For the Record: 41 Number One Hits
Alabama epitomizes the termpeople's band. Never a critics' favorite, the quartet from Fort Payne, Alabama, presents slick,  sentimental songs that unerringly catch the ear of fans yet mystify  those who don't hear the appeal. This two-CD career retrospective,  which presents all 41 of the group's No. 1 hits, underlines just  how successful they've been. The strengths are there: Randy Owen's  clear, deep, intimate vocals; the focus on accessible melodies and  musical hooks; and the straightforward song sense that plainly  celebrates love, family, and home with all the simplicity of homilies  stitched into a framed kitchen doily. Some might argue about Alabama's artistic value, but the band's 18-year track record offers a   convincing retort.--Michael McCall