George Jones
Hits I Missed...And One I Didn't
(Bandit/Welk)
First Appeared in The Music Box, September 2005, Volume 12, #9
Written by John Metzger
Given that George Jones has had more singles land on the charts than any
other performer, regardless of format, it’s hard to believe that many
top-selling songs have escaped his grasp. Nevertheless, his latest outing
Hits I Missed...And One I Didn’t combines a remake of He Stopped Loving
Her Today — the track that sparked his comeback in 1980 — with 11 of these
elusive tunes, some of which the legendary country artist, for one reason or
another, actively opted not to cover. Considering the pedigree of the material —
Willie Nelson’s Funny How Time Slips Away, Merle Haggard’s Today I
Started Loving You Again, Harlan Howard’s Busted, and Mel Tillis’
Detroit City are just a few of the gems featured on the set — as well as the
traditionalist tone of the arrangements, it’s no surprise that Hits I Missed...And One I Didn’t sounds like a vintage
album from Jones’ canon. Consequently, throughout the ballad-heavy effort, he repeatedly
reaches his comfort zone without having to try terribly hard. Rising above the
rest of the selections, however, is a cover of Hank Williams, Jr.’s The Blues
Man. Delivered as a duet with Dolly Parton, the composition resonates with
heartfelt reflection. As a result, it acquires an autobiographical air that
not only elicits Jones’ best performance for the endeavor but also furnishes his
51st year in the business with a promising beginning. 
Hits I Missed...And One I Didn't is available
from Barnes & Noble. To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2005 The Music Box