Record Rack

Credit Jackson for knowing his limitations in this salute (due in stores Tuesday) to some songs that were special to him before he became country’s crown prince (behind Emperor Garth). He’s always had an easygoing appeal, but he’s never been--nor pretended to be--a first-rank singer.

The songs, mostly ‘70s and early ‘80s vintage, are generally snappier than those he usually selects. Further, instead of cruising through, with a knowing wink at songs that don’t take emotions seriously, as he often does, he sings with straightforward respect that allows some real feeling to emerge.

The highlight is his absorbing rendition of Gene Watson’s gloriously self-pitying 1979 hit “Farewell Party.” He has fun with the novelty “Revenooer Man,” but doesn’t have the vocal character to really pull it off; only George Jones, who recorded it in the ‘60s, or Junior Brown today could get away with this one.

Gently invoking the original artists’ signature styles, from Charley Pride’s nasal drawl to Merle Haggard’s syllable-bending, works just fine in most cases. The only gaffe is the self-congratulatory duet with Jimmy Buffett on “Margaritaville” that closes the album.

Chalk that one up to being under the influence.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.