Track Listing

1. Statesboro Blues
2. Ramblin' Man
3. Midnight Rider
4. Southbound
5. Melissa
6. Jessica
7. Ain't Wastin' Time No More
8. Little Martha
9. Crazy Love
10. Revival
11. Wasted Words
12. Blue Sky
13. One Way Out
14. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
15. Dreams
16. Whipping Post

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1638 in Music
• Released on: 1991-10-22
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
With their dueling guitar leads and harmonies built on a double drummer foundation, the Allman Brothers Band cast the mold for the southern rock sound that would proliferate in the '70s. Virtuoso musicians, their songs drew upon a number of southern influences, including country, the blues, New Orleans jazz, and even gospel, creating a sound that was distinctly theirs. Decade of Hits is a great catalog of the Allman's at their guitar wielding best. The sweet, infectious harmonies on the instrumental "Jessica" have become a classic reference point in themselves. Next to the tragedies that plagued them--two motorcycle deaths, heroin addiction--the Allman's are probably best known for the heroic "Ramblin' Man." Written and sung by the now legendary Dickey Betts, the song contained everything that made the band great: intricate guitar harmonies, a strong melody, and just enough twang to keep the thing tight. Decade also contains Allman staples "Melissa," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," and "Southbound." --Steve Gdula

Customer Reviews

A strong anthology
Concentrating as it does on the most popular songs released by the Allman Brothers, "A Decade of Hits," manages to hit all of the 1970s studio highlights from this troubled band's heyday. While it is true that the Allmans cemented their reputation with incredible live marathon songs (some lasting a half hour or more) there's hardly room on a disc like this for them. Instead, this CD makes the argument that the Allmans were first rate writers of more conventional rock songs as well. Many of these are staples on classic rock radio, like "Ramblin' Man," "Melissa," "Blue Skies," and "Midnight Rider." Other highlights include "Ain't Wasting Time No More," "Jessica," the Duane Allman swan song "Little Martha" and "Statesboro Blues." Also included are a couple of longer early blues rock cuts, "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Whipping Post."

The only drawback on this CD is that it doesn't contain any bonus material. But anyone just beginning their Allman Brothers collection could hardly ask for better.

All Of The Allman Brothers Band's Greatest Hits!
The Allman Brothers band have provided me with constant accompaniment to my life for almost three decades now, and I remember hearing the echoes of "Blue Sky" wafting into the rafters at my wedding long ago, and I have felt more at home when listening to it on a Sony Walkman in strange motel rooms all over the country when traveling on business? It seems to be a permanent part of my life, like Sgt Pepper or Bookends. This is a collection of their best efforts over a decade, a spellbinding and fairly complete collection from an under appreciated band at their very best. Whether it is for the matchless "Blue Sky', or for the blockbuster sound of "Ain't Wasting Time No More", this is an album so terrific, you will play it again and again. With the ecstatic guitar duels and their matchless harmonies built on a double drummer foundation, they set the standard for pop excellence for the flood of terrific southern rock that emanated out of the South in the 1970s. Their songs draw on influences ranging from country, blues, jazz, and gospel, but the sound they produce is uniquely the Allmans'. I especially like their guitar instrumentals. Gregg Allman and Dicky Betts perform absolutely magically here, and it is all captured for your endless amusement and entertainment. From "Rambling Man" to "Jessica", "Midnight Rider" to "Wasted Words", and "Statesboro Blues" to "One Way Out", the Allman Bothers Band always pleases, and this terrific set of their best is sure to make you smile and bring back a lot of pleasant memories. Enjoy!

Classic southern rock at its best!!
This is classical southern rock at its best. Get some Skynyrd and Allman Brothers music going and you're in for a good time. The Allman Brothers' distinctive music is a culmination of southern blues rock, jazz and a little country. Though, I have several Allman Brother's CD's, this is the best, because its loaded with 15+ of all the old favorite tracks.