Customer Reviews

"The Bellamy Brothers - Greatest Hits, Vol. 1"

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This compilation is notable as it does have the original hit versions of "Let Your Love Flow" and "For All The Wrong Reasons" in the same place as I have a 2 CD boxed set with re-recordings of these 2 songs, plus the single version of Get Into Reggae Cowboy is on this set while I have a remixed version on the 2 CD boxed set. Plus, for one thing, I used to carry around the "Sons of The Sun" album that featured "Lovers Live Longer", which also appears here. As I said, this is the most successful period of their career on the charts and all 10 of these songs are classics from 1976-1982. All of them are highlights of their career.

Besides Greatest Hits Volume 2, this is about the only other hits CD where every song is the original recording. The brothers have, over the past twelve years, released a number of compliations that have included re-recorded material, either by vocal and/or arrangements, that just didn't do the songs justice. In this instance, it was primarily due to the fact that Curb records owned the rights to this particular album and the Bellamy's were not able to release it under thier own record label, started in 1991.

The album basically goes chronologically through thier career from thier first hit "Let you love flow" to thier first country hit "If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me". And unlike most acts now adays where three cuts tend to be released, two songs from each album during this period make into the collection with the exception of 'Redneck Girl', which was also released a year later on "Strong Weakness". This "mindless song", as Howard refers to it, was included on this album both to make an even ten cuts and because this was to be thier last album under WEA and thier producer felt it could be a big hit. As someone mentioned in another review, this is also the only Hits collection of the Bellamy's, aside from 70's hits collections, where the original "Let you love flow" appears. A re-recorded version in 1991 had more of a European flavor, not surprising considering the song was produced in Germany and the Brothers tour there yearly, and just didn't seem to have the same feel as the edgier, southern rock style of the original.

The only disapoinment comes from the occlusion of two songs that were quite popular in the early 80's but were only released as singles and never included on any album. They were: "You're my favorite Star" and the controversial "They could put me in Jail". Many women's groups objected to the Don McDills tune, one of the few songs the Bellamy's recorded that they didn't write, claiming that the song promoted 'date-rape'. Listen to the song and make you're own decision. It was pulled from rotation soon after, climbing to number 7 on the charts and may well have been on its way to number 1.

All in all, this is a great collection and a great summer day listen. Buy it, pop it in the old CD player and before long, you'll probably find yourself singing right along.

A fan..

The first of what eventually became three volumes of greatest hits, this is the one that contains the international pop hits Let your love flow and If I said you have a beautiful body, both of which made the top ten in Britain. Let your love flow topped the pop charts in America while also becoming a sizeable country hit, as did all the other songs here.

Of the remaining songs, Dancing cowboys and Do you love as good as you look both received significant airplay on some British radio stations but failed to chart in the UK - nevertheless, they are brilliant upbeat songs.

Among the other songs, I particularly like For all the wrong reasons and Get into reggae cowboy - only the Bellamy brothers could imagine a cowboy enjoying reggae music, but why not?

Other compilations of their music have been issued through the years, while the brothers also re-recorded their hits. However, if all you want is the early hits that set them on their way - and for which they are best remembered - this will suit you ideally.

Recently I read an article on one hit wonders of the 1970's, and to my surprise the Bellamy Brothers were listed for their song "Let Your Love Flow" which topped the pop charts in 1976, and is their most recognizable hit. However, the Bellamy Brothers have had many hits on the country music charts, and have received more CMA nominations than any other duo in country music, a category which would include the Judds and Brooks & Dunn. This CD is the first volume of their hits from 1976-1982. Included are "Let Your Love Flow", "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body", "You Ain't Just Whistlin Dixie", "Lovers Live Longer", and "For All the Wrong Reasons" plus 5 more songs. If you want the Bellamy Brothers' latest hits, you would need to buy volumes 2 & 3 of their greatest hits. This first volume of their greatest hits is highly recommended.

THIS CD INCLUDES THE BEST KNOWN SONGS OF THE BELLAMY BROTHRES,BUT WHY THERE ARE NOT THE ORIGINAL ALBUMS?,"SONS OF THE SUN","YOU CAN GET CRAZY","BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS",ETC.,THEY INCLUDE HIT SINGLES THAT ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON THE COMPILATIONS,"YOU'RE MY FAVORITE STAR","MAKE ME OVER"AND MANY MORE,THIS IS THE BEST COMPILATION AVAILABLE,SEE VOLUME TWO IS GOOD TOO!

Great songs, unique style, timeless classics. One problem : too short ! Paul LeBoutillier, Rimouski (Quebec)

I bought this CD to replace the cassette that I have worn out. This album is to country as the Beach Boys are to pop/rock. I married a "Redneck Girl" many years ago and the other songs on the disc remind me of my younger days in Mississippi, Arkansas, and other points South.

Redneck Girl and You Ain't Just Whitlin' Dixie are two of the greatest songs ever recorded.

You will love songs like "Redneck Girl", "Lovers live longer", and "Do you love as good as you look"!

I love the CD. I was surprised at the speed it was delivered. the CD was in nexcellent condition and I would buy from this seller again.