NOT meant to replace Greatest Hits.
takemehome | USA | 04/12/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For those bemoaning the lack of songs already included on Martina's Greatest Hits album, this compilation is NOT meant to replace that. Instead, it's more of a companion disc, albeit not perfectly so, as there's many post-GH album singles not included, and five of the tracks on here appear on the GH album in the same versions included here.
What this compilation offers that makes it a nice companion to the Greatest Hits album are remixes of four tracks, three of which are on the GH album. The pop remixes of There You Are and I Love You, respectively found on the soundtrack CDs of Where The Heart Is and Runaway Bride, are welcome inclusions, as are the pop remix of This One's For The Girls and an acoustic version of Wrong Again, previously only available on a Target exclusive EP. In addition, two tracks that were previously only available as chain-exclusive bonus tracks on previous albums are available on here - Show Me was only available if you bought her self-titled album at Wal Mart, while her cover of Buck Owens' Cryin' Time was only available if you purchased her Timeless album at Target.
This compilation also includes a hit that many fans feel was unfairly left out of her Greatest Hits album - It's My Time, which reached #11 on the country charts. And finishing the compilation is a breathtaking recording of God Bless America from the Patriotic Country album.
The only drawback is the overlap of this and the GH album. The versions of My Baby Loves Me, Wild Angels, Safe In The Arms Of Love, Happy Girl, and Independence Day are pretty much the same versions available on their original album releases and the Greatest Hits album. Since these albums pretty much limit themselves to 14 tracks, these five tracks would have been better reserved for some of the singles from Martina, Timeless, and Waking Up Laughing, or more non-LP tracks, or maybe even live tracks. As it stands, this is a nice companion to Greatest Hits, but a word of advice - Amazon's price of 11 dollars is a little steep, considering Wal Mart sells it for seven. Not that this nice compilation isn't worth eleven dollars, but if you have access to a Wal Mart, it might be better to look there first.
If you were expecting this CD to replace Greatest Hits, you'll most definitely be disappointed. However, if you want a nice companion disc to GH, this will fit the bill nicely, thanks to a generous helping of rarities."
Missing too much
Record Store Girl | 12/20/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is missing so many great hits...couldn't they have made it 30 greatest hits??? Very disappointing. I love everything she has but I would've expected more songs and better songs than in this mix. Where's 'Broken Wing' for example??"