BlackHawk's trio of lead vocalist Henry Paul (also mandolin) and harmonizers Van Stephenson (guitar) and Dave Robbins (keyboards) were brought together to form one of the most successful country groups of the `90s. This after many years spent forging their own identities: Paul with the Outlaws and the Henry Paul Band, Stephenson and Robbins as successful songwriters for Kenny Rogers and Restless Heart, among others.

The group's specialty is definitely up-tempo tunes (all ten of their enclosed top 20 efforts have a pronounced beat) and usually, the rowdier, the better. Barn-burners "Every Once In Awhile," "Like There Ain't No Yesterday;" and "There You Have It" were heaven-sent for swing dancing, while mid-tempo gems "Just About Right" and "Almost A Memory Now" nicely display their organic roots. The two other recordings contained on Greatest Hits provide a much needed cool down from the boisterousness: the exquisite ballad "Postmarked Birmingham" (Paul's greatest vocal performance to date) which undeservedly stiffed outside the top 30 and the non-single "Always Have, Always Will," which offers a rare lead by the author Robbins (an accomplished, heartfelt effort, though not up to Paul's standards). The omitted "Hole In My Heart" and a lively cover of the Andrew Gold hit "Lonely Boy would have fit in nicely as well, but overall, it's a creditable selection of BlackHawk's best.

Greatest Hits also contains three diverse new recordings. The first single "I Need You All The Time" is vintage BlackHawk: quick tempo, a lot of fun, easy to dance to. Radio's resistance to give it steady airplay (it has stalled in the middle regions of the country charts) may not bode well for the group's recording future. There's also a lovely, subtle ballad "It Takes A Woman" which revives the old adage "success is nothing without someone to share it with". Best of all is "Ships Of Heaven," a semi-autobiographical ballad written by Stephenson while he was being treated for a malignant melanona. It's a powerful statement about everlasting love that builds to a glorious, gospel-drenched climax. It was also a fitting swan song for Stephenson as he retired from the group after completing these new recordings with Paul and Robbins (Stephenson lost his battle with cancer earlier this year).

This collection is a must for anyone who has a appreciation of great music and multiple talent. Blackhawk has put together a great collection of some of their greatest hits and putting a creative touch to that greatest by adding these three additional songs. "It Takes A Woman" is a song that touches any woman's heart by showing her the true importance of the man receiving the love and support of a woman and you feel that as they sing this beautiful song. "Ships of Heaven" is a song can only take your mind to the friends and family that are there in heaven on those ships. This well written song could only come from a person who is such a huge part of Blackhawk's success "Van Stephenson", no one else could say it better. By having the song "I Need You All The Time" on this collection it makes you want to dance. This collection is a must have for anyone who has a true appreciation for talent and a group who can touch your heart make you smile and leave you feeling like they are part of what makes music such a important part of life.

Even if you already own every Blackhawk CD ever produced, "Ships of Heaven" is a song that cannot be missed. The song is beautiful and inspiring; and written by one of the most talented songwriters in the world--Van Stephenson.

I think the Hits is just amazing. The things these guys have accomplished over the years...wow! They have so many good songs on here, it's hard to choose only a few to emphazie. Ships Of Heaven is just awesome, no 2 ways about it. If you have ever lost somebody you love, listen to this song! Pure Gold. Among others, I'd have to say I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No, Every Once In A While,& I Need You All The Time are also really cool songs. One song that definetly stands out is Always Have,Always Will. It could be the wedding song of the year 2000! In all, this CD is a must have & if you don't buy it, you are definetly missing out on some GREAT music!

This band is excellent. I bought this CD for two songs that I knew, "Goodbye says it all" and "Every once in a while". It turns out that I knew most of the songs after all. The lead singer's voice is distinctive and very pleasant to the ear. Whenever the rest of the band members sing backup to the lead singer, it produces harmony that can only be described as soul-touching, organized, and sweet ear candy. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is a fan of not only nineties country, but also country music as a whole.