Jim Reeves Album: “Jim Reeves [DJ Specialist]”

Jim's hit career was more complicated than most, because he had different hits in different countries. So, depending on which country you live in, the tracks you regard as essential will vary. This particular collection is an Australian compilation. I have no knowledge of Australian charts, but this collection appears to contain some of his big American hits as well as some of his big British hits, so it includes something for everybody, although it ignores his early music - anybody looking for Bimbo or Mexican Joe will not find them here.

Everybody has their own favorites, but here you will find Distant drums, He'll have to go, I won't come in while he's there, I guess I'm crazy, There's a heartache following me, Snowflake, I love you because, Welcome to my world, Adios Amigo, Is it really over, This is it, Blue side of lonesome and so much more - 50 tracks in all.

Indeed, if you look at the track listing for The essential Jim Reeves, you will find the majority of the 20 songs are here, along with some big American hits that weren't on that CD. I'm not saying that this is necessarily the ultimate Jim Reeves compilation, because I don't think there is such a thing, but it is certainly one of the best I've come across.

I never cared much for Country music until my wife introduced me to Jim Reeves music. My God! I listen to his beautiful songs all the time, like some kind of addict.. and many of them can bring me to tears , unlike the songs from many others. I think he had the most fantastic, soulful voice that there ever was. And he delivered the well-selected pieces with a reverence and soul untouched by time. I went through a very painful divorce with a woman whom I still love and his songs always make me think of her.. like an old friend there to listen.. the world is a better place because of this man.

I've heard some good country singers in my time but Jim Reeves is over and above all of them. He has such a smooth voice and has so much feeling in his songs.

I wish I had been able to see him in person.

I have "The Legendary Jim Reeves" CD by RCA 1986