Billy Ray Cyrus Album: “Best Of Billy Ray Cyrus”

I agree with the reviewer from Philadelphia that Cyrus has gotten a bum rap from the critics and the country music "establishment". "Achy Breaky Heart" was a novelty song but it was catchy, clever, funny and upbeat. What's wrong with that? Furthermore, the rest of that album ("Some Gave All") was terrific--his voice is impressive and the songs were thoughtful, humorous, melodic and moving. It's still my favorite of all his CDs, although I haven't heard "Southern Rain". This collection of his "best" is not all I would like it to be since it leaves out several of his best songs (" Some Gave All", for one)but it is good as far as it goes and gives a pretty good idea of his talent. There is a lot of trash in country music today and a lot of marginal ability which is far below the quality of Cyrus. Get off his back, folks, and enjoy a unique and engaging entertainer.

The reviewer from Philadelphia is exactly right. Billy Ray's only mistake was making "Achy Breaky Heart" his first single. Critics had a field day with this one, stereotyping him as "all looks, no talent." But anyone open-minded enough to keep listening has learned that he's got plenty of talent, a strong singing voice, & a message (in fact, several of them.) Having said that, I feel this is a good, but not great album. In my opinion, it doesn't include all of B.R.'s best hits. Overall, this collection is too ballad-heavy for me. While it does include several radio hits, my favorite track is the self-penned "Trail of Tears", a thought-provoking, surprisingly up-tempo song addressing the plight of the Native American. "Bluegrass State of Mind" is a nice slow, mandolin-flavored tune, & by the time you get to "Achy Breaky" at the end, this is a welcome change of pace from the rest of the album. I would've liked to see "Deja Blue", "Redneck Heaven" and/or "I Ain't Even Left" included to break up the mood. Also, where's "Some Gave All", Billy's tribute to Vietnam Vets?

If you want some really good Billy Ray songs, buy this as it is all you will ever need from him. It includes some of his best known hits including his blockbuster "Achy Breaky Heart" which is probably my least favorite. But the rest of it shows Billy can sing something other than a novelty song.

This cd has everything I will ever want and need from Billy Ray Cyrus. "Achy Breaky Heart" is one of the classics that, I believe, makes Billy Ray Cyrus very inspiring and, above all, popular. Along with 'achy breaky', I also enjoy some of the songs that Cyrus had performed, like 'Storm in the Heartland', 'She's Not Cryin' Anymore', 'In the Heart of a Woman', and 'Could've Been Me'. Billy Ray Cyrus, I believe, has changed the way I listen to country music forever.

as usual billy ray has excelled himself I loved every song on this cd excellent voice and lyrics