Rating:
Genre:
Country
Release Date: 08/23/2005
As far as collections go, this is the only one that rivals
Columbia's
The Essential Carl Smith (1950-1956). There are 29 cuts here, all of them in mono and recorded during
Smith's truly great era from 1950-1954: 20 of them hit the Top Ten and four were chart-toppers.
Smith was one of the greats following the death of
Hank Williams. His style was deeply influenced by
Williams' simplicity of singing style and presentation. The vocal is tight up-front, its hillbilly drawl unaffected or disguised. There are such classics here as
the Louvin Brothers'
"Are You Teasing Me?," "Mister Moon," "I Won't Be at Home," Leon Payne's moving
"More Than Anything Else in This World," and
Boudleaux Bryant's
"Back Up, Buddy." While it's true that the crooner is what's on offer, that's what
Smith did best. The sound is wonderful. Those looking to delve into
Smith's magic would be well served by this and the aforementioned
Legacy set.
~Thom Jurek, All Music Guide