I had most of the songs from CD 1 on record. I expected that disc 2 would just be filler material. Not so. CD 2 is almost as good as CD 1. I can only imagine how many more great songs he would've made had his life not been cut short. Truly one of the greats.

This is a great collection of Croce's songs, but it is not digitally remastered. It has all of the hiss & scratch of nostalgic vinyl. It's great to have so many more of his works than you'll ever hear on the radio, some that were never on the radio. Some are beautiful, some inspiring, some funny, all good.

Basically everything is here. From "Leroy Brown" to "I'll have to Say I Love You in a Song" to one of my favourites "Time in a Bottle",this song reminding me about the end of a documentary on Jim where the song is playing and Jimmy is in front of his house with his then young son. And this tune is playing. Haunting. Providence, maybe. Anyways buy the album, it's great. A warning though, it may want you to put on your roller skates again to hit the nearest arena . Don't say I didn't warn you though.

"The Definitive Collection" showcases Jim Croce's talent as a wordsmith and musician. It features both hits and radio-friendly tunes from the first album with his wife Ingrid and his three solo albums. Croce's tender, thoughtful and humourous songs, along with guitarist Murray Mueleisen's classical fretwork, aptly demonstrate his prowess as a singer/songwriter.

Any doubt about his talent can easily be dispelled after listening to his stirring love songs "Time In A Bottle", "Operator", "Have To Say I Love You In A Song", "Lover's Cross", "A Long Time Ago" and "Spin Spin Spin". For comic relief "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown," "Working At The Carwash Blues," "Don't Mess Around With Jim", "Five Short Minutes" and "Roller Derby Queen" will tickle and pick you up.

All in all, "The Definitive Collection" is an excellent choice over most of the Jim Croce anthologies, whether you're a fan or a newcomer to his music. Those compilation albums with additional tracks are probably just as good, but rather than purchase these it might be better to consider obtaining the entire Croce catalogue, including the early recordings with his wife. Otherwise, go with "The Definitive Collection". It contains most of his best material.

This is a great Jim Croce collection. The sound / volume consistency is great and CD 2 which has non hit songs is just as good as the first CD. I often wonder if Croce was influenced by the late Townes Van Zandt, another of my favorites.