Search - Hank Snow :: Essential Hank Snow

The Singing Ranger!

Mcgivern Owen L | NY, NY USA | 12/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hank Snow, the late Singing Ranger from Liverpool, Nova Scotia had 65 Billboard hits from 1949-1974. All were on the RCA label, which must have made it a bit easier to assemble such a worthwhile compilation. "The Essential Hank Snow" spans his golden years from "I'm Movin' On" (1949) to "Hello Love" (1974). EACH of the 20 tracks was a top 10 Billboard selection! All of Hank's 6 # 1 songs are here including the epics, "I Don't Hurt Anymore" (1954) and "I'm Moving On". Both stayed on the charts for over 40 weeks (!).What's not to like here? Personal favorites are highly subjective but this reviewer loved "Would You Mind?" from 1955, "The Wishing Well" from 1965 and the aforementioned "Hello Love". Other reviewers have helpfully noted that short of buying an expensive box set, this CD is the best way of owning a solid, if not completely inclusive selection of Snow's work. On a related note, serious country fans should pay very close attention to the "Essential" series for reliable albums of the best music from our past heroes. The EHS is good, solid classic country as its' best. It is long beyond saying that they are not making any more Hank Snows and never will again. This reviewer would also bet that Mr. Snow was a true gentleman in real life, eh."

Excellent music, great sound, but.........

Ronald George Reagan | Steele, MO | 08/31/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hank Snow. One of the most important people in country music history no doubt. I've been a Hank Snow fan for many of my 27 years and while this is a good set and serves as a decent intro to his music, there's a little bit lacking here. First of all, BMG misses all of his early, early hits from Canada that would've made for nice listening. Also, they fail to represent Hank's undying love for the music of Jimmie Rodgers (he released 2 LP's of Jimmie's music) or his love for gospel music. It's not that they didn't have enough room for it either as the CD only runs around 55 minutes and a CD can hold up to around 75-80 minutes of playing time. Yes, this works as a great intro to Hank's music, but BMG could've given a bit more such as "The Next Voice You Hear" or "Merry Go Round of Love" which are minor hits in comparison to "I'm Movin' On", "Hello, Love" and others, but are still first rate cuts."

Far and away the best collection of "The Singing Ranger"

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 02/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"He was a star in his native Canada for quite a few years before he exploded onto the American country music scene in early 1950 with his debut single "Marriage Vow". American audiences just loved him and before that incredible year was over Hank Snow would become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and his recording of "I'm Moving On" would top the Billboard "Top Country Singles" chart for a record-setting 21 weeks! Hank Snow would go on to become one of the biggest country acts of the 1950's and would ultimately be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979.

"The Essential Hank Snow" chronicles his 30 year run at RCA records. This disc features 20 of his all-time best digitally remastered for your enjoyment. There are so many outstanding tunes in this collection that it is difficult to choose a favorite. I have been always partial to Hank's incredible 1962 hit "I've Been Everywhere". I also thoroughly enjoyed the rollicking "The Gal Who Invented Kissin'" from 1952, an odd mix of country and calypso that works just perfectly. Also included is "I Don't Hurt Anymore" which topped the charts for 20 weeks in 1954. Incredibly, every single one of the 20 tracks in this collection were Top Ten country hits. I enjoyed all of them.

After perusing the available options on amazon.com I have come to the conclusion that this is by far the best Hank Snow collection available. The collection comes with extremely interesting liner notes and as I mentioned earlier the remastering job is terrific. If you are a fan or a student of American popular music like I am, this disc is an absolute "must have" for your collection. Highly recommended."