Guitar Man: The Best of Bread

First off, this is not a compilation disc, it's actually Bread's fifth album, originally released in 1972. If you're looking for a greatest hits package, this isn't it. What it does have is a great collection of period songs that show just how talented the band was. They had two writers in David Gates and the late James Griffin, plus two other talented musicians, the late Larry Knechtel (who also played with the talented "Wrecking Crew" studio musicians) and drummer extrordinaire, the late Mike Botts. One song did make the charts here, "Guitar Man", a hit in 1972. The other songs are, in my view, some of the best they recorded. The stand out for me is the wistful "Didn't Even Know Her Name", although "Sweet Surrender" is also up there. One thing it does show is the diversity of songwriting styles. Gates tended to go for ballads, but also delved into Country, perhaps shown here by "Yours For Life". Griffin, on the other hand was more into Rock, as in "Let Me Go" and "Don't Tell Me No". Both Knecthtel and Botts contribute to the song writing too, with "Picture In Your Mind" and "Fancy Dancer" respectively. In truth, Gates and Griffin didn't always see eye to eye, and the band was near the end of the road by this time. Gates released his first solo album in 1973, with Griffin issuing his soon after. The band did get together for one more album in 1977. If you like the band, you'll love this. If you want a "greatest hits" collection, then seek out "Essentials", "The Collection" or the double album "Retrospective". All are first rate.

This music takes me back to my youth timeless great album

Great value and good delivery as usual from his vendor

Lovely

This CD is a compilation of Bread songs and not the actual Guitar Man album. The delivered cd hadn’t got the same picture on it. I get that the description says Guitar Man: The Best Of Bread but please show the actual cover of the CD and not Guitar Man by Bread. To be clear, they’re two different albums, with different songs.

I do like bread a lot .good songs but they are only David Gates songs & Bread had another singer To James Griffin & only 12 songs so I won't be buying .shame there isn't another 5 or 6 songs with a few more of there Rock numbers .A missed opportunity & proper fans know their a better Compilations

Bread is one of my Favorite groups . I absolutely love this CD .

Love the CD - great tunes!

Brings back wonderful memories