Here are reviews of new greatest hits albums.
BROOKS & DUNN; "Greatest Hits II" (Arista Nashville) ** 1/2
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn needed a second disc to complete its "Greatest Hits" songs. "That's What It's All About," "The Long Goodbye," "Husbands and Wives," "That's What She Gets for Loving Me" and "You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl" shine on this album. "A Man This Lonely," "I'll Never Forget My Heart" and "If You See Him/If You See Her" (with Reba McEntire) add to the heartfelt quality of the song list. This is a must for Brooks & Dunn fans. — Scott Iwasaki
JACKSON BROWNE; "The Very Best of Jackson Browne" (Elektra/Rhino) ***
Back in the 1970s Jackson Browne was all over the radio. Although his only Top 10 hit, "Somebody's Baby," was in 1982, he wrote the Eagles its first single, "Take It Easy," and even gave one of his own songs, "Doctor My Eyes," to the Jackson Five. These two songs are included in this two-CD package. Others include his trademark restless anthems "Boulevard," "Running on Empty," "Tender Is the Night" and "The Pretender." The live version of "Stay" and his most recent single, "Naked Ride Home," complete this nice little collection. — S.I.
RODNEY CARRINGTON; "Greatest Hits" (Capitol) ** 1/2
Call him the redneck Don Rickles. Rodney Carrington is as funny as he can be offensive when he rattles off his stand-up shtick. He makes fun of everyone — his wife ("Wife at Garage Sales"), his childhood ("Growing Up Poor — Toughskins Jeans") and religion ("Baptist Revival"). He also takes aim at Asians ("Japanese Restaurant") and women ("Tips on Marriage"). And these are only on the first CD. The second CD is his music, and such songs as "The Night the Bar Closed Down," "More of a Man" and "In Her Day" are just as offensive, outrageous and sometimes bitterly funny. — S.I.
TERRI CLARK; "Greatest Hits 1994-2004" (Mercury Nashville) ***
Sassy, unbridled and heartfelt — that's country singer Terri Clark's songs. And her best works have been put on one CD, a smorgasbord that includes her first hit, "Better Things to Do," and adds such mid-career works as "Emotional Girl," "Now That I Found You" and "I Just Wanna Be Mad," among others. There is also a new track, "Girls Lie Too." The collection is a nice career rundown of this free-spirited Grammy-nominated singer. — S.I.
JOE COCKER; "Ultimate Collection" (Hip-O) ****
The white soul singer Joe Cocker has been parodied for his physical vocal delivery, but there's no denying he feels every note, beat and lyric of his songs. This album conveys that standard in each of its 20 tracks. His gospel-esque version of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" and "She Came Through the Bathroom Window," as well as "Shelter Me" and "Sail Away," have stood the test of time. And any Cocker compilation would be incomplete without his trademark "You Are So Beautiful" and his comeback hit (with Jennifer Warnes), "Up Where We Belong." — S.I.
PHIL COLLINS; "Love Songs: a Compilation . . . Old and New" (Atlantic/Rhino) ***
Phil Collins, the singer-drummer for Genesis and solo artist, has had a wonderful career. And by the look of this two-CD set, he knows how to make the heart swoon. "Tearing & Breaking," "Against All Odds," "Groovy Kind of Love," It's in Your Eyes" and "Can't Stop Loving You" find Collins at his best. His live version of "True Colors," "Separate Lives" and the Temptations' "My Girl" highlight the second disc. Versatile and professional, Collins has a distinct voice and sound. — S.I.
SHAWN COLVIN; "Polaroids: A Greatest Hits Collection" (Columbia) *** 1/2
Grammy-winner Shawn Colvin is a crafty songwriter. And when she sings with her clear, soothing vocals, it only makes her songs shine brighter. This album features some of her best from her time at Columbia Records: "Sunny Came Home," "Diamond in the Rough," "You and the Mona Lisa" and a remake of the Police's "Every Little Thing (He) Does Is Magic," along with a bonus track featuring the Beatles' "I'll Be Back." But you won't find such early folksy works as "Shotgun Down an Avalanche" in this 15-track set; she didn't record that for Columbia. — S.I.
DEPECHE MODE; "Remixes '81-04" (Mute/Reprise) ** 1/2
This one represents a nice concept that works, for the most part. The goth, new wave of Depeche Mode would seem to be a natural for a remix album. But sometimes the remixes just become meanderings. It's no secret that one of the impact points of DM's music is vocalist Dave Gahan's haunting delivery. And some of these mixes take too long getting to the payoff. But having such master mixers as the techno group Air, Johnny Dollar Portishead, Daniel Miller and Linkin Park's Mark Shinoda on hand gives the album a nice shot of rave. "Personal Jesus," "Enjoy the Silence," "Route 66," "Barrel of a Gun" and "Just Can't Get Enough" are just a few of the works revamped. — S.I.
DAVE EDMUNDS; "From Small Things: the Best of Dave Edmunds" (Columbia/Legacy) ** 1/2
Listeners will find themselves tapping their feet to this one. The former Rockpile founder, Dave Edmunds, has always loved the rockabilly sound and capitalized on it in his band and solo outings. While "I Know the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)," "I Hear You Knocking" and "Girls Talk" are included on this retrospective, there are some missing gems — "I'm Coming Home" and "High School Nights" are nowhere to be heard. But fulfillment comes with a live version of "Girls Talk" and the standard studio version of "Slipping Away." — S.I.
AMY GRANT; "Greatest Hits 1986-2004" (A&M) *** 1/2
The joyful upbeat single "Baby, Baby" is Amy Grant's biggest crossover hit. The inspirational singer found solace in working with Keb' Mo' ("Come Be With Me") and Peter Cetera ("The Next Time I Fall") and her husband, Vince Gill, ("House of Love"). In doing so, she has managed to keep making the music she and her fans want to hear. Her remake of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," 10cc's "Things We Do for Love," and a new song, "The Water," are more bright tunes for her resume and this greatest-hits album. There is also a bonus disc with extended singles of "Every Heartbeat," "That's What Love Is For," "I Will Remember You" and "House of Love." — S.I.
MACY GRAY; "The Very Best of Macy Gray" (Epic) ***
Funky, spiritual and full of swank, Macy Gray hit the scene back in 1997 with "I Try." Her throaty delivery and grooving '70s soul-style arrangements shot her to the top before she faded into TV-commercial jingles. "Do Something," the suggestive "Sexual Revolution," "Boo" and the commercialized take on Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" are in place alongside original takes and new remixes of "When I See You," "I've Committed Murder" and "Sexual Revolution." Put this on for a disco inferno. — S.I.
SAMMY HAGAR; "The Essential Red Collection" (Hip-O) ***
When Sammy Hagar joined Van Halen in 1986, he found himself confined to a certain sound. When he first hit the scene back in the early '70s with Montrose, he was able to do a little more experimental work. Then, of course, his solo works throughout the years have been the most rewarding for him creatively. At any rate, the "Red Rocker" has compiled his best 20 songs on one CD. From the opening ride of Montrose's "Bad Motor Scooter" to his Gary Glitter-style recent hit, "Mas Tequila," Hagar keeps on rocking. The passionate "Eagles Fly," "There's Only One Way to Rock," "I Can't Drive 55" and "Give to Live" sound fresh, as do "High Hopes," "Heavy Metal" and "I've Done Everything for You." But missing in action is "Three Lock Box." — S.I.
HELMET; "Unsung: the Best of Helmet (1991-1997)" (Interscope) ****
In six years Helmet laid the foundation for the nu-metal movement that features Tool, Lamb of God, Slipknot and Korn. Helmet leader Paige Hamilton has since reorganized the band, but the classic Helmet will always be the standout. "Repetition," "Bad Mood," "Iron Head" and the ever-popular "Just Another Victim" (performed with Everlast's band House of Pain) give this compilation some power. "Overrated," "Sinatra" and the drawl of "Milquetoast" will have Helmet fans reliving the glorious past. — S.I.
TOBY KEITH; "Greatest Hits 2" (Dreamworks) ***
The "Angry American" country singer is back for the attack with his second "hits" album. A good solid collection of such popular works as "How Do You Like Me Now?!" "You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This," "I Wanna Talk About Me" and "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" set things straight in Keith's eyes. He can be funny, sentimental and mad. And when he and Willie Nelson get together for "Beer for My Horses," Keith can also be a hippie. — S.I.
CHUCK MANGIONE; "The Best of Chuck Mangione" (Columbia/Legacy) ***
The only complaint here is that this CD is too short. There are only 12 songs to represent flugelhornist Mangione at his best. "Journey to a Rainbow," "Memories of Scirocco," "Do I Have to Fall in Love?" and "Sweet Butterfly" are here, along with "Steppin' Out" and his breakthrough "Feels So Good." But there are no tracks from his "Children of Sanchez" album; "Everything for Love" and "Fun and Games" are nowhere to be found. —S.I.
MARILYN MANSON; "Lest We Forget: the Best of Marilyn Manson" (Interscope Records) **
The brooding, evil posing of Marilyn Manson is in full power on this "Best of" collection. The problem is all his songs are formulaic, going for the listener's jugular. And it gets monotonous. "Beautiful People," "mOBSCENE" and "The Dope Show" have no soul. And his best song, "Cake and Sodomy," is AWOL. Offering some redemption are remakes of the Eurythmic's "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)," Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" and Soft Cell's version of "Tainted Love." — S.I.
JOHN MELLENCAMP; "Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits" (Island/UMe) ****
Whether you remember him as Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, John Cougar Mellencamp or John Mellencamp, his music has stood the test of time. What's nice is that he mixes up the track listing on this double CD so that it's not all the early works at the beginning. He's a man who does things his own way, and the listener gets his newest single, "Walk Tall," on Track 1, and his first charting hit, "I Need a Lover," is in the No. 5 spot on disc two. His remake of Van Morrison's "Wild Night" and his own "Hurts So Good," "Jack & Diane," "Ain't Even Done With the Night," "Rain on the Scarecrow," "Human Wheels," "Small Town" and "Lonely Ol' Night" are still relevant. — S.I.
MANDY MOORE; "The Best of Mandy Moore" (Epic) ***
Of all the young female singers, Mandy Moore has emerged as the most seriously musical. She has kept her body under wraps — unlike Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan. And while Moore's debut song, "Candy," was basically a Spears rip-off, she has redeemed herself quite nicely with remakes of Cat Stevens' "Moonshadow" and Carole King's "I Feel the Earth Move." Fans will find those songs on this album, as well as "Secret Love," "Crush" and "I Wanna Be With You." The album comes with a bonus DVD that features "Walk Me Home," "So Real" and her remake of XTC's "Senses Working Overtime." — S.I.
MR. BIG; "Greatest Hits" (Atlantic/Rhino ) ** 1/2
Bassist extraordinaire Billy Sheehan, who has worked with Talas and David Lee Roth, called in some friends and formed Mr. Big. "Addicted to that Rush" was an MTV staple back in 1989. Then in 1993 the band made some more noise with a nice little remake of Cat Stevens' "Wild World." The band never really broke any chart records; it played music because it wanted to play music. On this 17-song collection, Mr. Big shows diversity on such rockers as "Strike Like Lighting," "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (the Electric Drill Song)," the mellow "Wild World" and "To Be With You." No fireworks; just nice, straightforward music. — S.I.
NEW EDITION; "Hits" (Geffen) ** 1/2
Before Bobby Brown became Mr. Whitney Houston and before Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe became BellBivDevoe, they were in a little singing group called New Edition. Back in the mid-'80s, New Edition was touted as the new Jackson 5. And they had some nice tunes that found their way to Top 40 radio. Funny how the teen pop-rap of "Cool It Now," "Mr. Telephone Man," and "Lost in Love" sound with preadolescent voices. "You Don't Have to Worry," "I'm Still in Love With You" and "Crucial" are from the same group (minus Johnny Gill, who replaced Brown). For nostalgia's sake, "Hits" is fun. — S.I.
NOFX; "The Greatest Songs Ever Written by Us" (Epitaph) *** 1/2
Punk band NOFX sure knows how to give fans the most for their money. This career rundown crams 27 songs on one CD. And that, in itself, is cool. "Dinosaurs Will Die," "Bleeding Heart Disease," "Don't Call Me White" and "Kill All the White Man" are just some songs that demonstrate the band's acute sense of irony and sarcasm. "Leave It Alone," "What's the Matter With Kids Today" and "The Idiots Are Taking Over" find NOFX in its cutting-edge prime. — S.I.
PEARL JAM; "Rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991-2003)" ****
Just as the title suggests, these are Pearl Jam's greatest hits from the time the Seattle band broke through to the mainstream, back when "grunge" was a buzzword in the media. This two-CD collection is packed with such radio fodder as "Alive," "Jeremy," "Dissident," "Daughter," "Nothing Man" and "Last Kiss." "Evenflow," "Spin the Black Circle" and "Yellow Ledbetter" are also here. This is a nice representation of the band that survived the demise of its Seattle-based peers Soundgarden, Nirvana and Alice in Chains. — S.I.
GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP; "Young Girl: the Best of Gary Puckett & The Union Gap" (Columbia/Legacy) ** 1/2
The immortal single "Young Girl" will forever be the Union Gap's trademark tune. The song hit No. 2 in 1968. Unfortunately, that's the only song that sticks out in the casual listener's mind. The follow-up hit "Lady Willpower" also hit No. 2 in 1968, but it isn't as well remembered. This hits package, regardless of its title, is trying to get the Union Gap back into the minds of music lovers. "Don't Give In to Him," "Over You," "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself" are other songs that make this album more than a mere singular greatest-hits CD. — S.I.
REO Speedwagon; "The Essential REO Speedwagon" (Columbia/Legacy) ***
REO Speedwagon played some great straightforward Midwest rock 'n' roll during the '70s and early '80s. From the ode-to-the-road anthem "Music Man" to the fret-board pounding "Flying Turkey Trot" and the crowd-pleasing "157 Riverside Avenue," REO knew how to rock. Then came the ballads. "Keep On Loving You," "Take It on the Run," "One Lonely Night," "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "In My Dreams" are only a handful of the cuddling tunes included on this two-CD set. This is the definitive collection from one of the best classic rock bands. — S.I.
THE SAMPLES; "Very Best of the Samples: 1989-1994" (W.A.R.?) *** 1/2
The Samples, the little band from Colorado that specializes in restless acoustic rock, has released a "Best of" album. Not to be confused with the three-CD set "Anthology in Motion 1," released in 2002 on Apache Records, "Very Best of the Samples" is a CD/DVD collection released by the band's official record label W.A.R.? (What Are Records?). "Feel Us Shaking," a live version of "My Town" and "Birth of Words" from the band's early days still have that touch of longing. "Still Water," "When the Day Is Done" and "Weight of the World" are perfect for introspective road trips. "Waited Up," "When It's Raining" and "Only to You" are other soothing selections. The DVD features the "My Town," "Everytime," "Water Rush" and "Weight of the World" videos as well as the "Ten Wheels" documentary. There are also bonus features that include MP2s from the "Still Water" extended play and eight tracks of rarities, live and solo works. Missing is "Buffalo Herds and Windmills." — S.I.
SANTANA; "The Essential Santana" (Columbia) ****
One of the most respected guitarists in the business, Carlos Santana has never let race or style stigmatize his career. This two-CD package reaches back to his early days with "Jingo," "Evil Ways," "Soul Sacrifice" and the medley "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen." His mainstream hits "Winning" and "Oye Como Va" are included in this nice little rundown. This is just the guitarist's Columbia hits; anything from the Arista albums, "Supernatural" and "Shaman," are not here. — S.I.
SEAL; "Best: 1991-2004" (Warner Bros.) ***
Seal Henry Samuel shortened his name to Seal, worked with former Buggles and Yes vocalist-turned producer Tevor Horn, and won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1996 for "Kiss From a Rose" (originally released in 1991 but re-released in 1996 on the "Batman Forever" soundtrack). "Kiss" is on this two-CD collection, along with "Crazy," "Killer," "Prayer for the Dying," "Walk on By" and his remake of Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like an Eagle." Disc two is an acoustic disc which features stripped-down versions of "Kiss," "Crazy," "Prayer" and "Don't Cry." This album features both sides of Seal for his fans. — S.I.
BRITNEY SPEARS; "Greatest Hits: My Prerogative" (Jive) *
Britney Spears has released a greatest hits album. It's full of her cotton-candy singles, from ". . . Baby, One More Time" to her most recent release, a remake of Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative." In between, fans can get "Toxic," "Slave 4 U," "Oops! . . . I Did It Again," "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" and a previously unreleased song, "Do Somethin'. " Oh, yeah, there's "Me Against the Music" with Madonna and a remix of "Overprotected." Funny how mediocrity can pass for art in this day and age. — S.I.
AL STEWART; "Greatest Hits" (Rhino) ***
Singer/songwriter Al Stewart is notably best known in the United States for his hit "Year of the Cat," which hit No. 8 on the charts in 1976. His next Top 10 single, "Time Passages," hit two years later at No. 7. This greatest-hits album spotlights those songs but also gives a concise rundown of his career. The 16 tracks feature Stewart's haunting vocals — which were duplicated by the Pet Shop Boys in the 1980s — and his witty songwriting. His influences — the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, etc. — speak softly on "You Don't Even Know Me," "Soho (Needless to Say)," "Merlin's Time" and "Electric Los Angeles Sunset." — S.I.
311; "Greatest Hits '93-'03" (Volcano/Zomba) ***
A decade of infectious grooves, power chords and sing-along choruses has been captured on this 17-track CD. The band 311 continues to rock amphitheaters across the country and bring a little peace, love and music to fans. But this album is the next best thing to being at a show. Such fan favorites as "Down," "All Mixed Up," "Do You Right," "Transistor" and "How Do You Feel?" are a few standouts. "I'll Be Here for Awhile," "Homebrew," "Beautiful Disaster" and "Come Original" will have the house jumping. — S.I.
TOTO; "Love Songs" (Columbia/Legacy) ** 1/2
Back in the late '70s and early '80s, some of the best studio musicians got together and formed a band. Drummer Jeff Porcaro; his bassist/guitarist brother, Mike; Steve, another brother and multi-instrumentalist; keyboardist David Paich; guitarist Steve Lukather; and multi-instrumentalist David Hungate comprise Toto. The band had a string of hits. This album is a collection of the more mellow works: "99," "Africa," Stop Loving You," "I Won't Hold You Back" and "Rosanna." — S.I.
TRAVIS; "Singles" (Independiente/Epic) ** 1/2
Brit rocker-band Travis formed in Glasgow in 1990 and gained a loyal following along with fellow U.K. bands Oasis, Cast, Colour Scene and Kula Shaker. "Singles" is a little career rundown in which the songs are the time line. "Sing," "Driftwood," "Walking in the Sun," "Tied to the '90s" and "The Beautiful Occupation," along with 13 more tracks are catchy and fun. —S.I.
RANDY TRAVIS; "The Very Best of Randy Travis" (Warner Bros./Rhino) *** 1/2
Randy Travis, one of the few recent country singers who has managed to keep the traditional country sound in his music, has a nice stable of songs under his belt. "Digging Up Bones," "Three Wooden Crosses," "Look Heart, No Hands," "He Walked on Water" and "Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart" show that Travis is comfortable switching from the secular to the religious in the blink of an eye. This is a good solid career retrospective. Too bad his take of Hank Williams Sr.'s "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" isn't one of the tracks. — S.I.
THE TURTLES; "Happy Together: the Very Best of the Turtles" (Shout!) ***
There are plenty of Turtles' greatest-hits collections out there, but this is as good as any, with 16 tracks (as opposed to as many as 20 tracks or more on some others). If you're looking for the '60s pop group's hits, this will fill the bill — "She'd Rather Be With Me," "You Baby" and the title track, among others. — Chris Hicks
RITCHIE VALENS; "The Ritchie Valens Story" (Del-Fi/Rhino) ***
Ritchie Valens died all too young in a plane crash in 1959 (the same one that took the lives of Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper). His fans are the target for this release. Included are his hits "La Bamba," "Donna" and others. But the bulk of the cuts are demo recordings and live performances that are strictly for die-hards. The first track is an interesting 20-minute narrative of Valens' short life, offered by his manager Bob Keane. — C.H.
VAN HALEN; "The Best of Both Worlds" (Warner Bros.) *** 1/2
Edward Van Halen has arguably done more for the rock guitar sound than anyone since Jimi Hendrix. Van Halen defined a generation of rockers who are still doing spectacular fret-board stunts today. Back when disco was king, Van Halen, his brother Alex, and Michael Anthony and David Lee Roth embarked on a mission to bring rock 'n' roll back to the airwaves. And it worked. The band known as Van Halen exploded on the scene with a remake of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me." What happened after that is music history. This two-CD set isn't a bona-fide career rundown because all the band's albums aren't represented. While Roth's era, as well as that of his replacement vocalist Sammy Hagar, are represented, there is no track from the critically panned "Van Halen III," which featured vocalist Gary Cherone. But then, that's a good thing. "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "And the Cradle will Rock. . . ," "Unchained" and "Panama" are just a few of the strong Roth anthems on this collections. The Hagar hits include "Dreams," "Black and Blue," "Can't Stop Lovin' You," "Why Can't This Be Love," "Not Enough" and "When It's Love." The only drawback is the inclusion of new and somewhat forgettable songs "It's About Time," "Up for Breakfast" and "Learning to See," all sung by Hagar. Too bad Roth's "Mean Street" and "So This Is Love" weren't chosen for this mix. — S.I.
CARL WEINGARTEN; "Hand in the Sand: A Collection 1990-2004" (Multiphase Records) *** 1/2
Dobro/slide-guitarist Carl Weingarten has dazzled fans all over the country with his unique blend of blues, jazz and country. This compilation is an album he didn't want to do, but as he listened to his previous recordings, songs just seemed to jump out at him — 1990's "Up the Down Side," 1995's "Acoustic Shadow," 2000's "Blue Faith," and a previously unreleased work, "Holographic Blues," capture Weingarten at his experimental and emotional best. Musicians will eat up this song listing, and casual listeners will be enchanted by the melodies and technique. — S.I.
DWIGHT YOAKAM; "The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam" (Reprise/Rhino) ***
This is a single-disc version of Dwight Yoakam's box set "Honky Tonk Man." It contains the cream of the crop of songs from Yoakam: "Honky Tonk Man," "Guitars, Cadillacs," "Little Sister," "I Sang Dixie" and "That Late Great Garden State." Along with his Top 10 remake of Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" are Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" and "Streets of Bakersfield," which he sings with Buck Owens. If you want honky-tonking, this is it. — S.I.
YES; "The Ultimate Yes: the 35th Anniversary Collection" (Elektra/Rhino) *** 1/2
Technically, this could be a box set. The three CDs in this package document the seminal British progressive rock band Yes in all its stages, from "Time and a Word" to "I've Seen All Good People" to "Roundabout" to "Siberian Khatru" to the overindulgent "Tempus Fugit." "Owner of a Lonely Heart," "Leave It," "It Can Happen" and "Rhythm of Love" tackle the Trevor Rabin era, and "Lift Me Up" finds the band working with all the members who have come and gone through the Yes revolving door through 1991. With the inclusion of "Magnification," the collection takes the listener up to present day line-ups. Disc three is rarities disc, acoustic versions of "Roundabout," "South Side of the Sky" and "Australia" crammed together with previously unreleased songs "Show Me" and a take on Dvorak's "New World Symphony." Fans will find this collection a worthy companion to the numerous Yes box sets already available. — S.I.
NEIL YOUNG; "Greatest Hits" (Reprise) ****
Neil Young's people tapped into the "record sales, airplay and known download history" of Young's vast catalog and came up with the 16 songs included here. "Down by the River,' "Cinnamon Girl," "Ohio," "Heart of Gold," "Rockin' in the Free World," "Harvest Moon," "The Needle & the Damage Done," "After the Gold Rush" and "Southern Man" are just a few of the classics on this album. Both fans and casual listeners will appreciate "Greatest Hits." — S.I.
ZZ Top; "The Very Best of ZZ Top" (Warner Bros.) ****
On the heels of the four-CD box set "Chrome, Smoke & B.B.Q.," ZZ Top has released a two-CD hits album. "Rancho Texiano" is the poor man's version of a ZZ Top box set. While there are no tunes from the band's days as Moving Sidewalks, there's plenty of ZZ Top for everyone. "Brown Sugar," "Goin' Down to Mexico" and "Just Got Back from Baby's" have been lifted from "ZZ Top's First Album," while "Francene," "Just Got Paid" and Bar-B-Q" are taken from "Rio Grande Mude." "Tush," "La Grange," "It's Only Love," "Cheap Sunglasses," "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide," "Gimme All Your Lovin,' " "Sharp Dressed Men," "Legs," "Rough Boy," "Velcro Fly" and "My Head's in Mississippi" are more ZZ Top trademark boogies. Nothing from the albums "XXX" or "Mescalero" made it to this collection. — S.I.