Posted on: September 24, 2007 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Collin Raye – Selected Hits / 2007 StarPointe Records / http://www.collinraye.com / http://www.starpointerecords.com /

What Collin Raye does on eir “Selected Hits” is essentially make a Greatest Hits EP. Like many greatest hits albums, there are a few new tracks to whet the appetites of completists (this time, “A Soldier’s Prayer” and “Quitters” make their appearance). Also like many greatest hits albums, there are tracks that everyone that is a fan of Raye’s would know, a listing which includes “That’s My Story (And I’m Sticking To It)”, “Little Rock”, “I Think About You”, and “Love Me”. There is a minor twist on the greatest hits idea with “Selected Hits”; the songs here are not what individuals know as being the “studio” version, but rather mark a live recording that Raye did with the Salt Lake Symphony. The production of these tracks are all excellent, and allow listeners to hear exactly what type of variations Raye added to these already classic tracks.

The lower cost of this CD means that more individuals will have the opportunity to pick it up, and the fact is that these tracks do represent six new cuts of music, even if individuals are already familiar with four of them, albeit in another form. “Selected Hits” works well as a stopgap until that time where ey is able to release eir next full length recording, as well as allowing Raye to chart a few more times for good measure. Definitely not resting on eir laurels, Collin Raye comes through strong on “Selected Hits”. StarPointe Records would do well to continue releasing these type of “Selected Hits” albums, as it really combats the tendency for individuals to forget about a star in the interim after the touring is done for the last album and that time when the new album comes out. Give the disc a go if you are a fan of any intensity of Raye.

Top Track: A Soldier’s Prayer

Rating: 5.8/10

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