Search - BOBBY BARE :: Best of

A hard-hitting throwback to country's musical roots

John A. Kuczma | Marietta, GA USA | 05/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For vocal grittiness, heartfelt lyrics and sheer versatility, few country artists compare to Bobby Bare. Unfortunately, so many of his hits have been covered by other artists that very few followers of country or cross-over music are aware of how good Bobby really is.Three of his best (Detroit City, 500 Miles Away from Home and Green, Green Grass of Home) have been covered so many times they're close to buried. Although some of the newer releases had better commercial success, none has the honest, straight-forward power of Bare's delivery.His first big hit, All-American Boy, was released under the name of Bill Parsons, and takes a good natured jab at the early success and styles of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The beautiful Four Strong Winds gives a gentle nod toward the Western side of country, while Miller's Cave has a folksy sound oddly reminiscent of the Kingston Trio. For sheer gut-wrenching lyrics, the Streets of Baltimore is an emotional tour-de-force.There are many country artists who are better known than Bobby Bare. Many are more commercially successful. However, very few are more talented. Give a listen to The Best of Bobby Bare and let his refreshing, unadorned vocals take you on a guided tour of the classic sounds of country music."

Best of Bobby Bare

Eclectic Revisited | 12/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having played five CD's, this one offers the type of sound I prefer in country western. Slow and sentimental"

Not Bad; Could be Better

Eclectic Revisited | Arizona | 01/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think Bobby Bare clung to country music despite his early success (1962) with "Shame on Me", much beloved by a LOT of country music lovers I know but not a hardcore country song by any means. But this package has one of my very favorites, "Just to Satisfy You", later covered by Waylon Jennings, also not hardcore country. With "Detroit City", Bobby knew what his future would be; it was followed by "500 Miles From Home" (a variation on other renditions) and a lot of other listenable hits. I would like to have seen "That's How I Got to Memphis" written by Tom T. Hall in this compilation, but what IS here is good. Bobby had one of the great voices in modern country music. I recommend this one."