42 Ultimate Hits (CD - 2004)

Kenny Rogers compilations tend to drift in and out of print, yet in a sense it doesn't matter much, because most featured most of the big hits. However, very few contained them all and, as of 2004, the only collection in print that contained all his big hits, from the First Edition through the mid-'80s, was 1999's four-disc box set Through the Years, which was too exhaustive for all but dedicated Rogers fans. So, there was a need for a new, relatively concise collection that featured all the hits; hence Capitol's 42 Ultimate Hits, a double-disc set that spans Kenny's entire career, from the First Edition to two new tracks, including a duet with Whitney Duncan. There's not much missing -- a few First Edition singles, along with several post-Eyes That See in the Dark hits that weren't all that memorable, neither of which are missed -- and it could even be argued that it stretches a little bit too far into the present on its second disc, which loses its momentum halfway through. Nevertheless, these are minor complaints, since the bulk of the collection provides Kenny Rogers' biggest songs -- among them "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)," "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," "Lucille," "Every Time Two Fools Collide," "The Gambler," "Coward of the County," "You Decorated My Life," "Lady," "Love Will Turn You Around," and "Islands in the Stream" -- in a chronological order and a listenable sequence. It may fall a little short of definitive, but it's still the best compilation on the market as of this writing. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Though the sheer number of Kenny Rogers hits suggests that best-of compilations will continue to endlessly appear over the years, few of the many collections issued have attempted to capture the full range of the bearded country/pop singer's art. For listeners not quite ready to commit to Capitol/EMI's mammoth four-disc THROUGH THE YEARS: A RETROSPECTIVE box set, 42 ULTIMATE HITS provides a nicely comprehensive overview.

Beginning with the trippy backwards guitar of the First Edition classic "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)," the collection offers a five-track sampling from Rogers's late-1960s/early-70's folk-rock years. The collection then delves into a broad selection of his best-known work, from the country tale of "The Gambler" to the smash Dolly Parton pop duet "Islands in the Stream." In addition, 42 ULTIMATE HITS includes key tracks from the '90s and three previously unreleased songs, making this double-disc package one of the most satisfying Kenny Rogers sets available. minimize