Tim McGraw Album: “Greatest Hits”

This album isn't as thorough as it could be. There are many key tracks missing that were also hits. "Everywhere", "Can't Be Really Gone", "One of These Days", "Not a Moment Too Soon", "Some Things Never Change", and "Refried Dreams" are all missing. Having said that, the 15 tracks that are present serve as a very good introduction to those who aren't familiar with Tim McGraw's music. I question putting "Let's Make Love" on there since that is more of a Faith Hill song and appears on her album "Breathe". The cd is just over 55 minutes so all those other tracks I mentioned could have been added. But I do like the album nonetheless and although there are no new tracks, it's a great collection for those who want most of McGraw's music on one collection. This is Tim McGraw's first greatest hits compilation and at the rate his songs climb the charts, I don't think this will be his last.

This is one of the best greatest hits albums out today. Tim McGraw is approaching the level of George Strait and Alan Jackson with this quality of work. I particularly like the fact that song selections are from each of the last four albums and lean toward country more than pop. Tim McGraw has a unique and pleasant voice, good material, and injects emotion in his work. This all adds up to enjoyable listening experience.

First things first-- I AM NOT A HUGE COUNTRY FAN. So you know when mainstream rock fans like myself become interested in a country CD, it's gotta be different. Catchy. Persuasive.

Hence I review one of the best around, McGraw's Greatest Hits. I became pretty hooked on this guy after one of my roommates played 1997's "Everywhere" non-stop. At first I thought I was getting annoyed. Then I started noticing myself humming "It's Your Love" on the way to class. The rest is history.

This album showcases some of his best work; stuff like "Where the green grass grows," "Please Remember Me," "Don't Take the Girl," and "My Next Thirty Years." But, I also have some criticism for one of my country heroes. Why "Let's Make Love?" Not only is it not that great of a song, but it suggests that Tim is riding off his wife's fame, both with the time of album release and inclusion of the song. Your much better than that Tim. But all things aside, this album still excites me more than looking at a picture of Faith Hill on one of these cold winter nights. Tim, you're a lucky man. Oh yea.... and talented, too.

Normally, greatest hits packages include a few new tracks as bait for longtime fans who already own every CD by the artist. Tim McGraw's GREATEST HITS collection isn't one of those, but it is the perfect place to start for the casual fan who's heard and enjoyed McGraw's songs on the radio. GREATEST HITS does an admirable job of collecting McGraw's biggest successes since his 1994 breakthrough with the very politically incorrect single "Indian Outlaw."

The artist's hits usually fall into two categories--rockin' country rave-ups, and tender ballads. The best are collected here: the reach-for-the-Kleenex weeper "Don't Take the Girl," the goofy Mexicana of "Refried Dreams," the rowdy live favorites "Down on the Farm" and "I Like It, I Love It," and the sensuous, slow-burning "It's Your Love," one of two duets with McGraw's wife, Faith Hill. McGraw's later singles show a marked artistic growth, as evidenced by the sweeping, majestic "Please Remember Me," and the introspective "My Next Thirty Years." Two of McGraw's finest singles--"Everywhere" and "One of These Days"--are inexplicably missing, but GREATEST HITS is still a fine purchase for the fan who wants to beef up his or her country music collection.

Tim McGraw's Greatest Hits cd is a must have for your cd collection. You will never get tired of listening to these country hits over and over again. Beginning with the controversial, yet career starting hit, "Indian Outlaw," this cd is full of wonderful songs that will make you want to join in and sing along. He follows up the first song with other great songs like, "Don't Take the Girl," "I Like it I Love it," and "Down on the Farm."

It has been four years since this cd came out and I still keep it in my cd player at home. I think it is about time for a new greatest hits cd to come out for Tim McGraw. There needs to be a cd with the current hits, such as "Real Good Man", "Red Ragtop", and "Live Like You Were Dying", along with the older songs that were overlooked on the first album.