Then & Now: The Hits Collection (CD - 2005)

Personnel: B. James Lowry (acoustic guitar); Brent Mason (electric guitar); Dan Dugmore, Paul Franklin (steel guitar, dobro); Aubrey Haynie (mandolin, fiddle); Mark Casstevens (harmonica); Tony Harrell, Steve Nathan (piano, keyboards); Glenn Worf, Mike Bringnardello (bass guitar); Eddie Bayers (drums); Curtis Wright, Curtis Young, John Wesley Ryles, Wes Hightower, Liana Mani (background vocals).

Although it may seem like a straightforward greatest-hits compilation, 2005's THEN AND NOW actually presents re-recorded versions of Tracy Lawrence's finest moments. These updated renditions reveal the sound of a country artist who has become wholly comfortable with his past recordings, if not his past. (Lawrence is renowned for his troubled personal history.) In addition to old favorites such as the laid-back "If the World Had a Front Porch" and the in-the-doghouse tune "My Second Home," this set features two new tunes--the emotional narrative "Used to the Pain" and the soldier's lament "If I Don't Make It Back"--making THEN AND NOW essential for any Lawrence fans. minimize