One honkin' big Kenny Rogers collection!

Last fall, I happened to catch a Kenny Rogers video on the Great American Country channel. He was singing his 2000 hit Buy Me A Rose, a song that features one of my favorite singers, Alison Krauss and Billy Dean. Although it was the first time I had ever seen the video or heard the song, I instantly loved it and decided I wanted to buy the CD. My husband Bill and I headed over to the AAFES (department store for military folks) here at Fort Belvoir. I looked in the music section for the CD I wanted. I didn't find it, but I did find Kenny Rogers' 2004 42 Ultimate Hits. And, lucky me, it also included the song Buy Me A Rose. Priced at $12.95 for 42 songs, 42 Ultimate Hits was definitely a bargain, too. I took it home with me.

I've been exposed to Kenny Rogers distinctive brand of country music for many years. My mom has been a big Kenny fan since I was a little girl. I clearly remember sitting in her car back in the late 1970s, listening to Kenny Rogers' 8-track cassettes whenever we had to go anywhere. Classic songs like Coward of the County, She Believes In Me, and The Gambler resonate with me, reminding me of my youth. I may not be the biggest Kenny Rogers fan in the world, but I do respect the man's talent and longevity. It's no secret that Kenny Rogers is also one of the proverbial kings of the love song and duet genres. 42 Ultimate Hits offers a great selection of all of Kenny Rogers' biggest hits, old and new.

42 Ultimate Hits contains the following songs:

Disc One

1. Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)- This song was recorded when Kenny Rogers was a member of the 1960s band, The First Edition. It marks Kenny Rogers' arrival on the music scene. The first time I heard this song, I wondered if I had a defective CD because it has such a psychedelic sound. Turns out that's just how the song goes!

2. Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town- Both this song and the next one, Reuben James, were also hits that came about when Rogers was a member of The First Edition. Both songs offer glimpses of Rogers as a storyteller, first from an injured war veteran's point of view and next as someone offering a tribute to a great man of humble origins.

3. Reuben James- This is a great upbeat gospel tinged tribute song that offers a message against racism

4. Something's Burning- This song starts off with a distinctive "heartbeat" rhythm and guitars that gather in intensity. The version that appears on 42 Ultimate Hits sounds like it was the original with a real 1960s flavor to it. Rogers' voice sounds young and a little bit raw.

5. Tell It All Brother- I was unfamiliar with this song before I listened to this 2 disc set. It sounds like a 1960s era peace song, almost like country folk. I hear Rogers' voice starting to evolve into the famous sound he has today.

6. Love Lifted Me- I really like this classic song, which was based on an old hymn and has a great waltzing rhythm. The choruses come straight from a hymnal, while the verses are a little more secular sounding.

7. Lucille- This song needs no introduction. Just about anyone who listened to the radio back in Rogers' heyday has no doubt heard him sing this song about a man who was tempted to commit adultery with a married woman who had just left her desperate husband.

8. Daytime Friends- I think this is the first Kenny Rogers' song in my memory. My parents had the album this song about cheating between friends came from and they used to play it all the time. The music sounds like it came from the 1970s, but it has a fierce intensity that conveys longing for forbidden love.

9. Sweet Music Man- This song from 1977 starts off with an electric hum and Rogers' tender voice. I didn't recognize it at first, but then the melody was familiar to me once again. It sounds more plugged in than some of Rogers' earlier songs.

10. Every Time Two Fools Collide (with Dottie West)- This is probably one of my favorite duet songs by Kenny Rogers. From the fantastic 1978 duet album Every Time Two Fools Collide, on 42 Ultimate Hits, this song seems to herald Kenny Rogers' sound, stabilized into the hit maker that it was. West's voice is warm and slightly raspy, offering a great contrast to Rogers' sound. This is just a classic song.

11. Love Or Something Like It- This song is the pure embodiment of the Leisure Suit era of the 1970s. Rogers sings about picking up women in bars, the thrill of cheap sex fueled by liquor and good music. Obviously, this song came out before people were scared of catching AIDS!

12. Anyone Who Isn't Me Tonight (with Dottie West- This is a pretty hot duet, again performed with Dottie West. It starts off with an acoustic guitar flourish and heavy, rhythmic strums on an electric guitar and pounding percussion. This song is fun to listen to, as West and Rogers sound so happy with each other.

13. The Gambler- This song, written by Don Schlitz, was a huge hit for Kenny Rogers. Again, Rogers tells a story, this time about learning the tricks of the gambling trade by a pro.

14. All I Ever Need Is You (with Dottie West)- This song is infectious with it's determined sunny sound. When I listen to this song, it reminds me of a commercial jingle with it's upbeat rhythm and catchy melody.

15. She Believes In Me- This is a wonderful ballad about an aspiring musician who comes home to a devoted woman. Rogers sings lovingly about his faithful woman, hoping that someday when he gets lucky and his career takes off, he can show the woman that she was right to trust him.

16. 'Til I Can Make It On My Own (with Dottie West)- Yet another beautiful duet with Dottie West, "'Til I Can Make It On My Own" is heartbreaking. This song was co-written by Tammy Wynette and, of course, she sang her own version of this wrenching song. I still prefer this aching duet by Rogers and West.

17. You Decorated My Life- This song has grown on me over the years. It used to be one of my least favorite songs by Kenny Rogers, but I've grown to appreciate its simple melody and the warmth in Rogers' voice.

18. Coward Of The County- I know this song counts as one of the "ubiquitous" Rogers' hits, but I happen to love it. This was one of those songs my mom used to play on her 8-track machine and as a little kid, I loved listening to the story of how Tommy, the "Coward of the County" and son of a prisoner, became a man when he beat up the guys who picked on his girlfriend, Becky. This song is a perfect vehicle for Kenny Rogers' style. It's a true classic!

19. Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer (with Kim Carnes)- Kim Carnes was big in the early 80s, with her hit "Bette Davis Eyes". She has a distinctive raspy voice that I never particularly cared for. However, I do give her props for co-writing this hit duet, which she performed with Kenny Rogers back in 1980.

20. Love The World Away- This song appeared on the soundtrack for the 1980 film, Urban Cowboy. It's pleasant to listen to, but definitely not among one of my favorites.

21. Lady- This song counts as another "ubiquitous" track, but I feel compelled to comment on it. Not everyone knows that this song was written by the great R&B/soul singer, Lionel Richie. With his gentle phrasing and sensitive delivery, Kenny Rogers made this song a huge hit and the biggest song of his career. He also melted quite a few hearts.

Disc Two

1. What Are We Doin' In Love (with Dottie West)- This is yet another winning Rogers and West collaboration from the early 80s. This song is about two people who seem to be totally destructive to each other, but in love anyway.

2. I Don't Need You- This song is another favorite of mine. Rogers sings lyrics that make him sound like he's closed himself off from the world, not needing anyone or anything. His voice makes him sound hurt and sad and I'd almost write this song off as a real downer until the hopeful twist at the end.

3. Share Your Love With Me- This song was a hit in 1981. I vaguely remember it being popular back then. Listening to it again 25 years later, I'm struck by the way Rogers' voice evokes sadness and heartache. The back up singers are very prominent on this track, which at the bridge really sounds like an 80s song because of a cheesy sax solo.

4. Blaze Of Glory- This song has music that makes it sound like it could be a gospel song with an upbeat rhythm and and music that you could clap your hands to.

5. Through The Years- This is a lovely ballad that seems custom made for a wedding anniversary. The lyrics are about two people who have stuck together through everything life has to offer, both good and bad.

6. Love Will Turn You Around- I remember really liking this song, which was from the 1982 movie, Six Pack. In its heyday, it was played on country and Top 40 stations. I liked its jangly acoustic guitar sound and heavy bass. I still like its sound years later.

7. A Love Song- This is a pretty and gentle song, with a romantic mood. I never really liked it that much when it was popular, but as an adult I can appreciate the majestic melody and romantic lyrics.

8. We've Got Tonight (with Sheena Easton)- I happen to much prefer the original version of this song, which was written and performed by the great soulful rock legend, Bob Seger. Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton do fine with this duet version of Seger's romantic ballad, but to me, it just doesn't measure up to the original. And I never liked the electric keyboards employed in Rogers' duet version of this song. I do recall it was a big hit, though... maybe more of one than Seger's original was.

9. Scarlet Fever- This song makes my husband cringe. I have to admit that I kind of like it, even if the song's premise makes me go "hmm". "Scarlet Fever" is basically about a guy who falls in love with a sixteen year old exotic dancer. Rogers sings of seeing "young Scarlet" dance and falling in love with her. It's Rogers' storytelling that wins me over, even if I don't approve of what he's singing about.

10. Islands In The Stream (with Dolly Parton)- This song is definitely Kenny Rogers' defining duet, even if it was never one of my favorites. I remember this song was an enormous hit in the 1980s and it got played to death. Listen carefully, and you'll hear nuances of the Bee Gees, who wrote this song. The song definitely has "hit" written all over it, with its hopeful lyrics and catchy melody, but I sure got sick of it when it was hot.

11. Buried Treasure- "Buried Treasure" is not a very familiar song to me, but like "Islands in the Stream", it was written by Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb. I don't hear their stamp on this song as much as I do in "Islands in the Stream".

12. Crazy- This song was co-written by Kenny Rogers and Richard Marx. It's another gentle ballad, and as I listen to it now, it sounds ethereal. I didn't know Marx contributed to this song's creation. I would have guessed Lionel Richie helped write it, because it reminds me of his solo hit, "Truly".

13. Morning Desire- This song, written by David Loggins, has a title that immediately turns me off. It sounds like the name of a cheap perfume or sleazy porno. The music isn't bad, but the song is basically about a guy who wants to have sex in the morning.

14. Make No Mistake, She's Mine (with Ronnie Milsap)- I have deep respect for Ronnie Milsap, who is a great pianist and vocalist. I'm glad to see him joining forces with Kenny Rogers on this song, which was written by Kim Carnes. I like the music a lot because it's really pretty, but it seems a little too "pretty" for two guys.

15. Twenty Years Ago- This is a good song about how nostalgia. Of course, life was so much easier years ago, before things got so complicated. Rogers offers this musical ode to the past.

16. The Vows Go Unbroken- This song is from Rogers' album, Something Inside So Strong, which I happen to have in my library. Since I have the album from which this song spawned, I can comment that it's one of the best on the CD. It's a beautiful love song, featuring a gentle flute solo and acoustic guitars. The lyrics and melody are perfect for a wedding, and Rogers shows that he can still sing a mean love song.

17. The Greatest- I love this adorable song, written by the great Donald Schlitz. Rogers sings lyrics about a little boy who declares himself "the greatest" baseball player around, even when he misses!

18. Buy Me A Rose (with Alison Krauss and Billy Dean)- Of course, this is the song that prompted me to buy this album. The lyrics are about a woman who wishes her husband would pay more attention to her instead of making money. I can't relate personally to these lyrics because my husband treats me like a princess, but there's something about Rogers' delivery and the melody that really touches me. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Alison Krauss contributes vocals.

19. It's A Beautiful Life- This is another song that I had never heard before I bought this CD. It's all about the joy of love among family members. It's kind of a neat song. I like the fact that it's about something besides romantic love, and the song's infectious beat.

20. My World Is Over (with Whitney Duncan)- I had never heard of this song or Whitney Duncan before I bought 42 Ultimate Hits. Duncan has a nice clear voice and it meshes well with Rogers' softer more muddied one. She reminds me a little of Sheryl Crow.

21. We Are The Same- I imagine this song was Kenny Rogers' attempt to address the idea that we are all citizens of the world. The song has an easy country rock beat and the lyrics are all about how similar all humans are on a fundamental level. It would be easy to dismiss this song as topical, but then different singers sing the chorus in ten different languages, from French to Farsi. It's a pretty cool gimmick.

This two disc set runs for two and a half hours and includes just about every one of Kenny Rogers' biggest hits. I can only think of a couple of lesser known hit songs that weren't included. If you're a casual Kenny Rogers fan, I can't imagine why you wouldn't love this collection. Big fans probably already have most of these songs in their collections, although My World Is Over and We Are The Same were previously unreleased songs. Hard core fans will probably buy this set just for those songs.

42 Ultimate Hits sounds great on my CD player. The liner notes offer information about Kenny Rogers' career, some good pictures, and basic information about the songs. Lyrics are not included, but that's not surprising since this album consists of 42 songs. I definitely recommend 42 Ultimate Hits for people who love Kenny Rogers' music.

Kenny Rogers' Web site: www.kennyrogers.com