Hits and Highways Ahead compiles the majority of
Lee Roy Parnell's hits from his first five albums, adding two new songs ("She Won't Be Lonely Long," "Long Way to Fall") plus "John the Revelator," taken fro, the various-artists album Peace in the Valley: A Country Music Journey Through Gospel. It isn't quite definitive -- not only are there a handful of hits missing, there are also some good album tracks absent, and nothing is taken from his fine debut -- but it's nevertheless a strong, entertaining hits collection, blessed with two strong new entries and such highlights as "Tender Moments," "Love Without Mercy," "On the Road," "I'm Holding My Own," and "What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am." For casual fans and the curious, this is the ideal choice. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine