Critic's Review
Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
How does one define "greatest" in terms of the long career of a popular country singer and songwriter? It may simply be the definition of the compiler, or what material was available for license -- hence, a generic term. But what the hell, there isn't a weak cut on this 18 Greatest, not by a long shot. Willie Nelson's issued some dead dog files records in his tenure, but none of these cuts get that dubious distinction. Here are well-known classics such as "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain" and "Crazy," "Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," "Reasons to Quit," and "Is There Something on Your Mind." But there are also tracks that deserve classic status though they may not not be well-known to the casual Nelson fan: "Half a Man," "You Wouldn't Cross the Street to Say Goodbye," "Shelter of My Arms," and many others. This may not be the volume for a Nelson beginner, but for the more than causal listener there are true gems here worthy of discovery -- especially for the price.
