It could be argued that Epic/Legacy's 2002 double-disc compilation The Ultimate Charlie Daniels Band falls a little short of the title's claim, but then you'd have to realize that they're being literal with the title -- Daniels' first album may not be represented here, but it was a solo affair, not a band effort. This 30-track collection covers only recordings from the Charlie Daniels Band, then, and it does an expert job of selecting the best, from the biggest hits to album tracks and conce...   [ read more ]

CD $15.19

The Essential Charlie Daniels Band contains 16 well-chosen tracks taken from the band's mid-'70s to late-'80s recordings on Epic. All the basics are here, including the country crossover smash "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Luckily for all but the most rabid fan, this set contains the original versions of Daniels' outlaw/Southern rock hits, including "Wichita Jail," "Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues," "Texas," "Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye," "Long Haired Country Boy," a...   [ read more ]

CD $7.59

Daniels' second gospel set finds him firmly fixed in his comfort zone of country-rock with strong hooks. Whether he's condemning hypocrites on "New Pharisees," acknowledging someone's prayers on the bouncy "Somebody Was Prayin' for Me," or venturing into revival territory on "Jesus," all the songs exude sinuous melodies and catchy hooks. The prettiest song is the bluesy ballad "Heart of My Heart," which Daniels endows with a soulful rhapsody. Steel Witness isn't as coherent an...   [ read more ]

CD $9.49