Customer Reviews

Essential Ronnie Milsap

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This two-disc set contains the original versions of 39 country hits that Ronnie Milsap recorded for RCA between 1974 and 1989. During that 15-year period, no one else hit the top of the charts as often as Milsap - or even came close. It's a testament to the diversity of his vocal and song-selecting talents.

Those diverse classics include pure pop ("Pure Love," "Smokey Mountain Rain"), polished honkytonkers ("Daydreams About Night Things," "I'm A Stand By My Woman Man,"), stone country weepers ("Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends," "Nobody Likes Sad Songs"), bluesy tributes ("What A Difference You've Made In My Life"), and adult contemporary fare ("It Was Almost Like A Song"). Toward the end of his hit-making tenure, Milsap dwelled on nostalgia with a successful remake of the `50s favorites "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby," as well as the vintage sounding "Lost In The Fifties Tonight." Milsap also proved to be an excellent collaborator, pairing up with Kenny Rogers on the Grammy winning chart-topper "Make No Mistake She's Mine."

In addition to the original hits, we get a live version of "Let My Love Be Your Pillow" (the studio version is available on 2004's Ultimate Ronnie Milsap). The vast majority of these recordings are also included on Milsap's 40 # 1 Hits from 2000. That one is a slightly stronger set that is currently out of print, but worth seeking out.

Ronnie Milsap had 59 hits that reached the Top 40 of the Country charts between 1973 and 1993. Six of his hits also crossed over and hit the Top 40 of the Pop charts. This 2 CD set has forty of those hits, and is the most complete collection currently available. Unfortunately, the mastering of this set is not as good as the mastering of the single CD "Ultimate Ronnie Milsap". The "Ultimate" CD has better-defined bass and brighter highs--the "Essential" set is dull by comparison. If you need all forty songs, then "Essential" is truly that, but "Ultimate" is the better choice for the casual fan. For the true fanatic, get both.

This set of Ronnie's recordings is similar to the Virgin 40 #1's released a few years ago and I'd say the mastering of this set rivals the Virgin release. The difference here is this set is sequenced by style rather that chronology which keeps the music fresh. Ronnie's work with his post RCA association with Libery, Virgin, and Image are mentioned in the liner notes but sadly not one track from those projects is included on this set which would have made the whole thing a tad stronger and certainly more comprehensive; what is here however is a fine collection of his 70's and 80's radio staples and it's well worth the money.

back in the day i always dug his voice and presentation and then growing up back in the day when i would flip the radio stations and hear what i wanted and also there was a time in a pre I-pod universe you had radio stations that played a balance of songs no matter what the style. hearing songs like Pure love and of course my cut "there's no getting over me" that is the cut and that groove is still bumping. i dig the honesty and directness in his music. country back in the day was on the real. you spoke to the heart and how you felt. Ronnie Milsap made songs you can still sing and remember.

In reserching Ronnie's music I found that this is the best set out the of Ronnie's music. What I really like about this set is it has all 12 of his GREATEST HITS vol. 1 on here. This also have 8 songs from his GREATEST HITS vol. 2. And 6 songs from his GREATEAT HITS vol. 3.

This CD is a perfect choice if you want all the best of Ronnie Milsap.
I dont think there is better choice out there for the 70's country music from one of the best artist to ever perform.

I grew up listening to Ronnie Milsap on country radio stations - and I could sing along with all of his songs. This CD really does have all of his greatest hits (in my opinion). From his early stuff with a real country "twang" to his older stuff which was much more easy listening/adult contemporary, The Essential Ronnie Milasp really is essential for any Milsap fan. I highly recommend it!

If you are a Ronnie Milsap fan and want his best songs in their original state (re-mastered of course), then this is the CD you want !! What a voice, and what a great talent !!

If you're a fan of Ronnie, this CD is the best. Includes all of his early hits. Can't go wrong with this one.

The Essential Ronnie Milsap This is so great! It is truly a collection of his best.