's tragic bio easily transfers to TV dramas and celebrity gossip. During the '70s he gained a reputation as a skillful musician and singer working with top-notch bands including and , but by the '80s, he made his play for fame and fortune with a sound. soon won fame and fortune, but by 1989, he was dead of alcohol poisoning. Incredibly, the songs represented by all reached the charts between 1984 and 1991, showing just what a moving force 's music was during these years. Five, including in 1988 and in 1989, reached number one. In a way then, not only represents a nice sampling of 's most popular singles, but also something of a music time capsule of the era. The material also offers a snapshot of new and music from the era, a style that partially returned to music's roots. What really stands out on this collection, though, is 's vocal treatment of like His soulful, gritty delivery adds authenticity to these numbers, leaving the listener to understand that he, unlike a lot of singers to follow, was actually born in the South (Kentucky). For anyone looking for a one-stop collection of 's best-remembered songs, more than fits the bill. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.