Copperhead Road
Johnny Come Lately
You Belong to Me
Once You Love - Steve Earle,
Nothing But a Child
Re-Release Date: 10/25/1990
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Erm - this is not an "anthology." This was a straight release at the time. And if you know anything about Steve Earle at all, you'd know that while he might do an acoustic number occasionally, he has only recorded one all acoustic album. Other than that he's the loveable country/rock hybrid the rest of us has come to love.This was also not the album that finally brought out all of Earle's demons, you can hear that on "The Other Kind" which is the CD where he finally went off the rock and roll cliff and pounded out some great tunes before spining wildly out of control (and into jail.)As for this record, I'll admit it does sound like a greatest hits package. But that's because of the strength of the songs. Copperhead Road is a classic. Devil's Right Hand too. Both good slices of the country/rock style Earle has perfected. But these were early days. For those who savor his duets - Nothing But a Child is a classic in the genre. However, Once You Love probably remains as my favorite from this CD.If you want to know what Earles "Country/Rock" is - then let me say that I'm no fan of Country music (other than Chris Knight.) I come from a rock and roll background. I like this. It's country with all it's melody and singalong choruses with a driving band and rock sensibility. The lyrics are great (none of that, "My girl left me, I'm so sad..." stuff, and this guy can sing.Copperhead Road is a great place to start your Earle collection if you are coming from the same background as myself. Then check out The Other Kind, Feel Alright and El Corazon. All driving albums, with hooks to spare, and soul."