There's no doubt that Hank Williams is pure country. However, it doesn't matter if you're coming to this album straight from your collection of Beck and Radiohead CDs -- the great songs stick with you after just a few listens. I think Williams should be considered one of the immortal composers of this century, and should stand alongside names like George Gershwin, Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. These men cannot be pigeonholed into neat and tidy genres. Put plain, they are all great songwriters.

I've been getting deeper and deeper into country/American music since the day I walked into a used CD shop and purchased Gram Parsons' two classic solo albums and Elvis' Sun sessions. Of course, you can't begin on this road of C&W musical exploration without stopping to listen to a little Hank Williams.

The first thing that hit me about "Greatest Hits" was the raw emotion of Hank's voice, and the stark, weather-beaten honesty of his music. But the main thing that comes across, time and time again, is the superior craftsmanship of the songs.

"Essential" is such an overused word these days, but the adjective absolutely applies to this CD.

31 of 32 found the following review helpful:


A perfect one CD intro to Hank's music.  Sep 26, 2000 By Ronald George Reagan
Ok, so you don't want to spring for a two CD set on Hank? Well, kudos to Mercury (yes, some might find it strange I say that) for giving casual fans a one disc set that cuts it down to the nitty-gritty, can't live without selections Hank recorded. This is all you need to find out about Hank if you're new to Hank. I must agree with Colin Escott when he says Country 101. This is the definitive intro to the man who made a lasting effect on country music as we know it. Some of this music is over 50 years old, but it still sounds modern and undated. Kudos to Kira Florita & Colin Escott for giving casual fans the perfect intro disc.

19 of 20 found the following review helpful:


Too limited for the Master  Jul 06, 2004 By D. Ribel "Die Hard Steeler"
Naturally, this is a great disc. However, to really get a grasp on the greatness of Hank Williams, you, at least, need to own "40 Greatest Hits". "20 Greatest Hits" is just not enough. When this was originally an LP in was, at least, "24 Greatest Hits". Sadly, "40 Greatest Hits" is out of print, why I do not know. Nevertheless, you can get it used on Amazon. In all reality, if you are willing to spend a little bit more money, you need to get the three disc set "Hank Williams Original Singles Collection". You get every thing Hank ever recorded that was not a duet or poem. Plus, you get several essential demos. This is, with out a doubt, the best box set ever. "The Complete Hank Williams" is great but too costly for the casual fan. It contains all that "Original Singles" contains, all of the demos and most of the radio performances. As well, as the poems and duets with his wife.

14 of 15 found the following review helpful:


The Real King Of Country Music  Apr 27, 2000 By Kim K.
This is definitely worth 10 stars-all of Hank's major hits are here. A great collection for those who only need 1 cd of the big hits. Between his heartfelt songwriting and that wonderful voice with the teardrop in it, this man proved himself to be a colossal talent right up to his untimely death at 29. Anyone who's made it big in country music, male or female, owes a debt of gratitude to Hank Williams. Highly recommended.

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


HANK TELLS IT LIKE IT IS  Aug 28, 2006 By D. W. Rossa "D. W. Rossa"
I remember Hank. He could not write a bad song if he tried. The majority of his songs were about life, love and living. Often I saw myself in his songs.

To me, this collection is the best-of-the-best of Hank. If you like a good love song that tells a story, you will love this CD -- all 20 songs.

Dorothy W. Rossa

Chicago, Illinois

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