BEST OF/20TH...VOL.2 - CD

Producers: Don Williams, Garth Fundis. Compilation producer: Mike Ragogna. Recorded between 1978 and 1984. Includes liner notes by Robyn Flans. Digitally remastered by Doug Schwartz (Audio Mechanics, Los Angeles, California). Liner Note Author: Robyn Flans. Photographers: Alan Messer; Se?or McGuire. The most iconic of Don Williams' songs, namely his '70s hits, were on his first volume of 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection, leaving the second installment as a bit of "more of the best" as it draws on his biggest hits from the late '70s and, particularly, the '80s. This should not be taken as some sort of judgment on the quality of the material since it is quite high, even if it isn't terrific, like it was on the first volume. Don Williams was having hits for a long time for a reason -- his warm voice was perfectly suited for the laid-back country-pop of his era (indeed, he helped define its very sound), and even the second-tier, latter-day material is very, very good indeed, as this collection proves with hits like "I've Got a Winner in You," "Lay Down Beside Me," "It Must Be Love," and "Listen to the Radio." Hip-O's double-disc Anthology remains the best choice for serious listeners, but this is a fine choice for budget-minded fans looking for '80s hits from Williams. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine