the start the record is an oddity. A big band pumps, female background singers rip through a chorus of "Bye Bye Love," and Ray brings high energy to the Everly Bros. teeny-bop lyrics. Some songs suffer from syrupy choir and string arrangements, but Ray is always there to set things straight. He gives country some funk, and erases, for a day, all questions of black and white. --Steve Tignor  (less)

Home A Drinkin'" "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl," "Fist City," and "You're Looking at Country" show a vibrant, independent woman with her own strong beliefs and keen observations. In her songs, she (literally) fights for her man's loyalty, stands up to his abuse, and moves on when he leaves. Among these 16 cuts are duets with Ernest Tubb and Conway Twitty, the controversial "The Pill" (yes, that pill), and her autobiographical trademark, "Coal Miner's Daughter." Lynn's defiant outlook picks up where Kitty Wells left off. --Marc Greilsamer  (less)

And Hold Me/I'm Throwing Rice (at The Girl I Love)/A Full Time Job/Easy On The Eyes/I Really Don't Want To Know/I Wanna Play House With You/There's Been A Change In Me/One Kiss Too Many/Kentucky Waltz/Trouble In Mind/The Cattle Call/You Don't Know Me/Tennessee Stud/What' He Doing In My World?/The Last Word In Lonesome Is Me/Make The World Go Away/Lonely Again/The End Of The World  (less)

angels to remind us about the magic and mystery of Christmas. A gentle snowfall. a warm, comfortable spot near the fireplacewindowpanes covered with frostthe sparkle and glow of hundreds of beautiful lights and ornaments on a cheery, pine-scented treebiscuits, nuts and boxes of sweets, steaming mugs of hot chocolate And you and your loved ones, gathered together, sharing and making memories. But there's one vital ingredient missing. Yes, you're right. It's the music. The carols and the seasonal songs, the perfect backdrop for the fun and festivities of this (and every) Christmas season. We have chosen more than hour's worth of Christmas music, magic and memories to evoke 'An English Country Christmas'. Here's mood-setting music read...  (less)

Haggard. Even if country isn't your thang, there's no excuse for not owning this; it's America in the twentieth century, presented for your edification. Besides the names already mentioned, you've got Kitty Wells doing "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels" and Doc Watson doing "Blue Railroad Train." Nothing less than brilliant, as a non-country singer once whined. --Chris Nickson  (less)

southern gospel song "When Men Pray". Jacky Jack White has had songs on the charts as a singer/songwriter since 1985. Some of the artists who have recorded his songs include Ray Stevens, Charley Pride, Buddy Jewell, Steve Wariner, Neal McCoy and Mark Lowery.  (less)

6. Joshua 3:02 7. Jolene 2:42 8. My Tennessee Mountain Home 3:10 9. Love Is Like A Butterfly 2:23 10. The Seeker 3:04 11. The Bargain Store 2:44 12. Light Of A Clear Blue Morning 4:58 13. I Will Always Love You 2:57 14. Here You Come Again 2:59 15. Two Doors Down 3:03 16. Heartbreaker 3:36 17. Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You 3:28 18. It's All Wrong, But It's All Right 3:18 19. 9 To 5 2:47 20. Tennessee Homesick Blues 3:23 21. But You Know I Love You 3:17 22. Islands In The Sun 4:12 23. Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That 2:35 24. Rockin' Years 3:28 25. It's Sure Gonna Hurt  (less)

Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys (S)/Good Hearted Woman (S, 1972 original)/Dreaming My Dreams With You (S)/Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way (S)/Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love) (S)/Are You Ready For The Country (S)/I've Always Been Crazy (S)/The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want to Get Over You) (S)/There Ain't No Good Chain Gang (S)/Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys) (S)/Lucille (You Won't Do Your Daddy's Will) (S)/I Ain't Living Long Like This (S)/Drinkin' And Dreamin' (S)/Amanda (S)/Just To Satisfy You (S)/Rose In Paradise (S)/My Baby Walks All Over Me (M)  (less)