Deana Carter Album: “The Deana Carter Collection”

Previous reviewers have criticised this album simply because Deana only had two albums released on Capitol and that the same people are going to buy this.

First thing - I haven't bought this because I have ALL the tracks already, but I assume that this album is aimed at those who didn't buy any of the earlier albums. What they will find are 12 of Deana's finest songs from the first phase of her career.

Second thing - there were actually THREE albums released by Deana Carter on Capitol. The first one, also titled Did I shave my legs for this? was released in the UK (with completely different artwork) about 18 months before the American Did I shave? album. Only three tracks are common to both, including (of course) the title track. Three of the nine UK-only tracks are to be found on this compilation. Americans and Canadians can be forgiven for not realising that these tracks were available some years ago in the UK - but that album is now sadly out of print.

On the assumption that anybody who already has most of Deana's earlier music won't buy this, I give it the maximum rating it deserves for the quality of the music.

The only reason I am giving this CD 2 stars instead of 1 is because of the first three songs: "Strawberry Wine", "We Danced", and "Did I Shave My Legs For This?". The rest of the songs were completely forgettable, and they all sound the same. Deana's singing is listless and boring, and the music lives by the motto "less is more". I listened to around 5 songs after the excellent first three, then turned it off before I was bored to death. This lame CD, combined with the idiotic commercial for Carter's new CMT reality show, makes me certain that I will not be buying anything from her again.

The first time I had ever heard of Deana Carter was when she opened up for Kenny Chesney on the Senioritas and Margaritas tour. I was quite impressed with her music and decided to purchase her CD. I have enjoyed every single song on it. Deana is a great song writer, artist and performer. This is a must have for you country CD collection, trust me, you will not be dissapointed.

There is no denying the talent of Deana Carter. That being said this collection is unnessesary and rather silly to have. Deana only recorded two albums on Capitol, her multi platinum debut DID I SHAVE MY LEGS FOR THIS? and her sophomore slump (undeservingly) EVERYTHINGS GONNA BE ALRIGHT. That takes up 9 tracks, and three bonus unreleased tracks. It's a shame her second album did not take off, its roots in folk and unique choices in material made it a winner, unfortunately people turned its shoulder on it. But she should bounce back, with her new album due later this year. This was nothing but a cash cow for Capitol to make more money off of her great music.

Enjoyed a few of her songs and thought I would like more...and I did. Good collection of songs in this album.