Search - Rosanne Cash :: Hits 1979-1989

Joalice M. from CROYDON, PA
Reviewed on 8/9/2006...

Believe it or not she also wrote a book of short stories which are some of the bet I ever read.

A superb collection of an important singer-songwriter

Supernova | Canada | 07/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD would have gotten 5 stars if it had not been for the inclusion of the syrupy "Black And White" at the end of the CD. Minus that, this is an absolute must-have for the progressive country-roots-rock lover. The massive hit "Seven Year Ache" is included of course, but the centerpieces of this compilation, in my opinion, are the roots-rockers "Hold On" and "Never Be You". "Hold On" is driven by a propulsive bass guitar that is in perfect harmony with the confident lyrics. "Never Be You", (written by Tom Petty and Benmont Tench), lets Rosanne rock out in great style. "Blue Moon With Heartache" is gorgeous, and, like most of Rosanne's work, is wonderfully written. However, one of her bigger hits is curiously and disappointingly left absent - "Runaway Train". One of the most important alt-country singer/songwriters of the 1980s, this collection remains the best calling card to anyone new to Rosanne's music. The compilations that followed were disappointing, leaving out many of her hits and album tracks. Fans will have to be content with this one and wait for the day a larger compilation including her introspective 90's work is released."

Rosanne Cash Remains The Best!

Matt Coker | Davis, CA, USA | 05/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unfortunately, Rosanne Cash's catalog has been clipped down so severely, that only five of her eleven releases remain in print. Three of which are greatest hits compliations. HITS 1979-1989, is the best of the three; RETROSPECTIVE is a close second; and SUPER HITS is third (not because of the album, but because of what happended to her catalog following its release). HITS 1979-1989 is over forty minutes of sensational music, by one of the music world's most gifted performers. Her first five albums with producer, then-husband Rodney Crowell, redifined the boundaries of Country and Rock music. From her exceptional debut RIGHT OR WRONG, there is the gorgeous "No Memories Hangin' Round", a duet with Bobby Bare. SEVEN YEAR ACHE, her second release, skyrocketted her career, and redesigned both Country and Pop music. The ultra-classic title track, "Seven Year Ache", both charted at #1 on the Country charts, and hit the top thirty in the Pop charts; that's the song that opens this magnifiscent collection. "Blue Moon With A Heartache" is poignant, a second #1, reveals Rosanne Cash's monumental strenghts in songwriting. Nobody else can compose sad songs and love ballads like she does. There's Western flavor on "My Baby Thinks He's A Train", written by Leroy Preston. SOMEWHERE IN THE STARS, is the most under-rated album in her largely out-of-print catalog. "I Wonder", also penned by Leroy Preston, was the least impressive song from that outstanding album. I wish they would have put "Ain't No Money" or "That's How I Got To Memphis" on this compliation instead. The sizzling RHYTHM AND ROMANCE, broke Rosanne Cash's three-year hiatus in 1985, produced two #1 hits. "I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me" carries the listener away on waves of awesome music. She crosses more boundaries by taking Tom Petty's "Never Be You" to #1. Her magnifiscent "Hold On", is included, thank goodness; the song is terrific. KING'S RECORD SHOP produced four #1 singles; two of which are on this collection. The marvelous "The Way We Make A Broken Heart" written by John Hiatt, and Johnny Cash's "Tennessee Flat Top Box" featuring terrific guitar work. She brings The Beatles "I Don't Want To Spoil The Party" to brand new heights, making it her tenth #1. "Black And White" which closes the album is beautiful. No collection can ever capture the magic of Rosanne Cash's music as well as the original albums. The albums she released after this album: INTERIORS, THE WHEEL, and 10 SONG DEMO are life-changing musical experiences. For the ten years both SUPER HITS and this outstanding collection cover; Rosanne Cash's music changed history. Hopefully Song Music will re-issue these magnifiscent recordings, to let the world hear that gorgeous voice singing some of the best music the world has seen in her twenty years of performing."