Album Review: Picture Disc Rallye Paris Dakar Country Hits 1 by Various
Alright, let’s dive into this gem from 1985—Picture Disc Rallye Paris Dakar Country Hits 1. Yeah, that’s a mouthful of a title, but hey, it’s got character. Released in Germany on Extra Records & Tapes, this album is like a road trip through genres: Blues, Folk, World, Country, and even some Rock vibes thrown in for good measure. The styles? Think Country, Country Blues, and Country Rock. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but man, does it deliver some solid tunes.
First off, I gotta shout out “Islands In The Stream.” You know this one—it’s basically the ultimate duet anthem. Sure, everyone associates it with Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, but hearing it here feels fresh yet nostalgic. The harmonies are smooth as butter, and honestly, it’s impossible not to sing along. Like, who doesn’t belt out “This is our favorite song” at least once during karaoke night? This track sticks with me because it’s just so damn timeless. Even if you’re not a country fan, there’s something about those soaring vocals that grabs hold of your soul.
Then there’s “Slow Hand,” which is kinda sultry in its own way. It’s got this slow-burning groove that sneaks up on you. At first listen, it might seem low-key compared to some of the other tracks, but give it a minute—it grows on ya. There’s a raw honesty in the lyrics, and the guitar work has this laid-back swagger that makes you wanna grab someone close and sway. Plus, c’mon, who can resist a song that celebrates taking things nice and easy?
The rest of the album keeps things interesting too. Tracks like “Don’t Cheat In Our Hometown” have that classic country storytelling vibe, while “Blue Moon With Heartache” leans more into the bluesy side of things. Honestly, it’s like flipping through an old photo album where each snapshot tells a different story. Some are upbeat and fun; others tug at your heartstrings.
What strikes me most about this record is how unpretentious it feels. These songs aren’t trying to be anything they’re not—they’re just straight-up good music made with heart. And yeah, maybe the production isn’t super polished by today’s standards, but that’s part of its charm. It’s real, y’know?
So, wrapping this up… Listening to Picture Disc Rallye Paris Dakar Country Hits 1 feels like finding an old mixtape in your car’s glove compartment. It’s familiar yet surprising, simple yet layered. If you’re into country or just love discovering hidden musical treasures, this one’s worth checking out. Oh, and here’s a random thought—why don’t we see more picture discs these days? They’re kinda cool, right? Anyway, crank this baby up and enjoy the ride.
