More than half of the songs from
the Charlie Daniels Band's compilation
A Decade of Hits were chart successes, especially the fiery "Devil Went Down to Georgia," a boot-kickin' mix of rock and country fiddle that proved to be this group's biggest hit. Played on both country and rock radio, it hit number three on Billboard's Top 40 in 1979 thanks to its hard-based rhythm and entertaining narrative.
A Decade of Hits puts together ten of the band's most solid songs that integrate both a country and rock feel. "The South's Gonna Rise Again" unleashes
Daniels' pride of being from North Carolina and the attributes of being a good ol' boy. "Long Haired Country Boy" does much of the same, but with a more generous amount of countrified fervor. "Still in Saigon" leans on a more rock-oriented style, and loosely deals with one veteran's flashbacks to the Vietnam War. As a story song, "The Legend of Wooley Swamp" basks in the Southern slang of
Daniels drawl, which contributes to its bayou campiness. The most delightful aspect of
the Charlie Daniels Band's music is the way in which
Daniels uses his fiddle to liven up his music, customizing it to the drums and guitar. Most of the tunes on this album contain a feisty mix of instruments that gives the band a different feel and a slightly unique sound. Not the typical country norm, this collection of
the Charlie Daniels Band's best songs will satisfy anyone who is interested. ~ Mike DeGagne