Music Review: Now on vinyl, Shania Twain’s ‘Greatest Hits’ shines anew

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Music Review: Shania Twain’s ‘Greatest Hits’ Takes on New Life in Vinyl

Shania Twain is no stranger to the world of hit records.

In fact, her album “Greatest Hits” made history as the fastest-selling hits album by a female artist in the United States, a remarkable achievement acknowledged by the Guinness World Records. With four times platinum certification to its name, this album has truly left its mark in the music industry.

Now, as vinyl records and turntables experience a resurgence in popularity, Shania Twain’s iconic collection has been remastered for vinyl enthusiasts and is set to be available starting this Friday.

Much like the original release, this vinyl edition kicks off with the shimmering pop rendition of “Forever and For Always,” providing a fitting entry point into Shania’s musical world. Notably, this version includes tracks from her more recent albums, “Life’s About To Get Good” from 2017’s “Now” and “Giddy Up!” from this year’s “Queen of Me,” offering a contemporary twist to her timeless classics.

These 23 songs showcase Twain’s remarkable ability to transcend genres, conquering both the country and pop charts and paving the way for future country-pop artists, particularly female performers, to follow suit. For casual fans, the remastered tracks may not exhibit significant deviations from the originals. The spirited drum beats and melodious fiddles in “Any Man of Mine” continue to provide a rich backdrop to Twain’s powerful vocals, but with a newfound sharpness. The futuristic introduction of “I’m Gonna Getcha Good!” sounds crisper, while “Up!” remains irresistibly catchy and optimistic.

One notable absence, as was the case in 2004, is the omission of any songs from Twain’s self-titled debut album. Instead, the hits commence with those from “The Woman in Me,” her second album and the first produced by her then-husband Robert “Mutt” Lange. In a 2020 interview with The Big Big News, Twain emphasized the significance of this album in her career, not only making her a star but also granting her more artistic control. She remarked, “In my mind, I was just being myself, and that was the great thing of all—to just be able to be myself and let my personality come through in the music.”

Her personality indeed shines through in the remastered tracks, underscoring her unwavering consistency. While Twain’s voice may have evolved over the years between 2002’s “Up!” and “Now,” and amidst her battle with Lyme disease, her confidence remains palpable on songs like “Life’s About to Get Good” and “Giddy Up!”—just as it does on iconic hits such as “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”

It’s somewhat surprising that it took this long for Shania Twain’s “Greatest Hits” to be released on vinyl, considering that a physical record appears to be the perfect vessel for the timeless hits of such a music luminary. This release is impeccably timed, coinciding with a resurgence of Shania Twain’s popularity following her first tour in five years, ahead of her highly anticipated 2024 return to Las Vegas, and just in time for the holiday season. Vinyl enthusiasts and music aficionados alike will find renewed joy in experiencing Shania Twain’s greatest hits in this timeless format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vinyl Revival

More about Vinyl Revival

• Shania Twain’s Official Website
• Guinness World Records
• The Big Big News Interview with Shania Twain
• Vinyl Records Resurgence
• Shania Twain’s 2024 Las Vegas Return
• Vinyl Records and Turntables