Country: Lynn Anderson

Recording information: Dixon, TN (2004).
It seems that Sony BMG's Country series is designed to provide a well-rounded introduction to noteworthy artists from the genre who've had not merely successful careers, but exemplary ones. Lynn Anderson is best known to the general populace for her smash "Rose Garden," her highest charting hit -- a Country number one and Pop number three; it charted in the Top Ten in 15 countries -- she did have a run of the charts in th early '70s that was enviable. Some of those hits are here, including "That's a No-No," "How Can I Unlove You," "What a Man My Man Is," and her version of the Carpenters' "Top of the World." While there's no doubt that Anderson was on the pop side of country, she also displayed some serious genre chops, as her reading of "Rocky Top" -- that's included here -- attests. This is far from a definitive best-of, but given its budget price, good sound, and song selection, it's an excellent introduction. ~ Thom Jurek