Search - Ginny Owens :: If You Want Me To: The Best of Ginny Owens

Ginny's best is a prelude of good things to come

Michael Dalton | Eureka, CA United States | 10/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I listen to Ginny Owens, I want to hear her. I want to hear a story in song, or have her share an observation--to put in verse what she is seeing through the eyes of her heart. I don't need it buried under layers of production or intricate music.



I love the simplicity and vulnerability in what may be her best song, which also happens to be the title song for this "best of" collection. "If You Want Me To" so wonderfully captures a childlike faith. It's a song that disarms me. This version is a live recording that includes an introduction by Michael W. Smith and extended commentary by Ginny. It was originally released on A Night in Rocketown. Although some might prefer the original, it's a bonus to get the background behind the song.



When she approaches the heights that she reaches in "If You Want Me To" on songs like "Call Me Beautiful," "Wonderful Wonder"--a new radio remix and a pop gem, and "Fellow Traveler," she is at her best. Two songs from her first release, "Free" and "I Wanna Be Moved" have also held up well despite the passage of time. The beautiful duet with Mark Schultz on "Remember Me" is a unique addition. You don't often hear another artist's song on a greatest hits recording, but this fits in well with her best songs.



Ginny also soars in her soulful pop mode on "Live Once." Included in this release is a DVD that showcases three songs from her House of Blues concert in New Orleans and a studio performance of "Live Once." These performances, which are excellent, are broken-up by a couple of short black and white interview segments. The DVD is approximately 20 minutes long.



Songs like "Something More," "40" from Apt*Core's Rhythms of Remembrance, and the new Latin-flavored "Open Arms" are interesting, but they shift the focus from her songwriting and vocals. The chorus on "Open Arms" seems a little generic and the music and production make her sound like someone else.



Hearing what producer Rick Rubin did for Johnny Cash, and being excited about his work with U2, I would love to see Ginny team-up with someone like him. Strip away the layers of music and give us the raw and vulnerable Ginny. I'll take that over a lot of fancy production.



This recording contains moments of brilliance and good songwriting and performances. Without wanting to take away anything from this fine collection, I can't help thinking that the best of Ginny Owens is still to come. These songs will hopefully serve as a foretaste of even better things in the future.

"

Something for Every Fan

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 08/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ginny Owens fans don't lack for collections of her music. In addition to the four studio projects she's done, she's also done an EP and a live recording. Which brings up the question, do we really need this release? Probably not, but the songs are still good.



Any best of collection stands or falls basted on two things, how good the songs are, and what extras there are for the hardcore fans. This CD succeeds on both levels.



Ginny has had a steady stream of thought provoking hit songs. Frankly, picking the best of the bunch would be hard. Here, we get such classics as "Free," "I Am," and "Live Once." The selection does a good job of covering all four CDs and picking the best from each. Even the casual fan will find songs they already love here.



The extras on this disc are pretty good as well. The booklet, while not including the words, includes thought from Ginny about what these songs mean to her today. The title song is the live version from "A Night in Rocketown." The simpler production helps me focus on the powerful words. Plus, there's an added verse in this version. The song is introduced by a track from that live CD where Ginny tells the story of how she came to write it. We also get a new arrangement of "Wonderful Wonder" from her last CD. This one includes more drums. The original song was a simple but powerful ballad, and that seems to be missing in this version. I don't like it as much.



Ginny has recorded several songs on CDs not her own. Two of them show up here. "Remember Me" is a duet from Mark Schultz's self-titled album. "40" originally showed up on label mate Apt.core's release. Both are good tracks, and it's nice to have them on a Ginny CD.



Finally, there's one new song, "Open Arms." This song is the most upbeat thing she's done in years. In fact, it took me a couple listens to really appreciate it. It's a fun song, and I like the reminder that God waits for us with open arms.



The CD also comes with a 20-minute DVD that includes three additional songs recorded live and interviews with Ginny.



While we already have several collections of Ginny's best to choose from, this CD includes enough goodies that even long-term fans will be glad they picked it up."

I Enjoyed The Collection, And Am Ready For The Individual Pr

Indiana Jeff Reynolds | Indianapolis, IN USA | 03/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It took one album -- this collection -- to become a Ginny Owens fan. My hunch is that I would be a fan with any of her projects.



One of my favorite secular female vocalists is Susanna Hoff from the Bangles. Ginny has a similar quality.



Favorite songs were "Free", "I Wanna Be Moved", "Something More", "Fellow Traveler", and "Open Arms"."