I find that I would not alter one frame or line of dialogue from my favorite movies. They are, at least to me, perfect exactly as is. No so-called "improvement" would really make them better. For music lovers, it's the same with their most treasured albums. Everything about them is ideal. Great songs, terrific instrumentals, wonderful vocals. Gorgeous from beginning to end. These are four such classic country albums that we believe hit the golden benchmark of perfection. Tweaking them is definitely off-limits!
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'Here You Come Again' by Dolly Parton
Parton's longevity in the music business plus her deft songwriting skills have made her a country music stalwart for years. This LP came along in 1977 after she went out on her own in a solo role, minus longtime musical partner Porter Wagoner. Parton clearly had the singing chops to be single-handedly successful. A track like "Me and Little Andy" is a real four-hanky weeper, while other songs on the album cranked up the "pop vs. country debate," per Rolling Stone. But there is no debate about the brilliance and everlasting charm of Dolly Parton.
'Come On Over' by Shania Twain
This 1997 blockbuster album is irresistible. It has something for everybody. The gently romantic "From This Moment On," the stiletto-strutting anthem of womanly empowerment, "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" and the sassy and exhilarating 'That Don't Impress Me Much," along with other gems on the LP, deservedly became classics. It was evident that Twain took her music seriously, but was refreshingly light-hearted about herself. That beguiling attitude gave her a permanent niche on country music lovers' playlists.
'When Love Finds You' by Vince Gill
This stellar 1994 effort from Gill proved that he was "a hot picker, great songwriter, and extraordinary singer to boot," per the outlet. Who could argue with that laudatory assessment? "Whenever You Come Around" is so delectably soulful that you don't know whether to softly smile at it or shed a wistful tear. Gill's artistry shines just as much on other tracks like "Go Rest High on That Mountain." Gill performed it with Patty Loveless at the funeral of George Jones in 2013. Emotional and moving, it is thrillingly beautiful.
'Rumor Has It' by Reba McEntire
The jewel of this 1990 album is the Bobbie Gentry penned story song, "Fancy." McEntire truly does it magnificent justice. She uses her storytelling prowess to bring every emotion fully into play. McEntire brings to life Fancy's evolution from hardscrabble life on the wrong side of the tracks to woman of the world who unabashedly used her sultry wiles to get there. The video is a knockout. This album also showcases more great songs including the title track. It's classic country all the way.
