Continuing the format of albums 1 & 2 this Cd presents the next stage in Rick's career. Digitally remastered, this collection once again features additional tracks including b-sides of singles, alternative versions and outtakes as well as extensive sleevnotes by the actor James Ritz.
' Rick Nelson sings ' (1959) is generally regarded by most critics as his most well rounded album and included no less than 4 million selling singles. These included ' Lonesome town ' & ' Never be anyone else but you '. As it was seen by some fans as a mini greatest hits it suffered somewhat in sales compaired to it's predecessors. However, this mistake of releasing so many singles from an album was not repeated on future album releases.
' Songs by Ricky ' (1959) is cheifly noted for showing Ricky as becoming more mature and helping to showcase his guitarists James Burtons reputation amongst the great players of this or any other day. Rick was also developing at this point as a rythum guitarist. This album, like it's predessor also shows Rick beginning to explore a genre of music he would go on to make whole albums of: country with songs like ' Half Breed ' & ' Restless Kid '. There is also an experiment with Rick as a jazz saloon singer on the track ' So long '. The remaining tracks aon these albums continue the ballads & rockers format popular of the day.