Sammy Kershaw Album: “20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Sammy Kershaw”

George Jones disciple smilin' Sammy Kershaw was one of the '90s top country stars. This disc contains his twelve top 10 hits on the Mercury label.

Kershaw's specialty - particularly in the early years - was uptempo tunes like "Cadillac Style," "She Don't Know She's Beautiful," "Third-Rate Romance." I feel he's at his best, though, when tackling a touching ballad such as "Love Of My Life" or "I Can't Reach Her Anymore."

Each of the enclosed recordings was deservedly a big hit. I think, however, you should splurge for both of the Chapter hits collections instead if you can afford them, as Sammy had many great singles which stopped short of the top 10. Missing here, for instance, is Chapter One's hauntingly reflective "Yard Sale," while included on Chapter Two but omitted here are such gems as his stirring duet with wife Lorrie Morgan on "Maybe Not Tonight" and the rip-roaring "Honky Tonk America."

Sammy's now on Audium records, rising up the charts with the single "I Want My Money Back." These Mercury recordings, however, are what he will always be best remembered for. If you can only afford one Sammy disc, this is the set to get.

Is Sammy Kershaw a twentieth century master? Right off the bat, you'd probably say no. But wait just a minute and think it over. Who has done a better job in the nineties of connecting country music with the working class? Who has done a better job of bringing the redneck out of us all through his/her music?

I can't think of anyone.

So maybe Sammy Kershaw IS a twentieth century master. Take "Cadillac Style," a poor man's love song. Or "Queen of my Double Wide Trailer," a redneck tune if one ever existed. How about "National Working Woman's Holiday"--now THERE'S a song that cuts straight to the bone of the middle class. "Third Rate Romance," too, takes a jab at society's somewhat messed up view of the "lower members."

The flirtatious "Don't Go Near the Water" and the humorous "Vidalia" bring to life the struggles that we all have, whether it be the opposite sex or names. And "Haunted Heart" gives us a haunting sound, with "Meant to Be" bringing into the mix a little fate. And of course there's "Love of My Life," probably one of the ultimate love songs of the nineties.

Sammy Kershaw has always had a way with his songs; he doesn't write 'em, but he OWNS 'em, if you catch my drift. He has a radio-friendly sound and voice that listeners like, even if you are a critic of radio-friendliness. Let's face it: you've heard Sammy Kershaw, and you LIKE Sammy Kershaw. Don't hide from it; face the facts--you're a redneck, and you like country music! So am I, and I'm proud to say it!

This album is the definitive nineties country sound, 'cause Sammy Kershaw was THERE. Give this album a listen--you'll love it, because whether or not it's Kershaw singing, it's YOU he's singing about.

just one I missed when on Holiday In America but now it's in my collection and I'm verry happy with my purchase