Glen Campbell Album: “Classic Campbell”

This 3 disc set contains many of Glen's hits, including his first, "Universal Soldier". It also has some supurb cuts from some of his many albums. As you will soon discover, Glen is more than just a country artist. He covers some of the greats such as Al Martino, Roy Orbison, and Frank Sinatra. In fact, his cover of My Way gives Sinatra's version a run for its money. Glen also plays a "mean" guitar. And there are 5 instrumentals to prove it. These are all originals, not re-recordings. This 2006 UK release is a must for all Glen Campbell fans.

This is an import from Europe. The 3 cd set has some of his hits interspersed with cover songs and instrumentals with Glen on guitar. Everything from his bluesy version 'Learnin' The Blues', cover of 'He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother' which rivals the Neil Diamond and Hollies versions, hit's like 'Rhinestone Cowboy', instrumental 'Classical Gas', 'King Of The Road', etc. The sound quality is variable dependent on which album the tune was culled. Liner notes included. A reasonably good set.

For a 3-disc anthology, this set has too many poor and odd choices. Yes, the obvious hits are all here, but this disc also has more than a bit of schlock; see the unnecessary covers of songs like "My Way" and "The Impossible Dream", or big band arrangements on weak tunes like "Learnin' the Blues". The other problem with this collection is that it doesn't flow at all, jumping around Glen's career from 60s to 70s and back again. A much, much better "Hits" collection to get is the 2-CD set called the "Capitol Years." No need to get this one unless you are a real completist, but then again the boxed set would cover more material and do a better job of quality material. This one is just plain strange.

An exceptional collection of Glen's hits and other lesser-known recordings. These recordings are clean and sound as if they have been remastered.