Collin Raye

I found this CD very easy on the ears...It has all of my favorite Collin Raye songs, and it flows really well from one song to the next, while still inserting upbeat catchie hits to spice things up.

AS a big country fan, this is music that put collin raye on the map to stardom. I can tell that this man has a passion for music, he beams of it in his music. Quality artist worth every dollar.

I am not even a very big fan of country-style music, but I love this artist. He is a wonderful story-teller and musician. Both the lyrics and the way in which they are delivered are very moving. This is a particularly nice mix-it-up collection, but mainly embodies the soulful and touching story-telling Mr. Raye is so good at.

This album has made me want to open my mind to more country and folk artists. I am very impressed and have ordered more of Collin Raye's CDs because I enjoyed this one so well. I do recommend it for all music lovers, not just country ones.

Overall this is a fine introduction to Collin Raye's work, but it is missing the hits "On The Verge", "What If Jesus Came Back LIke That", "Anyone Else" and " I Can Still Feel You", along with the key album tracks "I Volunteer" and "Dark Secrets/ The Eleventh Commandment". Perhaps these songs will be included on "The Essential Collin Raye" if it is ever released.

[Edit] Dopey me! "I Can Still Feel You", "Anyone Else" and "Dark Secrets/ The Eleventh Commandment" were released in 1998, a year after this compilation.

I love Collin Raye and this CD contains all of his hits! He is such a great singer/songwriter. I can't wait until he comes out with more music. The CD arrived pretty quickly through standard shipping and was in good condition upon receipt. No problems!

This is the best children's CD out there. It starts off with fun, light hearted songs and then slows to more traditional style lullaby's. I give this CD at every baby shower I go to.

I am a huge Collin Raye fan, and if you are too, you MUST have this album. For those of you unfamiliar with Collin, he is a country singer, but not of the "twangy" type-- just known for great lyrics and a wonderful voice. I bought this album for my 9 month old daughter for Christmas, and we love listening to it. We dance to "I'm Gonna Love You Forever"-- what fun lyrics! "Cool Cat" gets kids thinking how cool it is to get ready for bed at night because "A cool cat knows how to settle down." :) Then there is A Mother's and Father's Prayer, which will bring a tear to any parent's eye! Overall, this is a fabulous album and my only regret is that there aren't MORE songs on it!

I first heard the title song on the kids cable music channel. I first thought it was Sting. I had never heard of Collin Raye. I got the album and can't stop listening to it. "I'm gonna love you" is so catchy and wonderful. I am going to buy this over and over again for every mom I know. "A mother and Father's prayer" will bring tears to your eyes.

Absolutely AWESOME. My daughter luls off to it and I relax with a cup of tea to it. If anyone can do it..I knew COLLIN COULD.
I have never hear a Collin Raye song I didn't like.
BUY THIS....EVEN IF YOUR KIDS DONT LIKE IT...IF YOU ARE A COLLIN RAYE FAN, YOU WILL LOVE IT. IF YOU ARENT A COLLIN RAYE FAN, YOU WILL BE.

My daughter is 3 and still falls fast asleep to this. I even like to listen to it.
It is about time someone did lullibyes some justice. IF ANYONE COULD DO IT, IT WAS COLLIN.

CD was fine -- I bought it for a gift.

Collin Raye is an exceptional singer! He has a mellow voice that touches your heart. He sings a lot of "story songs" - every song on this CD is a winner!

This album showcases Collin Raye's amazing tenor to the fullest. Hits like "Love Me," "Little Rock," "My Kind of Girl," "Not That Different," and "I Can Still Feel You" are featured on this brilliant album. Raye's vocals are well done, as is the song selection. Most of the songs are ballads, Raye's specialty. If you are a fan of Collin Raye, then this album is a must-have.

With an angelic tenor voice, it is probably unavoidable that Collin Raye would emphasize love songs on all of his albums. But as this "best of" makes quite clear on number like his breakthrough hit "Love, Me" and the poignant "In This Life," that isn't necessarily a bad thing. No other man in country is better at crooning about love than Raye. This set also contains some of Raye's rowdier smashes ("That's My Story," "Little Red Rodeo," "My Kind Of Girl") amidst the sentiment for much needed balance. Additionally, Raye has proven adept at messages songs like "Little Rock" (alcoholism) and "I Think About You" (domestic violence) that rank among the most substantial recordings put out in the country genre during the '90s.

I rate 16 BIGGEST HITS as the strongest Raye retrospective - stronger even than DIRECT HITS - for a number of reasons. It includes two more tracks for starters. Every single here was also a top 10 hit, whereas a few recordings on DIRECT HITS like "The Gift" and "Open Arms," while great, did not even crack the top 30. This collection also includes hits throughout Raye's tenure at Sony, including such gems as "I Can Still Feel You," "Couldn't Last A Moment," and "Someone You Used To Know" which came out after DIRECT HITS in 1997. Finally, this cd includes my favorite uptempo Raye hit "On The Verge," a # 2 smash inexplicably left off DIRECT HITS even though it predated that set. So, if you haven't already, get this disc today!

Ok, I got this ablum to add up to my collection. I wanted to have all his cd's, and this one and (SuperHits) were a total. I mean come on, you can't do this to a man who created so many great hits. If you do plan to get ONE greatest hits then get DIRECT HITS, it come with a multimedia videos and audios. Only get this record if you can find it less than 10.00.

Collin Raye is always an exceptional performer, so it was no surprise that this CD is so great! This is music that everyone should listen to during the Christmas season.

This is the best Christmas CD I ever had. I am and have always been a huge Collin Raye fan. When I bought this CD it was a no brainer.
There are only 3 performers that I am disappointed if I cannot see when they are in my area. Two are Garth Brooks and Billy Joel. Of course Collin Raye is the 3rd. But, since he is rarely in my area (only once in the--oh boy--10 + years I have been listening to him) I can't see him. The one time I can remember was Memorial Day weekend of '05. He was at a local Country Night Club. My ex-boyfriend (and he was an ex than) called me and asked if I wanted to go since he remembered how much I loved Collin Raye. I was in awe. I sang along to EVERY song and dance like it was prom night all over again. The only thing that brought me that much elation was Adam Graves, of (at that time) the NY Rangers hockey team, smiling at a sign I made "for him" at a game they played in Florida.
Even when I played this CD in August my ex just looked at me (like I was a nut but knew). I lost the CD a little less than a year a go and, it being Christmas time, I am longing for it so I had to buy a new one. I recommend it for EVERYONE, even non-country music fans.

I don't normally listen to Country music. However, Collin Raye has a special talent in that he can really touch you with his voice. The songs that he sings on "The Gift" are real and heartfelt. You can tell he means what he sings. Especially on the song, "First Noel". His singing is so compassionate, you can visualize the words to the song. I love the opening words spoken by Johnny Cash on "It Could Happen Again". Johnny sets up a song that is very touching. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" has Collin singing at his very best. I was really surprized that Collin could sing so well. I had low expectation when I bought this. However, after listening to it year after year around the holidays, I must say that this is one of my favorite Christmas CDs.

Collin Raye has demonstrated over the years his unique vocal style---a high, high tenor that sometimes seems as if he's not gonna quite hit the note, but somehow he does. This is both a blessing and a curse for Raye. This album shows that trait on several of the cuts. I Sometimes wonder why he doesn't sing in at least a half note or so lower, then it might come across a little cleaner, a little more natural.
In spite of this, however, one can't deny his effectiveness on this collection of standard holidays tunes, with the inclusion of "It Could Happen Again", a song about the truce in WW II where both sides lay down their weapons and shared Christmas together. This cut is the highlight of the album, along with his Beach-Boyish "Winter Wonderland".
Raye exhibits great taste in his arrangements, and also shows that he has a true Christian spirit in both his singing and in the messages he includes in the liner notes.
RECOMMENDED.

This Christmas album is in the same category as John Berrys' 'O Holy Night'. Top rate. Yess the usual favourites are here and done in the style only Collin Raye can do. Such a distintive style. As an added plus, an instrumental version of 'The First Noel' is included which adds a nice touch.

Such a smooth voice. I have some of Collin Raye's music and I would have to say this is his best. I initially bought the CD for the last track, "The Eleventh Commandment." Powerful! Moving! I haven't heard anything like that since John Michael Montgomery's "The Little Girl."
As for the rest of the CD, great tracks. I don't know why I took so long to add it to my collection.

The Walls Came Down reaffirms Collin Raye's status as one of country music's top interpreters. His muscular tenor bites mightily into the hypnotically frenetic "I Can Still Feel You" and the mid-paced rhythms of "Anyone Else" with obvious zeal, while he sails angelically through moving ballads like "I Wish I Could" and "All My Roads."

What startles is Raye's emergence as a first-rate songwriter, with contributions to two of the strongest cuts on the album. The gentle bluegrass ballad "Start Over Georgia" offers a descriptive look at small town values, while the uptempo title track effectively captures the exhilaration and relief of removing a facade and revealing one's true self. This pair of gems - the latter written by Raye alone - bode well for his future as a complete artist.

Raye's affinity for message songs continues with the child abuse saga "The Eleventh Commandment" and its prelude "Dark Secrets." Unlike previous hits "Little Rock" and "I Think About You," which managed to entertain while making an important statement, "The Eleventh Commandment" comes on way too strong. Chalk it up as an ambitious failure that concludes an otherwise first-rate album.

As usual Collin Raye publishes a great CD. Good combination of songs with the hits and songs we haven't heard but should. Of all the great hit songs on the CD, my favorite is All My Roads. If you like Collin Raye you'll love this.

This is another CD of wonderful work performed by Collin Raye. He even wrote a couple of songs. He wrote the title track himself and co-wrote "Start Over Georgia" with his brother Scott. This was the first CD I ever owned of Collin. When I heard it, it brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of when I first heard his song "One Boy, One Girl". That was 5 years ago. Every song he has done to date is an exceptional piece of work that only Collin can provide. He touches the heart and soul. I am not disappointed with this CD or any of his others. Please go out and buy it. It is well worth the money.

This is a truly amazing album. Collin Raye is extremely talented and has produced great work in the past, but this is definitely his best work. From the optimistic start, with "Anyone Else" to the emotion filled tear jerker ending, "The Eleventh Commandment" this album is filled with fantastic music, that transcends the country/pop barriers that are so easy to find in music today. I adore this album and could listen to it over and over again. As far as the best songs on this album go, my picks are two unreleased gems, "All My Roads" and "Survivors." Talented artist, excellent writing, terrific music, all in all, a wonderful musical journey!

A legend in country music Collin achieved near perfection in this 1995 collection.An ensemble of eleven magnificent songs with Not That Different, One Boy, One Girl, Heart Full Of Rain, and The Time Machine being particularly outstanding. If you are new to Collin's music you could not start with a better CD, Trust me PLEASE, You will not be disappointed !!

This is one of his better albums... "Not That Different" is definitely one of his best. The song is not only touching, but a social statement, and if you've seen the video, it's very heartwarming. It's probably not the most pure country you can find, but if you're into the modern country-pop style music, this is a pretty good album. A couple of his ballads are definitely relaxing and soothing.

I REALLY ENJOY COLLIN RAYE'S MUSIC AND THIS CD HAS SOME GREAT SONGS. I LOVE ON THE VERGE, AND WHEN I THINK ABOUT YOU.
THE SONG WHAT IF JESUS COMES BACK HAS JUST MISSED THE MARK!
FOR ONE, THE WAY HE PORTRAYS THE RETURN OF JESUS IS NOT SCRIPTUAL! HE'S NOT COMING BACK REINCARNIATED INTO A DRUG ADDICTED BABY, SORRY. HE'S COMING BACK EITHER AS YOUR KING TO REIGN OR AS YOUR JUDGE, THAT'S A PERSONAL CHOICE. I JUST DONT APPRECIATE THE WAY COLLIN'S LYRICS GO, IT PUTS JESUS/WHO IS GOD ON OUR LEVEL, WHICH HE IS NOT!! WHEN HE WAS ON THIS EARTH HE LIVED A SINLESS LIFE, AND I THINK THIS SONG IS VERY DISRESPECTFUL OF WHAT CHRIST DID FOR ALL MANKIND!

This is another great one from Collin. It includes some of his best work, including two of my favorites, "Not That Different" and the title track. The wonderful thing about this CD is how emotional and felt each song is. There is meaning in every verse. This CD is a great one to add to your collection, whether or not you have any other Collin CD's, you should definitely consider this one.

This album is full of songs that touch the heart and soul. There's more than one on here that can bring tears to my eyes. Anyone who has a little daughter can relate to the title track. It's a sad statement on the way things are. "What if Jesus comes back like that" is a song that should get people thinking about those less fortunate than themselves. "One boy, One girl" is a beautiful tale of love. Country music has a way of speaking to one's heart and for telling life's stories, and this album is one of the best to do that.

It is a shame that mainstream radio does not have an appreciation for Collin Raye's music anymore. As with all of his CDs, this one is spectacular! Serious fans should check out his latest music: "Quitters" and "A Soldier's Prayer" As always he knows how to get to your heart. Mainstream radio SHAME ON YOU for not playing his newest music too!

The songs that Collin Raye chooses to record are ones that every human being can relate to. Words that turn into personal messages that only the listener can truly interpret. His voice is easy to listen to and his music is never disappointing. My personal favorite on this CD is "We'll Be Alright." There's a message in that one for EVERYONE no matter what circumstance surrounds them.

There are several songs that almost feel like he's going back to his beginnings, and I enjoyed hearing those songs. I also like to hear how he's evolved over his career and I miss seeing him in concert to see him perform these songs live. I really enjoyed his take on some of the older songs on the album, he has a unique take on them and I it was quite entertaining.

I've missed Collin's music. I thought the cd was good but wish it had more ballads which is where I think he shines. I hope it's a good seller so we get more!

I am a great fan of Collin. The first songs I heard from him was Love Me. Since then I listened to every album and I like his talent to produce a great ballad with amazing lyrics.

Last week I received the cd and put it in my car radio and started to listen. I found myself skipping tracks to find the 'well known' ballads, and was disappointed to find only track 3 that comes close to 'In my life'. After all 12 tracks I was hugely disappointed and throwed the cd on the backseat.

A few days later I realized that I was thinking about some songs in my mind. Strangely enough the cd caught my curiosity and it went back in the cdplayer and played it at least 3 times a day since then.

This cd is something different and is very addictive. Raye has produced a good album again. Give every song a chance and you will be surprised by some of them.

A Collin Raye fan.

I only bought this ablum because I am a die-hard Collin Raye fan. True, his ballads are remarkable, but come on just buy his Direct Hit and you get his greatest songs.

An entire cd of Collin Raye's best ballads should be added to every fan's collection. It doesn't matter that you might have all of these songs except one on other cd's, what does matter is flow of these songs and the mood the cd creates. Classic Collin, beautiful love songs, emotionally moving ballads, what's not to love! In my option, "Survivors" from The Wall Came Down cd and "And I Love You So" Don McClean's classic are the highlights of this cd. Collin Raye has never dissappointed his fans before and is not about to start now.

Compilation CDs are rip-offs for diehard fans or even fans with a few of the artist's CDs. This CD is no exceptional. The songs all have been released before except for one new song. But being Raye's big fan, I have to buy this CD.

The only new song here is the Don McClean's classic "And I Love You So." This track is solely produced by Raye himself. Unfortunately Raye delivers an ordinary version of this ballad backed by gentle guitars. The arrangement of the song is safe rather than adventurous. However, Raye's heartfelt vocals make up for the lack of originality in its production.

The rest of the songs here have all been found on Raye's previous releases. But I must applaud Epic for not just choosing the hits. Well chosen album cuts are represented here including the old Waylon Jennings classic "Dreaming My Dreams with You." "All My Roads," a track from Raye's "The Walls Came Down," is another excellent choice. The song starts off softly but builds up to a crescendo allowing Raye to showcase his strong and high tenor vocals.

"I Volunteer" is my favorite song from this CD. It's one of the best songs about self-sacrifice ever written. While perennial favourites like the semi-religious "The Gift" and Raye's big hit "In This Life" are also included.

A good collection of love songs where the theme of forever love is well explored.

The CD arrived in a timely manner and in Good Condition. I am not a Country Music fan, but I truly enjoyed this CD.

Ok, being a die-hard Collin Raye fan I would give him a 5 star rating, but this ablum is not up-to-par. First, it need studio help, because his voice is too high. Last, I personally miss the poppy beat to his music. I love "What I Need" and "ANGTTFM". Two beuitful songs. It is worth your buy

This album is even better than the last! There are no really rockin' songs, but the love songs make my stomach flip. He has a way of building songs up until the end that makes them unforgettable! He also has songs that address more than love, such as "What I want" and "Dear Life" that encourage the listener to have faith in life itself. This album is enjoyable, relaxing and inspirational.

This is my favorite Collin Raye CD. It showcases his strong tenor voice, proving he is the best Nashville has to offer. His choice of songs is always mixed and not strictly a country sound. Every song is a hit. You will not be disappointed if you add this CD to your collection.

The much-anticipated Collin Raye cd is finally available for sale, after being pushed back from the record label. If you are a fellow Collin fan, then you know this is a must-add to your cd collection. If you're new to country music, go ahead and listen - you won't be disappointed. Collin's powerful tenor shines through on CBD. His choices for songs are sometimes on target, sometimes off center, but always welcomed by his fans. Here's a cut by cut:

Gypsy Honeymoon - Fun way to kick off the cd, with this uptempo rocker

It Could Be That Easy - slow breaking-up-is-hard-to-do ballad

Ain't Nobody Gonna Take that from me - the message is especially strong in standing up for what we beleive in, appreciating what you have, and knowing no one can take your memories or the things that really matter away from you.

What I Need - Lovely Karen-Taylor Good tune that could easily be played on Christian radio.

Dancing With No Music Playing - my personal fave, this smooth-flowing uptempo song reminds me of a cross between On The Verge and One Boy One Girl.

You Always Get To Me - a haunting melody, much like Richard Marx's "Hazard."

End of the World - what power! Probably my second favorite off the CD.

One Desire - Love the way his voice is so versatile that it goes from soft and sultry to powerful and spine-chilling in an instant. Would love to see this one live. Fans of monster rock ballads of the 80's, check this one out!

Young As We're Ever Gonna Be - Co-written by Collin and his brother Scott, this is a country kicker that makes me want to get up and dance every time I hear it! Very catchy melody, great lyrics, music is fitting as well.

Dear Life - Thoughful ballad - message is a little different than the songs out there - Collin's the perfect guy to sing this one.

What I Did For Love - another catchy uptempo happy song

I Can Let Go Now - Orchestrated slow break-up number that showcases Collin's talent.

This is one of my two favorite all-time country and western albums. If you are reading this review as a result of checking out the other of these two albums and followed the note to this one, thanks for coming here and reading what I have to say about this superb issue of Collin Raye's. If not, then I will give you info at the end of this review to find that other album.

This was Collin Raye's first album. It is another of those rare albums that is just wonderful, all the way through from one song to the next. Again, as with the other mentioned BEST album, I will do an unusual thing for me, that is to list songs with comments about them.


1. What They Don't Know....wonderful song about children and faith
2. In This Life....Collin's best song of all time, about thankfullness for love from his woman
3. Big River....the great old Johnny Cash song
4. Somebody Else's Moon....a truly wonderful sentimental and bittersweet song about lost love
5. You Can't Take It With You....another great sentimental and thoughtful song about lost love
6. That Was A River....still another great song about the measurement of loss
7. I Want You Bad ( And That Ain't Good)....great up-tempo song about desire
8. Later Day Cowboy....truly wonderful, softly and lovingly delivered, song about life
9. Many A Mile....another great oldie delivered with Collin's great soft touch
10. Let It Be Me....the fabulous old song from the 50's, delivered in an even better version than the Righteous Brothers did in the 60's.

This album, like the other mentioned, is out of print. BUT, as you can see, secondary copies are cheap, so do yourself a favor and grab one of these before it becomes totally unavailable. You will NEVER be sorry that you did.

Now, for the second of these albums, do a search for "The Coast of Colorado" by Skip Ewing and read my review of this album.

This CD is one of the finest to come out of nashville in the last 20 years. Each and every track is superb in it's own right from the excellent raunchyness of 'I want you bad (and that aint good)' to the beautifully sung 'Somebody else's moon' (which co-incidentally is in my top 5 of greatest ever country ballads...ever), this album is a winner all the way. The musicians selected for this album, in particular the absolutely tremendous talent of Brent Mason on Guitar, are among the most gifted in Nashville, and contribute some way to make this CD a classic (in my opinion anyway).

Buy it folks, you will not be disappointed.

I Like Collin Raye. He Sings Real Good. This Guy Can Sing Songs Like: The Title Track, And "That Was A River" Also On The Best Of Album. And Other Hits Like: "Somebody Else's Moon", And The Dance Song "I Want You Bad(And That Ait't Good)".

I Like Collin Raye. He Sings Real Good. This Guy Can Sing Songs Like: The Title Track, And "That Was A River" Also On The Best Of Album. And Other Hits Like: "Somebody Else's Moon", And The Dance Song "I Want You Bad(And That Ait't Good)".

This CD has my favorite Collin song on it and I could listen to it over and over again. It's the opening track "What They Don't Know". It is the best song on the album but wasn't on the radio (at least I didn't hear it). Many hits are here including "In This Life" and "I Want You Bad (And That Ain't Good) among others. Overall though, I think I like his other albums a little better like his newest "Tracks", "I Think About You" and "The Walls Came Down". But this album is still great and highly recommended.