If you're looking for the basics from singer/songwriter
Kris Kristofferson's early-'70s Monument catalog,
16 Biggest Hits fits the bill.
Kristofferson's coarse vocals considerably change the dynamic of songs like "Me and Bobby McGee," "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," "Once More with Feeling," "For the Good Times" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night," from those of the artists' who actually took the songs to the top of the rock and country charts. Also of note is
Kristofferson's "Why Me," his first chart entry as vocalist in 1972, and the 1984 hit "Highwayman," recorded by the short-lived supergroup of the same name featuring
Waylon Jennings,
Willie Nelson and
Johnny Cash. While this compilation is highly recommended, for those listeners who want to go deeper into his catalog, pick up
The Essential Kris Kristofferson on Columbia/Legacy, as it includes choice album cuts and duets with
Willie Nelson and
Rita Coolidge. ~ Al Campbell