BlackHawk Album: “Greatest Hits”

This greatest hits CD is one of the best greatest hits collections I have ever heard. All of Blackhawk's hits are here. The CD also includes the touching song, "Always Have, Always Will" written and sung by Dave Robbins to his wife. The three new tracks on this CD are great compliments to the other songs. The song "I Need You All The Time" is a catchy, mindless fun song. Van Stephenson's "Ships of Heaven" is an emotional piece that makes a nice ending to the CD. This collection exemplifies what makes this band great with the harmonizing and great vocalization. This CD is a definite must for any fan of country music.

For a band who had so many hits throughout the nineties, BlackHawk get's very little airplay today. It's a shame--the three guys (now down to two, with guitarist Van Stephenson's passing a couple years ago) were talented singer/songwriter/performers. With Henry Paul's unique voice and Stephenson's and keyboardist Dave Robbins's superb songwriting, they crafted some of country music's best songs.

They could hold their own no matter what the style. Combining traditional country with a new pop-edged sound, Blackhawk has always managed to sound unique. On a ballad, there were/are few better. From Phil Vassar's heartbreaking "Postmarked Birmingham" to Robbins's romantic "Always Have, Always Will," to Stephenson's memorial "Ships of Heaven," the ballads pack a wallop.

But for upbeat fair, you can turn to other songs. "I Need You All the Time" is about as fast and fun as a country song can get; "Down in Flames" is a do-or-die anthem of love; and "There You Have It" is one of country's best two-steppin songs.

You might not hear them much on the radio anymore, but Blackhawk carved a nitch for themselves in country music. They still record today (their latest at this writing was "Spirit Dancer," the title track a salute to Stephenson) and perform. However, it is unlikely that they will ever overpower these early hits. Blackhawk's "Greatest Hits" is an album for country music fans new and old, for Blackhawk is a rare treat.

I guess that's why it's called a "Greatest Hits." These guys have definitely lived up to the name. From the beginning of the CD to the end, Blackhawk delivers what is, in my opinion, an award worthy album. Kicking off with the song that got their career going, "Goodbye Says It All," Blackhawk gives you all their hits and then some. Included on this awesome CD are hits like "Every Once In A While," "I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No," "Like There Ain't No Yesterday" and "There You Have It." They've even included some of their best material that would normally not rank as a "greatest" hit seen as it barely cracked Billboard's Top 40 in "Postmarked Birmingham." With the addition of three new songs, including the heart wrenching tribute to former band member Van Stephenson, "Ships Of Heaven," this album will go down in my books as one of the best of 2000. Way to go Blackhawk! You've definitely earned the right to have your first "Greatest Hits" album on the shelves!

The newest CD of BlackHawk's is the best to date. I know that the first 12 songs are nothing new, but to have them all on one CD is really nice. The final three songs on the CD are new--and they are some of the best songs BlackHawk has ever recorded. When you listen to "I Need You All the Time" you won't be able to control your body. It has a rhythm that is almost addictive! "It Takes A Woman" has lyrics that will touch any woman's heart. "Ships of Heaven" is beautifully written and sung. But be careful...it might just bring a tear to your eye...particularly if you've ever lost a loved one. Outstanding job guys! The CD is worth purchasing just for the final 3 cuts not to mention all the other favorites you'll be getting in the process. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone!

This Album is one of my favorites that Blackhawk have put out, even though I love all their albums. For one thing, it was born on a very special day.. My Birthday!

And one of the songs on here, 'Down in Flames' has always been a favorite of mine, even way before I knew who the artists were. I finally found out, when I emailed a radio station in Temple Texas, USA. They were extremely helpful, and told me that the song I loved so much, was a 'Blackhawk' song.

All the songs on this album are fantastic, I love the sound, and can't wait till I hear then live...