By 1972, George Jones was already a legend with nearly two decades of classic country recordings to his credit. But when he teamed with producer Billy Sherrill in 1972, he may have even outdone himself. On the countrypolitan hit "The Door," Sherrill has the strings there from note one, softly providing the singer emotional support, and as Jones anguishes through a litany of all he's ever lost, it sure sounds like he needs it. In fact, on each of these 22 classics of honky-tonk heartache, Jones chokes down tears and swallows notes--his voice twisting, soaring, crying--as he weaves drunkenly down the thin line between despair and one more last chance. Country music has never sounded this devastated. Maybe it never will again. --David Cantwell
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