Customer Reviews

Suzy Bogguss - 20 Greatest Hits

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of the most underrated vocalists of the early-nineties country music scene, Suzy Bogguss managed some moderate success during the country boom of the early nineties that managed to incorporate a vast array of musical styles under the guise of "country". Though never country to the core, Bogguss managed to meld several musical genres(western swing, pop, country rock)into a pretty tight package over the course of several strong, and usually, underrated albums. While this long-overdue second compilation far outweighs the measly GREATEST HITS set her label issued several years back, it also manages to leave off a few of Bogguss' key chart entries("Heartache" being the most glaring omission)in favor of album tracks. Nevertheless, the material present is first-rate, thanks to the sharp songwriting and Bogguss' crystalline soprano, which she more often than not wields with razor-sharp precision. Ultimately, a strong reminder of Bogguss' considerable gifts and why to this day she remains highly overlooked as one of country's brightest players.

This compilation proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Suzy Bogguss was and is a force to be reckoned with in the country music scene. She sings several styles with impeccability, truth and her crystal, clear voice is pleasant to listen to without resorting to vocal gimmickry (ala Reba McWHOOI'MTIRED OF or Martina McWHINE McBride or Faith Kill Hill). Why Bogguss hasn't reached the annals of success of the other singers listed above is not hard to reconcile. The truth is simply this: A REAL artist will not compromise and Bogguss never has. It is especially difficult for a female singer to make it on talent alone. Suzy's image is not that of a sex symbol or Hollywood wannabe. She is the girl next door; and this, by today's music standards (which are degrading) does not sell.
But Suzy Bogguss is without peer when it comes to singing and performing: Because she has stayed true to herself and because her music is not overproduced, oversong and overpowered. In short, her beautiful, melodic voice is pleasant to listen to. If you have not yet discovered what this fine, talented lady has to offer, this CD is the place to begin. Chet Atkins endorsed her and its time the rest of the country did too!

Great Music. I'm not sure how I missed an artist as good as her for so long.

Suzy never achieved the level of commercial success that her talent deserved but she nevertheless built a significant fan base in America, Britain and elsewhere. Suzy's voice has echoes of Emmylou Harris (no bad thing, that) and was certainly one of the best country singers of her generation - or any generation.

Drawing on Suzy's nineties recordings for Capitol, this contains most of the songs that you would expect to find. It is a pity that they didn't license her country hit duet with Lee Greenwood (Hopelessly yours) but if you want it, you can find it on a Lee Greenwood compilation.

This compilation shows that Suzy could record oldies and contemporary material with equal brilliance. The oldies are represented by Someday soon (first popularised by Judy Collins but also recorded by Crystal Gayle among others), In the jailhouse now (the old Jimmie Rodgers classic) and I want to be a cowboy's sweetheart (a million-seller for Patsy Montana in the thirties). My favorite oldie recorded by Suzy (Take it to the limit) isn't here but can be found on Common thread, the Eagles tribute album.

Joy Lynn White (a brilliant but obscure country singer) was first to record Cold day in July. Suzy covered it a few years later but it became better known when covered by the Dixie Chicks. Elsewhere, there are many outstanding songs including Just like the weather, Diamonds and tears, Give me some wheels, Hey Cinderella and Letting go, just to name a few.

If you only ever buy one collection of Suzy's country music, you may as well choose this one.

This CD has a little of everything from country to the blues. The yodeling on Cowboy's Sweetheart is awesome! I've seen Suzy live at our State Fair and she is a fantastic performer. You will not regret buying this CD! It's the next best thing to seeing her live!

I am always astonished when, reading reviews of Suzy Bogguss' albums, the reviewers focus on the song selections or Suzy's style. While those are noteworthy, the main attraction for me always has been, and always will be, That Voice. I'm now what most would consider to be a senior citizen (but by no means a "fuddyduddy"); I've heard and worked with literally thousands of female vocalists in my lifetime, and in my opinion there is none superior to Suzy Bogguss, in any genre. The purity, effortlessness, and clarity...what a songbird. Perhaps a k d lang is more remarkable for her range and emotive, artistic abilities; a Beverly Sills is more technically accomplished and disciplined; but for my money, none is simply more enjoyable to listen to than Suzy Bogguss. I'm not really much of a fan of country music, but Suzy can sing whatever she wants to, whenever she wants to, to me any time.

You can't go wrong with any of Suzy's albums--just check the number of stars assigned to each--but it makes sense to start your investigation with this one.

Suzy Bogguss is a talent to be reckoned with. She sings in her own voice. Her voice is not something that is overpowering. Its just right. She knows what lines are emotional, and which ones aren't. She doesn't over-emote, and doesn't under emote. She can sing any phrase beautifully in her crystal clear mezzo soprano. She never has to swoop, scoop, or simply butcher a phrase like so many country artists do. She doesn't need a faux twang to sound country, either. Her songs were strong and should have been even bigger hits than they were. She was ahead of her game in the early 90s. She came along just before Shania Twain and Faith Hill. The difference is she is not just a plastic singer. She's a singer's singer. An artist that is not only easy on the eyes, but easy on the ears.

I hate to be kind of a damper, but I can't rave about this like many other reviewers. Mind you, no problems with Suzy's voice. It's good, one of the clearest voices I've ever heard. But the songs just don't have much to them. The lyrics are forgettable for the most part. Much of the album comes accross as "lite" music that one might encounter in dentist office. For those people who are Bogguss fans, there's a full 20 tracks here taking up nearly 80 minutes, so you'll get your money's worth if you are a fan.

I love Suzy Bogguss' voice! My favorite songs on this CD are "Aces," "Eat at Joe's," and the song that always brings tears to my eyes, "Letting Go."

This is a good CD but I do feel it is encomplete cause at least two of her best songs are not on here. Somewhere Between and Heartache. So I don't feel this is excactly a 20 Greatest Hits CD.