Editorial Review

Since Toby Keith's commercial success and canny image manipulation show how shrewd he is, perhaps the best explanation for songs as lackluster as "Note to Self" (a generic Rolling Stones arrangement with a hokey lyric) and "Runnin' Block" (about bedding an unattractive woman for the benefit of a buddy) are either laziness or pandering. On Read more

Reviews (358)

Treasure in the trash

What Have You Become?
First of all I do think Toby Keith has talent. There are songs from his previous work that I like and prove his skill and talent as a songwriter and musician. With this album I fear that he is continuing a slide into self-parody and risks the possibility that he won't be taken seriously and he will become a caricature. One of the things I have respected about him was that early in his career he had the integrity to be himself and do the music he wanted to and not what the executives in Nashville wanted him to do. That's artistic integrity. But I fear that the niche he carved for himself might turn into a grave for his career. He found his place in country music as the rebellious macho outspoken country boy. But now that has become the formula which sells a product and he seems to be milking that formula for all the profit that its worth But he is losing his soul in the process and becoming at some level the very thing he rebelled against. Now he panders to a certain fan-base and risks encouraging every country/red-neck/hick stereotype, prejudice and cliché that can be so detrimental, divisive and harmful. The testosterone filled music which he helped popularize and is currently being played by artists such as Montgomery-Gentry will run's its course and fizzle in popularity. When that is done will anyone want to listen to Toby Keith anymore? I hope he gets back on track and instead of trying to please a certain demographic for temporary gain he looks within and writes music that has the possibility of becoming timeless.

Runnin' Block
Toby, what were you thinking? Did you really set out to offend over half of your listening audience with this obnoxious song?
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

His triumph on the talent-seeking Read more

Reviews (9)

Great Debut CD
Good country voice.Good listening.Several songs I really enjoy."Beer or Gasoline" is cute, "You're Gonna Love Me" and "Drinkin' Me Lonely" are well sung and "I'm Headed Your Way, Jose" is great fun."Flowers" is also good.I was pleasantly surprised with many good songs.(I bought it for his Nashivlle Star song, "Drinkin' Me Lonely) and was not disappointed with the whole album.

HUGE Debut for Chris Young
It's very rare that I get a cd, much less a debut cd, from an artist and I can honestly say there's not a bad track in the bunch, but I'm glad to say that I can say that about this one.I watched and voted in the Nashville Star competiton and I am so glad to see this release.The song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and what can I say about Chris's voice except that it's excellent!I would be happy to hear any of these tracks on the radio, but will say my favorites are of course the 1st single, "Drinkin' Me Lonely", the excellent message song "Flowers"and the tounge firmly planted in cheek "I'm Heading Your Way, Jose".The disc starts off on a high note with "Beer Or Gasoline" and doesn't let you down until "Who's Gonna Take Me Home" which is another great track.If you love your country, then you have to love newcomer Chris Young. Give him a listen and see if you don't agree.

Chris Young Has Got It All
It has been a long time since I have been so excited about a CD.This CD is a great mix of music from a tear jerker (Flowers) to a couple of tunes that make you LOL (White Lightening and Your Way, Jose).Ballad or up tempo song, this guy can sing!He has that smooth Tennesee baritone voice that makes you keep listening to every song over and over again.I am a huge country music fan, and having heard this CD I can only think "YES, this is what I have been wanting to hear!" I love every song on the CD!This is only the beginning for the rising star of Chris Young!A must buy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Editorial Review

A surprise hit in 2004 and 2005, this Atlanta-based threesome arrived on the scene at precisely the right time--when country trios (Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts, and to a lesser extent, Trick Pony and SheDaisy) had proved themselves in the marketplace. Like those acts, Sugarland trade on solid and sometimes intricate harmonies and a killer lead vocalist. In this case, the full-tilt Jennifer Nettles plays Natalie Maines to Kristen Hall and Kristian Bush's Emily and Martie. And while it would be lovely to hear another member of the trio out front occasionally, Nettles, a deep-dish Southerner who knows no one-syllable words ("air" is "aye-er"), is a commanding presence. Stylistically, the group mixes it up, from the folk-rock of Hall and Bush's backgrounds to the driving pop that dominates much of contemporary country radio; thematically, the songs largely revolve around restlessness, the need to escape restrictions and find one's self, and the faith that things will work out. "Baby Girl," the hit about an itinerant musician writing home for money and emotional connectedness, is but one of several surefire winners here, which include "Something More," a mid-tempo quest for a more meaningful life, and "Tennessee," in which a radio request line rescues true love. The quieter songs ("Fly Away," "Hello") are no less well written and affecting, even as the barnburning "Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)," about housewife ennui and riverboat gambling, falls embarrassingly flat. Does this triad have staying power? Well, just as their name implies, they're a little too sweet to equal the Chicks' gravitas, but there's no denying they've got energy to burn. Read more

Reviews (141)

Great country CD
I love this CD. The vocals are great and meaningful and it has a sound that no matter if it's a slow or fast track makes you smile. I can't wait until their next album in November.

excellent cd
"Twice the speed of life" is an excellent cd. i bought it for the radio singles, but every other song on the cd proved to be equally as good or better (except maybe the last track which slows things down quite a bit). overall a great cd. highly recommended if you like the radio singles.

What a great album!
I bought this for a few reasons... I saw a TV show with Sugarland and Bon Jovi and loved how fun Jennifer was to watch.I already knew I liked a few of the songs, so I figured the CD would be pretty good.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

Brad Paisley's previous release, Read more

Reviews (75)

Five Star CD
This CD is excellent.One great song after another.In fact, this could serve as a greatest hits album for many other artists.It is that good.Alcohol, Flowers, and When I get Where I Am Going are my three personal favorites.I highly recommend this CD, regardless of where your musical interests lie.

Definitely not pop-country
Brad Paisley's got an awesome steady deep voice, and plays a mean guitar. This album though is not for people who like the more pop-rock sounding country songs. I love the released tracks, "The World," "When I Get Where I'm Going" and "Alcohol," as they are more mainstream, but the rest of the CD is for people who like real honkytonk music. (And if you like the "real" country sound, Brad's fantastic.) "Time Warp" is instrumental and is pretty fascinating to listen to. So if you're more of a Brooks and Dunn fan than a Faith Hill fan, you'll probably like this CD.

Time Well Wasted
Once again Brad Paisly has recorded a variety of songs that not only inspire, tell a tale, evoke emotion or make you ignore the fact that passing cars can see you singing and pounding on the steering wheel.I can't say that I care for the naration at the end of the CD, since it is a bunch of good ol' boys just sitting around mumbling. I could go hang with my own husband if I wanted that. But the first 14 songs or so are to be downloaded and saved forever. "When I get to Where I'm going," with Dolly Parton, is just beautiful. Those of us who have lost someone we loved, find peace in this particular recording. It makes me smile as tears well in my eyes.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. Pop    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

On first thought, the idea of the Man in Black recording such covers as "Bridge over Troubled Water," "Danny Boy," and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" might seem odd, even for an artist who's been able to put his personal stamp on just about everything. But Read more

Features

• Extra tracks

Reviews (320)

Best CD I own
I have always been a Johnny Cash fan, always will be. But, I have never loved him more after a friend told me about The Man Comes Around, It was his best collection of songs. Hurt, The Man Comes Around, I Hung My Head, every song is fantastic! I also liked his edition of Bridge Over Troubled Water. Please buy this CD, You can't be a Cash without it is wonderful,powerful and moving. Buy it please.

Honesty, Truth, and Pain
This is an amazing collection of covers by a man at a minute to the midnight of his life, and is just heartbreakingly beautiful. It's like he understands exactly where he's been, and where he's going, and he's made peace with that journey. Listening to Johnny Cash, you get the feeling that he understands every bit of pain you're experiencing - he's like an older brother who you can go to when you've been dumped by your girlfriend, and he'll tell you everything's going to be all right, even though she did go off with another bloke, after telling you she loved you so many times. But it's fine. Johnny Cash has been my older brother these past few days. I'm glad he's there for me. He's someone I can actually trust. His advice had kept me going. God bless you, Johnny.

Great cd
I am very happy with this cd of Johnny Cash.I got it pretty fast after my order. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

After a decade of recording, the no-nonsense, deep-voiced Adkins has blossomed recently with riproaring, crowd-pleasing fare like "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." Similar material turns up this time in the form of "Swing" (will it be Major League Baseball's answer to Hank Williams Jr.'s "All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin' Over Tonight"?) and the sing-along anthems "Ladies Love Country Boys" and "Fightin' Words." Beyond that, Adkins's honest, emotive blue-collar substance emerges on the thoughtful small-town chronicle "I Came Here to Live" and the sensual, contrite "Words Get in the Way." He similarly excels with "Ride," a hard-edged trucker tune; the anti-drug cautionary "High"; and "The Stubborn One," a poignant tale of the lifelong bond between a young man and his dying grandfather. In this day and age, it's a no-brainer that Adkins has to give the masses (and radio) the kinds of anthems they want. But unlike some artists, capable of doing that and not much more, his ability to project honesty, heart, and empathy is undeniable. Read more

Reviews (39)

Fantastic!
I love this CD! The lyrics really hit home and the melodies are wonderful. I love the diversity of his music; everything from country to blues to rock. And his deep voice is AWESOME! I never used to like country music, but after hearing Trace Adkins, I listen to it all the time. I'm a convert!

Dangerous is GOOD
"Dangerous Man" will position Trace Adkins as one of contemporary music's most influential musicians. This is not an error of omission that " country" is left out of the description, for Mr. Adkins's music style is iconoclastic of our era. From the moment when seemingly out of nowhere the first note of the title song is solidly hit:Southern Rock and R&B are solidly fused. There is no lack of clarity or ambiguity in any of the work. This collection is performed with energy, intent and integrity.
Dangerous Man - Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins is a wonderful artist that continues to put out great songs for the public. "Swing" will be enjoyed by all sport enthusiasts as well as all music lovers. Great Job Trace on your new CD! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

There are several Cash boxes available, but Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (42)

Cash, Johnny
If There Was A Box Set To Own This One Would Be It.

Great Collection - Still Missing a Few Songs
Overall this is a very good collection, and probably the best one that's easily available.It's also very reasonably priced for the number of songs on the collection.My only complaint is that even with all of those CDs, there's still a few key songs missing.Until there's a truly all-inclusive box set available, this one is pretty good.

Awesome.
Johnny Cash fans.. you will love this set.It's got a great booklet that comes with it.
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Country Gospel    4. Country-Pop    5. Cowboy    6. Pop    7. Rock & Roll    8. Rockabilly    9. Traditional Country    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The Dixie Chicks aren't old enough to remember when radio programmed pop records next to country, rock, folk, and beyond, but their Texas DNA tells them that's the way music was meant to be heard. On Read more

Reviews (280)

Good American Album
To the roots of the matter I would say and very good too. I never thought I would be saying this about a Dixie Chicks album but I liked this one. It's the real thing. It's what America is all about. It touched my heart I would have to say.

Brilliant bluegrass takes Chicks back home
Home is a good title for this album, as it finds the Dixie Chicks making the most of their bluegrass roots. This outstanding album begins with Long time gone, a great song about family memories. Next comes an incredible cover of Landslide, a song written by Stevie Nicks, best remembered as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Travelin' soldier is a sad song about a woman receiving letters from a soldier who gets killed in Vietnam. Those three songs set the standard for the album but there are many other fine songs here including the title track (a reflective ballad), More love (another excellent ballad) and Top of the world (not a cover of the Carpenters' classic - this is a Patty Griffin song). The other songs are also excellent.
The "Home" of the brave, the sound of the free
[...]"Home" is a glossier effort than "Fly" or "Wide Open Spaces," yet at the same time, probably their most earthy. Only a very few artists have been able to walk this kind of fine line, and they would number the kind of musicians and songwriters that appear on "Home" with the Dixie Chicks or as artists in their own right. I'm thinking of people like Marty Stuart, Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Ricky Scaggs or Emmylou Harris. That's the kind of vibe that "Home" gives off.Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

This introduction to the Man in Black's catalog is about as fine a one as can be found on one disc, primarily because the 21 classic tracks span J.R. Cash's entire career, from his first rockabilly single, "Hey, Porter"/"Cry! Cry! Cry!" (Sun Records, 1955), to his last significant alt-country tracks (American Recordings, 2003). Though Cash had his peaks and valleys in the studio, what shines brightly on this collection is how constant--how unwavering--his creativity remained, whether he was writing and performing original material or interpreting the work of others. His voice, too, remained a majestic thing of wonder, even as Cash often sang off-beat; settled his bass-baritone somewhere Read more

Reviews (42)

Great CD, missing one song though.
Cocaine Blues (from Fulsom County). If this song was on here it would make it superb, alas the CD is only fantastic!
The legend of Johnny Cash- JOHNNY CASH
This is a great collection of Johnny Cash's songs.It as almost equally divided in sections for parts of his life. When I bought this album, there were only three songs that I had not previously heard. The album opens with tunes of Cash's classic Tennessee-two-step format then progresses to his wonderful story-telling years. This CD is littered with tracks written by other artists: Jack Clemet, June Carter-merie Kilgore, Billy Edd Wheeler- Jerry Lieber, Shel Silverstein, Kris Kristofferson, Wayne Kemp, jimmy Webb, Bono, Chris Cornell, Geoff Mack, and finally- Trent Reznor. As many of you know Trent Reznor is the lead singer of Nine Inch Nails-a modern Hard Rock Band. The last song on the album-"Hurt"- was composed by Trent. The song is about drug addiction and general hardship. When performed by Johnny Cash, "Hurt" turns from a somewhat tangled emotional mess to a heartbreaking tale of a man questioning his own salvation. This album is a great collection of music and can be enjoyed by anyone from your grandmother to your grandson.

Great place to begin.
As a relative newcomer to the music of Mr. Cash, this album was recommended to me.It includes great examples from his entire career. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country Gospel    3. Pop    4. Rock & Roll    5. Rockabilly    6. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

Somewhat remarkably, the youthful trio Rascal Flatts has an uncanny ability to sound 20-something going on 13. They are often dismissed as just another slick, contrived "boy band," though that hasn't kept them from chart-topping success. Admittedly, these Rascals do sound slick and even generic on run-of-the-mill teem anthems like "Fast Cars and Freedom" and "The Day Before You." Yet, on a few shining tracks like "Bless the Broken Road," "When the Sand Runs Out," and a lovely hidden cut called "Skin," the chic threesome also betrays poise, maturity, and thoughtfulness amid its chart-conscious predictability. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (102)

Here's To You Review
If you liked the first album by Rascal Flatts, then you'll love Feels Like Today.This album covers every type of song from love and romance to a thank you to their fans.Rascal Flatts combines country music with a pop sound that makes their songs truly unique.If you like the traditional lyrics of country music then you will definitely enjoy those of Rascal Flatts.They really know how to take the basic "drinking and lost love songs" and not only add a twist to them, but also expand the horizon of country a little and make it a bit more personal.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG!!!!!! Come on, gimme some more stars!!!!!!!!
a very sattisafied coustermer
i have enjoyed the feels like today cd so very much this is my frist cd buy them but it sure wont be my last i think they are great.thank them so much for there music keep up the good work a real fan pat . ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Though this 1975 album cost Willie only $20,000 to record, it handed him the success he'd craved after years as a hit songwriter and modestly successful singer. By blending originals and vintage material, he created a timeless Western saga, one that originally left Columbia Records, who'd guaranteed him artistic control, skeptical. The label's doubts, amplified by the fact that Nelson had recorded the album in Texas with only his seven-piece touring band, evaporated after the album and two singles, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" and "Remember Me," became huge hits and launched Willie into the stratosphere. This enhanced version preserves the original sequence, adding four bonus tracks. One, a brief snippet of Bach's "Minuet in G" from the 1986 Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (61)

Its alright, depends on what you're expecting
Not one of my favorites but still an important work for Willie Nelson fans.It is not a flashy studio recording - many of the tracks seem hardly more than Willie and his guitar. Oddly enough, I think I the bonus tracks are the best part of this recording for me.If you are looking for vintage Willie, however, this could be the recording for you.

Classical Greatness
I think Willie is a great singer but he has never been a personal favorite. This album, though, is among my favorites. In it, he demonstrates his skills as a lyricist, he mellow voice and his ability to narrate a song.
CD-Red Headed Stranger-Willie
This is the ONLY album I enjoy from beginning to end! Unlike other CDs', each song stands on its own merits. I am happy it came out in CD form---great quality recording!!!!Thanks! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Outlaw Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Country    6. Traditional Country    7. United States of America   

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. Read more

Features

• Limited Edition

Reviews (14)

Country music at its best
If you don't like this album, then you don't like country music.

Great CD!
I LOVE this CD!!I bought it particularly for 'Remember When' and the song about 9-11, but the rest of it is great as well.He has a very rich, easy-to-listen-to voice, which does justice to everything he sings.I don't think I've ever heard him sing a 'bad song!'

Compressed sound, too loud compared to other music
I love Alan Jackson, he is one of my favorite vocalist.But this and his other greatest hit CD is mixed compressed and to loud.Having it on my music list while listening on my headphones causes me to rip off my headphones when his music comes on and blows out my eardrums.This has happen once to often.I now have removed these two albums from my music list to save my ears.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop   

Editorial Review

What goes around, comes around. As the resident rock star in Nickel Creek (contrasting with the trio's more reserved Watkins siblings), mandolinist Chris Thile has sent his music soaring in surprising directions from its bluegrass base.Though this solo release finds him dipping into the songbooks of the White Stripes ("Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground") and the Strokes ("Heart in a Cage"), much of the music sticks closer to tradition than Thile has in recent years. Among the highlights are an uptempo romp through Gillian Welch's "Wayside (Back in Time)," a pretty fair yodel on Jimmie Rodgers's "Brakeman's Blues," the close harmonies of the bluesy "If the Sea Was Whiskey," and Thile's original "You're an Angel and I'm Gonna Cry," classic country weeper. Five of the fourteen cuts are instrumental, with the opening "Watch 'at Breakdown" combining bluegrass instrumentation and jazzy sophistication, and "The Beekeeper" giving Thile's fingers a chance to fly. Read more

Reviews (9)

Mesmerizing
Saw the How to Grow a Band at the old staple, the Belcourt Theatre here in Nashville the week that the album came out, and since I'm in the press, I had been listening to the disc for 2 months already. I really truly love this album. One reviewer complained about the long pauses in the middle of songs adn Chris being too far from the mic sometimes. For me, those were good things. I LOVE dynamics and contrast, two things sorely lacking in most music today. HTGAWFTG is full of both. It feels like a classic album with modern content.
language warning
wonderful album ruined by the use of foul language in the next to the last track, what a shame.

Pick a Thile .. any Thile.. They're all here
How you react to this new offering from the amazing Mr. Thile depends on which of his multiple manifestations appeal. I liked most of what's here, so I gave the album a 4 out of 5......
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Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. New Acoustic    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. Traditional Bluegrass    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

After the sort of year that Kenny Chesney has experienced--from a whirlwind courtship through a short-lived marriage--a guy needs some time to chill. Thus it's no surprise that Read more

Reviews (58)

He's having fun!
Saw Kenny in Vegas before the ACM Awards while he was taping
Really enjoy this cd
Really enjoy this cd - easy to listen to by the pool.

Kenny Chesney is the best of the best!
Road and the Radio is a fantastic collection of wonderful songs.I can't think of a song on the CD that I don't enjoy listening too over and over again (with the possible exception of Who You'd be Today, listening to it once is emotionally draining) Summer Time, Living in Fast Forward, and the title song are my favorites along with You Save Me which I hope he releases as a single.Hearing a Kenny Chesney sing always brings a smile to my face!AWESOME! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Good things come to those who wait. During John Prine's nine-year interval between albums of original material, fans who hailed his recovery from cancer wondered whether he'd ever return to full creative speed. Here, Prine puts doubts to rest with an album that ranks with the finest of an inspired career. The big heart of "Glory of True Love," the socially conscious bite of "Some Humans Ain't Human," the reflective grace of "Taking a Walk," the wry whimsy of "Crazy as a Loon"--the hallmarks of Prine's artistry are reaffirmed on Read more

Reviews (81)

Bush criticism
I'm ordering simply because of "Some Humans Ain't Human" which is exactly right for those right-wing religious lunatics who have taken over the asylum and refuse to allow of any criticism of Bush.They spew venom and hatred, and send death threats to any artists who criticizes Bush.these hypocrites wrap themselves up in the flag and are too chicken to actually fight in this preemptive, illegal war, supported by lies.
You just can't win
I can only laugh when I read some of these other reviews.As a performing artist, sometimes you just can't win.Many of the artists who are lucky enough to have been around as long as John Prine has, hear the old criticism over and over again, "I liked his older stuff better."Well, it seems many see this Prine release as simply "more of the same."So there it is - you change and you get criticized, or you don't, and you still get critized.I'm sure it doesn't mean much either way to Mr. Prine.
John Prine is one of the good guys!!!!
Just like Dylan, it pays off to wait for John Prine to release his latest insights.Fair & Square is as much as a masterpiece as anything he has ever recorded.With his unique brand of lyrics and his voice which is a force of nature, Prine takes us back to the 1930's all the way up to the day you listen to him.What a great CD.It is one of those cd's that you really can't pick a favorite tune since they all hit you and take you to places and emotions that someone (like me who just hit 50), thought he had lost.I could list some of the lyrics here and go on and on but I will limit myself to just a few."Crazy as a Loon" is as much a Prine song as I have ever heard but with an originality that only a true artist can present.Prine makes "Clay Pigeons" (Blaze Foley) his own while remaining true to the original."She is my Everyone" is a great, bouncing, funny, John Prine original."She is my everything, from her long black hair, to the freckles on her diamond ring"."Some Humans Aren't Human" should be played at the White House.Prine hits Bush and his right-wing supporters between the eyes with their hubris and arrogance.John Prine is a national treasure and I'm so happy I was introduced to him back in the "Dear Abby" days.I've been hooked ever since but that is not to say that those who have never tasted his wisdom and comments on human nature won't enjoy "Fair & Square".My girlfriend (who had never even heard of him) absolutely loved it.I had to buy an extra copy since she won't give me mine back.If you haven't figured it out, I'm a huge John Prine fan and this is a great cd. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Folk & Traditional    3. Pop    4. Rock/Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

When George Strait's "She'll Leave You With a Smile" moved to the top of the country charts in early 2003, the handsome Lone Star crooner bested Conway Twitty for the most No. 1 singles by a solo artist. This collection of 50 chart-toppers, spanning 22 years, showcases the Cadillac of country singers at his best, blending traditional and contemporary stylings, but never straying too far from the core of his Texas barroom sound. "Fool Hearted Memory," from 1982, proves that Strait had his uncluttered production and straightforward vocal approach down from the start, no matter how many producers guided him to his peak. Through the years, the path to superstardom dictated that he trade the crisp Western swing of "Right or Wrong" and "Ace in the Hole" for squishy, mid-tempo crowd pleasers like "Check Yes or No" and "Write This Down." But he redeemed himself with such poignant heartbreakers as "So Much Like My Dad" and "…Smile." This retrospective's one new track, "I Hate Everything," about a man in a bar who's besotted more from pain than whiskey, doesn't match up with the singer's best material, but it's still got that irresistible Strait hook: average-guy sincerity wrapped in a down-to-earth heart. Read more

Reviews (110)

Great 50 Number Ones
If you love George Strait, and many of us do, this is a great collection of hits that have accompanied our own lives through many years. So many favorites from one of the very best!

George Strait 50 Number Ones
I love George Strait's music and have been enjoying this CD in my car driving to and from work every day.The CD has a lot of cuts on it I had never heard previously but you will love it.My only disappointment regarding the CD is the cuts are shorter I believe then you would find on one of his other CD's.
George Strait's 50 No. 1's
Disappointed that it did not have Amarillo by Morning or Something Special. They were number one and more popular than some of the songs on this CD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. Western Swing Revival   

Reviews (32)

Great group
This is the only CD in my trucks CD player for the last, well since my folks bought it for me at the concert on the 4th of July.It rocks and and has great mellow sounds just right for Atlanta traffic.

Better The Second Time Around
There's less commercial flash (though it's still evident at times) and more personal effort from the members of Little Big Town on this, their second album, "The Road To Here."The album starts off fine with "Good As Gone."This tune drifts solidly into their radio hit, "Boondocks."This song, while drowning in commercial pop country lyrics, stands apart from most modern country due to the nice four-part harmony of the group.Another standout from this album is their other radio release, "Bring It On Home."In fact, this is probably the strongest song on the album."Wounded" has a nice sound as well.Songs like "Bones," "A Little More You," and "Looking For A Reason," are good, but they all begin to sound alike as the album rolls along.The only glaring downfall in this album is the hokey, pop country drivel, "Welcome To The Family."It falls into the same category as other silly tunes like "American Honky Tonk Bar Association," where it seems that the songwriter tries too hard to make a cheesy country tune.
Great record
I haven't enjoyed a record this much since "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac. Excellent songwriting and beautiful performances. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country