Greatest Hits Volume II

A terrific follow-up to "Greatest Hits Vol. I", this collection is a must for Jackson fans; it of course has his mega-hit with Jimmy Buffett, "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", and there's a good balance between the up-tempo songs and the ballads. The musicianship is outstanding, including the masterful mandolin and fiddle work by Stuart Duncan, and piano by Hargus "Pig" Robbins.

The songs:
"I'll Go On Loving You" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Written by Kieran Kane (once of the short-lived but brilliant duo The O'Kanes in the late '80s), the words and melody are superb, and Alan sings it with the tender soul of a poet.
"The Blues Man" is so lovely, so mellow; written by Hank Williams Jr., it has a simplicity that goes right to the heart.
Jackson wrote nine of the songs in this collection. He has a sharp wit and honesty with his lyrics, and a great melodic sense; some of my favorites are:
"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" is Alan's tribute to 9/11, and is a song that spoke words that were on our minds, and helped us heal.
"Drive" is one Alan wrote for his father Gene, and it tells a wonderful generational story.
"Remember When" is about Alan's thoughts on marriage, and is an exquisitely romantic, heartfelt finish for this marvelous album.

This CD of super hits was just declared Triple Platinum, and Jackson has recently become ACM's Most-Nominated artist...he's won over 80 major awards, and one listen to this fabulous recording shows why; as songwriter, singer, performer and musician, few in the history of country music are in the same league as Alan Jackson. He's a legend, and one of my favorite artists in any genre. The booklet insert includes all the lyrics, and total playing time is 70'29.

Since releasing his first "Greatest Hits Collection," Alan Jackson has continued to write and record some truly great country music. Covering the period from 1996 - 2002, the second volume of hits contains some of his best work ever, especially the heartbreaking "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" (#1 for 5 weeks in 2001-2002), which Alan penned in the wake of the attack on the World Trade Center. The song finally gave Alan a Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year, and it's worthy of every accolade.

People sometimes forget what a talented writer Alan is, but he wrote a number of other songs here. One of the best is "Little Man" (#3 in 1999), which eloquently describes the disappearance of small businesses run by the eponymous "little" men. The fun and rollicking "Where I Come From" (#1 for 3 weeks in 2001) describes his upbringing, where there was "a lot of front porch pickin" and "cornbread and chicken." Finally, this CD includes Alan's simple but amazing tribute to his father - "Drive (For Daddy Gene)" (#1 for 4 weeks in 2002).

Although Alan is a great songwriter, he's savvy enough to collect material from other great songsmiths. "Right on the Money" (#1 for 1 week in 1999) is a mid-tempo song written by Charlie Black and Phil Vassar, with a chorus that implants itself in your brain. "I'll Go On Loving You" (#3 in 1998) was composed by Kieran Kane; it's an unusual song for Alan - mostly spoken word over a beautiful string-drenched score. "Everything I Love" is vintage Jackson - a lament for having to abide by moderation.

In addition to these great originals, Alan has had big hits with a number of top-notch covers. "Pop a Top" (#6 in 1999), "Little Bitty" (#1 for 3 weeks in 1996), and Who's Cheatin' Who" (#2 in 1997) are great examples of the fun, up-tempo songs he often remakes. He also does a beautiful cover of "It Must Be Love" (#1 for 1 week in 2000), which was a #1 hit for Don Williams.

Finally, two new songs are included. "Remember When" is a pretty ballad with a prominent steel guitar; it was a big hit. Alan also pairs with Jimmy Buffett again on "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," following their earlier duet on "Margaritaville." It's a fun, although somewhat disposable song.

Overall, this collection is amazing and really shows what a superstar Alan Jackson has become. Because he's humble and unassuming, Alan doesn't always receive the attention he deserves, especially among casual country fans. Fortunately, he's quietly and steadily keeping alive the tradition of great country music. Most highly recommended.

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!'