Considering his good-guy image and his deliciously amiable vocal style, it's really not surprising that Gene Autry would appeal to the younger cowboys and cowgirls of America. What is amazing about this 16-song collection is how well Autry's "real" cowboy songs--"Back in the Saddle Again," "Old Chisholm Trail," "The Big Corral"--fit alongside perennial children's favorites such as "On Top of Old Smokey," "Clemetine," and "Johnny Appleseed." The varied arrangements, which range from classic cowboy to pop vocal harmonies to jazzy big bands to pared-down steel-guitar country, are surprisingly consistent; Autry's near-perfect voice does the rest. Only a rare talent such as Autry could make music that rewards kids and grown-ups in equal measure. And when he says, "Hello, boys and girls," you'll find yourself saying, "Yes, Mr. Autry?"--no matter what your age. --Marc Greilsamer