The Browns - The Complete Hits

It's been said that everything that's old is made new again. And nothing could better describe the new CD by The Browns called The Complete Hits. It's packed with 21 of their original hits from the 50's and 60's. Released on Collectors Choice Records.

In the early 1950's, they sang individually at various venues around their home town. In 1952, Jim Ed placed second in a talent contest and won a place on Little Rock's Barnyard Frolics radio program. Then, in 1954, Jim and his sister Maxine signed a record deal to perform as a duo. In 1955, eighteen-year-old Bonnie Brown joined the group. And in the following year of 1956, they were signed to RCA Victor Records by the legendary Chet Atkins.

The family trio recorded several songs for RCA Records that experienced modest success. That was until 1959 when their single "The Three Bells" became a huge No. 1 hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the country music charts. The song was originally a hit in France, and was based on a single called "Les trois cloches." They followed up "The Three Bells" with other hits like "Scarlet Ribbons" and "The Old Lamplighter."

In 1963, The Browns became members of The Grand Ole Opry. In 1965 Jim Ed Brown began working on a solo career. And in 1967, the trio known as The Browns officially disbanded. But during their 11 year run with RCA, they recorded several hit singles.

The CD starts off with a fun bluegrass-sounding song called "Looking Back to See." It's about a guy in his Model T. who is looking back to see if a woman is looking back to see him looking back to see her. Confusing? Maybe, but it has a catchy melody that sticks with you all day.

"Coming Back To You" is another fun song that sounds like there's more words than there is room to sing them. So they sing the lyrics faster than the music to make them all fit. I'd love to hear the outtakes for this one!

Another song that really showcases their polished vocal talents is the song "Meadowgreen." It's about having to leave the quiet countryside that he loves, but promises to one day return to his meadowgreen.

And of course their No. 1 hit called "The Three Bells" from 1959 is included as well.

Just listening to this CD will remind you of a time when country music was about talent and not about marketing an image. No slick studio tricks or fancy production. Just real country music sung by a brother and 2 sisters that had genuine talent for singing and harmonizing. If you've never heard of The Browns, The Complete Hits is a great introduction to their music. It's a great retrospective of their 11 years with RCA.

Release Date: May 27, 2008 - Collector's Choice Records

Track List:

1. Looking Back to See
2. Here Today and Gone Tomorrow
3. I Take the Chance
4. Just as Long as You Love Me
5. Money
6. I Heard the Bluebirds Sing
7. Would You Care
8. Beyond the Shadow
9. The Three Bells
10. Scarlet Ribbons
11. The Old Lamplighter
12. Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
13. Oh, No!
14. Then I'll Stop Loving You
15. Everybody's Darlin', Plus Mine
16. Meadowgreen
17. I'd Just Be Fool Enough
18. Coming Back to You
19. I Hear It Now
20. Big Daddy
21. I Will Bring You Water