Many of the songs are upbeat, happy songs but I was drawn to his music originally by Here in the real world, a sad song that Alan delivers superbly, which was the title track of his debut album.

The album opens with Chattahoochie, a very upbeat song that should get those toes tapping. There are so many great songs here, including Gone country (an amusing song about failed pop and folk singers trying to sing country), Midnight in Montgomery (an ode to Hank Williams), I don't even know your name (which Alan wrote as a joke) and Someday (about always putting things off to be done some day).

Alan writes or co-writes most of his own material, but has also demonstrated his brilliance with covers. On this collection, you will find covers of Tall tall trees (George Jones), Summertime blues (Eddie Cochran) and Mercury blues.

This collection covers the hits from the albums Here in the real world, Don't rock the jukebox, A lot about living and Who I am, together with two songs especially recorded for this collection - I'll try and the previously-mentioned Tall tall trees. As I write this, there is no volume two, but there is certainly enough material for such a volume.


every one a winner   June 17, 2001
Alejandra Vernon (Long Beach, California)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

There isn't a lame song in this whole collection. Not only is Jackson a superstar for his talent as a performer, but his copious gift as a songwriter will ensure his fame long after he's gone from this earthly realm.

He penned 15 of the 20 songs on this CD, among them many of my favorites like "She's Got the Rhythm" and most of all, "Midnight in Montgomery"...the entire CD is worth buying for this song alone...a moving tribute to Hank Williams, with a haunting, beautiful melody.

The musicianship thoughout is top-notch. Just listen to "I Don't Even Know Your Name"...it's spectacular, and those guitars on "Mercury Blues" !...just amazing. The booklet is great, with lyrics and commentary by Jackson about each song (though you'll need a magnifying glass to read it, it's worth it), and lots of photos, including a back page "centerfold" of Mr. Long 'n' Lean himself that's really, I mean really good.


Just go country   August 1, 2003
Jerzy Strukowski (Warsaw, Poland)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I recomend Alan Jackson and his music (particularly this album)as a start up for those who have never been about to even try listening to country music. Once you hear it you'll love it. Songs here are very well balanced from dynamic and "full of pep" Chatahoochie, educative "I don't even know your name" (straight tequilla may place you in a very unfavourable situation)to nostalgic "Home".
So if you're not already "Gone country" at least give it a try now.


Some of the best country music ever put into an album   January 7, 2000
retrowens (Alabama, USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

To name this album a Greatest Hits Collection is is somewhat modest after you listen to it because I think this album goes beyond greatest hits. These songs span the whole globe of country music no matter what kind of it you like the best. There are great love songs, songs that'll make you laugh, tribute songs, and good ol' country music in the rest. There's not a bad song on here. The country song that got me to start listening to country in the first place is on here (Don't Rock the Jukebox). I used to just like rock 'n roll but I credit Alan Jackson the most for getting me hooked on country music. This was also the first country music album that I bought. Now i have a collection of at least 20.


A great CD for all music fans   October 25, 1999
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Alan Jackson is one of the few current country artists that adhere to the country music traditions established by Merle Haggard and George Jones. This CD has it all -- upbeat honky tonk, gorgeous ballads, great songwriting, and Jackson's classic baritone. This CD is a must for not only country music fans, but fans of great songwriting in general, no matter the genre.