The Early Years [Box] by Johnny Horton

Pros: Contains many songs not found anywhere else
Cons: Disc 4 repeats some of the same songs that appear on Disc 1

Johnny Horton was a far more versatile singer than most country music fans realize and his range is apparent in "The Early Years"-Johnny Horton boxed set. Consisting of four CD's, much of Horton's early work on Mercury is included along with other very early work.

Some are home recordings and demos Horton made to sell his music. Some cuts seem simplistic and yet they hint of his stardom that would come. "I'm A Fishing Man", a favorite he often sang on The Louisiana Hayride, is one of the best cuts from this set but there are many others.

As a complete fan of Horton's music, the set may not suit the average fan who might listen to most cuts once or twice and then stick to their favorites among the offerings but for someone like me, it's listening heaven.