Customer Reviews

Greatest Hits

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Very few bands in country music have been as consistently successful over the past ten years as Diamond Rio. This six-member ensemble emerged from its bluegrass roots to the elite level in country by combining strong musicianship with tight harmonies. They also possess, in lead singer Marty Roe, a distinctive tenor of exceptional power and conviction. With each of their first four albums an acclaimed effort, it is no surprise that they were able to put together a strong Greatest Hits.

What does sink in anew upon continued listening to this set is an appreciation for their musical diversity. Diamond Rio's bluegrass background lends itself to the old fashion virtues of numbers like "Mama Don't Forget To Pray For Me" and "She Misses Him On Sunday The Most" (which Roe amazingly manages to keep from getting sappy), yet they are equally at home on upbeat honkytonkers such as "Meet In The Middle" and "Mirror Mirror." They can also tug at your heart with a ballad like "In A Week Or Two" and then immediately put a smile on your face with the gothic satire "It's All In Your Head" or the corn pone ditty "Norma Jean Riley." It adds up to a rural rollercoaster of emotions.

With its two new selections, Diamond Rio accomplished the rare feat (particularly in country) of serving up some fresh sounds. "How Your Love Makes Me Feel" finds them in a more aggressive mode. The rocking melody is four minutes of nonstop hooks. Coupled with engaging lyrics, it is one of their best recordings ever. "Imagine That" holds back a bit more on its beat, but the end result is no less vibrant. Its harmonies and instrumentation are reminiscent of the Huey Lewis Sports era, with some lovely mandolin thrown in to remind you that it's country.

Old or new, the hits keep coming for Diamond Rio. A more pleasing anthology by a modern country group would be hard to find.

Okay, so it seems kind of cheesy to say that Diamond Rio's GREATEST HITS is their greatest album; but it is true. In fact, this is my personal favorite album out of the hundreds that I own and listen to. Pretty amazing, considering it's just six guys--a superb vocalist, a mandolin player to be reconded with, a bassist who knows no boundaries, a drummer like no other, a guitarist with the quickest fingers in Nashville, and a keyboardist with an ear for the notes.

Two "original" songs: the Diamond Rio-staple "How Your Love Makes Me Feel" (still their best, even after all six years), and the upbeat and joyous "Imagine That." Their old songs: the first hit, and one of their best, "Meet in the Middle"; the sublte irony of "Mirror Mirror"; the "mother song" "Momma Don't Forget..."; the humor of "Norma Jean Riley" and "Bubba Hyde"; the mournful sound of "In A Week or Two" and "She Misses Him On Sunday The Most"; the somewhat-sickening ooey-gooey lovey-dovey of "Love A Little Stronger" and "Holdin'"; the catchy harmonies of "Night Is Fallin' in my Heart" and "Walkin' Away"; and the flat-out morbid "It's All In Your Head" (another of their great ones, penned by BlackHawk's late Van Stephenson).

Diamond Rio has been around for years now; this album (1997) is a collection of their hits up to that point. By now, of course, they've added even more to their hit list; maybe another GREATEST HITS is in the future. But for now, if you haven't already purchases it, I suggest you buy this album. Satisfaction guaranteed, or you aren't a country music fan!

Diamond Rio is to me the best group in country music. Their perfect harmonies led by Marty Roe is capable of turning an average tune into a masterpiece.

There are two previously unreleased cuts here. The spirited How Your Love Makes Me Feel, with punch-heavy chorus which became their second number one song six years after Meet In The Middle. The other new song, the Bryan White co-written composition, Imagine That, is the least satisfying song on this compilation.

This set contains sone wonderful cuts like Norma Jean Riley, Mirror Mirror and In A Week Or Two. It also includes their radio-friendly songs, Holdin' and Walkin' Away but it shows that even with the weakest songs Diamond Rio still shines with talent and proficiency.

If you are a Diamond Rio fan, don't miss this compilation. If this band is new to you, this collection is thorough and displays very well the reason for their successful career.

This album was my first intoduction to Diamond Rio--I love it and them! And I'm generally NOT a fan of country music. This group has amazing harmonies, are fantastic musicians, and many of their songs have a great rock 'n' roll quality. You will not be disappointed. Every song is great (although the one song I am not crazy about is "Mama Don't Forget To Pray For Me"), and it's one album you can listen to from beginning to end, and then one more time around! (I've dated myself with the word "album!" CD, CD, CD!)

Diamond Rio's 1997 album GREATEST HITS spans their albums and takes 12 of their best songs, and includes 2 new ones for good measure. The two new songs are great, "How You Love Makes Me Feel" was a huge summer in '97. "Imagine That" is a great fun upbeat song as well with a killer chorus. Then we have some of their biggest hits, "Meet Me In The Middle", "Mirror Mirror", "She Misses Him On Sunday The Most", "Mama Don't Forget To Pray For Me", "Holdin", "Walkin Away", "In A Week or Two", "Night Is Falling In My Heart", and many others. Overall its a great collection for the avid or casual fan, get this one.

Diamond Rio keeps churning them out, and you can hear why when listening to this album. From the more recent "Meet in the Middle" to the older "Norma Jean Riley" fans can track the pace of their development as a serious C&W band. Even if you have their other albums with all these hits, you'll want to add this one to your collection.

I've been a Diamond Rio fan for several years after seeing them in concert, and this cd is a good "sampler" of some of Diamond Rio's best songs. I've always been a fan of "greatest hits" compilations because the listener gets to hear all of the hits on a single disc. This case holds true with this cd.

The songs contained here are an anthology of Diamond Rio's best. From the #1 "Meet in the Middle" to the fun-loving "Bubba Hyde" and "Norma Jean Riley", this cd holds something for everyone. The ballads "Love a Little Stronger" and "Night is Fallin' on my Heart" are great tracks as well.

I highly recommend this great disc. Diamond Rio's unique sound of acoustic guitars and mandolins is evident on each song, and their brand of music is a lot of fun to listen to. Pick up Diamond Rio's greatest hits and hear some of the best songs from a great country music group.

Diamond Rio has combined 14 great songs that get your foot tappin'. This CD contains hits like "The Way Your Love Makes Me feel," "Holdin'," "Meet in the Middle," and "Love a Little Stronger," plus many more. There isn't a song on this CD that I don't want to listen to. I pop it in my CD player and let it go to the end. Diamond Rio is one of the best country groups out there. This CD is definitely worth buying. You will get your moneys worth, and that is a promise.

This is a really great compilation on one CD. The songs take me back in time to some good times. I wish more country music like this was made today. As for those who gave this a bad review for lacking certain songs, the review should be solely based on the material that's included and not based on whats NOT included. For those just getting into Diamond Rio I highly recommend this as a starting point for the essentials.

Bought this CD for my daughter. I played a lot of Diamond Rio music as she was growing up and she always liked Norma Jean Riley. We looked in every store we could think of (she in CA, me in WA)and were unable to find this CD. I should have known Amazon would have it! She loves the CD. Anyone who likes country music and great harmonies will love Diamond Rio's Greatest Hits!