Dwight Yoakam is the reason I'm not embarrased to say I like country music. When he broke onto the national scene with his debut album GUITARS, CADILLACS, ETC., ETC., he gave the country music establishment a much needed kick in the butt. This twenty track collection hits most of the highlights of Yoakam's nearly two decades as a performer. Starting with the Johnny Horton cover of "Honky Tonk Man" from his debut through two tracks from his 2003 release POPULATION: ME, Yoakam has had a major impact on country music. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to Rhino's 2002 box set REPRISE PLEASE BABY, this is a winner from beginning to end. The only disappointment is that with a running time of just under 70 minutes, they could have added the only two top 10 singles missing from this set: "Always Late With Your Kisses (from 1987's HILLBILLY DELUXE) and "I Got You" (from 1988's BUENAS NOCHES FROM A LONELY ROOM). VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Recently the music industry has begun to release greatest hits CD's with, well, the greatest hits for a change. And usually filling up a CD. So I have been back filling my CD collection with CD's of artists and bands from the 80's and 90's that I have followed in the press, but not purchased their music. This CD is awesome. I cannot think of a time that I have purchased a CD that I have enjoyed every song. The musicianship on Dwight's recordings is Very, Very good as is the material. And Dwight himself is exceptional. I would recommend this CD to any Rock, Pop, or country fan that has not heard Dwight Yoakam. I cannot decide whether to get the box set, or just get each original Cd.

For sure a must have, and then get all the other great ones that preceded and came after. So many touching and beautiful and unique words that You cant help but fall in love with the song writing and expertise that goes into every detail.

Concert faves are abundant on this cd, I highly recommend.

This CD is a wonderful collection of Dwight Yoakam's biggest hits, spanning from 1986's "Honky Tonk Man" and "Guitars, Cadillacs" to 2003's "Late Great Golden State" and "Back of Your Hand." Dwight never fails to entertain. His unique twangy voice, poignant writing skills, and exceptional approach to country music makes him one of the best artists of any genre. Unfortunately, mainstream country music fails to give him the recognition he deserves. Regardless, this CD is a great way for anyone who's unfamilair with his music to get acquainted with it.

As with any compilation album, certain great songs had to be left out. I would've loved to see songs like "Nothing" (my personal Yoakam favorite), "The Heart That You Own", "Always Late (With Your Kisses)", and "Nothing's Changed Here" included. Nonetheless, this CD strongly represents Dwight's exceptional music: ever changing, but always true to it's roots.

Dwight Yoakam & his incredible band played Baltimore live last night for the first time in many, many years starting off in high gear, went to overdrive then turned on the after burners driving fans into a Fender Telcaster/Honkytonk Heaven frenzy. He played his entire greatest hits playlist off this CD & many more. He's so hip, so ultra cool, so alternative country & so unNashville. Plus he's young alive & still playing on planet earth. Highly recommend this CD plus Dwight's Used Records CD. Look for Dwight's brand new CD coming out probably in June 2005!