I Hope You've Learned - Ricky Skaggs, Carrigan, Bill
Think of What You've Done - Ricky Skaggs, Rose, Fred
Another Night - Ricky Skaggs, Adkins, Jack
The Drunken Driver - Ricky Skaggs, Westmoreland, Paul
Little Maggie - Ricky Skaggs, Stanley, Ralph
Amanda Jewell - Ricky Skaggs, Skaggs, Ricky
If I Lose - Ricky Skaggs, Stanley, Ralph
Ridin' That Midnight Train - Ricky Skaggs, Stanley, Carter
Rank Stranger - Ricky Skaggs, Brumley, Albert E.
Somehow Tonight - Ricky Skaggs, Scruggs, Earl
Rawhide - Ricky Skaggs, Monroe, Bill [1]
"Country rocks ... but bluegrass rules." If Ricky Skaggs was looking for a manifesto for his long-awaited bluegrass comeback, he couldn't have done much better than this disc's five-second preamble. Contractually barred fr... more »om recording bluegrass for more than 12 years, Skaggs has obviously been champing at the bit. After the aforementioned introduction, he promptly unleashes an instrumental "Get Up John" that still has smoke wafting from my CD player. Dandy versions of "Little Maggie," "If I Lose," and "Rank Stranger" follow, to single out just a few. The musicianship here is uniformly superb, especially Skaggs's own mandolin playing, the guitar work of Bryan Sutton, Bobby Hicks's fiddling, and even a nice guest turn from Jerry Douglas. If there's any justice, the commercial success of Bluegrass Rules will send a strong message to record companies: Bluegrass music can and does sell records, especially when it's as flawlessly executed as Skaggs's latest. Let's just hope we don't have to wait as long for the next one. --Mary Park« less
"Country rocks ... but bluegrass rules." If Ricky Skaggs was looking for a manifesto for his long-awaited bluegrass comeback, he couldn't have done much better than this disc's five-second preamble. Contractually barred from recording bluegrass for more than 12 years, Skaggs has obviously been champing at the bit. After the aforementioned introduction, he promptly unleashes an instrumental "Get Up John" that still has smoke wafting from my CD player. Dandy versions of "Little Maggie," "If I Lose," and "Rank Stranger" follow, to single out just a few. The musicianship here is uniformly superb, especially Skaggs's own mandolin playing, the guitar work of Bryan Sutton, Bobby Hicks's fiddling, and even a nice guest turn from Jerry Douglas. If there's any justice, the commercial success of Bluegrass Rules will send a strong message to record companies: Bluegrass music can and does sell records, especially when it's as flawlessly executed as Skaggs's latest. Let's just hope we don't have to wait as long for the next one. --Mary Park
"I actually purchased this after Ancient Tones and wondered if it could be 1/2 as good as that. Believe me it's all that and more. I absolutely love the old songs and the old time sound that Ricky and his band gives these songs. The harmonies in these songs are the greatest. I liked every one of the cuts on this CD, my particular favorite Rank Stranger. An old tune brought to life by Ricky, et al. I agree that I think Ricky is the best thing in bluegrass music today, and I've been following him since the late 70's early 80's and love the way his beautiful voice has matured and become more beautiful. Please give us more Bluegrass Rules/Ancient Tones/Soldier of the Cross!!!!!!!!"
Best of the Best
Robert Steelman | Yadkinville, NC | 08/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't say it any simplier: This is one of my favorite recordings of all times!
If anyone needs a modern sampler of traditional bluegrass music I would recommend this one. If you need more, the albums that followed this one are right on up there too!"
Keepin' Bluegrass Alive and Kickin'
Robert Steelman | 11/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't believe there is anybody more convicted to the perpetuation of the "ancient tones" of bluegrass into the next millenium than Skaggs. "Bluegrass Rules" exemplifies the fusion of modern, refined music recording and the bluegrass tunes of days past that we see today. Skaggs has definately captured and preserved the "high lonesome sound" of the Stanley songs on this release. This album is a must buy for any bluegrass fan young or old."
Don't drink and drive
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 01/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ricky spent more than a decade on a major label during which time he, officially, did not record any bluegrass music, though we all know that he never strayed far from his roots. Free from any constraints, Ricky returned to a traditional bluegrass sound with this stunning album. Brilliant musicianship is, of course, a trademark of any album with Ricky's name on it. Incidentally, if you are looking for Ricky's commercial recordings of the eighties, I recommend the double-CD Country gentleman, which I've already reviewed. After a brief spoken intro by J D, Ricky launches into a blistering four-minute instrumental that really rocks. Ricky then sings his way through a series of mainly upbeat songs that you expect to find on bluegrass albums, broken by the occasional instrumental or slow song. The upbeat nature of most of the album only serves to highlight the exceptions. Another night is sad, but mild compared to Drunken driver, a chilling story about the consequences of drinking a lot of alcohol then getting behind the wheel.If you enjoy bluegrass - traditional or modern - you'll love this album."
Great Bluegrass
Mike | Mathews,VA | 08/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album really tells you that bluegrass does rule. The sound quality i think is great. He has is own original songs on there and his stunning instrumentals and some originals like Rawhide and Rank Stranger. Even if you dont have the new live cd this Skaggs cd is still a must have!"