Carl Smith - Carl Smith's Greatest Hits

This 1962 album offers re-recordings of many of Carl Smith's most famous hits, including "Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way" and "Hey Joe." The new versions are very close to the originals, although Smith's singing is mellower and the playing less biting. The title notwithstanding, several songs are non-hits, particularly on side two, where the majority fails to conform to the album's billing. Of these, "Gettin' Even" is a great up-tempo number and "I Overlooked an Orchid (While Searching for a Rose)" is a re-recording of one of the earliest songs Smith cut for Columbia. The remakes are serviceable, but the original versions are ultimately preferable, which leaves only a few songs on Carl Smith's Greatest Hits to interest his most ardent fans. ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide