Editorial Review

It's a shame that only one side of Elvis' multi-faceted talent is remembered 25 years on from his death but there is so much more to the millennium's greatest performer than garish jump suits and shaky legs. The Read more

Reviews (15)

The best collection of Elvis love songs!
This 2 CD set is the best collection of Elvis love songs available.It includes many hits and classics in addition to a previously unreleased version of "And I Love You So".The only question I have regarding this collection is why they included "Old Shep".Sure I guess it is a love song, but the subject of the song is a dog.But that one oversight is more than made up for by great songs like "Suspicion", "The Girl Of My Best Friend", "Pocketful Of Rainbows", and "I'll Remember You".A great collection!

Best Loved songs
A brief commentary. This is the best collection for Elvis' Love songs.He always put the best out of him to get valuable music pieces.

Elvis Fan
A great CD.I disagree with other reviews saying "Old Shep" is not a love song.It IS a love song showing the compassion a man has for his best friend.I was glad to see it on this album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Oldies    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Rockabilly    7. Traditional Country    8. United States of America    9. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Modern folk and blues rarely sounds as inventive and colorful as the Wood Brothers' spare, soothing studio debut. Currents of jazz, pop, and country also ripple through these 12 lovely arrangements built around Chris Wood's upright bass (previously heard in Medeski, Martin & Wood) and Oliver Wood's gentle acoustic and electric guitars. It's not simply that the brothers' sweet, high voices have the genetic gift of close harmony: they're in absolute synch creatively, too. So when one's singing lingers over a lazy phrase in a number like the languid ode to living "Chocolate on My Tongue," the other hangs back on his instrument until just the right, complementary moment. Drummer Kenny Wollesen, who plays on a handful of tracks, is on the same wavelength--never rushing or pushing the Woods' behind-the-beat sensibility. And the rich dark tones of the bass and, in particular, slide guitars perfectly illuminate their unhurried stories about spiritual discovery and the trials of life. All of which makes Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Alternative Folk    3. Americana    4. Contemporary Folk    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Traditional Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Hank 101. Country 101. After 27 years in print as Read more

Reviews (20)

HANK TELLS IT LIKE IT IS
I remember Hank.He could not write a bad song if he tried.The majority of his songs were about life, love and living. Often I saw myself in his songs.
Classic
Anybody who likes Hank Williams will love this album. Classic Hank (tear jerker songs) Wonderful country poetry lyrics. This album has been remastered beautifully. Enjoy!

Never grows old
Hank Williams layed the foundation for all the kids that came after Him to Build. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Honky Tonk    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

Two things hit you while listening to this two-disc, 35-song collection. First: Reba McEntire, one of country's most twangy, yet recognizable and singular voices, has consistently chosen material that captures life's dramatic moments of consequence, whether it's the decision to leave a romantic coupling, face up to a failed relationship with a parent, or handle the passing of a loved one. And second: in the course of her 23-year career, several of her 33 #1 hits slipped up to the top of the charts virtually unnoticed, and seem hardly memorable today (e.g., "I Know How He Feels"). Yet the best of her work ("Whoever's in New England," "Rumor Has It") remains as emotionally resonant today as when it first appeared. Not only a fine singer, however, McEntire picked up the mantle of woman-to-woman songs first carried by Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. Long before Martina McBride began singing songs of social relevance, McEntire had been encouraging and empowering women to change their lives--to look beyond their roles as dutiful wives and mothers ("Is There Life Out There")--if perhaps more subtly than McBride. Read more

Reviews (36)

I love this CD
I have listened to Reba for years on the radio and knew the words to most of the songs on this CD. This is perfect for someone like me who loves Reba's music, but can't afford to buy everything she has came out with. I think the #1s means "her #1 best" not necessarily her made it to #1 on the charts.

A great compilation!
I forgot how many great songs Reba had! I highly recommend this CD.

A GOOD ADD
I have enjoyed Reba's talent for many years however, had never purchased one of her albums.This was a good choice to place in my collection as it gives the listener a full spectrum of Reba being who she is.Yes, she ahs a different was of presenting her performance that is what makes her who she is and not a Loretta, Dolly, Martina, Gretchen or any other Country female vocalist. Add this to you collection if you only want to have one Reba work in your collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop    5. United States of America   

Reviews (53)

Phil Vassar's Greatest Hits C.D Volume 1
Omg! I dont even think i can type all the words and thoughts that come to me head when i listen to the C.D! It is truly amazing! Phil is a great singer, songwriter, piano man, and entertainer! He is also GREAT to his phans!!!! This cd of his has many great hits that he wrote and sang. Also including his new song Women In My Life! Another totally awesome thing about this c.d. is that in the c.d. booklet instead of lyrics it tells why Phil wrote each song which makes you feel even closer to him. If you dont have this c.d. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you buying it. If you are a phil phan join the Phil Vassar Phanclub!<--it is great and also join the Phil Vassar streetteam!<-- Help promote Phil!!! So please go out and but this awesome c.d.! you Wont Regret It.Kasi

Phil Vassar Greatest Hits c.d ROCKS!!!
I bought Phil Vassar's greatest hits volume 1 c.d and I absouletly LOVE IT! If you havent bought it yet you should head out and do that now! Also in the booklet with the c.d. , instead of having the lyrics Phil has why he worte each song on the c.d which i thought was pretty cool. It also has his newest song Women In My Life!!!! So in other words the c.d Is the BEST!!!
Continuing his trend
The Greatest Hits (Volume 1) is an incredible journey through emotions.Phil has way with words that is one of a kind, and it is really fun hearing a songwriter sing his own stuff that others have previously released (Im Alright, In My Next 30 Years,etc).The Women in My Life is his latest single, and probably my favorite song on the cd.With songs stemming from real experiences, anyone listening can relate one way or another. Definately worth every penny. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Inspirational power ballads with soaring harmonies dominate the ninth album by this veteran Texas quartet. Whether singing of the everyday, character-building challenges faced by ordinary folks in the title track, celebrating the comforts of domestic bliss in "Nothing to Prove," or thanking a higher power in "Hey God," much of the material has a thematic uplift that matches the music.Two of the songs, "Long Lost Smile" and "What She Had to Do," tell the story of a heroic woman who runs away from an abusive or neglectful relationship. Yet the band shows a sexier side with the double entendre of "Cowboy Girl," the sensual "One of Those Nights," and the steamy "Careful Where You Kiss Me." While songs name-check rock idols like Van Morrison and Bob Seger, the closing "Always in the Band" makes Lonestar sound more like the Journey of contemporary country. Read more

Reviews (6)

What She Had To
Another great country song that will go down in history, written by Garrett Parris, an extremely talented artist in his own right!Awesome! Love the entire CD and recommend you make it part of your collection immediately!!!

What you have come to expect from Lonestar...
I just purchased this cd after reading the reviews by other fans.I have not heard the whole album in its entirety but I did notice right away that that have consistantly produced the same kind of ear catchey music that keeps you listening and wanting more.
I Wanna Do It For You
All I can say about this song is...Wow. I heard them sing this on XM's Highway 16 and I ordered the CD after hearing that one song. Just...Wow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Editorial Review

If you buy Read more

Reviews (38)

Great Compromise
If you are like me you have JP's albums on vinyl and really didn't want to re-buy them all just so I could have Johnny in the car so this looked like a "great compromise."Like a lot of reviewers have complained they left some fine tunes off but that's just a sad byproduct of compilations, ain't it?Get over it and move on.When all is said and done this is suitable for the fan such as myself who needs a little "Paradise" and "Sabu" on his daily commute.The accompanying booklet has a lot of info from Prine about each song that makes for fine reading, too.

WARNING!! This collection contains the saddest song ever written
"Donald And Lydia" is easily the saddest song ever written. Sure on the first listen it sounds like a song of hope but crushes it in the last line of the last verse.
Prime Prine
For those who have yet to hear this fantastic singer / songwriter this double CD is a great introduction. You will be left seeking more ............ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Folk & Traditional    3. Pop    4. Progressive Folk    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Anybody who needed a saddle to stay in the frantic groove of Big & Rich's 2004 debut, Read more

Reviews (49)

Brilliant
I love "A Horse of a Different Color" and this CD is just as amazing. It's just as unpredictable, crazy and beautiful. You can't listen to Big & Rich and be in a bad mood. The music and vocal harmonies are gorgeous, and the lyrics go from hilarious to poignant and moving. They are so innovative and playful with their music; the fact that they love making this music totally comes through when you listen. I hope they come to my city, soon! Seattle could use a Freak Parade...

Not bad, but not "Horse."
Several of the reviews mention the CD not being 'experimental' enough, or not as innovative as their first.The CD is actually a tad more experimental than their first (sans some fan-pleasing material like 'Coming to your City' and 'Soul Shaker'), but not always to their credit.Songs vary widely within a single track- 'Jalapeneo' starts out mediocre, gets better, then drops off again, while 'Slow Motion' starts out promising then gets a bit too... well, slow.
Unbelievable!
I am into classical rock. But I listen to some country, too. I was watching to Thanksgiving Day parade and I saw Big Kenny & John Rich and I had to turn up the volume! They were playing 'Comin' to Your City' and I really liked the song ... scratch that, I LOVED it! So I bought the cd and every time I got in the car I played the cd. I got more familiar with the songs and I can say that I love all of them, particularly 'Jalapeno'! Then Big $ Rich went on their 2006 tour and of course, I have tickets to 3 of their concerts. After the first concert I bought their cd, 'Horse of a Different Color' and guess what? I love that cd too! Anyway, the theme to this blurb is, don't be so sure that you are a certain type of music lover. I found out that Big $ Rich are truely very good musicians, and their voices together are very harmonious and if you like the Eagles, you will LOVE Big $ Rich! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Pop   

Reviews (10)

It's gold, Jerry.....gold! One of the best greatest hit CD's ever!
It's impossible to like all of country music, but Randy Travis is liked by even those who don't like country music. From 1986 and through the 90's he was always on top or near the top of the country charts.His calm, nasal drawl reminds me a bit of Lefty Frizell, but there's no mistaking his unique style. These are some of the best recordings in the history of country music including Digging Up Bones, Forever and Ever, Amen, Too Gone Too Long, Is It Still Over?, Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart etc. Randy had 16 No. 1's on the country charts. There are 20 cuts here.If you only want one CD with all his greatest hits this is your logical choice. By the way, the sound from Rhino is bright and punchy and the booklet features dates, neat pixs, and peak positions. You've got a winner for life with this one!

Excellent collection of hits
This is an excellent collection of many number one and top ten singles released by Randy Travis from 1987 through 2002. A few recent singles from his Dreamworks albums are absent, but the overall tone and quality of this album represents the type of country music Randy is known for best. All of these songs are gems. Randy's voice glows against simple country arrangements that ring with profound messages. If you remember him for "Forever and Ever Amen", "I Told You So", and "On The Other Hand", this is the CD for you. It also includes his most recent number one, "Three Wooden Crosses" that shocked the nation when it hit number one on three different music charts. The quality of the music is supurb and the CD design itself is worth the price. it includes some wonderful pictures of Randy through the years and a very attractive cover shot. Randy always puts togther the best albums collections of hits.
Randy at his very best!
This CD is THE album to get if you want at least one Randy Travis collection. I have had this CD for a short while and I'm already a Randy fan! Before I had gotten this album, I hadn't really thought that much about his music until I had heard Three Wooden Crosses and Angels on the radio... that was the beginning!!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop    6. Rock   

Editorial Review

Less than two years after the death of her mentor, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris recorded her first album for Reprise. Read more

Reviews (19)

Another vote for Emmylou's voice....
I definitely agree, that listening to the best of this CD, is pure heaven...and to my ears, if you buy this beautiful album, just enable the following cuts and listen to them over.....and over...that's heaven....
To touch the heart.
The fact that Emmylou Harris is breathtakingly beautiful distracts only very slightly from her amazing grace as a singer. She is truly touched and truly moving.

One fault---this needed to be a two-disk set!
Otherwise, it's wonderful.Really does span the years, but I think there are some places where more emphasis is needed and would have preferred to see a second disk to do it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country-Rock    5. Country/Bluegrass    6. Folk-Rock    7. Pop    8. Progressive Country    9. Traditional Country    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

As a survey of Toby Keith's first four recordings (not including the seasonal Read more

Reviews (38)

It made me a fan
I puchased this Toby Keith album because I was given tickets to see him in concert and didn't know even one of his songs. I became a fan of Toby's soon after listening to this CD. Although he talks through a lot of "Getcha Some", it's become of my favorites out of the fourteen tracks."You Ain't Much Fun" is an awesome song, even if the message isn't very considerate.This album is a great collection of country!

Awesome
I not a HUGE country fan but I like some of it. Toby Keith's greatest hits volume one is AWESOME!!!There isn't one song on the cd that I don't love to listen to over and over again! My autistic son who hates almost ALL music LOVES #10 LOL.We put it on repeat in the car!!!

This one is actually worth owning!
WOW...more than ONE song on here makes it worth owning!!! I sooo wish Toby would go back to this type of music. The last couple years his music has gone downhill BIG time! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Honky Tonk    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. New Traditionalist    7. Pop    8. Vocals   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

Does Jerry's career the justice it deserves
Jerry Lee Lewis compilations have often been lackluster affairs. The bulk of them focus on his years at Sun, while others are cheap and messy overviews of his country material. Seldom do these compilations justice to the performer Jerry Lee Lewis really was. In essence Jerry was a Southern man, a true country star. His songs are honest and raw tales about the ups and downs on the wild side, they don't call him the Killer for nothing.
A genuine 'Best Of' ... almost
The Music? Five stars without a doubt...marvellous, fantastic, prime-Killer cuts, the absolute top man....
Read more

Subjects:  1. Honky Tonk    2. Oldies    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Rockabilly    7. Traditional Country   

Reviews (21)

One of the best (and most complete) Kenny Rogers greatest songs.
First I just want to say that I'm a big fan of Kenny Rogers so I might be biased but I'll try to be objective.
Liked his older works better
This CD is disappointing.It doesn't even sound like Kenny!

finally the best of Kenny Rogers
this is the first actual KR collection that contains all of his real hits including Just Dropped In and Something's Burning. You can't go wrong with this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Soft Rock    7. Urban Cowboy   

Editorial Review

Not exactly a country artist, since her records lack twang, and too casual and intimate to make for a standard-issue MOR pop performer, Anne Murray's phenomenally warm, smooth voice has nevertheless secured a lofty place for her in both categories--and has occasionally brought her into the mainstream (read: traditionally rock and soul dominated) pop arena. If you're not a fan, or much of a country enthusiast, it's her '70s pop hits that'll make the package worthwhile. "Snowbird" is here, as is "You Needed Me." If you are a fan, or are looking for songs that hit only on the country or Canadian charts, there'll be a lot of key stuff missing. Investigate the 3 CD Read more

Reviews (26)

One Song Missing
This is a great CD but there is one song missing from this collection. Walk Right Back should be on this CD. It was a wonderful song that she did in the 70's. She actually does it better than The Everly Brothers.

The Best So Far Ann Murray
I love it and I recommend it to any Ann Murray fan.

Just simply a beautiful album
Unless you are strickly a country buff, this album has it all.Every song that charted in the top 50 on Billboards pop charts is here plus a few other gems.And, you get 20 songs.How many artists give you that today?Her smooth sultry voice is unmistakable and you can even understand all the lyrics.A beautiful album, you won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Country-Pop    5. Pop    6. Soft Rock   

Editorial Review

Named in honor of the three-word codes used by short-wave radio operators, Wilco's fourth album sounds like a late-night broadcast of some weirdly wonderful pop station punctuated by static and the sonic bleed of competing signals. Songs that begin with simple, elegiac grace--"Ashes of American Flags" and "Poor Places"--end in a cathartic squall of distortion. The results can be initially jarring, but it's these tracks more than the sturdy jangle pop of "Kamera" or "Heavy Metal Drummer" that demand, and reward, repeated listens. Mixed by studio experimentalist Jim O'Rourke and produced by the band, Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (592)

Intense emotional beauty
If you don't like this album, you're missing the point.It took me a while to get into it, but its one of those CD's that, when you finally do get it, becomes infinitely rewarding because you feel like you've unlocked something.Give it a few listens, and somehow the superficial ordinary pop will simply melt into something truly powerful and moving.There's no excuse for not appreciating the tremendous beauty and warmth of this album.It captures some ideas and emotions beautifully, and it also has something that just feels classic about it, as if it somehow fits with the albums of Bob Dylan, The Band, Neil Young, and The Beatles, as the product review wants you to believe.Believe it-- this is truly a classic.

soft
Wilco is basically just a really soft band that could use a bit more pep if you ask me. I tend to like soft music just fine, but the songs on this CD simply don't have good melodies to offer. If you happen to like Wilco anyway in spite of my review, check out Golden Smog, because they're similar to Wilco but infinitely better. P.S. The cover art is the best part.

Breathtaking...
This album is amazing.It took me about 3 listens in order to fully appreciate the album, so don't give up on it if you don't get it at first.I listened to it so much that I wore out my first copy and had to buy a second."Jesus, Etc." and "Ashes of American Flags" are two of the best Wilco songs ever made.Jeff Tweedy is at his best.I'd also suggest watching the documentary "I am Trying to Break Your Heart," which chronicles to making of the album and the troubles that went along with it.It gave me a new appreciation for my favorite artist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

A decade ago, country acts who sounded more like arena rockers gained hegemony on a Music Row that scorned the success of the Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (25)

A new singer added to my favorites list
I bought this album blindly. What I mean is I bought it because I'd heard one or two songs on the radio from it that I liked. I do that sometimes-if an artist has two or three songs I like, I usually buy that album because I know the rest of the songs will most likely be just as good. This album is the same. I'd heard "A Lot Of Leavin' Left To Do" and "Come A Little Closer" on the radio and liked them. Then came "Settle For A Slowdown," which became an instant hit for me. I had to try this album, and I'm glad I did. It's a very good album with an equal amount of upbeat songs to ballads. Not to mention the very funny monologues in a few of the songs. Also, another gem on the album that was not released as a single (yet) is the title track, "Modern Day Drifter." It could very possibly be the best song on the album. Buy it, you'll love it.

Better the second time around
Having purchased Dierks Bentley and being immediately impressed with his debut CD, I was a bit let down by Modern Day Drifter.However, the more I listened to it, the more I grew to love it even more than his first CD.Bentley continues to contribute a great deal to country music by staying away from gimmicky pop tracks and sticking with a traditional country sound best exemplified in "Good Man Like Me" and the title track.
Brilliant
A fine mix of new and old style country music from an fantastically talented young man with a big future. There are some reminders of Merle Haggard and George Jones with some songs and also some of Dierks' own style.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

Though Willie Nelson's thematic albums in recent years have been hit-and-miss, this labor of love is a thorough delight. One Texas legend pays tribute to another and evokes the inspiration of a third, as Nelson puts his stylistic signature on the songbook of Cindy Walker, with arrangements channeling the spirit of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (whose most familiar songs include many of Walker's).Nelson's conversational phrasing refreshes the familiar title track and brings out the soulful depths of heartfelt (and heartsick) balladry such as "Not That I Care." The nimble band features the interplay of Playboys alum Johnny Gimble on fiddle and the legendary Buddy Emmons on steel guitar, under the production of Nashville veteran Fred Foster. Saloon songs such as "Bubbles in My Beer" and "The Warm Red Wine" meet the mythic West of "Cherokee Maiden" and "Dusty Skies" and the weathered resilience of "Don't Be Ashamed of Your Age" and "I Don't Care," as the collection pays testament not only to Walker's range, but to Nelson's interpretive mastery. Read more

Reviews (19)

Willie sings Cindy
Cindy Walker has written some of the best known country songs for many, many years for some of the best artists we have had."You Don't Know Me", "Sugar Moon", and "Cherokee Maiden" will delight any country music fan, especially if you like Willie Nelson and the flare he adds."Bubbles In My Beer" is a fun song while "Take Me In Your Arms" can tug at your heart.This CD is a wonderful tribute to a lady who gave so much to the music industry.

Master minds at work
Listening to this cd I am amazed at the variety of talents all on one cd (why one though? I do hope there is a vol 2 in the vaults somewhere) Last month you could have asked me who Cindy Walker was and I honestly didn't have a clue - but listening to all these songs, that I already knew from a variety of artists; the woman bowls me over.
Willie is the Best!
Always loved willie's music, so naturally i went out to buy this one the day it came out. Very satisfied =) like the guy says, 5 stars isn't nearly enough for this album. Truely a classic. I think for all country music fans this is a must-buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country-Pop    3. Pop    4. Progressive Country    5. Traditional Country    6. United States of America    7. Western Swing Revival   

Editorial Review

With his sophomore release, the Georgia singer reinforces the trend towardredneck beefcake, matching a bare-chested sleeve photo with material such as the album-opening "I Wanna Be a Hillbilly" (apparently a hillbilly with a penchant for screaming, arena-rock guitars). He engages in some pillow talk with the breathy balladry of "Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right" and takes a turn toward a dreamier romanticism with "She's Got a Way With Me," featuring vocal support from Michael McDonald. A straightforward revival of Kenny Rogers's "Lucille" connects country present with country past, while the reggae tinge of "Little Bit Lonely" jumps on the contemporary country & Caribbean boat. The genial charm that he brings to mid-tempo fare such as "Good Directions" (despite its hackneyed story of the city girl who falls for the country hunk), "That Changes Everything," and "Here I Am" suggests that Currington is more engaging when he isn't trying so hard to be so sexy. Read more

Reviews (62)

Doin' Somethin' Right - and he did!!
This one sexy guy can make great music! Totally love his voice! His "Must Be Doin' Somethin'Right" is just mellow in every way. I Wanna Be A Hillbilly imagines you there and a free spirit song! Totally loved "Good Directions" - great wording and music and he is awsome singing it! "That Changes Everything" is tooo good to be true - just love the beat- you find yourself humming it during the day. I play this cd every day! You gotta get it and enjoy him! ( And I am a die hard Toby Keith fan - but Billy trips my trigger)!

Great CD
this CD has Lots of Great Music!!!! A Must Have CD From Billy Currington!

Keeping it Country
Billy Currington; not an artist I thought I would care for. But then he came out with "Why Why Why" and that is excellent (I love songs that sound like that) So I decide to buy the album; and am glad I did.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

Country music had no bigger story in 2004 than the rise of the Muzik Mafia, a renegade group of Music City misfits led by Big & Rich (Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich, the latter formerly of Lonestar) and Gretchen Wilson. Both acts shook up Nashville's lethargic, formulaic format--Wilson with her take-no-bull brand of redneck chic, and Big & Rich with their eclectic, wild-haired blend of honky-tonk, rock, rap, ballad, and western, the shoot-'em-up motif for their traveling circus, i.e., Wild West show. Their debut, Read more

Reviews (268)

Insane and wonderful!
I heard "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" at a friend's wedding reception earlier this year, and I was blown away. As soon as the song came on, the whole room went insane, singing and stomping along. I finally picked up the CD last week after getting into Gretchen Wilson's music and hearing about the Muzik Mafia. This is the best CD I've bought all year... and this is coming from someone who used to hate all "new" country music. This CD mixes practically every genre imaginable into country, and the result is a gorgeous, complex, interesting and sometimes hilarious CD. I hope these guys continue making music for a long, long time, "without prejudice!"

Superb!
Big & Rich took the music industry by storm when this, their first album, hit #1 on the Billboard charts in 2004. Some people criticize their fusion of Country and Rock, but I must say that I think that they are fantastic. First of all, I must say that the combination of Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich's voices produces music that has a real feeling of power like I have never felt before. Also, while they are most know for their bouncy songs like Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy), they do have a broad range of song style, with such songs as Drinkin' `Bout You, the touching Holy Water, and the inspirational Saved.
Country Music of A Different Color
Big and Rich's Horse of a Different Color is a loud, upbeat set of songs that show that the duo have no interest in confining their music to any particular genre.Right from the opening track ('Rollin', the Ballad of Big and Rich') the tracks include some serious crossing of musical tastes - Rollin' includes some rap from Cowboy Troy; 'Kick My Ass' also ends in a rap bit.Other tracks veer towards modern pop and would not sound unusual on a Top 40 station.For the most part, the experiments result in bold, interesting music, though the occasional track falls flat.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

Prine's 1971 self-titled debut set the tone for the rest of his career. A critical smash and a commercial disappointment, the record contains many of his best known compositions. Proving himself capable of tackling folk balladry, country, and rock with ease, Prine seems to spring into being as a fully formed singer-songwriter at age 24. Lyrically diverse,Prine offers topical songs such as "Sam Stone," the tale of a drug addicted Vietnam vet, achingly sad songs, such as the oft-covered "Angel from Montgomery," and, of course, his trademark wit gets ample time in the spotlight. Produced by the legendary Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Hall and Oates), the record is understated, letting Prine's comfy voice drive things. When needed, the famoushouse band at American Recording Studios in Memphis kicks in tasteful backing. Read more

Reviews (42)

Such sad songs, telling of American grotesques
I heard "Hello in There" years ago and marveled at what an incredibly sad song it was. But I never heard this album until a windy day I was out walking and the college radio station played the entire album. Afterwards, I thought "Donald and Lydia" was the saddest song on the album. But I was also transfixed by the "American grotesque" element, of small town people living small town lives but also being heroically American about it.
John Prine
My husband & I just discovered John Prine last year through friends. He is a total delight & wish we would have known about him through the years.

Lyrical genius
This isn't the first time I have heard this cd.In fact, I had the album many years ago. Love all the songs on it.Prine's lyrics are tremendous and he has a unique quality to his voice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Folk & Traditional    3. Folk-Rock    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Progressive Folk    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. United States of America