This review is written mainly to refute some points made by the other reviewers who are quite mistaken. This CD was not a quick release to cash in on 30 #1 Hits....in fact, it was actually released in 1996 - a full 7 years before 30 #1 Hits! Some fact checking is in order, folks. Ignore the reviewer who said Kentucky Rain and Always On My Mind don't fit in. Both are seamlessly integrated into the tracklist (let's not forget Willie Nelson's cover was a much bigger hit on the country chart than the pop chart and the fact that the Pet Shop Boys covered it - turning it into a disco hit - has no bearing on its country roots.). If you enjoy this, I recommend his 1971 Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) CD....but this is for those who want an overview and it does the job in spades. The only song that does not really work is "He'll Have To Go" because Elvis tried to be too faithful to the Jim Reeves original. Elvis almost always relied on his own instincts in covering a song and this one feels like he's trying to be ol' Jim. But this is still an essential CD.

After hearing Elvis Presely sing these country songs you begin to forget that he's known by most people as a rock singer! His voice is excellant and I recommend this CD to all you young country music fans. I always wondered why Elvis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and now I found my answer wilh this CD.

This is the collection that shows why Elvis is in the Country Hall Of Fame. If you still have doubts buy this CD, put it in your player, sit down, push play and listen with an open mind, you'll be convinced.

"Great Country Songs" represents an expansive overview of Elvis Presley's country legacy. This 25-track compilation includes five previously unreleased alternate takes and producer Felton Jarvis' 1981 update of "Guitar Man" - the King's last No. 1 hit until 2002's "A Little Less Conversation" remix. The highlights are numerous, with "Just Call Me Lonesome," "I'll Hold You in My Heart" and a sublime "Funny How Time Slips Away" among the truly stellar performances. Listening to this inspired collection makes you wonder why Elvis wasn't inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame sooner.

Obviously, this is a collection of country songs recorded by Elvis Presley. Elvis had a great affinity for country music, having grown up in Memphis. These 24 songs are fine examples of Elvis' love for country music. The main attractions here, from a serious Elvis fan's standpoint, are the previously unreleased alternate takes of five songs. This album also marked the first appearance on CD of the 1980 remix of "Guitar Man". The story behind the remix is: producer Felton Jarvis erased the backing track to the song, and gave it a new backing track to make it sound like an '80s country song, which ironically makes it sound more dated than the original version. Anyway, this is a solid collection of songs that Elvis fans will enjoy.