Bellamy Brothers Album: “Greatest Hits, Volume 1 (Curb)”

Besides Greatest Hits Volume 2, this is about the only other hits CD where every song is the original recording. The brothers have, over the past twelve years, released a number of compliations that have included re-recorded material, either by vocal and/or arrangements, that just didn't do the songs justice. In this instance, it was primarily due to the fact that Curb records owned the rights to this particular album and the Bellamy's were not able to release it under thier own record label, started in 1991.

The album basically goes chronologically through thier career from thier first hit "Let you love flow" to thier first country hit "If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me". And unlike most acts now adays where three cuts tend to be released, two songs from each album during this period make into the collection with the exception of 'Redneck Girl', which was also released a year later on "Strong Weakness". This "mindless song", as Howard refers to it, was included on this album both to make an even ten cuts and because this was to be thier last album under WEA and thier producer felt it could be a big hit. As someone mentioned in another review, this is also the only Hits collection of the Bellamy's, aside from 70's hits collections, where the original "Let you love flow" appears. A re-recorded version in 1991 had more of a European flavor, not surprising considering the song was produced in Germany and the Brothers tour there yearly, and just didn't seem to have the same feel as the edgier, southern rock style of the original.

The only disapoinment comes from the occlusion of two songs that were quite popular in the early 80's but were only released as singles and never included on any album. They were: "You're my favorite Star" and the controversial "They could put me in Jail". Many women's groups objected to the Don McDills tune, one of the few songs the Bellamy's recorded that they didn't write, claiming that the song promoted 'date-rape'. Listen to the song and make you're own decision. It was pulled from rotation soon after, climbing to number 7 on the charts and may well have been on its way to number 1.

All in all, this is a great collection and a great summer day listen. Buy it, pop it in the old CD player and before long, you'll probably find yourself singing right along.

A fan..

Recently I read an article on one hit wonders of the 1970's, and to my surprise the Bellamy Brothers were listed for their song "Let Your Love Flow" which topped the pop charts in 1976, and is their most recognizable hit. However, the Bellamy Brothers have had many hits on the country music charts, and have received more CMA nominations than any other duo in country music, a category which would include the Judds and Brooks & Dunn. This CD is the first volume of their hits from 1976-1982. Included are "Let Your Love Flow", "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body", "You Ain't Just Whistlin Dixie", "Lovers Live Longer", and "For All the Wrong Reasons" plus 5 more songs. If you want the Bellamy Brothers' latest hits, you would need to buy volumes 2 & 3 of their greatest hits. This first volume of their greatest hits is highly recommended.

Great songs, unique style, timeless classics. One problem : too short ! Paul LeBoutillier, Rimouski (Quebec)

I love the CD. I was surprised at the speed it was delivered. the CD was in nexcellent condition and I would buy from this seller again.

This CD has most of the biggest hits from the aforementioned period of the Bellamy's career. Most of the top 10 hits are here. Their top 20 hits "Slippin' Away", "Lovin' You" and "They Could Put Me In Jail" are not included. "Let Your Love Flow" and "Get Into Reggae Cowboy" were not even top 20 country hits. However, they are both great songs and deserve to appear on any Bellamy Brothers compilation.

If you have this CD, you should also get Greatest Hits Volume Two and Greatest Hits Volume Three. Volume Three is however out-of-print and hard to find. You can still find copies of the Bellamy Brothers' Greatest Hits Volume Three at Amazon Marketplace.