I bought a CD player because of this

There was a time when RCA had a policy of releasing country albums on vinyl with just nine tracks, but releasing extra tracks on CD. I had been considering buying a CD player for some time anyway, but when I discovered that the CD version of Southern star had thirteen tracks - four more than the vinyl version - my mind was made up, especially having heard some great songs from it on the radio.

The album was every bit as good as I expected - better, even - and remains one of my favorite Alabama albums. It yielded four country number one hits, these being Song of the south, High cotton, Southern star and If I had you. Of course, these are all brilliant and you can find them on their outstanding compilation, For the record 41 number one hits. If you are only interested in the hits, you should buy that collection instead of this album. This album is for those who like to hear some excellent songs that you've probably not heard on the radio very often, if at all.

Some of the other songs here paint little pictures of life in the south, like Down on the river (about an overnight fishing trip), Ole Baugh Road (about a local community), The borderline (a wild west story about a cowboy, a lawman and a gang of murderers), Pete's Music City (about a nightclub or honky-tonk). There are also love songs like I'm still dreaming, She can, I showed her and Dixie fire. Alabama record few covers, but those they do are always well chosen. On this album, there is one - Robert Parker's Barefootin', a great slice of sixties rock.

The hits are the most instantly appealing on this album but they are certainly not the only songs worth hearing. This is one of my favorites of Alabama's original albums. Of course, if you are new to Alabama's music, you should begin with that double-CD of 41 number one hits.

This is my FAVORITE ALABAMA !!!

Dear Alabama Fans,

This is the Greatest CD EVER recorded by Alabama. I am upset at whoever was in charge for not giving my favorite song of all time enough attention! Whenever I asked DJ's to play it, most of them screamed at me and told me no, but when they did, the audience loved it!!! So, my taste in great country music is not all bad. The song is called "PETE'S MUSIC CITY." I have seen to it that my wife likes it, the kids like it, the neighborhood likes it, and anyone that comes near me, likes it :)

Now, even after all these years have gone by, I am telling YOU to like it!

There are other songs on this CD that turned out to be major hits. But, don't ignore the classic tunes done with the rich voices of Charlie Daniels and Jimmie Fadden. Listen to the 'Borderline' and 'Ole Baugh Road' along with the others sung by the 'outlaw' Teddy Gentry and the 'swooner' Jeff Cook.

This CD is classic ALABAMA. Grab it!