Search - Earl Thomas Conley :: 16 Biggest Hits (Slip) (Spkg)

Better to buy Essential collection

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 06/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Success proved elusive for Earl Thomas Conley throughout the seventies although he derived encouragement as a songwriter when others had hits with his songs, especially when Conway Twitty recorded one of them (This time I've hurt her more than she loves me) and had a number one country hit with it.



When Earl finally made it as a singer, he achieved phenomenal success in the American country charts, with eighteen number one hits, three number two hits and six other major country hits. This album contains sixteen of Earl's number one hits, so the album certainly lives up to its title (unlike some in the series) but this release wasn't actually necessary. There is another compilation available, The Essential Earl Thomas Conley, that contains all but one of the tracks here, plus his other two number one hits (Honor bound, That was a close one), two of his number two hits (I have loved you girl but not like this before, Brotherly lov) and another major hit (Heavenly bodies). The only track included here but not on the other compilation is We believe in happy endings, a duet with Emmylou Harris. While I surprised at its omission from the earlier compilation, it has long been available elsewhere including on Emmylou's Duets album. Because this is at a lower price than The Essential Earl Thomas Conley, you may decide to choose this anyway, if it has all the tracks you want. Of course, it is also possible that the other compilation will go out of print now that this one is available. Still, all the tracks will remain available in MP3 format.



Despite his chart success, Earl Thomas Conley seems to have been forgotten very quickly. That is a pity, because he recorded some excellent music. Earl's success ended as quickly as it began, but after a few years away from the music business he returned to performing and recording. As I write this, he is once again on tour, playing his music to his fans."