Greatest Hits, Volume 1 (Mercury, 1998)

Toby Keith's first single, the chart-topping "Should Have Been A Cowboy" proves to have been a bit misleading to later fans of his five Mercury albums. After all, he's recorded with Sting, earned a Grammy nomination outside the country category, and his latest single, this disc's lead-off track, is one of the most unique being played on country radio these days. "Getcha Some," one of two new tracks on Keith's 14-track hits package is called "country rap" by some, though it's really just a catchy recitation that's a little bit risque, and more than a trifle amusing - it's a hook-filled delight, an "I can't get it out of my head" kind of song.

Elsewhere, Keith croons his way through a handful of ballads, including his recent Number One "We Were In Love," showcasing his dynamic vocal style. But, as evidenced in songs like "You Ain't Much Fun," he's held fast to a keen sense of humor and his honky-tonk roots. "Greatest Hits, Volume One" is a solid, diverse collection - just the thing for the discriminating country music fan.