Greatest Hits – JOHNNY HORTON***

North To Alaska/Whispering Pines/Johnny Reb/The Mansion You Stole/I’m Ready If You’re Willing/When Its Springtime In Alaska/The Battle Of New Orleans/All For The Love Of A Girl/Sink The Bismarck/Comanche/Jim Bridger/Johnny Freedom

This patriotic and historical collection of Greatest Hits was a memorial to country balladeer Johnny Horton who was killed in a car crash the previous year. (US:8)

“From the time he captured America's heart with a rip-roaring rendition of The Battle Of New Orleans until his final release with North To Alaska, Johnny Horton surprised, delighted and amazed us with his crossover country style, sung with a muted twang. Anyone who listened to this album fell in love with his voice, which was quite distinctive and a vehicle for everything he sang.”

“There are many sides to Johnny Horton. In his short career, he could sing anything. He was great with the patriotic songs, he was great in the rock and roll area, and the third side was the romantic Horton where he was great too. Just listen to these songs, and you will agree that this entertainer could do it all.”

“Johnny Horton was the ultimate balladeer, with a rich, mellow voice that clearly tells a story. His story was apparently over with all too soon, but the magic lives on. This collection of greatest hits is clearly timeless, and still manages to capture new audiences.”

“Too bad Horton didn't stick to more simple and emotive historical material like Comanche and Whispering Pines. Unfortunately, this hits collection favours the gratuitous flag-waving fare and even ups the kitsch factor with some syrupy, string-laden weepers.”

“It's a breath of fresh air to hear someone sing about history and the frontier instead of the exclusive focus on relationships of today's pop music/contemporary country.”

“This LP has all the hits Johnny Horton recorded during his truncated life, including his biggest hit, the patriotic Battle Of New Orleans as well as Sink The Bismarck. Aside from these two tunes and North To Alaska, the rest are pretty much filler.”