GREATEST HITS 2

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel: Bob Seger (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, harmonica); Martina McBride, Glenn Frey (vocals); Pete Carr (acoustic & electric guitars); Drew Abbott (guitar); Harvey Thompson (tenor saxophone); Ron Eades (baritone saxophone); Harrison Galloway (trumpet); Charles Rose (trombone); Barry Beckett (piano, electric piano, organ, synthesizer); Matt Rollings, Billy Payne (piano); Craig Frost (organ); David Hood, Chris Campbell (bass); David Teegarden, Roger Hawkins (drums, percussion); Russ Kunkel (drums); Bobbye Hall (percussion); Laura Creamer, Joan Sliwin (background vocals). Producers include: Bob Seger, Bill Szymczyk, Punch, Jimmy Iovine, Harold Faltermeyer. Upon the release of GREATEST HITS VOL. 2, Michigan's answer to Bruce Springsteen had receded into the Boss' considerably large shadow, thanks to a self-imposed hiatus that found him recording only two studio albums in the 1990s. Despite the seemingly short attention span of the pop music world, this particular collection presents a fine argument that may reinforce Bob Seger's stature in the eyes of non-die-hard fans that only know him from regular rotation on classic rock radio. This compilation dips into Seger's periodic soundtrack contributions ranging from TEACHERS' piano-driven "Understanding" and the soaring MOR Martina McBride duet "Chances Are" from HOPE FLOATS to "Shakedown," the rocker's only chart-topper from BEVERLY HILLS COP II. The collection also scratches the surface of Seger's influences, particularly when he goes back to 1981 and 1974, with covers of Rodney Crowell's countrified lament "Shame on the Moon" and Tom Waits' barfly anthem "New Coat of Paint," respectively. This Detroit native also tips a hat to his harder-rocking side by tossing classics like the salacious "The Fire Down Below," the howling "Her Strut," and "Tomorrow," a song written for this album that boasts a stomping tempo and Joan Osborne-like harmonies.