Kenny Rogers - 42 Ultimate Hits [2xCD]

Though the sheer number of Kenny Rogers hits suggests that best-of compilations will continue to endlessly appear over the years, few of the many collections issued have attempted to capture the full range of the bearded country/pop singer's art, but 42 Ultimate Hits does provide a nicely comprehensive overview.

Beginning with the trippy backwards guitar of the First Edition classic Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In), the collection offers a five-track sampling from Rogers's late-1960s/early-70's folk-rock years.

The collection then delves into a broad selection of his best-known work, from the country tale of The Gambler to the smash Dolly Parton pop duet Islands in the Stream. In addition, 42 Ultimate Hits includes key tracks from the nineties and three previously unreleased songs, making this double-disc package one of the most satisfying Kenny Rogers sets available.

DISC 1:

• Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)
• Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Lown
• Reuben James
• Something 's Burning
• Tell It All Brother
• Love Lifted Me
• Lucille
• Daytime Friends w/ Dottie West
• Sweet Music Man
• Every Time Two Fools Collide w/ Dottie West
• Love Or Something Like It
• Anyone Who Isn't Me Tonight w/ Dottie West
• The Gambler
• All I Ever Need Is You w/ Dottie West
• She Believes In Me
• 'Til I Can Make It On My Own w/ Dottie West
• You Decorated My Life
• Coward Of The Country
• Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer w/ Kim Carnes
• Love The World Away
• Lady w/ Dottie West

DISC 2:

• What Are We Doin' In Love
• I Don't Need You
• Share Your Love With Me
• Blaze Of Glory
• Through The Years
• Love Will Turn You Around
• A Love Song
• We've Got Tonight w/ Sheena Easton
• Scarlet Fever
• Islands In The Stream w/ Dolly Parton
• Buried Treasure
• Crazy
• Morning Desire
• Make No Mistake, She's Mine w/ Ronnie Milsap
• Twenty Years Ago
• The Vows Go Unbroken
• The Greatest
• Buy Me A Rose w/ Alison Krauss & Billy Dean
• It's A Beautiful Life
• My World Is Over (previously unreleased)
• We Are The Same (previously unreleased)