Toby Keith Greatest Hits Vol. 1 CD

Toby Keith may not be as much of a household name as his former touring partner Shania Twain, but he's quietly racked up a string of fine country hits since his brilliant 1993 debut single "Should've Been A Cowboy." GREATEST HITS highlights Keith's two main gifts: his resonant, distinctive voice and his knack for writing thoughtful, mature songs about relationships. Hits like "Who's That Man," "We Were In Love" and "Wish I Didn't Know Now" tackle big themes like broken families, infidelity and fading love. The tender "Me Too" deals with a man's inability to express his true feelings.

Of course, Keith isn't all doom and gloom: tracks like "You Ain't Much Fun," "Big Ol' Truck" and "A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action" show off his rowdy side. One of Keith's more unusual hits--his version of Sting's ersatz country tune "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying"--seems much more heartfelt than the original. In fact, Sting's guest appearance in the song almost spoils the mood. Two new songs-- the jokey country-rap tune "Getcha Some" and the soulful "If A Man Answers"--balance out the 14-track collection, a good overview of an artist whose talent is often overlooked.

Personnel: Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar); Will McFarland, Kenny Greenberg, Brent Rowan (electric guitar); Dan Dugmore, Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Terry McMillan (harmonica, percussion); Clayton Ivey (piano); Steve Nathan (organ, keyboards); Roger Hawkins, Owen Hale (drums); Curtis Young, Dennis Wilson (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: John Guess.

Photographer: Tom Smugala.

Personnel: Toby Keith, Sting (vocals); Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar); Will McFarland, Kenny Greenberg, Brent Rowan (electric guitar); Paul Franklin, Dan Dugmore (steel guitar); Terry McMillan (harmonica, percussion); Clayton Ivey (piano); Steve Nathan (keyboards, organ); David Hood, Mike Brignardello (bass); Roger Hawkins, Owen Hale (drums); Curtis Young, Dennis Wilson, John Wesley Ryles (background vocals).

Producers: James Stroud, Toby Keith, Nelson Larkin, Harold Shedd.