Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (5)

Great collection; wonderful introduction to a powerful artist
This is a fabulous CD, containing some of the best songs that Mary Chapin Carpenter has released. I have long been a MCC fan. She has a folksy, heart-filled, contemplative writing style that I enjoy, and this carefully crafted collection would be a wonderful introduction to her work for anyone who has not followed her career.
Under-rated, overlooked, great CD
MCC is, like John Mellencamp a populist singer-songwriter-storyteller.
Insightful, beautifully compiled collection
If there is an ultimate Mary Chapin Carpenter album, "The Essential Mary Chapin Carpenter" is it: a beautifully compiled collection that consists not only of Carpenter's biggest hits, but an astonishing selection of the best songs she's ever written.Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Country-Folk    5. Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Though Bob Wills has long been heralded as a country-music icon (an inspiration for artists from Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson through Lyle Lovett and Asleep at the Wheel, and toasted by Waylon Jennings in "Bob Wills Is Still the King"), the Texas fiddler considered himself more of a jazz bandleader. The Texas Playboys' signature dance-floor style of Western swing encompassed blues, jazz, country, and pop standards, with a sophistication at odds with the era's image of "hillbilly music." This four-disc centennial anthology (a little late, as Wills was born in 1905 and died in 1975) documents the musical progression of the band and its music from regional phenomenon to national treasure. The 105 tracks (remastered, but all previously released) showcase the legendary "twin guitars" of Leon McAuliffe and Eldon Shamblin, the smooth crooning of Tommy Duncan, the irrepressible spirit of Wills himself, and a songbook of classics such as "New San Antonio Rose" (with lyrics added to the original instrumental), "Take Me Back to Tulsa," and "Faded Love." In jukeboxes and roadhouses throughout the Southwest, it is Bob Wills, not Benny Goodman, who remains the "King of Swing." Read more

Features

• Box set
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

What makes Bob holler?
I must own about 30 Bob Wills cd's and this has made many of them obsolete. If you are a Bob Wills fan there is no need for me to convince you of Will's and his band's virtuosity. For those of you who aren't familiar with Bob Wills and western swing music, I think you owe it a hearing. Wills mixed blues, jazz, big band, and western music and literally invented what we know as western swing. The list of great musicians who played with this band are impressive. Not many people realize that Rolling Stone magazine selected Eldon Shamblin as the greatest rhythm guitar player of all time.
A moving tribute to a great musician !
Born to a poor family in Limestone County, Texas, Bob Wills (the undisputed "King of Western Swing") has become synonymous with that style of music. In 2006, this 4-disc release in Columbia "Legends of Country Music" series is a great way to celebrate his centennial! Wills had learned to play the fiddle by age ten. By the late 1920s, he and Herman Arnspiger were performing in the Fort Worth area as The Wills Fiddle Band. In 1931, they were joined by Milton & Durwood Brown and called themselves Aladdin's Laddies. Disc #1 in this set begins in 1932 with recordings of The Light Crust Doughboys, the band formed after the Light Crust Flour Co. hired the band for radio broadcasts. Because of a trademark, Victor Records called them The Fort Worth Doughboys. By 1934, Wills had formed his own band, moved to Tulsa, and signed with Okeh Records. Disc #2 covers 1937-1940, and disc #3 spans 1941-45. Disc #4 begins with 1946 and ends with Bob Wills' final session (1973 in Dallas).
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Country Traditional    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country    6. Western Swing   

Editorial Review

As is true with so many roots-rocking bands based in Austin, Texas, a sweaty club brings out the rambunctious best in Reckless Kelly, giving them a chance to stretch out and let loose on their first live recording. From the pulverizing opener of "Sixgun," which owes as much to AC/DC as the roadhouse, through the new party anthem, "Wiggles & Ritalin," and the reflective, acoustic "Wicked Twisted Road," the band feeds on the call-and-response energy of the hometown crowd and pays it back. The set offers tribute to Lone Star natives Alejandro Escovedo ("Castanets") and the Texas Tornados ("Guacamole"), as well as farther-flung inspirations such as Richard Thompson ("1952 Vincent Black Lightning") and the Beatles (a bluesy "Revolution"). "Baby's Gone Blues" begins as a riff-rocking piledriver and ends as a fiddle-driven breakdown, an encapsulation of the musical progression embodied within the band. On twangier fare such as "Nobody's Girl," frontman Willy Braun could pass as a vocal ringer for Steve Earle. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (3)

Rockin' live album
Like the other reviewers, I LOVE Reckless Kelly and cherish my copy of their original live album, "Live at Stubbs". The vocals on Reckless Kelly Was Here aren't quite as strong as some of their others, but if you're looking to recreate some of their rockin' live show energy in your living room, you can't go wrong with this CD set.

Live Reckless Kelly Live!
This disk captures the full throttle experience that is a Reckless Kelly show. Their own material continues to shine, their cover of Thompson's 1952 Vincent Black Lightening almost rates a 5 star just by itself. If you wish to introduce yourself or others to Reckless, this is the album to get. And if you want to reintroduce yourself to how very good they are, this is the album to get.

A poor sound mix
Ok, I'm first, I lead off with that I love this band, I don't think they can be beat in todays music market, lots of energy, great song writing ability, masters of their insturments and they seem to really like each other, that's important, I loved the selection of songs and the home town crowd had them fired up, the sound?, well the guitars, fiddles and all came through like a champ! but the vocals, now I think Willy Braun is one of the best, I think he could sing just about anything and do a first class job of it, my gripe is, who mixed the vocal mike?, it sounds like it is at half volume, Willie's voice is drowned out by the band most of the time,If I didn't know the words to some songs already it would have been worse, I made changes to my set up and could only improve it a little, how could this error, that sticks out like a sore thumb, get passed over?, very disapointing. The video came through very strong, my hats off the the camera men, good job! I wish I could give this 5 stars, but I can't, this error ruins it. #2, well the recording of "Revolution" is the best I've ever heard!, man, it drives! it cooks!, Willy is at his best!, but David, man, you must have "blisters on your fingers!", your axe is on fire!, Lennon would have loved this!, why?, because it is real rock and roll!, this band is the tightest of any I've heard since the golden age, the 60's and early 70's, keep it up! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Americana    4. Country    5. Country-Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock & Roll   

Editorial Review

Laying waste to all the wink-wink irony, dubious material, and vocal mediocrity that frequently mires alt-country fringe dwellers, the second outing from this Virginia-born belter marries tough, twangy rock with wild, unguarded emotion. Neko's principal charm may be her voice--sometimes coming on with Dusty Springfield's indigo-eyed soul (the dreamlike "Porchlight"), Patsy Cline's aching slow burn (the slinky "No Need to Cry"), and Wanda Jackson's imperious sexuality (the rockabilly "Mood to Burn Bridges")--but her songwriting (she cowrote every tune) is surprisingly consistent and memorable. She celebrates the "passion for life" found in her abandoned home of Tacoma, Washington, or a strapped-on Telecaster, and on her best song, "Guided by Wire," she balances between "darkest recollection" and the freedom of music, the kind that matters most, all those voices "singing my life back to me." Read more

Reviews (61)

Guided by your electric wire's hum
Think of this as a relative endorsement - I've become such a fan of Neko Case in the past year that Furnace Room Lullaby, my first purchase of hers, now seems a fairly subpar Case record, something which is less a criticism than simply a high bar to live up to.There's a wealth of extraordinary songs on Furnace Room Lullaby - the cold echoes of the title track, the invigorating vocal heights of "Set Out Running," the haunted eloquence of "South Tacoma Way."What makes Case's songs so distinct is the way her melodies - as conventional as they'd ever be on this record - seem to invade with spare syllables, making each second of their short running time rattle around your head for days.What make's Furnace Room disappointing in light of the entire Case catalog is its lack of conceptual daring, its sidestepping of the passionate cohesion that elecrifies Blacklisted and Fox Confessor Brings The Flood.Certainly, she was just starting out with this record, but it falls short of her biggest accomplishments.Still, few artists can do what Case does - her powerful vocals and invasive lyrics are already in full swing, and on "Porchlight," she makes what may still be her finest and most singable song - a song whose longing is more memorable than its perfect melody.

Neko Case - Furnace Room Lullaby
This is the first CD of Neko Case I have bought.I can't believe I have never heard her on the radio.I heard the title song on a DVD movie and had to check her out.She is a very good singer, and her style is unique.If you like country, but want some variety from the mainstream stuff, this is the singer you should look for.

Forget Shania or Faith......
After I saw Neko on Breakfast with the Arts on A&E,I bought her newest cd,then bought this one.I haven't been disappointed yet and I doubt if I will be.Neko has the most beautiful and passionate voice out there and puts the Shanias and Faiths to shame..These songs should be radio and not the wannabes that make up most of country today...I mean,shouldn't Neko be more popular than the so- called country starlets that are out now?? In a perfect world,she would be...BUY THIS!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Americana    4. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    5. Country    6. Indie Rock    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Rock    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

A greatest-hits package from an artist who thrived on conceptalbums is a frightening proposition. Even the liner notes refer to himas the "all-time #1 country album artist." To top it off, much ofNelson's best work--Read more

Reviews (10)

CD Order
Quick delivery!High Quality - like new.Very satisfied with the ordering process.I've become an avid Amazon customer because of the excellent service!

One of the best CD's I won
If I were to recommend one Willie Nelson CD to have in my car it would be this one. Not one boring song on the whole CD.Willie is a unique singer who seems to have a talent for attracting listeners from all walks of life, ethnic, racial, etc leanings.Classy guy in my book and dang fun to boot.

It's okay.
Not too bad of a collection.Most of his big hits are here, as the title implies.I just was hoping for some of his Waylon duets, but I guess I could probably get them on one of his other 40 collections of songs.Regardless, his catalog is excellent, and seeing as how I'm not the biggest Nelson fan, just a casual fan, this cd was pretty decent.If you aren't a hard-core fan, this cd might do it for you.With the deletion of a couple songs and the addition of a couple more, this cd would have been much better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Outlaw Country    5. Pop    6. Progressive Country    7. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

As one of the founding fathers of the bluegrass/jazz hybrid dominating the new acoustic scene, Sam Bush has always kept a close eye on songcraft and tradition, even as he looks toward expanding the expressive and commercial potential of traditional styles. If his previous album, Read more

Reviews (7)

Acoustic Rock 'n' Roll, Reggae, Bluegrass Band: Sam Bush
"If Bill Monroe is the father of the bluegrass mandolin, then Sam Bush is his wickedly demented stepson, eager to take the instrument to places it has never been before. For the past three decades, the perpetually youthful-looking Bush has played fiddle and mandolin in blues bands, country bands, jazz bands, and bands that play a mixture of all kinds of styles."
Sammy
Worth waiting for. Mr Bush is at the top of his game. Great guests.

This may be the best Sam Bush CD ever (so far)
"Laps in Seven" may be the best Sam Bush CD so far, and that's saying something considering some of Sam's other excellent projects. I understand some are more interested in hearing instrumentals only, which were more prominent on previous records, but I love Sam's song selections, and yes, his vocals and band's harmonies. The songs also give him plenty of opportunity to shine on his instruments of choice (mandolin, fiddle, and even guitar).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Country-Folk    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

This sentimentally over-the-top spoken-word recording was originally issued in 1973, during the height of Watergate and the final, unsettling days of the Vietnam War. In the wake of September 11, 2001, the John Wayne Estate reissued it on CD. And why not? Marion Morrison, a.k.a. John Wayne and the Duke, remains an enduring symbol of America--a country with an endlessly conflicted legacy of largely improvised symbolism, national myths, revised-on-a-dime history, and the freedom to make a buck on effusive patriotic rhetoric. Kitsch collectors may welcome the chance to own a true genre staple in digital sound, while others may yet find genuine solace in its orchestra-and-choir-backed oratory. With a poetic sensibility that seldom strays from the "Carolina pines/Appalachian mines" level of its opening verses, Wayne's processed voice (which betrays the health problems that would be his demise) expounds on topics that range from his homeland's undeniable natural beauty to his son's high school football career and the wisdom of a fictionalized aging Mexican caballero. The would-be idealism in "The Hyphen" aims to erase ethnic and racial boundaries, yet modern hyphenated Americans may find continued prejudice and the vagaries of history have rendered its rhetoric distinctly double-edged. Still, Wayne's love of country emanates from every track. Patriotism may be the last refuge of scoundrels, but it's been graciously hospitable to Hollywood icons, from the Duke to Dutch Reagan. Read more

Reviews (53)

Disappointed!
I ordered "America, why I Love Her" but never received it.
Star Spangled Awesome
Thoughtful and inspiring.A reminder of a time when it was cool to be proud of one's country.A reflection of the idea that our country was made great by people taking pride in the great democratic process-a land of the people, by the people, and for the people.

America Why I Love Her
Was happy to receive it as I have the LP from years ago and NOBODY uses them anymore!I love it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Spoken    3. Spoken / Comedy / Radio Shows    4. Spoken Word   

Editorial Review

Marty Robbins has more greatest-hits compilations than most artists have hits. This 20-cut single-disc collection is one of the better values, with a representative selection that extends from gunfighter balladry such as "El Paso" (his 1959 chart-topper and biggest crossover success) and "Big Iron" to the calypso-tinged "Devil Woman" to his cover of Gordon Lightfoot's folkish "Ribbon of Darkness." Throughout his 30-year recording career, Robbins combined a tremulous tenor with canny commercial instincts, stretching the boundaries of country music while expanding his popular base. He was equally at home with a cowboy song ("Red River Valley"), a gospel tune ("You Gave Me a Mountain"), and a slice of Hawaiian exotica ("Aloha Oe"). Inexplicably, the album features the schmaltzy "Love Is Blue" at the expense of "A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)," a '50s pop smash that remained one of his biggest hits. Read more

Reviews (5)

Reincarnated Cowboy
Marty Robbins believed he was a reincarnated cowboy.Many of his songs came from dreams.All 20 of these wonderful songs take you to another place and time and tell delicious stories of love and adventure.Wonderful places to go - especially if you're a true Marty Robbins fan.
Mixed Emotions
You can take any given number of Marty Robbins songs and call them his greatest hits as the man had talent and versatility to spare.Certainly most of the songs on this package are exceptional but there are so many left out."A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)", perhaps his greatest crossover hit is missing in favor of Hank Williams, Sr.'s "Kaw-Liga" (done to death) and the so-so "Maria (If I Could").And the hit doesn't even appear on the follow-up album of "more greatest hits". What were they thinking?Early hits "I Couldn't Keep From Crying" and "The Story of My Life" are not here.And on it goes.You will probably enjoy most or all of the songs herein but if you can find it, it's better to go for "The Essential Marty Robbins 1951-1982" that covers some hokey early recordings before he hit his stride plus the ones named, other certified HITS and songs that were only mild hits or not hits at all but are a lot more rewarding to listen to than the less-than-blockbuster filler found here.Shop around before you buy.

Most of his best.
As always, there's a few songs missing here, but for the most part, it's a great and lengthy collection of most of his best stuff. Of course it has "Big Iron", "Devil Woman", "Streets Of Laredo", and his biggest hit "El Paso". I also like "Love Is Blue", and his version of "Ribbon Of Darkness". If I didn't get this album, I'd probably get one of his more western collections, like "No.1 Cowboy" or "Gunfighter Ballads & Trail Songs". Overall, if you're a fan of Johnny or Willie, you'll be a fan of Marty as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Cowboy    5. Hawaii    6. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    7. Pop    8. Rockabilly    9. Traditional Country    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The linkage between consumerism and popular music finds a strange analogue in William Fries, a.k.a. C.W. McCall. Trained in graphic design and advertising, Fries invented his trucker persona while working on a bakery ad campaign and helped drive the trucker craze of the '70s with a slew of novelty tunes, few of which have aged very well. McCall described his delivery as a "walkin', talkin' singin' style," though emphasis always falls on his deadpan spoken wit. McCall never took himself seriously, and tunes like "Crispy Critters" and "'Round the World with the Rubber Duck" will inspire a laugh at just how weird the '70s could be. Read more

Reviews (28)

Fun and interesting songs
C.W. McCall (nope, there was no one in the band with that name) was the creation of Billy Dale Fries. The idea for the group and the songs came from a series of advertising features Fries created for the Metz Baking Company, that included a trucker named C.W. McCall! Well, the rest, as they say, is history! Combining the work of Billy Fries, Chip Davis (of Mannheim Steamroller fame) and a number of other talents, C.W. McCall produced a number of songs that were quite popular in their time.
this is a verygood C.W. album but not the best
This is one of the better albums of C.W.McCall's tunes.
They should make every community planning board
Listen to "There won't be no country Music there won't be No Rock and Roll" before they vote on things.
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Subjects:  1. Bakersfield Sound    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Country-Pop    5. Pop    6. Truck Driving Country    7. Urban Cowboy   

Editorial Review

Most artists who appeal to adult listeners tend to settle into a comfortable niche, but Lucinda Williams refuses to play it safe. Instead, her music stings like an open wound, as she continues to strip away the protective layers from her art's emotional core. Though Williams has long been prized for the naked honesty of her music, this collection is even rawer than its predecessors. From the down-and-dirty bar-band blues of "Atonement" to the Rolling Stones-style swagger of "Bleeding Fingers" to the tricky balance of debasement and transcendence in "Ventura," Williams leaves the nerve endings of her music exposed. With the band opting for first-take immediacy rather than polish, some of the most powerful material is also the neediest, as the singer addresses lovers who have disrespected her ("Righteously") or abandoned her ("Those Three Days," "Minneapolis"). Though her attempts at rap on "Sweet Side" and "American Dream" might cause diehard fans to wince, her willingness to take creative chances reaffirms her position at the vanguard of a rootsy progressivism that transcends musical category. Simply put, there's more Patti Smith in her than there is Patsy Cline. Read more

Reviews (136)

For me, the Rhythym Wasn't There
This is my least favorite of Lucinda Williams' albums. "Essence" and "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" and even her latest release (not even sure if it's been released, but I have heard some tracks - she's in love during this record, gossip news has it) share a common thread of story-telling, sexiness and evocation not found in World Without Tears, which is hard, rockin' and disjointed.
Lucinda's best yet
Lucinda just keeps getting more raw and better. She definitely is breaking new ground here, and I think it's her best work to date.

My vote for Album of the Century!
Just finished my third listening of this album, and it is fantastic. Lucinda's lyrics are more powerful and emotional than ever. Musically, she continues her push into new realms, and some songs can initially be uncomfortable - but really start to rock with additional listenings. For those looking for a rerun of Car Wheels or Essence - you won't find it here. But then Lucinda Williams fans aren't looking for comfortable, are they? "Those Three Days" and "Ventura" are absolute classics! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Americana    4. Folk-Pop    5. Folk-Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Roots Rock    10. Singer/Songwriter    11. Urban Folk   

Editorial Review

Like other country mainstays (Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, et al.), Dolly Parton found creative emancipation in freedom from the commercial airwaves, once the younger generation of artists began dominating country radio.The crossover slickness and calculation of some of her later country hits is nowhere in evidence on this trio of albums that marked her belated return to acoustic bluegrass and mountain music. 1999's Grammy-winning Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (1)

"Masterpiece" box set, Dolly at her finest!!!
This box set is truly a Masterpiece! It includes dollys triolgy of bluegrass/mountain folk records "The grass is blue","Little sparrow" and "Halos and horns" plus a bonus dvd/cd disc! between the three cds here dolly won two grammys and was nominated for several more! You will not be disappointed at all with this buget priced boxedset! Dolly is right at home with this bluegrass music! her vocals are cystal clear and brillant! dont pass up a chance to get these cds!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Country-Folk    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country    6. United States of America   

Reviews (10)

Ultimate Collection - Jerry Jeff Walker
I was absolulely thrilled to find this collection.It contains cuts that I had not had in my possession for many years.Music takes me away to people, things and events in my life that I don't ever want to forget.If you are a JJW fan, then this is a MUST have.

It's a Good Night for Singing???
I happen to have a copy of the LP "It's A Good Night For Singing" and have never seen it offered in the CD format. WHY??
A Yankee In Sam Houston's Court
What is it about Texas?Some of the best artists in the land(any genre) seem to have come out of Texas or have been heavily influenced by it.Such is the case with Jerry Jeff Walker.Raised in New York State, you'd think that the influence of Texas twang would be far away from his ears, but it called out to him.The call of the Crescent City wasn't too far behind either, for New Orleans, LA has put out an A-list of performers comparable to that of the entire state of Texas, and Walker found himself living there for awhile also.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Outlaw Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Country    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

You've got to hand it to John Prine. On the first song on this collection of duets, he plunges valiantly into "(We're Not) The Jet Set," singing the part made famous by George Jones, the Caruso of country music. And Prine, never blessed with the most pliant pipes, promptly pancakes a note flatter than Kansas. Aw, heck! The songwriter's songwriter takes a curious turn with his first studio album since 1995's Read more

Reviews (78)

Prime Prine
John Prine is an American treasure, and this compilation of off-beat love duets is worth treasuring.

In Spite of Ourselves
This one isn't as good as I expect from John Prine.Maybe he was trying to tell us something, but I missed it.The gals he picked to sing with him are not great!

Dear God, thank you for John Prine.
I havent ever heard John Prine until a few weeks ago. I was in Borders and heard a sample. I can say that this album hits your heart pretty good. I just lost my girl of three years and this is a great album to sit and drink george dickel and cry to. Five stars. Five dadblast it stars. On the music side, great lyrics, great musicality, great singers. Id recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

unique collection
no need to skip tracks, pop it in and let it play,great car cd, remastering is excellent. Classic cover photo. Nice set,buy it.

Merle's best!
Merle Haggard is a musical genius, and this album shows why.Twenty six career spanning, great songs from one of country's greatest singer/songwriters.VERY highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bakersfield Sound    2. Country    3. Honky Tonk    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

There's no sophomore slump here for Julie Roberts, whose second release is, if anything, richer and more powerful than her well-received debut. Credit the uniformly strong material, with not a throwaway among the eleven tracks, and four of the songs cowritten by Roberts. There's not a happy song among them, either, except for the nostalgic "Too Damn Young," about when love was fresh in a teenage way that it will never be again on the rest of the older-and-wiser material. The opening "Paint and Pillows" tells of a wife wronged by a cheating husband, and a hurt that can't be masked by window dressing. "First to Never Know" and "Lonely Alone" find a woman on the run from a relationship gone cold, while "A Bridge That's Burning" sings of the refusal to become the other woman. Best of all is the title track, through which the bittersweet voice of experience warns that "men and mascara always run." Though Roberts has the glamour-girl look of a Faith Hill, the Southern bluesiness of her vocal phrasing is closer to Lucinda Williams, and the fiddle and steel guitar that dominate Byron Gallimore's production show country music making few concessions to pop. Read more

Reviews (38)

Voice is stronger than the first
Lots of people have said they liked her first CD better, but this CD showcases her voice so much better.I absolutely LOVED her first record and have seen her perform live twice and I absolutely think her voice is incredible.She has a range and a freshness that not many country newcomers these days have.I thought this CD highlighted that range and freshness better than the first.I think she has really come into her own and I hope that she continues to make music for a long time."That Ain't a Crime" and "Paint and Pillows" make me have goosebumps and want to sing along loudly in my car.I cannot believe that true fans of Julie roberts don't like this CD.Everyone has their own opinion, but still.....

Good, but not unique
If you liked her first one you'll like this one.The two flow very well together and almost make a Vol.1 Vol.2 arrangment.I hope she branches out and shows some of her other talents with her next release

Bad Karaoke
That really is, for me, what this album is. A lot of people have clearly really enjoyed it, but for my money, a poor rendition of Loveshack and a beer at the local bar would have sufficed. The cover of the pop song is probably the most karaoke sounding song, and I notice it is not available for listening on this page. Probably a good move. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

A former oil field worker, Toby Keith has always known how to capture the passions of blue-collar men and women, desperate to blow off steam at the end of the day. As such, he’s stocked his latest album with themes designed to push all the right emotional buttons--patriotism, Jesus, buddy love, fast women, and reality altering substances. "I Love This Bar," the first single, offers a kinder, gentler Keith than the boot-shoving redneck of "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)." But as he segues to "American Soldier," a song so gung-ho and puffed up that it could be a musical recruitment poster, you know he’s gearing up for a scud missile of a payoff. Sure enough. By the time he gets to "The Taliban Song," a comedic and cartoonish skewering of The Enemy, recorded in concert, it’s hard to remember that he once wrote well-crafted ballads of romantic infatuation. Now it’s all grandstanding, baby, even the best-written song, a jazzy, talking blues which fillets his critics. If he’s not exactly "Shock’n Y’All" as the title suggests, he’s certainly putting his "Baddest Boots" forward. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (285)

..."We still like to drink our beer from a mason jar"
Down to Earth is exactly what this CD is. Fun. Country, even in my humble opinion "modern day Americana". While many in the country we live in right now are raising their voices more than ever how much they hate everything "American", Toby reminds us some of the things that made this country great, and even more things that give us reason to cherish our rural roots and reminiscent back roads. If the critics leave for Canada, that's okay, because I'll still love this bar, this album, these songs, this country, and everything else that keeps me here while the rest are fleeing.Toby is a smart man. He's been in the limelight quite a bit after his battles with the Dixie Chicks and the late Peter Jennings. Who is right or wrong is a matter of opinion, but who has the freedom to sing songs that embody fun, freedom, and the modern day mythos of country that still has a little old West appeal left, is Toby.
Great Songs!
American Soldier is probably the best.The Taliban Song is great too.Tell it like it is.Those savages, cowards and animals living in the desert should all feel the Shock and Awe.God Bless America.

He's a moron.... a wealthy moron... go figure.....
What a Neanderthal....Geeeeeezh...... Oh well...this is 21st Century America..... ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Lee Ann Womack may well have the most hard-country female voice in Nashville; while her first two albums showed much promise, they didn't boost her past the middle of the pack. So what's the Nashville solution? Instead of playing to her strengths, make her soprano sound smaller and more compact (think Dolly, not Tammy), de-twang it so she sounds more creamy and dreamy. In other words, try to make her sound more like everyone else. Most of these songs are slow or midtempo, building ever so predictably, and with arrangements paying little more than lip service to roots. Womack sounds better with less accompaniment ("I Know Why the River Runs," "Thinkin' with My Heart Again") and best when her drawl prevails ("Does My Ring Burn Your Finger"). And she sounds unbeatable when she's totally involved, as on the best song, "I Feel Like I'm Forgetting Something." And who cowrote that? Why, Lee Ann did. It's the only such song here, but somebody should take a hint. Read more

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Reviews (107)

The Lyrics Say It ALL.... Here's Hoping You ALL Dance
This song is appropriate anywhere - graduation, baptism, wedding, funeral, birthday....
Easy listening country
When Lee Ann released her debut album, she was acclaimed as the new standard bearer for traditional country music. Her second album reinforced that status but this third album finds Lee Ann moving towards an easy-listening style although this is still essentially a country album. Following this album, Lee Ann made a significant step away from country with her next two albums (one of which was a Christmas album) but then returned to her roots with a much more traditional country album. Thus, Lee Ann has tried various styles but her wonderful voice always sounds great.
a beautiful cd
i think Womacks Cd "i hope you dance" is a beautiful and serene(sp?) cd!! the songs are so amazing, i love her vocals on it, is even better then the 2 first cds she made. i love the opening song, "The Healing Kind", and track 2 "I hope You Dance"... a good way to open this cd, then she just continues making this Cd fantastic with the next songs.