Jo Dee's subsequent release, 1998's I'M ALRIGHT, brought her stardom with a lot of rowdy, catchy hits such as the title track, "Bye Bye," and her Dottie West remake "Lesson In Leavin'" as well as the stirring ballad "Because You Love Me" and the mid-paced declaration "Stand Beside Me." 2000's BURN was almost as successful, but a lot softer, the rollicking "That's The Way" off-set by the power ballads "Burn" and "Downtime," plus the yearn-filled duet with Tim McGraw, "Bring On The Rain."

This Greatest Hits contains all of the aforementioned hits plus four new recordings. These new tracks, including leadoff single "Was That My Life" and its follow-up "I Wish" are reflective and/or optimistic odes of a gentle variety. The collection's sequencing is a bit odd, with several uptempo tracks in a row dominating the first half of the lineup, followed mostly by ballads. Mixing them up better would have made the cd far more enjoyable to listen to, since each individual recording is first-rate.


Great music, barely country   August 2, 2004
-TMcN- (Snohomish, WA United States)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Jo Dee Messina is not hard-core or outlaw country. And hey, I like examples of those types of music in small quantities. But they're hard to take in larger doses. Jo Dee isn't. This album is almost pop-country, which means that purists will sniff their noses at it, but most people will enjoy it, or at least not be annoyed by it. It probably helps that even when she's singing about broken love (a country pre-requisite), she's bouncily facing the optimistic future rather than dwelling on the bleak past like too many other country songs.

This probably all sounds like very faint praise, but it really isn't. There just aren't many albums, especially country, I can listen to in their entirety, without skipping tracks. This is one I can. It has some great songs and all the rest are at least good songs.


Very good cd by Jo Dee!!!   June 6, 2004
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Jo Dee Messina's Greatest Hits cd is very good. Here is how I rate each song on the album:

1) Was That My Life- good song that talks about how fast the years go by. (5 stars)
2) I'm Alright- one of Jo Dee's greatest songs... I love it. (5 stars)
3) Heads Carolina, Tails California- an awesome uptempo song... another favorite of mine. (5 stars)
4)Bye-Bye- Jo Dee talking about saying good bye to love. good song. (5 stars)
5) Stand Beside Me- interesting song...not bad (4 stars)
6) Bring on the Rain- GREAT song.... and the fact that Tim McGraw is in harmony vocals of this song makes it better. (5 stars)
7) Lesson In Leavin'- Not too crazy about this one. OK song. (3 stars)
8) That's the Way- good song. (4 stars)
9) Burn- LOVE this song... the first song that introduced me to Jo Dee. (5 stars)
10) Downtime- great song written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson and it talks about going through a little downtime. (5 stars)
11) Because You Love Me- slow song...another average song on the album. (3 stars)
12) You're Not In Kansas Anymore- My ALL TIME FAVORITE Jo Dee Messina song ever!!!!!! (6 stars!!!!!!!)
13) Wishing Well- new song... but an awesome one. (5 stars)
14) You Belong In the Sun- this is such a fun song... nobody could cut it better than Jo Dee. (5 stars)
15) I Wish- Jo Dee's latest single... a good song about prosperous future wishes after a failing relationship. (5 stars)

An overall great album featuring Jo Dee Messina's Greatest Hits and 4 new hits.


JoDee great job   September 22, 2008
Roberta Hotard (Somewhere here, Florida)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This cd has been wonderful to listen to. Put together very well. I love the song Because You Love Me. Dedicated to my husband of nearly 20 long but great years of my life. He has never judged me, he believes in me and has been there in my life through thick and thin, not talking about weight now, but lifes difficult situations and troubling tough times. If he has left my side it was to go to work and nothing more. I have always questioned that he was going to leave me after all these years, that is a trust issue that i have. But the answer from him is no, Because He loves me. Thank you Jodee you couldnt have sang it any better and for anyone other than me. I love you sweetheart with all of my heart and all that i am and no matter where I live. Thank you for every little thing you do for me, whether it is doing laundry, helping me move around or just being there to listen to me, or handing me a tissue to cry into. Thanks for being there for me and with me. I cant imagine anyone else doing anything better than you. I love you! You do it all Because You Love Me.


Jo Dee Rocks on, This is her album not to miss!!!   April 30, 2004
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

JoDee Messina is extremely talented, and this album is all the proof you need. JoDee is pure country, and someone who doesn't let fame change her, she still remembers her roots with songs normal people can relate to, and she is one of the few singers, who can sing a country song, and make you believe what she's singing, after listening to some of these songs, you really believe Jodee has been through everything she sings about, and isn't just singing lyrics mailed in by writers. She actually has a talent for heartfelt music, and she kicks it with this album like usual. Rock on JoDee, your at the top of your game.