After releasing the 14 track
in 1997 and the 13 track
in 2006, the 2007 "16 Biggest Hits" is the closest their label has come to getting it right... although it's still not perfect. And if there is a country group that deserves a "perfect" compilation, it's Diamond Rio who ruled the country charts back in the '90s.
Popularity has been a bit elusive for them, as it has been for so many of the neo-traditional acts of the '90s, during this era of pop/rock oriented country radio. But one listen to the beautiful harmonies and incredible musicianship on this collection and you'll know why their '90s success was so well deserved.
"16 Biggest Hits" certainly includes their "biggest" hits from the earliest singles that took country radio by storm ("Meet in the Middle", "Mirror Mirror") to later, more reflective tracks such as "Beautiful Mess" and "One More Day". "16 Biggest Hits" also includes 3 singles that, for reasons that I can't fathom, were not included on either of the earlier hits collections: "This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet", "Nowhere Bound", and "Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby". Finally!
Unfortunately this CD does not completely replace Greatest Hits I/II because missing in action are essentials "Night is Falling In my Heart", "Imagine That", "That's What I Get for Loving You", "Bubba Hyde", and... well, most of the tracks on GH II. Still "16 Biggest" is the way to go if you want to pick up a single Diamond Rio compilation disc.
What can you say about a Diamond Rio Greatest Hits CD? I've only seen them live once but it was in a small intimate setting. These guys are awesome!
The individual talents of each member accentuate rather than overshadow the other members of the band. Their vocals are clean and pleasant without the often present nasal tone in some other bands. The choice of songs included on this CD was superb. I can't think of anything they left out.
But I hate cardboard CD cases. It was fine for LPs 40 years ago.
You can't go wrong with this album. It has all the best of some of their earlier stuff. Love it!
I bought this for two songs but got more...I am a fan of older country and this doesn't disappoint but it wasn't the best
Bought this one for the picture. The collection though is nice, it certainly is a wonderful present to give to other people, so they can get a good look at the diversity of songs, styles and musicality that fills each one of these six great craftmen that together form Diamond Rio, the band that - for my taste - redefined New Country.
