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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.


Must-Have Collection   September 2, 2004
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

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.



a big AJ fan   July 18, 2004
 3 out of 8 found this review helpful

This CD is kind of a rip off, since when it was first released as a 2 disc set. Alan Jackson is awsome as usual, but they should not have changed the 2nd release. Otherwise, I just lucked out with anyone else who got it when it was first released. The video discs are also worth having. Don't be decieved, they have been released as disc 1 & disc 2. When the record producers "B" about people burning copies, this should be taken into consideration. Also, lowering the price of CD's would help!


AWESOME... review by a musician   October 21, 2006
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I am not a die hard country fan in the sense that I listen to a variety of music. However, this album is exceptional and ranks among my favorites. Every song on here is a blockbuster and each of them has a great story behind it. The musicianship is excellent and the arrangements are not canned. Alan Jackson comes across as warm, sincere, engaging and definitely in the groove with his band. In my opinion, there is not one song on here that is a filler, although I do like a few songs less than others. I think this CD is the ONE to own, if you can resist buying more. However, Jackson is a real phenomenon and one of the top talents to come on to the country stage. He has the awards to prove it, but this album proves it with sound. Listen to the samples below and you will hear for yourself. His presence on this album comes across strong and through a good stereo even more so. I've listened to this over and over and have never grown tired of the music. Enjoy!


well, it's Alan   December 29, 2004
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Alan Jackson is an anomaly in modern country music. He's a traditionalist in an era tending away from tradition, and he continually defies the odds by remaining popular and relevant. His second greatest hits album does not sound like quite as much of a throwback to the old country style as his first greatest hits album did: there is an undeniable radio-friendly sheen to the music. It feels contemporary. Still, at the center of the music is Jackson, expressing his down-home sentiments in an impressive country voice; when the instrumentation and production stray into pop territory, we still have Alan there to hold it all together and bring it back home. Which makes this collection a fine one indeed, with a whole line-up of instantly recognizable radio hits from the past several years. Very enjoyable.