"Ropin' the Wind" was Garth Brook's third record, after "Garth Brooks" and "No Fences" made him a superstar. The album debuted on the pop charts at #1: the first time for a country artist. It would go on to sell a staggering 14 million copies in the U.S. alone - only 25 records have ever sold more, including Garth's own "No Fences" (16 million) and "Double Live" (15 million).

Garth pulled five hits from "Ropin' the Wind," starting with the ramped up "Rodeo." The single did fairly well, peaking at #3 on the country chart, although it ended Garth's string of five #1 songs. Up next was the pop-rock `Shameless" - a remake of a Billy Joel song from "Storm Front." The song hit #1 for two weeks and became a fan favorite at Garth's concerts. The third single was the biggest - the rich and smooth ballad "What She's Doing Now" (#1 for 3 weeks). Garth's voice has never sounded better than it does here. The most countrified song was released next: the playful "Papa Loved Mama" (#3). It was one of my favorites at the time, although it sounds a bit forced now.

The final single was "The River" (#1 for 1 week). The song perfectly encapsulated Garth's gradual turn from traditional country to the more adult contemporary sound in which he would subsequently specialize. The song would fit nicely on any James Taylor CD, or maybe even something by Dan Fogelberg. It's not a bad song, but it's rather tame and feels like 80s pop. Although the CD is glossier than his prior releases, it's top-notch all the way - it WAS country music at the time. I have all of Garth's CDs; "Ropin' the Wind" is his last CD with a more a more traditional country feel and not coincidentally also his last release that really enthralled me.

The person who compiled Garth's hits compilation (sadly now long out of print) clearly loved this album. Six of the tracks from this album were included, making it the best-represented album on that compilation. I can well understand the compiler's enthusiasm although there are some of Garth's other albums that I rate even higher.

The six tracks that featured on the hits collection have some interesting stories. One of them (Burning bridges) became a Spanish hit. Another (Shameless) is a cover of a Billy Joel song that Garth recorded only after he learned that Billy wasn't going to release his own version as a single One of Garth's favorite songs here (Rodeo) began life in the early eighties as a slightly different song titled Miss Rodeo, intended for a female singe. None recorded it so Garth eventually recorded it with modified title and lyrics. Garth co-wrote a song (What he's doing now) for Crystal Gayle - it appeared on one of her albums (Ain't gonna worry) - before recording his own version with a gender-adapted title (What she's doing now) and lyrics. Perhaps the best song here (The river) is a song that Garth co-wrote with the brilliant but very under-appreciated Victoria Shaw, whose own albums never sold well enough to establish her own career as a singer. The other song to make the hits collection (Papa loves Mama) is just a fun song but it is superbly performed.

Of the tracks that didn't make the hits compilation, the opening track (Against the grain) is a brilliant up-tempo song that was surely considered for single release. There is an amusing song (We bury the hatchet) about problems with the neighbors. There's a very cleverly worded song (Cold shoulder) about the loneliness of a long-distance trucker - if you're not paying attention, you might think it's Garth's partner that has given him the cold shoulder - then again, perhaps she has. Garth also sings a wild west story (In lonesome dove).

This is an outstanding album from Garth. If you lovre Garth's music, you are likely to enjoy this album.

This album may not be the best of Brook's albums, but it is definitely up there. Hits "What She's Doing Now" and "The River" are as good as any of his other hits. I especially like "What She's Doing Now." "Papa Loves Mama" is possibly the worst song Brooks has ever sang, but one rotten apple does not spoil the bunch. I did not "Shameless," but many people found it a refreshing addition to this album. And this is only the hits.

But what makes me declare this album worthwhile is not any of the hits but rather Garth Brook's greatest song he ever wrote and greatest song he ever sang: "In Lonesome Dove." It is a true country song and the lyrics are pure genius. There are few songs that I really, really, just love. "Love, Me" by Collin Raye is the best song ever, but this is in the top 25. Too bad it was never released so that it could earn its deserved respect.

This album is worth the purchase if you don't have it and you like Garth Brooks. Do not buy it if you do not like Garth; that song will not change your opinion.