Customer Reviews

This is Ty Herndon: Greatest Hits

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In what appears to signal the end of Ty Herndon's career, his label has decided to wrap him up with this typically incomplete "greatest hits" package. Having recorded a complete new album, the label pretentiously decided to release an "edgy" song to radio, the now-withdrawn "Heather's Wall". When the edgy single predictably failed on what is being passed off as "country radio" these days, the label decided his career was over, scrapped the new album, gave up on Herndon, kept the "new" album title, and wrapped his career up with this package. Nice, huh?
As it is, this is a good sampler of Ty Herndon's music. Never much of a strong voice, he did have a knack for picking some decent songs as singles. Still, his two best songs are not included in this collection: "I Have To Surrender" (from "Living In A Moment") and "No Mercy" (from "Steam"). Even "Heather's Wall" should have been on here, for the sake of completeness. If Sony was planning on "tweaking" the new album before releasing it, this would be excusable, but Herndon has been dropped by the label, so the only way to get the REAL "This Is Ty Herndon" is to get it in Canada.
If you want a good collection of Ty Herndon singles, pick this up. There isn't much more substance on the regular cd's, but if you want his best songs, pick up his albums "Living In A Moment" and "Steam".
One star less for the flaccid cover of "Leave Your Hat On", a recording which Herndon himself felt the need to include an apologetic disclaimer for on "Steam", his last CD.

I'm a huge fan of Ty Herndon so naturally I would buy this. I was disappointed to see that Epic left 'Heather's Wall" off this collection. However they promised a glimpse of hope saying that "Heather's Wall" would be released in the fall on a cd full of new material. Not wanting to wait I purchased the Canadian version. I am glad that I did. Hearing last week Epic/Sony dropped Ty Herndon from their roster. So the chance of the new album seeing the light of day is slim to none. So if you want Ty Herndon music I suggest you pick up "Greatest Hits".
After a few years Ty Herndon music on Epic will be hard to find. Grab what you can and keep Ty living on and send a message to Epic/Sony that they let one of country music's hidden treasure go.
Good Luck Ty.

This is an attempt by Epic Records to reintroduce Ty to the public, which includes 3 tracks from the aborted full album of the same name, which is available in Canada. It is unfortunate that Epic decided not to release the full ablum because it is heads above Ty's pervious release, the tepid "Steam" cd.

As for this collection, it is incomplete. For some unknown reason, the hit "No Mercy" was ommited, which was the sole reason to purchase the "Steam" cd. In addition, the recent controversal semi hit "Heather's Wall" was left out. It is unfortunate that these two key songs were not included because if Epic's goal with this collection was to remind the public what Ty is capable of, then they missed the boat. "No Mercy" and "Heather's Wall" are THE two songs of Ty's that showcase him doing something different and original than the standard love song.

I say skip this so called Greatest Hits and buy the import of the full album "This Is Ty Herndon" from Canada.

For those of you not familiar with this hot country star's awesome baritone, storytelling vocals--where have you been? This guy is probably one of Nashville's greatest best kept secrets. I could go into a whole diatribe of my feelings about Epic/Sony and their neglect of their best talents, but that would be a novel. Why they would want to keep talent like Ty Herndon and Collin Raye under wraps is beyond me. Anyways, this is probably one of the best country greatest hits to come out in awhile and if this is your first foray into Ty's music you are in for a treat! There are 13 tracks on this one and as the trend goes,there are 3 new songs(from the original "This Is Ty Herndon" which was released in Canada but not here. Another confusing move from Epic was to use the same picture insert (front and back) on the greatest hits as on the original "This Is..." release which will undoubtably hinder the CD sales of the original, if and when it is ever released!) There are some great displays of Ty's talents on this album which starts with his debut hit "What Mattered Most" a beautiful ballad that is Herndon's trademark. The guy has an incredible amount of emotion in his voice and is in best voice when doing heartfelt, storytelling tunes, which establishes him as the "Harry Chapin" of country. The album continues with such romantic classics as "Living In A Moment" and fun loving songs like "Steam", "It Must Be Love","I Want My Goodbye Back" and the ever-scintillating "You Can Leave You Hat On" (which is far superior to the Cocker version but must be seen in concert to get the full effect!) As far as heart-wrenching ballads, there's something for everyone, such as "Hands Of A Working Man","Loved To Much", "Heart Half Empty" (gorgeous duet with Stephanie Bentley) and the over-the-top "A Man Holding On To A Woman Letting Go" (one of his best!)Not to be outdone, his new material is probably destined to hitsville. "If The Road Runs Out", "A Few Short Years" and the heart touching "I'd Move Heaven And Earth" are right up his alley. Suspiciously missing is "Heather's Wall" which came out as a single and did well as a video but barely cracked the Top 40 for the song. Other Herndon classics such as "Surrender", "I Know How The River Feels" and "Don't Tell Mama" are sadly missing from this otherwise perfect greatest hits collection. If you enjoy this, you must buy his first three smash CDs "What Mattered Most", "Living In A Moment" and "Big Hopes" which are truly classic material. Some of the songs NOT released as singles are true, overlooked gems! If you don't mind the attempt at crossover, you may also enjoy his "Steam" CD, which I found a bit disappointing and commercial for this country gentleman with a truly beautiful down-country voice whose talent far transcends the lack of effort by Epic to put this truly talented man into the forefront where he truly belongs! Buy the CD-you will NOT be disappointed! The three new songs are worth a listen also, and knowing Epic's lack of promotion, you may never get them any other way unless you score one on Ebay from Canada.

Despite a warm baritone full of emotion and a great stage presence, Ty Herndon has never had an easy time of it on the country singles charts, especially in recent years. This Is Ty Herndon was originally intended to be his fifth release of all new material. It's leadoff single "Heather's Wall" - a touching tale of a man's final thoughts before dying - barely cracked the top 40 last fall however, and the album was subsequently turned into this Greatest Hits set with three new songs.

The nine prior tracks include most of his top 20 hits, such as the bouyant "Living In A Moment" and "It Must Be Love" as well as the poignant "Hands Of A Working Man" and "A Man Holding On (To A Woman Letting Go)." There is also the noisy non-hit "You Can Leave Your Hat On" where an unconvincingly lewd Herndon encourages a woman to remove most of her clothing. The omitted minor hits "No Mercy," "I Have To Surrender," and the aforementioned "Heather's Wall" are among Herndon's best recordings and would have been far more welcome.

The new tracks are pleasant but unmemorable, with lead-off single "A Few Short Years" musically and thematically regurgitating the John Michael Montgomery hit "Life's A Dance." It would appear that Herndon is no longer privy to Nashville's a-list material. Too bad, as he is capable of incredible performances when he gets the right songs.

After his recent struggle to get airplay with his single "Heather's Wall," Herndon with the blessings of his record company decided to shelve his newly recorded CD. Instead he's decided to release a greatest hits plus three new songs. Having a hard time casing a dent on the Billboard charts, it's thus not surprisingly that "Heather's Wall" is not included on this disc.

For those who do not own any of Herndon's previous recordings this is a great buy. Ever since his debut single "What Mattered Most"--a heartwrenching ballad coming from the pen of Gary Burr-- Herndon has a ear for good songs. The infectious melody of "What Mattered Most" has been balanced with a sobering message of paying attention to our loved ones before it's too late. "What Mattered Most" to this day, I think is still one of the best crafted song ever to come out of Nashville. The call and response chorus of "It Must Be Love" is a song you want to sing along again and again. While "Heart Half Empty"--a duet with Stephanie Bentley--is about giving a relationship a new perspective. While "Steam" is exactly what the title suggests--a bluesy, rocky uptempo rocker to balance out Herndon's reportoire of great ballads.

Now to the new tracks. Though they are cutailed towards radio, the 3 new songs don't match up to the high standard Herndon has set for himself. The best of the three is current single "A Few Short Years." Though it's an inspirational midtempo of taking chances, the lyrics are at best cliche. The same goes for "I'd Move Heaven and Earth" though the tempo is slowed down to the pace of a romantic ballad. "If the Road Runs Out" is just ordinary, nothing to be too excited about. These songs may be played by radio but I don't expect Herndon's struggle with radio to be relieved by these three new songs.

Herndon, not being known for his songwriting, but has a passionate delivery still needs strong songs. Let's just hope his next CD will be more promising than these new songs here. Anyway it's still a GREAT CD if you don't have Herndon's hits or if you want all of them on 1 disc. "What Mattered Most" itself is worth the money. Here's hoping there'll be more songs that do really matter most.

Oh my gosh.............
This man can sing and pour out his heart.
He puts on a wonderful heartfelt concert. He is hot and sexy and he knows it. Ty needs to put out a live version of this greatest hits. His voice is stronger in person, live. Epic didn't do him justice on his recordings for this cd. He has a tremendous powerful, soulful voice.
Ty you still got it going on.

Ty Herndon!! Man, it's 2005 now, but listening to this CD, I can't help but look back at 1995 when his first material hit radio. I was a young kid in the USAF, stationed in Minot, ND. Music was a big part of my life the (as it is now), and some of these songs inevitably became a piece of the soundtrack to my life. I can remember listening to "What Mattered Most" while driving my red Dodge dakota through the snowy streets of Broadway with my friend Carson. I remember listening to "Loved Too Much" while riding out into the missile fields. And I'll always remember singing along with "Living In A Moment" while walking through some farmer's field in the middle of nowhere (probably near Kenmare, Mohall, or Bowbells). Ty Herndon was a great singer to come out of the 1990's, and I'll always be greatful to him for being there along with my precious memories. From one Texan to another, I salute you, Ty!!

Ok, forget about the unreleased material of this that was delayed because of this. You can get that one through a canadian retail anyway. Even though they should've released the Ty Herndon cd with all new material, its not that bad after all. I figured that this cd was kind of not necessary, at least not yet. But Ty has said that being away from radio doesn't help any, and people know his songs, and his name is blurry as the singer of those songs. Hopefully this greatest hits cd will refresh peoples memories, and his stardom will grow even more! After his 3rd single off of his Steam cd, "A love like that", it seemed radio was not giving him a chance, and I don't know why. But this cd has 3 new songs, that might as well be called hits along with the other 10 on this cd. The song, "A few short years", is the best song for summer, and, "Heaven and Earth", "If the road runs out", is a notch up as well. The songs, "No Mercy", and, "I have to surrender", are missing on this. But, "No Mercy", was hardly played on radio and, "I have to surrender", was only a top 20 hit. Still it has the main hits of Ty Herndon on it, which any die-hard fan of him will support him all the way. Any new fan to country music, would want to get this one first, its a good introduction. The songs, "What mattered most", and "Living in a Moment", are the 2 best songs he has to offer, I think. All in all this cd is who Ty Herndon was, is, and will be in the future. A singer who has true passion and soul in all of the music he sings. So all 13 songs are hits that make up who Ty Herndon is.

I've waited awhile for Ty Herndon's Greatest Hits album. The time has arrived, and I couldn't be any more pleased. Herndon has the voice most artists dream of, and a way with listeners that would awe the best. "This Is Ty Herndon: The Greatest Hits" only reinforces these previous statements.

Most of you will know this material, if you are a country fan or a Herndon fan. "What Mattered Most" was his first single and first number one, and it is appropriate that it kicks the album off. Other songs, familiar with many radio listeners, follow: "Living In a Moment", "It Must Be Love", "I Want My Goodbye Back," and "A Man Holdin' On". "Steam" is probably one of his best, a rocking number that more than sizzles your eardrums. "Heart Half Empty," the duet with Stephanie Bentley, is probably one of the best duets ever. "You Can Leave Your Hat On" follows in similar lines as "Steam" (from the same album, even). I agree with many other reviewers that "No Mercy" should've been placed here, and that "Heather's Wall"'s absence is apparent. However, good things come to those who wait, and in the meantime, we have three new songs: "If The Road Runs Out" and "A Few Short Years" have a similar theme of taking life by the reigns and makes the most of it; and "I'd Move Heaven and Earth" is a poignant and moving ballad.

This is Ty Herndon at his best. For fellow Herndon fans, this album is impossible to resist. For those of you somehow un-acquainted with this incredible singer, this is something you do not want to pass up. I hope this review helped you decide the right thing to do: Buy "This Is Ty Herndon: Greatest Hits". You will not regret it.