C.G.P.
Artist: Chet Atkins
Community Score: 10.00

Chet Atkins' '80s makeover into a contemporary crossover jazz guitar player continues unabated here, with a difference. With keyboardist Darryl Dybka co-producing, the level of material is somewhat higher than it had been on some earlier albums, boosted by a handful of superior rock tunes. "Chinook Wind" has an interesting, terse tune, and the... Read More

The Essential Chet Atkins - RCA
Artist: Chet Atkins
Community Score: 10.00

Since The Essential Chet Atkins concentrates on his instrumental tracks -- including hits like "Mr. Sandman" and "Yakety Axe" -- it functions as the best single-disc retrospective of the guitarist. It is also one of the only collections that concisely demonstrates his subtlely dazzling virtuosity. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide Read More

The Essential Eddy Arnold
Artist: Eddy Arnold

The Essential Eddy Arnold contains the majority of Eddy Arnold's biggest hits, including "Make the World Go Away" and "Cattle Call." It's the only single-disc retrospective that offers a reasonably thorough overview of his hit singles, making it an ideal introduction and -- considering that the two-disc box set Last of the Love Song Singers... Read More

Super Hits
Artist: Tammy Wynette

A no-frills, ten-song disc running under 29 minutes, Super Hits should be purchased only at a discount price by a newcomer to Tammy Wynette who wants to get an idea of her music. That said, the set contains her three biggest hits, "I Don't Wanna Play House," "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," and "Stand by Your Man," five other number one hits, and two more that... Read More

The Essential Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton
Artist: Porter Wagoner

Tee Vee's collection of Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton's 20 greatest hits contains several of their Top Ten country duets, including "The Last Thing on My Mind," "Holding On to Nothin'," "Just Someone I Used to Know," "If Teardrops Were Pennies," "Please Don't Stop Loving Me," and "Lost Forever in Your Kiss." This is an adequate compilation for... Read More

The Essential Skeeter Davis
Artist: Skeeter Davis
Community Score: 6.00

Featuring 20 tracks, The Essential Skeeter Davis collects all of her big hits from both the country and pop charts, making it the one definitive compilation. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide Read More

Essential, Vol. 3
Artist: Glen Campbell

The third installment of Glen Campbell's Essential series features his number one hit "Wichita Lineman" among a handful of other hit singles and selected rarities. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide Read More

The Essential Jim Reeves - RCA
Artist: Jim Reeves
Community Score: 9.00

The Essential Jim Reeves runs through 20 of Reeves' biggest hits, throwing a couple of rarities along the way. It's by no means definitive, but it offers a good introduction to his countrypolitan sound. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide Read More

Twelve Songs of Christmas
Artist: Jim Reeves
Community Score: 10.00

The '60s C&W sound is still great in the '90s. ~ David A. Milberg, All Music Guide Read More

Kimberley Jim
Artist: Jim Reeves
Community Score: 10.00

Kimberly Jim is the soundtrack to the film in which Jim Reeves starred shortly before his death. The music runs the gamut, from rousing Broadway-style show tunes with a vocal chorus to a version of "Roving Gambler" that is one of the best and most country-sounding recordings of Reeves' late career. Other selections, including "Kimberly Jim" and... Read More

George Jones & Gene Pitney
Artist: Gene Pitney

When George Jones left United Artists to join Musicor in 1965, it was decided to start off with a duet recording session with teen idol (and labelmate) Gene Pitney. The session resulted in two duet albums -- George Jones & Gene Pitney and It's Country Time Again -- as well as a solo country album by Pitney, The Country Side of Gene Pitney. Bear... Read More