Black Dog soundtrack (Decca, 1998)

Recently, movie soundtracks have become trite collections of songs usually representing the current flavors of the month, most having absolutely nothing to do with the movie. How refreshing then to have a soundtrack fitting the theme and setting the mood of the movie as well as being very good collections of songs.

This immediately ranks as one of the greatest country music soundtracks ever. The 10 songs - half previously unreleased - should appeal to country fans of every stripe, featuring a well-balanced mix of New Country (Rhett Akins), traditionalists (Randy Travis, Patty Loveless), and edgier acts (Steve Earle, Jack Ingram). There's not really a bad track from remakes of classic country songs (the late Eddie Rabbitt's "Drivin' My Life Away" by Akins and the Kostas-penned "On Down the Line" from Loveless), to several great new songs. Some newcomers deliver standouts, such as Big House's bluesy "Road Man," Gary Allan doing "Highway Junkie," and Chris Knight's "The Hammer Goin' Down." The movie may already be gone from theaters, but don't miss this soundtrack. It's the real star of the show!