20 Greatest Hits

In country music terms, Mel Street was a slow developer, having his 1972 career breakthrough in his late thirties. Nevertheless, he had what appeared to be a successful career over the next six years before committing suicide on his 45th birthday. This compilation covers the period prior to his signing for Polydor in 1977, and includes all 14 hits from the period covered, together with six non-hits, at least three of which (Bad bad Leroy Brown, Am I that easy to forget, Don`t be angry) are covers of songs that you are probably familiar with via other versions. So it doesn't quite live up to the 20 greatest hits title, but I knew that when I ordered it. I also knew that Mel's Polydor music has been released separately on CD, so (as I write this) all of Mel Street`s important recordings are available on CD.Mel's biggest hits featured here are Borrowed angel, Lovin` on back streets and I met a friend of your today (all country top 10 hits), plus Walk softly on the bridges, Lovin` on borrowed time, You make me feel like a man, Forbidden angel, Smokey mountain memories and Even if I have to steal (all country top 20 hits). Most of Mel's songs are sad, slow ballads, but this is clearly what his fans expected from him. The mid-tempo Rodeo bum was only a minor country hit, not even making the top 50, but it's a good song that provides a nice change of tempo here.Although aware of Mel's music from way back, I'd never bought any of it and (horror of horrors) I'd forgotten about him altogether until I bought and listened to Lorrie Morgan's covers album A moment in time, which included covers of Mel's first two hits. Who says covers albums are a waste of time? Not me. I've always known that covers of old songs serve several purposes, one of which is to remind people of songs that might have slipped their mind, while exposing new generations to those songs.Mel's music will appeal to those country fans who appreciate sad country ballads from the seventies, complete with steel guitars. Those who only enjoy country music with pop and rock influences should stay well clear. This is for people who enjoy country music the way it used to be.

Mel Street was one of the best voices in country and was silenced way too soon. Great songs that I wore out on vinyl, than God for CD.

So sorry Mel is gone but so has country music. I bought this on LP in '77 and still have it (in immaculate condition)however, it's nice to also have it on cd for the road. Thank you.

The CD is fantastic, have played it over and over already lol.

Excellent real country music. The world lost Mel much to soon. I met a friend of yours today. An all time favorite

Mel Street sings his heart and soul out in his music. Had he lived, he would have surely been a contender for the "best" artist. I intend to buy more of his cd's, only trouble is that sometimes the songs on certain cd's are not listed. It would be great if they were, so you don't buy the same as before. I highly recommend his music to anyone. ENJOY!!!!

Love his songs. Glad I purchased the CD.

I ordered this CD for the song" Borrowed Angel", but the entire CD is a great collection of old country. I wasn't really familiar with Mel Street. but he certainly is old school country and I love this CD!!!!!

fine

dandy

Only recently heard of Mel Street through youtube.Being a right sad love song softie,Mel is just up my Street,!!!All good love songs on cd,many favourites.Have to buy the older Country stars cd's as can't really listen to the new breed that call themselves Country singers.Amazon have a superb range of all the country stars old and new,you can find almost anything.But youtube usually alerts you to the singer,that you buy the cd of,if unknown to you before.

mel street took his own life in 1978 ,this is the best collection of his material ,showing us what we are missing

Alles OK

2 songs on the CD does not play

Too bad he didn't live on, what a singer