of song. There's some great ballads like "Cryin For Nothin", "Don't Tell Mama", and a few others. Overall a really strong effort from Allan that remains as one of his best.

Allan's Best Release To Date
Gary Allan got off to an inauspicious start in the record business with only one top ten country hit on each of his first two albums ("Her Man" on 1996's USED HEART FOR SALE and the title track of 1998's IT WOULD BE YOU).SMOKE RINGS IN THE DARK from 1999 was Gary Allan's critical and commercial breakthrough, containing a more polished production as well as a distinct sound that was lacking on the first two releases.It also produced three hit singles.

A retro feel permeates throughout SMOKE RINGS IN THE DARK.The highly atmospheric title track and its sparse companion piece "Lovin' You Against My Will" musically remind one of Allan's fellow Californian Chris Isaak (Allan's vocals recall Tim McGraw, albeit more raspy and tuneful).The zoot suitin' boogie of "Cowboy Blues" and "Sorry" seemingly pay homage to alt-twangers kd.lang and Lyle Lovett as much as 80s rockers the Stray Cats.Allan's use of weepy guitars throughout this album is particularly effective on his cover of Del Shannon's "Runaway," an update that improves on the original while remaining faithful to its arrangement.

The declarative "Right Where I Need To Be" reached the country top 5 and was Allan's biggest hit on the cd.Its meld of traditional country with beefed up production values is more typical of what is found on Allan's 1991 follow-up, ALRIGHT GUY, which was even more commercially successful than SMOKE RINGS IN THE DARK (if not quite as musically diverse and sensual/moody).

Don't Miss Him If You Like Country Music
I bought this cd after hearing the title track and was really surprised at how good it was.Gary Allan has a great voice and should be enjoying a surge in popularity just as soon as the rest of the country fans catch on to this Californian. His other three cd's are also good though this one is an all time favorite. The title track is excellent, as is the remake of Del Shannon's Runaway, the haunting Loving You Against My Will, the harder edged Right Where I Need To Be and quite honestly there is not a bad song on the entire disk. We saw him live recently (summer 2003) and his show sounded just like the recordings which really impressed the hubby ( a classic rock fan ) who now steals my Gary Allan cd's for his car.If you like real country music give him a listen.You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Asin: B00002CF4F
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Life of the Party
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 September, 1998)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Despite its title, the first nationally released album by this Texas maverick establishes Robison as considerably more than a good-time Charlie. From the sardonic bite of "Sunset Boulevard" and "You're Not the Best" to the alcohol-fueled, nursery-rhyme whimsy of "Barlight," Robison provides a compelling blend of roadhouse swagger, whiplash humor, and an ornery streak that stretches from Austin to San Antonio. Label-mate brother Bruce Robison and Bruce's wife Kelly Willis provide vocal support, and the smoky balladry of the album-closing "Molly's Blues" would do John Prine or Steve Earle proud. Amid a musical landscape littered with alt-country wannabes and tinhorn rebels, Charlie Robison is the real deal, an artist who sticks to his guns. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Everybody needs a little Charlie Robison
Everybody needs a little Charlie Robison -- to make you laugh and cry and spill beer on yourself for one reason or another.

He gets better with age. If you're only going to buy one Robison CD, hold out for "Live" (four stars) or "Live Unchained" (five stars).

This one is an early work and of interest to Robisonophiles, but the rest of us can hear the same songs played better on his more mature albums.

Rough Hewn Alt-Country Classic
What you see is what you get with this Bandera, Texas native. A straight-shooting, hard-working, singing/songwriting country boy with wisdom beyond his years and a Dylanesque edge to his whiskey-soaked voice. His writing soars at times: "Loving County,""Sunset Boulevard," and "Indianola" are stellar first person tales of unrequited love and war."My Hometown" is the gem, a hilarious tale of a young man's ambition and having to come to terms with his own reality of buried dreams. Robison uses uncontrived blue collar commonality with the ease of someone who's convinced it's time to enjoy the fruits of his labors, and it's hard to argue with good old-fashioned hard work.

Better and better each time you listen to it
I had this CD for about two weeks, and each time I have listened to it, I find more and more to love.There is really not a weak song on this CD.From the uptempo movers( like "Poor Man's Son" and "Barlight") to the hillarious ("You're Not the Best") to the story songs (from the gritty "Waiting for the Mail" to the more light-hearted "My Hometown" to the love-and-crime ballad "Loving County"), Charlie can do it all.This is one CD that will not disappoint any fan of good and true country music. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AEG9
Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Step Right Up
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 April, 2001)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

On the swaggering kickoff track to his third album, Charlie Robison insists that he's the "right man for the job," and the rest of the album bolsters his claim. In this case, the job for the honky-tonk Texan is to return some creative daring, roadhouse energy, and edgy humor to the contemporary country mainstream, where male artistry in particular has been suffering from the cookie-cutter blands. Highlights range from a rollicking remake of NRBQ's "I Want You Bad" to a sardonic duet on "The Wedding Song" with the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines (whose bandmate Emily Robison is Charlie's wife). Not quite as rebellious as the previous Life of the Party, Step Right Up is more radio-friendly, giving Robison a better chance of balancing alt-country credibility and commercial country hits than any artist this side of Dwight Yoakam. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Great Artist, Great Album
Charlie Robison is the definition of country music the way it should be. He isn't commercialized, poppy, or a "wanna-be-Buffet". Charlie, along with brother Bruce Robison and Cory Morrow are practically the only country musicians i listen to nowadays. Some of his best songs on this disc would be "The Preacher", "The Wedding Song", "John O'Reilly", and "Tonight". Buy this cd!!!!!!!!

I would've given less than 1 star if I could.
This is an awful album.Proving that talent doesn't necessarily run in the family, Charlie demonstrates on this disc that he isn't in the same league as a singer or songwriter as his brother, Bruce Robison.

If Charlie hadn't married into the Dixie Chicks, he would still be mired in well-deserved obscurity, playing frat parties in Texas.

No selling out for Charlie.
You read reviews saying Charlie sold out with this release; I beg to differ. Mainstream radio wouldn't play this if their life depended on it! While he explores a couple of different avenues on two songs, this is far from selling out. You rarely hear the kind of rough and rumble, kick-ass style of country twang displayed here anymore. Some folks keep comparing this to his previous disc, and that's too bad for them, cause I can't see what the problem is here. Fickleness keeps some people from enjoying damn fine music. In this case, it's fine Texas music. ... Read more

Asin: B00005AWMU
Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

For the Record: 43 Legendary Hits
by Bna Records
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 August, 1999)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $24.98
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Editorial Review

History occurs twice, first as tragedy, later as farce--or so the adage goes. With these new versions of old classics, Merle Haggard is somewhere between defying and fulfilling that fate. Some cuts are like faded carbon copies; others, given Hag's stately quaver, have a mellow poignancy; a few, like the duets with Jewel, Brooks & Dunn, and Alabama, are simply irrelevant. But just when you're ready to dismiss such misguided revisionism, there's a refreshed, superlative version of "Pancho and Lefty" and the perfected heartbreak of "Going Where the Lonely Go." To his credit, Haggard sticks with his long-running road band, and it's hard to imagine anyone else delivering these songs with more authority, more emotional insight. Anyone, that is, save their original interpreters: Merle Haggard and the Strangers of the '60s and '70s, whose definitive work can still be heard on collections like the four-CD Down Every Road and double-disc Lonesome Fugitive. Haggard may never make records that great again, but perhaps he'll find a new, and not redundant, way to harness his timeless gifts. --Roy Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Disappointing? Heck yes to say the least!
I have been a Merle Haggard (Hag) fan for 30 years and I am thoroughly familiar with his music. I am also street smart when it comes to identifying original material, but I was fooled on the CD, "For the Record." Check the fine print on the back of the CD. I was debating whether to buy this CD or his "40 #1 Hits" CD and because of the 3 extra songs, I chose "For the Record." Three seconds into the first song, I realized this was re-recorded material. There is no original material on this CD. During the mid-'80's, Hags voice changed and he had trouble keeping on track. He just can't belt out his old standards anymore. This CD is evident of the change in his voice. It's just not Hag! "For the Record" is a great disappointment to the avid Merle Haggard listener. I promptly returned to the store and exchanged this CD for his "40 #1 Hits." Now I am in Hag heaven. If you are a Merle Haggard fan or just curious, buy his "40 #1 Hits" CD as it is the only CD you will need to appreciate the great voice of Merle Haggard.

truly the only merle haggard album to define him
this one has them all!mama tried opens it up.its all about rebelling.sing a sad song is well,very sad as many of his songs.no one does a sad song quite like merle.branded man is all about not being able to live down the past.sing me back home is a tale of a prisoner who wants sung to at his execution.okie from muskogee is all about how nice things are where hes from and how every place should be that way.fightin side of me is all about hippies and how he dislikes their non-violent policy.everybodys had the blues is like a i understand you kind of song for the depressed and dispirited.im always on a mountain when i fall is,once again,less than jolly.my favorite merle song is misery and gin about a guy trying to drink a chick off his mind unsucessfully.i think ill just stay here and drink is great for drinking to.then theres a classic called are the good times really over about how everything good about this country is going straight to hell.theres a funny line init ,"back before microwave ovens when a girl could still cook and chop wood".i love that line.aplace to fall apart is another sad one.this guy is the best country singer out there.ive talked about 12 great songs here.there are 23 more good ones on the album!

Classic Hag...revisted and still as enthralling!
Few sing to the common man as well as Merle Haggard. He is a hardcore country singer, and yet can appeal to the masses--I'm sure out there somewhere is a die-hard hip-hop fan who dreams of driving around in a red Ford pickup with Merle on the radio.

For those of us born these later years (I'm only 18), this CD is a great way to relive (or, as in my case, live for the first time) those old Hag classics. True, they aren't the originals; but they're still good. It IS, after all, Merle Haggard singing his songs.

43 songs. Wow. I'm not going to go song-by-song. Amazon.com wouldn't let me do that, even though I easily could. Country standards, country classics. Heartbreak, dispair, death, pain, love, guilt, jealousy, lust, sorrow, redemption...the essence of country music, all can be found on this two-disc compilation.(As a bonus, you get a nice little biographical essay that's equally entertaining because it is, in fact, the Hag's life). From autobiography to the simply entertaining...from drinkin songs to powerful ballads of love...to remeniscence of times good and bad to tales of outlaws in the Old West...this collection is a must-have for Hag fans...country music fans...and any type of music fan. "For the Record": I'm going on record as saying it's a great collection by one of the music industry's most legendary performers. And you can take that to the bank. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JY9U
Subjects:  1. Bakersfield Sound    2. Country    3. Honky Tonk    4. Pop    5. Songwriter    6. Traditional Country    7. Western Swing Revival   

Alison Krauss & Union Station - Live
by Rounder / Pgd
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 2002)
list price: $19.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

This two-CD, 25-song set, recorded in Louisville on two nights in the spring of 2002, finds bluegrass's most celebrated crossover band at the top of its game. Krauss's warm, feathery vocals, capable of conveying complex emotions in a single note, appear more full-bodied than in studio recordings, yet lose none of their sensual appeal or dramatic tension. She's perfect, for example, as the melancholy temptress on "Let Me Touch You for Awhile," coming across as both savior and seductress, while Jerry Douglas's Dobro echoes the searing strains of passion and pain. With banjoist-guitarist Ron Block, bassist Barry Bales, and guest drummer Larry Atamanuik anchoring the rhythm, the ensemble deftly blends bluegrass with jazz, rock, and folk, combining lightning speed (though rushing through "Forget About It") with sophisticated chops, tangible emotion, and thrilling vocal blends. The crowd, more spellbound with every note, doesn't even breathe on "Ghost in This House" and nearly tears the place down on Dan Tyminski's voice-of-George Clooney showcase, "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow." But who could blame them? It's only one highlight on an album of uncommon artistry, a moving testament to how good live music can be in the hands of world-class players. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Live

Reviews (106)

Obsessed
I can't stop listening to this CD and I've owned it for over a year since seeing the CMT broadcast. We are experiencing history...believe it! There is rarely a collection of musicians this talented for ANY generation.

At Last!Bluegrass That Tastes Good
I've always been very discriminating in music.Few country artists could ever impress me, Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, singers like that maybe.And bluegrass performers? Forget it!I grew up in Tennessee but I dug R&B, soul, blues, things like that in general.I still do.For a long time, it seemed all the country music people could do for bluegrass was to trot out Bill Monroe (who always seemed to a hundred years old). With apologies to Ricky Skaggs, was bluegrass gone?So what if it was?Then came Alison.Where had she been?How could she be so talented, so,uh, eclectic (ahem) with that resume of experience, so sexy? And where did she get that soulful, crystalline voice that conveys so much emotion that you cannot help but be touched?Never mind that she's dynamite with her fiddle too.I sit limp and listen to the music in this package, humbled by the sheer beauty and the broad range of emotions.Nothing else quite compares to the songs herein as a whole.I feel like a sinner brought home in shame to repent.My apologies to Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and the High Priestess of Bluegrass, Alison Krauss.And if you already LIKE bluegrass, this is your meat.

Awesome
What is there not to love about anyone who can produce quality music without drums?The plain strings and twangs of Union Station perfectly compliment Alison Krauss's incredibly pure and unblemished voice.Great songs and great harmony are found in every track.And as an added bonus, this live CD comes with mixed in diversions into instrumental bluegrass courtesy of Union Station.Don't worry if you like Alison but not bluegrass, this CD has all of her best songs, so its a deal either way.Definitely buy this. Peace. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LLLN
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass    7. Traditional Bluegrass