Loretta Lynn - Number 1's

Add Number 1's to the long list of perfectly fine and enjoyable Loretta Lynn greatest-hits compilations on the market. Comprised of 16 songs that topped the country singles chart, along with a "bonus track" ("I Still Believe in Waltzes," 1981) that fell short of the top spot, peaking at number two, Number 1's indeed measures up to its billing. Almost every song here is a classic — from "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)" (1966) to "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" (1973), certainly — with the exception of the token mid- to late-'70s inclusions, which are merely good. Had Number 1's favored Lynn's late-'60s/early-'70s prime rather than featuring a balanced selection, it'd be a nonstop highlight reel. As it is, though, this compilation is a representative sampling of Lynn's days as one of country's reigning superstars, and even if the last few songs aren't as memorable as those that precede them here, the collection is yet another perfectly fine and enjoyable entry in Loretta's catalog. Try The Definitive Collection (2005) or Gold (2006) if you're looking for a more in-depth, double-disc collection. They each retail for only about five more dollars and offer over twice as much music. They also offer drastically more appealing packaging than this environmentally friendly yet clearly cheap disc, which includes no booklet or color photos.