With the gentle lope of his rhythms and the plainspoken phrasing of his material, Don Williams sings country music of unmatched simplicity and purity. His love songs are as straightforward as their titles--"I Wouldn't Want... more » to Live If You Didn't Love Me," "You're My Best Friend," "I Believe in You"--delivered in a warm baritone that makes his singing seem as natural as breathing. "Tulsa Time," a country chart-topper, might be more familiar to rock fans through the cover by Eric Clapton, one of Williams's devoted fans. Though some of the early-'70s selections suffer from overproduction, and so many of the hits sound so much the same, the collection attests to Williams's enduring appeal. (Major omission: his "If I Needed You" duet with Emmylou Harris.) --Don McLeese« less
With the gentle lope of his rhythms and the plainspoken phrasing of his material, Don Williams sings country music of unmatched simplicity and purity. His love songs are as straightforward as their titles--"I Wouldn't Want to Live If You Didn't Love Me," "You're My Best Friend," "I Believe in You"--delivered in a warm baritone that makes his singing seem as natural as breathing. "Tulsa Time," a country chart-topper, might be more familiar to rock fans through the cover by Eric Clapton, one of Williams's devoted fans. Though some of the early-'70s selections suffer from overproduction, and so many of the hits sound so much the same, the collection attests to Williams's enduring appeal. (Major omission: his "If I Needed You" duet with Emmylou Harris.) --Don McLeese
Barbara M. from DUSHORE, PA Reviewed on 6/28/2018...
Great CD for fans of Don Williams
CD Reviews
A great collection of The Gentle Giant's greatest hits
Bradley Olson | Bemidji, MN United States | 12/14/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of 20 of Don's greatest hits is a great collection for all fans of the smooth side of country music and for fans of great storytelling, which is what country music at its best basically is. Every song speaks for itself. While most of the songs on here feature his smooth side, "Tulsa Time" may get the fan out on the dance floor doing the two step or the "Slappin' Leather" line dance. Don's interpretation of "Amanda" (which was later a #1 hit for Waylon Jennings) is as good as anything else he has done and is very heart-wrenching. Smooth country music back in the 1970's doesn't get much better than this, so this collection is a must have for your collection."
The Gentle Giant at his Best
Batmanbrb | Seymour, IN United States | 06/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don Williams, to me, is the King of Country Music. No one else compares. He is one of the greatest storytellers of all time and his believes in every song he sings. My favorite songs of his are "Lord I Hope This Day is Good" and "Good Ole Boys Like Me". This is a very good collection of his hits and should be considered a gem in anyone's country collection."
Very Traditional Country
Darren J Crispin | Madison, Wi United States | 01/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the age of so called Superstars Like Shania Twain and Brooks and Dunn, Don Williams could teach them all a thing or 2 about music. All of Don's Songs have a story to them that pull right at the heart strings, With Don's Sincerity and his Music writing ability and performing Don is one of the The FEW true country music legends and will continue to be for years to come, Don's singing style puts now days country singers to shame they could take a serious lession or 2 from him"
Voice of Country
Joe Nadenicek | Pierre, SD USA | 07/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've never listened to to this record before, give it a chance. It's an unbeleivable emotional ride (especially side 3). I'm a middle aged guy, and no soft sort, but it absolutely reduces me to tears. JN."