Yes, there's something tinny about John Denver singing about nature. He comes off like Al Gore lecturing on global warming while living high on the hog in an energy-wasting mansion. I wonder how Denver got to his concerts around the globe? In a carved-out redwood? How did those thousands of fans make it to the arena? By windsurfing? How was the energy produced to amplify his guitar? How was the wealth created for his fans to have disposable income for concerts? Don't RCA's record factories produce waste? It's fine to carp about the smog in Los Angeles. But that smog was created by the industrial society that allowed Denver to have his career. Worshipping nature while being serviced by dirty civilization down below is, well, Al Gore-like. Was a Denver a knowing hypocrite? Or just another naive folkie-hippie? Just once, it would have been nice for Denver to mock his sincerity. Just once, blurt out how much you hate whales and dandelions--and up with nuclear reactors! Now that would have been as refreshing as the cool, clean waters of the Rocky Mountains.

I was inspired to buy this CD because of my brother. He would call me on the phone just excited to be alive after hearing John's music. Mind you, he is a successful business guy who grew up listening to the Stones, Black Sabbath and good old Rock n Roll, but for some reason the sounds of John Denver called and he answered. Now, so have I. After hearing " I'm Leavin On a Jet Plane..don't know when I'll be back again" I was sucked in and I felt my spirits lift.

John Denver's soft and light lyrics continue to dance in our hearts and lift our moods. This CD has all great hits that we remember. Sunshine on my shoulders (makes me happy), Annies song, Calypso, Fly away...you won't go wrong with this collection of John Denver's greats. I understand his music more now, than I ever have before. He was good to his core, and his music reflects who he was. A must own for a collection of any genre'.

Wonderful collection for anyone who wants the best of John Denver's many hits. I recently went to a John Denver review show with a friend and was reminded how touching and inspirational his music can be. Was going to pull a few songs off of iTunes, but decided my money was better spent on this collection. Was not dissappointed.

My Granddaughter heard Calypso when she was in the car with me. Now she's addicted to John Denver songs!

After all, how many of today's musical artists sing, "Come let me love you, let me give my life to you...Let me drown in your Passion; let me die in your arms"...

I have always loved John Denver but didnt own a substantial collection until now. This CD had every song that we all love and some that were less known but still as wonderful. Glad That I purchased it, would Recommend it to everyone

Too bad John Denver went home with the Lord so early, he had a lot of good music for us. Enjoy this CD very much!

John Denver is simply one our American treasures, his songs are timeless. I'm a new Denver convert and listening to these songs now make me think they are in no way out of place or time. American folk rock/country at its best. If you want to pick up an album with all of Denver's hits and even some non-hits this is it. The album also includes: an informative blurb about Denver's music and career written by a fan, several wonderful pictures of Denver, small pics of all his albums, some interesting quick notes about each song, and vital stats about each song (but no lyrics sadly).

This is the best single CD John Denver collection available. With as many hits as he had throughout his career it is impossible to get them all on a single CD, this set does about as well as can be expected. It while it may be missing a few hits, it includes all his essential songs and classics. Highly recommended.

I received this item with two bad songs on it that wouldnt play. Someone was kind enough to send a replacement which also was not as expected. On the second disc there are several songs in which there is a pulsating sound on it that is not part of the song. It's distracting but too much trouble to get into again. Bottom line, Im dissatisfied with both and dont use or play either. A bad experience for me.

First off, let me just say that there will never be another John Denver. He has solidified himself as one the history's most beloved song writers. Now, onto the nitty gritty. This CD contains 24 songs. The 1st 20 songs are on the 1st CD and contain all of John's #1 hits. A treat on this CD, for me anyway, was the entire LIVE version of "Thank God I'm A Country Boy. That's right, all 3:22 seconds of it. It also contains alot of the songs that people call their favorites of his like "The Eagle and the Hawk" and "Farewell Andromeda (Welcome To My Morning)" among others. The other 4 songs are on the 2nd CD, and are previously un-released material. The CD contains an alternate version of "Leaving On A Jetplane", "The Weight", an acoustic version of "Annie's Song" and an acoustic version of "Calypso". The inside booklet of the CD has plenty of inside info for you. Publicity shots, original LP covers, an essay on John and his music, and descriptions of how each song came to be. Ofcourse, the most important, vital part of any CD is the sound quality. This is the best restoration I've ever encountered of John's music. Some compilations have only managed to digitalize the sound until it has no more feeling. That isn't the case here. These songs have been restored to perfection, and only to that point. Another great part of it is that these songs are the original cuts. I for one, have been a victim multiple times of finding a CD of John Denver in some store, look at the songs on it, and think it's just what I've been wanting, only to get home and find that they are the horrible re-releases that I've been tricked into buying not once, not twice, but three times in the past. Alot of reviews claim that there is a better value in "The Essential John Denver" collection. That collection may be suitable for some. But for those of you who just want 1 CD with all the got-to-haves on it, skip "The Essential" collection and choose this one wich, between the two, has superior sound quality. And plus, at this price, it is absolutely unbeatable. So if you find yourself wanting the best single CD compilation of John Denver available out there, this is without a shadow of a doubt the answer.

This CD is AWESOME!!! It took me back to my childhood. Listening to these songs brought back the few good memories I have. It is so peaceful and relaxing to listen to "Fly Away" and "Calypso". What awesome songs!!! It makes me wonder what has happened to music these days. This is a God-given talent we just don't see or hear anymore.

I guess this can be said if most composers, but Denver's pool of signature tunes seems especially limited. I wonder if he would have come up with more templates if he had lived.

John Denver is and always will be a classic. This CD package has all of the favorites but is also comprehensive to include many of the seldom heard but deliteful compositions. Very peaceful.

First, I do not like the cover. But beyond that, the CD is great fun to listen to. John Denver had so many hits, that this doesn't cover all of them by any means, but it is a great CD to take you back to a more peaceful time musically. It makes me want to bring out my guitar and play along.

what else can i say? at 36, and i grew up in a strictly religious household, so i missed him growing up, but i got spots going into public places & whatnot. i remember a vacation while young in the WV woods when one of his most popular songs was on the radio & i memorized it the first time i heard it and sung it to myself time and time again, while walking through the woods or horse back riding- just enjoying nature. he has a way of giving you nature and the beauty of it in a song. God gave us such as one as him so we could stop and remember the beauty of all that is around us all the time.

This must be the best John Denver of all, it has the lot

John Denver passed away in October, 1997 while piloting a small airplane. Before that, he left an indelible mark on the pop music industry. By combining harmonic vocals with a recognizable acoustic sound, John's music still remains popular with fans of all ages.

From the autobiographical "Rocky Mountain High" to the melodic and uplifting "Calypso", this collection contains many of John's most famous songs. Other selections include "Annie"; a song John wrote for his wife, "Take me Home, Country Roads", and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy".

I wasn't a big fan of John Denver before I bought this CD, but I really enjoy listening to his music now. This is the perfect disc for the casual fan, because all of his most popular hits are on it; there's no need to buy several other discs to get them.

I give this great collection my highest recommendation. If you're a major fan or just a casual fan, then this is the CD you'll want to own.

Most of the all time favorites, brings back lots of good memories

I was just a kid when JD was really big in the 70's so I didn't come to really "discover" him until adulthood. Of course, I knew a lot of his songs but didn't really appreciate his greatness as an artist, singer and songwriter. Now being a fan of his, I see that he truly was a one-of-a-kind entertainer- and a great human being.

This CD was a joy to me, as so many of John's gems were brand new to me. Many of his standards that I was familiar with, like 'Leaving On a Jet Plane', seemed so comforting and familiar, like an old friend. I highly recommend this CD to fans and non-fans alike. One listen will convert you to John's 'Rocky Mountain High'.

Although John died some years ago, we still have recordings of the music that made him famous. This is an excellent collection.

Has all of his greatest hits plus a few that weren't hits-all in all a great album for his fans

There were a few good songs on this CD, but most were not good and in fact, quite boring and unenjoyable.

THIS CD HAS EVERY DENVER SONG THAT MATTERS IF YOU ARE A DENVER FAN. WELL WORTH THE $$ & THE WAIT. IT TOOK A BIT FOR IT TO GET TO ME BUT IT WAS WORT THE WAIT.

I love the John Denver cd. It has become one of my favorites.

Although he may look like a muppet character, his music is genious. These songs are a great intro to his work and contain some of his timeless classics. Sure, some are pretty wholesome and super folksy, but that's just part of the recipe that makes these songs great. He takes simple melodies, single notes, his solitary voice and creates big songs that will make you soar above the tree and snow covered mountain tops and leave you smiling and wanting more. These songs will make you want to brush off your Birkenstocks, sit outside with your sweetheart and share a bottle of your favorite good stuff. Recommended.

The CD is a wonderful compilation of music and lyrics that touched the heart.

This collection of John Denver is a gift! A gift of music magic and heart felt deep emotions.He truly is a "songs best friend".

A legend in his own time. This album is classical music and should be reviewed as such. I'm a huge fan and anyone that is will enjoy this album, hands down!

to John Denver's songs. He is an artist truly missed. Great CD to sing to when all the windows are rolled up in your car and you want everyone to wonder what you are so happy about.

I really think John Denver's songs has more to it then amazing melody and lyrics and ofcourse not to forget his voice.Its actually hard to compare him with other artists but I can definitely say that I feel the best listening to his songs. Although some of my other fav songs like love again are not included in this cd but still the cd has most of his best songs. The highlights of the cd are the unrealeased version of calypso and leaving on a jet plane. so, If you have heard his songs before or not, this cd is a must buy for all.

John Denver has melted hearts for generations with what can be described as "sunshine music". A mix of country, bluegrass, folk, and great pop sensibilities, Denver has always been the lucky peoples' choice (even if he is the critics' underdog as a singer songwriter). His voice is excellent. As though he would really need a defense, anyway, his collaboration with Pacido Domingo, one of the three tenors, is certain testimony to his vocal credibility. Cynics need not apply, for if some of his more sentimental songs are "sap," then at least we know he got his ingredients fresh from the best trees in Vermont. He created great soaring songs for lady and land. Some are orchestrated to perfection; others are homegrown prizes. "Sunshine on My Shoulders," "Rocky Mountain High," and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" all resonate with articulate sweetness. He perfected ruggedness with "Thank God, I'm a Country Boy" and "Wild Montana Skies," but his serenades are also expert, including "Andromeda, (Welcome to My Morning)" and "Annie's Song". Subjectively, "Calypso" is no hokey homage, but a heartfelt classic that demonstrates a fine vocal range. Besides covering all of the classics, this C.D. collects some great, unfamiliar terrain. "Fly Away" and "Sweet Surrender" are excellent songs that add to the scope of the album and his legacy. For those of us willing to stand our ground, his 'Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits' gives us all his famous songs and all the unfamiliar territory we might have missed. John may have left us early, but his portfolio of "sunshine music" has yet to be imitated much and never completely dismissed.

(There's a second C.D. that contains four different versions of his songs. These are interesting and worthy. If you don't already have his Christmas classic, 'Rocky Mountain Christmas', you should by all means obtain one of the best holiday albums put together by a popular American artist.)

I was never a 'fan' of John Denver in my growing up years. His music was a part of those years, but I took it for granted just hearing it on the radio. Now, some 20 years later, I can appreciate it more than ever. His beautiful mind, his thoughts, his feelings all come out in his music. My husband and I now own property in West Virginia and when I play 'Country Roads' it makes me cry. Because now I feel the love for that place just like he did when he wrote that heartfelt song. Take me home, country roads...to the place I belong - West Virginia! It makes my heart long for our beautiful mountain! All those songs of yesteryear now mean something to me. I love his style, his words, the arrangements. Just a must play cd long rides in the country or just listening to while cooking supper in the kitchen! Thanks John Denver for making songs that touch the heart!

When I bought this CD, I was almost embarrassed to admit it to my friends. After all, John Denver was never "cool" or counterculture. Let me just say that, upon hearing his voice again on the first song, I broke into tears. There is a sweet innocence and rare beauty to all his songs.
I suppose that singing about nature and devoted love is so unhip. But, if it is, let me hear more of the John Denvers and less of the rappers.
I enjoyed every single song on this CD, a rarity these days. Loved it, loved it, loved it. John Denver is sorely missed...

This cd truly touches every component of my heart. Annie's Song brought tears to my heart and truly made me reflect on the importance of sharing LOVE with someone.

This is a GREAT CD! Listening to John Denver takes me to another placce and another time. His music is timeless. A must for John Denver Fans. Actually, a must for anyone who likes to feel good.