John Denver Album: “Rocky Mountain High [Bonus Track]”

Few albums truly move me as much as this one does. I'm not really a country music fan and as a result I have very few albums of that particular genre however good music is good music and this album has got to be one of the best albums ever let alone John Denver's best. John has a distinct voice that grabs at your heart and you just know he means every word he sings the way he delivers his vocals. Amazing that this album was made decades ago when the themes of environmental protection are still so relevant especially so even today. "Paradise" is a brilliant track that should be the anthem for environmentalists today. I'm normally not a fan of covers as the originals usually sound a lot better than the imitators but John does a very decent job of putting his own spin to the Beatles' classic "Mother Nature's Son".

Every track is so fitting of the environmental theme and there are simply no fillers on this baby. I was very impressed with the great acoustic guitar playing on the instrumentals and especially on the "Season Suite". This version of the album comes in a mini-lp replica sleeve (mlps) design that is very well done with very good quality, thick cardboard. In fact, this is the best mlps design that I've ever seen and believe me I've seen many. The album cover is the most beautiful one I've ever seen in any case. Being Singaporean, I hope to one day get a chance to see the beautiful Rocky Mountains for real and I'm sure they are even more beautiful than what is portrayed on the album cover. Also included is a 16-page booklet that has all the lyrics in both English and Japanese as well as a bonus track which is an alternate take on the last track "Season Suite". The sound quality has been very well mastered too for a very good sound.

If you are looking at good, peaceful, music that comes straight from the soul and sung in such a heartfelt manner, you need look no further. And if you happen to be a guitarist like me who loves good acoustic guitar work then this is essential listening for you. As far as cohesiveness and overall consistent track quality goes, this has got to be John Denver's best album ever.

Highly recommended.