Hank Williams Album: “20 Greatest Hits”

Description :

Principally recorded at Castle Studio, Tulane Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee between 1947 & 1952. <p>Digitally remastered by Andrew Nicholas. <p>With his very first hit "Move It On Over," Hank Williams Sr. established himself both as a powerful personality and as a songwriter with a unique gift for both hooky melodies and unforgettable turns of phrase. Williams cranked out numerous other classics over the next five years, revealing in the process a particular gift for heart-wrenching ballads of lost love and broken hearts. He was unquestionably country's biggest star when he died at the age of 29, a victim to drug and alcohol abuse. Other megastars of the era--Webb Pierce, for example--are remembered only by hardcore country fans, but Williams remains a mainstream favorite, a testament to both his emotive singing and his many gifts as a songwriter. <p>20 GREATEST HITS distills Hank Williams' forty chart singles to a single disc of his most familiar and most enduring music. These tracks reveal Williams to be a master not only of the heartbreak ballad but also of the joyful, upbeat dance tune (with such classics as "Jambalaya," and "Hey, Good Lookin'"). Those looking for a more thorough collection of Williams hits should consider 40 GREATEST HITS.

Ok, so you don't want to spring for a two CD set on Hank? Well, kudos to Mercury (yes, some might find it strange I say that) for giving casual fans a one disc set that cuts it down to the nitty-gritty, can't live without selections Hank recorded. This is all you need to find out about Hank if you're new to Hank. I must agree with Colin Escott when he says Country 101. This is the definitive intro to the man who made a lasting effect on country music as we know it. Some of this music is over 50 years old, but it still sounds modern and undated. Kudos to Kira Florita & Colin Escott for giving casual fans the perfect intro disc.

This is definitely worth 10 stars-all of Hank's major hits are here. A great collection for those who only need 1 cd of the big hits. Between his heartfelt songwriting and that wonderful voice with the teardrop in it, this man proved himself to be a colossal talent right up to his untimely death at 29. Anyone who's made it big in country music, male or female, owes a debt of gratitude to Hank Williams. Highly recommended.

I am not a country music fan. This album, however, is an example of a singer-songwriter long before Tori Amos or James Taylor. Hank wrote songs that have been recorded by numerous others, for one reason--they are ground-breaking and continue to sound fresh and sincere. Unlike so much of the country music today, Hank's search was not for the perfect cliche, rather, for a sound as honest as his lyrics. Because of this, his album is a must for the audiophile, as it has shaped music to this day.