Freddy Fender The Freddy Fender Collection

Personnel: Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar); Steve Gibson (electric guitar); Sonny Garrish (pedal steel guitar); Joey Miskulin (accordion); Jim Horn (saxophone); Gary Prim, Bobby Ogdin (keyboards); Phil Naish (synthesizer); Farrell Morris (marimba); Larry Paxton (bass guitar); Jerry Kroon (drums); Donna Rhoden, Curtis Young, Harry Stinson, Jana King, Lisa Silver, Vicki Hampton, Liana Manis, Dennis Wilson (background vocals).

The Freddy Fender Collection is a ten-track compilation that contains his biggest hits, from the country-pop crossovers "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" and "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" to country chart-toppers "Secret Love" and "You'll Lose a Good Thing." It's a brief but consistent collection, featuring nearly every one of his best singles from the mid-'70s, making it an excellent introduction to his long, prolific career, even if isn't as comprehensive as it could have been. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine