Given the length and breadth of Rogers' career, it's impossible to provide even a basic introduction in only 12 tracks. This collection is a mere taste of Rogers' musical successes, drawn from across a career that spanned early hits with The First Edition, breakout solo signatures like "Lucille" and "The Gambler," and latter-day successes such as the early 90s chart-topper, "Crazy in Love." Hip-O, a division of Universal Music, has pulled together tracks recorded originally for MCA, Capitol Nashville, and Reprise, representing a broad sweep of Rogers' work.
Oddly, the album presents the tracks in reverse chronological order, starting with "Crazy in Love," progressing through Rogers' solo hits, and finishing with the early chart successes of The First Edition. What's here is great - especially less radio-familiar tunes like "Tell it All Brother" and "Ruben James." The neo-psychedelia of "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" is a real kick, mixing the druggy production sounds of late-60s San Francisco with the chipper singing of The New Christy Minstrels.
Those who like this dozen tracks will quickly want to find songs like "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer," "Coward of the County," "Islands in the Stream" and many more. As a budget priced entry, this is a quick and inexpensive way to pick up some of Rogers' greatest hits, but it's bound to leave you wanting more.
3-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings.
