Various Artists - Tribute To Tradition
Country Music is probably the genre for which most other genres were born from. So after numerous tribute albums to Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, and other artists, it was only natural to have Country Music's best look back into the past and record their favorite tracks. Every song on this CD was a hit when it was released.
There are 14 tracks on this CD with thirteen core artists singing the tracks. Collin Raye and Joe Diffie are the two who sing two tracks each, with them dueting on Waylon Jennings' "Honky Tonk Heroes (Like Me)." Joe does a terrific version of "Behind Closed Doors," while Collin Raye surprised even me with his sterling rendition of Hank Williams' classic, "Cold, Cold Heart." Another standout is the diminutive Martina McBride taking Tammy Wynette's "'Til I Can Make It On My Own," and making it her own.
A couple other great tracks are the Dixie Chicks' great rendition of Tammy's "Stand By Your Man" and Wade Hayes' great version of the Gary Stewart bar room classic, "She's Acting Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)." One final song that sparkles is Allison Krauss' beautiful version of the Browns Classic, "The Three Bells," with original producer Chet Atkins producing it once again. If you really like classic songs or don't really know the true history of Country Music, then take a look at this CD.
Reviewed by Matt Bjorke.
