In the Mood: Love Songs

2 CD set in a slimline double jewel box. 23 tracks. CRC version.

While their success has long been celebrated since their first No. 1 singles in 1980, Alabama's influence tends to be ignored. The quartet's sustained success opened doors for bands from Exile, Shenandoah, and Confederate Railroad to Diamond Rio. Commemorating the end of their active touring career was occasion for this, their 24th album, which is not a garden-variety "greatest hits" package. This compilation reflects their more romantic side, beginning with 1981's "Feels So Right," their 1983 hit cover of Rita Coolidge's pop hit "The Closer You Get," and the Carpenters' "Touch Me When We're Dancing" (1986). Mixing original material with quality songs from, among others, Mike Reid and Ronnie Rogers allowed them to maintain their momentum. Two recent recordings, "In the Mood" and "The Living Years," bring the collection full circle. Their ability to sustain this softer side so strongly and consistently, even as they galvanized fans with catchy, upbeat singles like "Mountain Music," reflects a legacy that will resonate for the foreseeable future. --Rich Kienzle