Various Artists - Classic Country Music, Vol. 4

All Music Guide

This fourth and last volume in the Smithsonian's country series covers the music from the last days of the Nashville sound up through the nouveau honky tonk of the early '70 and the rock and poptinged, chart topping likes of Alabama, the Judds, and Charlie Daniels. Also included, the original alt country of Gram Parsons, a bit of honky tonk revival by Dwight Yoakam, and a genuine pop smash from Dolly Parton. As usual, the Smithsonian has produced a quality collection, in spite of the often conflicting demands of historical brevity and commercial recognition. And while some of the later material falls short, the disc mostly stays on track thanks to a little help from George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, and Loretta Lynn. A history lesson for the tavern set. Stephen Cook, All Music Guide