Covering twenty years of recording at RCA, this is a superb introduction to the artistry of Waylon Jennings. Starting with his first full LP for RCA ("Folk Country," represented here by "Stop the World (And Let Me Off)"), Jennings showed off a unique voice with a sensibility driven as much by his tenure with Buddy Holly's Crickets as it was by country music. Though restrained by the Nashville Sound (courtesy of his staff producer, Chet Atkins), he still recorded many gems early on. "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line" quickly became a signature tune, and his 1969 cover of Chuck Berry's "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" rises above its surroundings.

Jennings stood firm in his 1972 contract renegotiation, and won some astounding concessions from RCA. In addition to recording with his road band (The Waylors), he was freed to produce himself, and to record in non-RCA and non-Nashville studios. Having already recorded tunes by Kris Kristofferson and Gordon Lightfoot, he began writing more of his own material and championing the works of young bucks like Billy Joe Shaver and Rodney Crowell.

Throughout the 70s and into the 80s, Jennings recorded a nearly endless stream of hit singles and solid LPs. This latest 2-CD collection (essentially replacing 1993's "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line" collection) focuses on the hits, bringing together 40 tracks, 36 of which were top-10, and 13 of which topped the charts. For some artists, the focus on hit singles would provide a distorted picture of their career, but for one whose artistic success defined the commercial landscape, these tracks provide an excellent overview and introduction.

For neophytes, this is a great place to start one's appreciation of Jennings' work. For collectors, this includes a rare studio take of "Bob Wills is Still the King." For both, this is a wonderfully listenable set.

...Prior to buying this double CD after Waylon's death, the only Waylon I knew was from the Dukes of Hazzard and his wildly popular duets with Willie Nelson. I NEVER expected that I would become absolutely HOOKED on this double CD! This RCA Country Legends double CD set of Waylon's best fit the bill very well. It covers much of his popular material from 1965 through 1985. I immediately heard some songs that I had forgotten were his such as "Sweet Dream Woman", "Are You Ready for the Country", and "America". The smiles soon began. His version of Marshall Tucker's "Can't You See" put my toes a tappin and the Waylon bug began to bite me hard! What really got me going though, were several fabulous songs I had never heard before, but found electrifying: "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way", "I've Always Been Crazy", and the stomping early Rodney Crowell penned "I Ain't Living Long Like This". The Willie Nelson and Outlaw songs are well represented and continue to satisfy along with his early material, particularly "(That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me", "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line", and "Rainy Day Woman". The songs that really sold me though, were the distinctively non-conformist screwball songs that I couldn't help but like such as "Bob Wills Is Still the King", "Clyde", "I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain't Used Up)", and "Never Could Toe the Mark". The coup de grace for my hopes of resisting Waylon's musical magnetism was the final cut on Disc 2 from 1985 called "Drinkin' and Dreamin'". Country fan or not, I will proffer the thought that every man on earth can sometimes relate to (or at least understand) these lyrics:

Everybody's looking for some way in,

Hokey? Maybe. But it sure is fun to listen to! Each time I listen to these discs (and it has been ALOT lately), a new song from it lodges in my sub-conscious for the rest of the day. Waylon had his ups and downs in his life but, he has left us with a great trove of relateable music for many, many people.

Included in this offering is an eleven page set of liner notes chronicling the rise of Waylon and his battles for artistic independence. Also included are notes on each song and how high they reached on the Country and Pop charts.

Give this compilation a try if you have found yourself at least as curious as I had become of the music of this original musical Outlaw. The sound quality is excellent and the selection of songs is very good. If you are a little less sure about taking the double disc plunge, pick up a used copy from one of the Amazon sellers. Waylon may have been known as an 'Outlaw', but he has become a true good guy in my world lately.

This is a 5 star release when you look at it from a musical perspective. Great stuff here. The sound is way too compressed, though. It's had the life sucked out of it. It distorts. It's not the worst release I've heard, but it's one of the worst Waylon releases I've heard. It's a typical modern remaster, really. Maximum volume is their aim, sadly. Thankfully, Vic Anesini has mastering BMG/RCA's newer Waylon reissues and they sound great!

Anyway, the music here is fantastic, of course. To those complaining about missing tracks, I should point out that when this was released it was billed as having Waylon's greatest hits as defined by their chart success. Yes, Honky Tonk Heroes (especially the version on "Wanted! The Outlaws") is better than a lot of the material on this collection, but it wasn't a hit. That's why it's not here.

Other than a few cuts that were post-RCA, these songs are the most successful Waylon released. Not all of them are the best, but all of them are very good. As I mentioned, the sound is sadly lacking, but if you're just looking for Waylon's hits and don't have the world's greatest stereo, it probably won't bother you that much.

Does this collection paint an accurate picture of Waylon Jennings? Not really... but no hits collection could. Hearing that "Waylon sound" develop from the mid-'60s to the mid to late '70s, where it became most distinctive, is something that is best done with the original albums. The guy simply didn't record many bad songs at all. If you're looking for the chart hits and don't want to spend a fortune on getting all of his albums (there are a lot of them), this will do.

As for the individual claiming Waylon's voice wasn't as good as Haggard's, that's crazy. Claiming he didn't have as much talent, too? What?! Waylon's vocal range was pretty impressive, especially for a country singer. For proof, check out powerful performances such as "Love Denied," both versions but especially the earlier one of "Macarthur Park," "Crying," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." They show off the higher part of his range, and it's very impressive. No falsetto there, folks. If anything, his voice is underrated. He's known for his deep voice, but he could soar with the best of them when he needed to. Unfortunately, after the early '70s, he really only used the high part of his range for harmony singing, which is usually mixed back a bit.

Overall, a decent package. The sound lets it down, but the music is outstanding.

I'm not ashamed to say that I shed a few tears when I heard the sad news that Waylon Jennings had died. I was just a kid when the Outlaws caused a sensation in country music. This great set of Waylon's biggest hits will remind you of what country music was and what it can be again. Waylon was a true artist who sang from the heart. If you are looking for a fine collection of his hits for yourself or as a gift for someone you love, you will be pleased with this set.

One of the best CD's i've purchased in a long while, the RCA legends Waylon Jennings CD is absolutely a must have. The only song that I find missing from this CD that I love is Honky Tonk Heroes, why, I have no idea, it is an extremely popular song. Oh well, If you're a die hard Waylon fan and appreciate his music as much as I do, you too will cherish this CD. Try it out, i'm sure you'll love it, enjoy!