Customer Reviews

Blackhawk - Greatest Hits

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BlackHawk's trio of lead vocalist Henry Paul (also mandolin) and harmonizers Van Stephenson (guitar) and Dave Robbins (keyboards) were brought together to form one of the most successful country groups of the `90s. This after many years spent forging their own identities: Paul with the Outlaws and the Henry Paul Band, Stephenson and Robbins as successful songwriters for Kenny Rogers and Restless Heart, among others.

The group's specialty is definitely up-tempo tunes (all ten of their enclosed top 20 efforts have a pronounced beat) and usually, the rowdier, the better. Barn-burners "Every Once In Awhile," "Like There Ain't No Yesterday;" and "There You Have It" were heaven-sent for swing dancing, while mid-tempo gems "Just About Right" and "Almost A Memory Now" nicely display their organic roots. The two other recordings contained on Greatest Hits provide a much needed cool down from the boisterousness: the exquisite ballad "Postmarked Birmingham" (Paul's greatest vocal performance to date) which undeservedly stiffed outside the top 30 and the non-single "Always Have, Always Will," which offers a rare lead by the author Robbins (an accomplished, heartfelt effort, though not up to Paul's standards). The omitted "Hole In My Heart" and a lively cover of the Andrew Gold hit "Lonely Boy would have fit in nicely as well, but overall, it's a creditable selection of BlackHawk's best.

Greatest Hits also contains three diverse new recordings. The first single "I Need You All The Time" is vintage BlackHawk: quick tempo, a lot of fun, easy to dance to. Radio's resistance to give it steady airplay (it has stalled in the middle regions of the country charts) may not bode well for the group's recording future. There's also a lovely, subtle ballad "It Takes A Woman" which revives the old adage "success is nothing without someone to share it with". Best of all is "Ships Of Heaven," a semi-autobiographical ballad written by Stephenson while he was being treated for a malignant melanona. It's a powerful statement about everlasting love that builds to a glorious, gospel-drenched climax. It was also a fitting swan song for Stephenson as he retired from the group after completing these new recordings with Paul and Robbins (Stephenson lost his battle with cancer earlier this year).

This collection is a must for anyone who has a appreciation of great music and multiple talent. Blackhawk has put together a great collection of some of their greatest hits and putting a creative touch to that greatest by adding these three additional songs. "It Takes A Woman" is a song that touches any woman's heart by showing her the true importance of the man receiving the love and support of a woman and you feel that as they sing this beautiful song. "Ships of Heaven" is a song can only take your mind to the friends and family that are there in heaven on those ships. This well written song could only come from a person who is such a huge part of Blackhawk's success "Van Stephenson", no one else could say it better. By having the song "I Need You All The Time" on this collection it makes you want to dance. This collection is a must have for anyone who has a true appreciation for talent and a group who can touch your heart make you smile and leave you feeling like they are part of what makes music such a important part of life.

This greatest hits CD is one of the best greatest hits collections I have ever heard. All of Blackhawk's hits are here. The CD also includes the touching song, "Always Have, Always Will" written and sung by Dave Robbins to his wife. The three new tracks on this CD are great compliments to the other songs. The song "I Need You All The Time" is a catchy, mindless fun song. Van Stephenson's "Ships of Heaven" is an emotional piece that makes a nice ending to the CD. This collection exemplifies what makes this band great with the harmonizing and great vocalization. This CD is a definite must for any fan of country music.

For a band who had so many hits throughout the nineties, BlackHawk get's very little airplay today. It's a shame--the three guys (now down to two, with guitarist Van Stephenson's passing a couple years ago) were talented singer/songwriter/performers. With Henry Paul's unique voice and Stephenson's and keyboardist Dave Robbins's superb songwriting, they crafted some of country music's best songs.

They could hold their own no matter what the style. Combining traditional country with a new pop-edged sound, Blackhawk has always managed to sound unique. On a ballad, there were/are few better. From Phil Vassar's heartbreaking "Postmarked Birmingham" to Robbins's romantic "Always Have, Always Will," to Stephenson's memorial "Ships of Heaven," the ballads pack a wallop.

But for upbeat fair, you can turn to other songs. "I Need You All the Time" is about as fast and fun as a country song can get; "Down in Flames" is a do-or-die anthem of love; and "There You Have It" is one of country's best two-steppin songs.

You might not hear them much on the radio anymore, but Blackhawk carved a nitch for themselves in country music. They still record today (their latest at this writing was "Spirit Dancer," the title track a salute to Stephenson) and perform. However, it is unlikely that they will ever overpower these early hits. Blackhawk's "Greatest Hits" is an album for country music fans new and old, for Blackhawk is a rare treat.

Even if you already own every Blackhawk CD ever produced, "Ships of Heaven" is a song that cannot be missed. The song is beautiful and inspiring; and written by one of the most talented songwriters in the world--Van Stephenson.

I guess that's why it's called a "Greatest Hits." These guys have definitely lived up to the name. From the beginning of the CD to the end, Blackhawk delivers what is, in my opinion, an award worthy album. Kicking off with the song that got their career going, "Goodbye Says It All," Blackhawk gives you all their hits and then some. Included on this awesome CD are hits like "Every Once In A While," "I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No," "Like There Ain't No Yesterday" and "There You Have It." They've even included some of their best material that would normally not rank as a "greatest" hit seen as it barely cracked Billboard's Top 40 in "Postmarked Birmingham." With the addition of three new songs, including the heart wrenching tribute to former band member Van Stephenson, "Ships Of Heaven," this album will go down in my books as one of the best of 2000. Way to go Blackhawk! You've definitely earned the right to have your first "Greatest Hits" album on the shelves!

I think the Hits is just amazing. The things these guys have accomplished over the years...wow! They have so many good songs on here, it's hard to choose only a few to emphazie. Ships Of Heaven is just awesome, no 2 ways about it. If you have ever lost somebody you love, listen to this song! Pure Gold. Among others, I'd have to say I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No, Every Once In A While,& I Need You All The Time are also really cool songs. One song that definetly stands out is Always Have,Always Will. It could be the wedding song of the year 2000! In all, this CD is a must have & if you don't buy it, you are definetly missing out on some GREAT music!

The newest CD of BlackHawk's is the best to date. I know that the first 12 songs are nothing new, but to have them all on one CD is really nice. The final three songs on the CD are new--and they are some of the best songs BlackHawk has ever recorded. When you listen to "I Need You All the Time" you won't be able to control your body. It has a rhythm that is almost addictive! "It Takes A Woman" has lyrics that will touch any woman's heart. "Ships of Heaven" is beautifully written and sung. But be careful...it might just bring a tear to your eye...particularly if you've ever lost a loved one. Outstanding job guys! The CD is worth purchasing just for the final 3 cuts not to mention all the other favorites you'll be getting in the process. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone!

This band is excellent. I bought this CD for two songs that I knew, "Goodbye says it all" and "Every once in a while". It turns out that I knew most of the songs after all. The lead singer's voice is distinctive and very pleasant to the ear. Whenever the rest of the band members sing backup to the lead singer, it produces harmony that can only be described as soul-touching, organized, and sweet ear candy. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is a fan of not only nineties country, but also country music as a whole.

This Album is one of my favorites that Blackhawk have put out, even though I love all their albums. For one thing, it was born on a very special day.. My Birthday!
And one of the songs on here, 'Down in Flames' has always been a favorite of mine, even way before I knew who the artists were. I finally found out, when I emailed a radio station in Temple Texas, USA. They were extremely helpful, and told me that the song I loved so much, was a 'Blackhawk' song.

All the songs on this album are fantastic, I love the sound, and can't wait till I hear then live...
This Album is a 'must have'.