Women of Country - The Internet's #1 Guide to Female Country Music

Album Review

Patty Loveless - Classics
Epic Records

What can you say about Patty Loveless except that she is one of the most talented vocalists to ever grace country music. It seems as though this woman doesn’t know how to record a bad song and that is reflected in her second greatest hits album Classics. I really feel sorry for the person who had to sit down and pick the nine tracks to include here (plus three new songs). The most impressive thing about this album is that all the songs are pulled from her Epic releases (there have only been four of them). Scoring that many hit songs in that short of a period of time is a rare occurrence. Classics also contains three new songs, all of which are the high quality tunes we have come to expect from Loveless.

The album opens with "Can’t Get Enough," a fun loving tune complete with a Shania Twain styled stuttering instrumental. It’s not a surprise that Patty does it better. With that in mind it’s not surprising that radio squashed the song as quickly as possible. Patty has another hit on her hands with the flirtatious "I Just Wanna Be Loved By You." Look for that one screaming up the charts if it is released as a single. The albums third new track is a duet with Vince Gill titled "My Kind Of Woman, My Kind Of Man." The song shows Patty’s traditional edge and the two artists sound good together. It’s unfortunate that radio probably won’t even consider putting this one on the airwaves.

The remainder of this release is filled with some of Patty’s biggest hits. From the stunning "You Don’t Even Know Who I Am," to the fun loving spirit of "I Try To Think About Elvis," this album has a little bit of something for everyone. Other tracks include "Blame It On Your Heart," "You Can Feel Bad," "Lonely Too Long," and "You Don’t Seem To Miss Me."

In all honesty I have to deduct a bit for leaving out some music that should have found a home here. "She Drew A Broken Heart," and "Lonely Too Long," are mysteriously absent. It wouldn’t have killed anyone to make this record fourteen tracks long and included those songs.

Other than that small flaw Classics is a solid collection of Patty Loveless’s best work on Epic Records. Long time fans will want the new music and casual listeners will get a solid hits album if they hand over their hard earned cash. While you’re at it pick up a copy of Patty’s first Greatest Hits release. Both are more than worth the money. Loveless is an incredible artist.

Album Review by Jeff Krasky

The WOC Rating Scale

The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection.

This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level.

This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there.

A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy.

This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark.