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Greatest Hits - Mark Wills | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
Mark Wills has a "Greatest Hits" CD? Wow! Where did this come from? I didn't even think he's had enough albums for a "Greatest Hits" package. Well, I guess Mercury Nashville thought so.
After glancing at the track listing, Mark Wills is an artist who has snuck up on a lot of fans, including me. When his self-titled album was released, I dismissed him as disposable. However, country radio didn't and Mark garnered two Top 10 hits from that album. He also didn't have a sophomore slump. His second album, Wish You Were Here, had three huge hits while his Permanently and Loving Every Minute albums both had a couple of hits each.
Now we come to his newest album. Greatest Hits. Much like most collections of hits, there's two new recordings. The first single, "19 Somethin'" is an infectious song that's currently rising up the country single charts. With lyrics about growing up in the 1970's and 1980's, the song is instantly relatable.
"When You Think Of Me" is the second new song and is sure to be a single. It's a nice power ballad that finds Mark singing as good as ever. The lyrics are about a guy who is just wants his ex to remember how he was with her when they were together.
If you haven't heard "Don't Laugh At Me" on the radio in the past few years, then you haven't been listening to the radio. One of those rare songs that anyone can relate to, it instantly became a hit and Mark Wills' "signature" song, the one he has to play at every concert.
"I Do (Cherish You)" started a string of hits that were also pop music hits. Mark's version here is a prime example of the late 1990's country power ballad. It has the lyrics that country and pop fans truly love. This track has become a huge wedding anthem and was a Top 10 hit for Mark.
"Back At One" was written and originally recorded by R&B artist Brian McKnight. Those who don't think country and R&B lyrics need not look any further. Mark's version is drastically different in that there's plenty of steel guitar in the background. With the lyrics about being in love, this is a song that many men (and women) like because it says stuff they can't normally say to a woman.
The album's first track was also Mark's first ever single. "Jacob's Ladder" is about a "good" girl falling in love with a guy from the wrong side of the tracks. A Top 10 hit, this nice track with a shuffle beat is still a fun listen five years after it was released as a single.
With these six songs and five other hits, Mark Wills' Greatest Hits may have snuck up on us but it sure presents a solid mix of songs that showcase the first chapter in a career that should only be heating up.
Song List:
Audio clip courtesy of Mark Wills' Official Website.
Album cover, used with permission of Mercury Nashville.
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