Not the ultimate collection but a great sampler

The ultimate Alabama collection is, of course, For the record 41 number one hits but not everybody wants to buy a double CD. This compilation addresses that situation by providing 20 of those number ones on a single CD. As they had so many number ones, there is bound to be some debate about track selection. My biggest disappointments were the omission of In pictures and Old flame, but overall I think the track selection is about right.



Alabama were always the champions of the blue collar workers, most clearly illustrated on Forty hour week, in which they pay tribute to all those who keep America going. It's a great song, but there are several others I like even better. Tennessee River, one of my favorites, was Alabama's first number one. Hank Williams Junior did a great cover of it for his Rowdy album, which is one of his best albums. My favorites also include Feels so right, Song of the south and Mountain music - but most of the other songs are not far behind.



This is a wonderful collection which may not appeal to the critics, but the fans love it, and it's not difficult to see why. Nevertheless, I would still recommend the double CD instead of this if you can afford it.

Solid Alabama Primer

For casual country fans, "Ultimate Alabama" is a great starter. It features twenty number ones, though they had plenty more. I'll agree with another reviewer that the definitive hits package by Alabama is their double disc set, but for those of us who may not be able to or do not want to plunk down a nice hunk of change for the double set, this one will suffice. Also, if you aren't a huge fan of Alabama, but want something representative of their work in your collection, I highly recommend this disc.



It's Alabama, so just about anything they put on a disc will sound great. Personal highlights of this album include "If You're Gonna Play In Texas," "Jukebox In My Mind," and "Roll On." Everything else contained here is great.



Once again, this is an excellent introduction for the casual country fan, but hardcore Alabama fans probably already have everything on this disc.



Highly recommended.