"As a fan who followed the group from their first album, at ten years old, I was surprised that some great songs that developed the group early on were not included such as; "If Wishes Were Horses", "I Found A Reason", and one of the especially notable songs by Thelma Comacho "I Get A Funny Feeling". These early songs were a catalyst in the group's initial success with appearances on such shows as The Smothers Brothers, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour. The Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand. With each member's unique talent, this could have definitely been a 2 CD package. As a fan I wanted more of the memories of the original members. But for those that recall the most radio heavy aired tunes, they are included right here. I also appreciated Todd Everett's seven page history of the group's evolution and update of each band member."
The Best of the Bunch
irenerenee | 06/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The only CD of Kenny Rogers & the First Edition you'll need. Has all the original hits and great liner notes."
"This album contains the cream of the cream about Kenny Rogers , his first steps just in the rise of his unbeatable career .
Something's burning , Ruby don't take your love to town or Ruben James are among the most representative and emblematic of this ensemble with clear country influences , but his compositions are made with broad gusto , rhytms and excellent arrangements . This album still remains as a classic in the glorious sixtioes decade .
If you are a hard fan of the Kenny Rogers from 1977 to 2004 , please turn around the clock , go back to his origins and you will be rewarded with this melodic voice."
A Classic Album
Ben | NYC | 11/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album features music recorded between the years of 1967 and 1974. It is a fine collection of great songs. I do agree though with some of the other comments that this group made a heck of a lot of classic oldies and it would be great to see more of them on compact disc. As it happens most of the groups material has at some time or other been on CD, but not usually in the origanal album format, but as part of many complations.
Great classics that didn't make this one include "It's A Crazy Afternoon", "Then I Miss You", "Mamas Waiting" (Rogers later did this as a solo act - i think that version is even better), "Goodtime Liberator", "Mission Of San Nohero", "Calico Silver", "Hurry Up Love", etc, etc.
Notheless this CD is great and features all eight of the bands top 40 singles such as "Reuben James", "Heed The Call" and their world beating chart-topper "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town"."