Then & Now: The Hits Collection cover

Then & Now: The Hits Collection

Tracy Lawrence · 2005

58 min · 17 tracks · country music

A nostalgic journey through heartfelt storytelling wrapped in polished country melodies and emotive vocal performances.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Used to the Pain Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Paint Me a Birmingham — This track stands out for its vivid imagery and emotional resonance, telling a poignant story of longing and nostalgia that captures the essence of Lawrence's songwriting style.
  • →
    Time Marches On — This song showcases Lawrence's ability to weave together personal reflection and societal commentary, making it a powerful anthem about the passage of time and changing values.
  • →
    Alibis — With its memorable melody and relatable themes of heartbreak and regret, 'Alibis' highlights Lawrence's vocal strengths and solidifies his place in country music lore.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic storytelling journey
  • nostalgic reflections on life
  • heartfelt tales of resilience
  • easy-going afternoon listening
  • sing-along moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer heavy experimental sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A compilation of hits that offers a cohesive introduction to his most impactful songs.
Career context
By the time 'Then & Now: The Hits Collection' was released in 2005, Tracy Lawrence had already established himself as a prominent figure in country music since his debut in the early 90s. This compilation not only reflects on his successful career but also serves as a bridge between his earlier hits and newer material, showcasing his evolution as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Alan Jackson· George Strait· Brooks & Dunn

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Time Marches On

    The narrative shifts from personal anecdotes to broader societal observations, reflecting on how life progresses despite individual struggles.

Tracklist

  • 1 Used to the Pain Start here 3:19
  • 2 Paint Me a Birmingham 3:50
  • 3 If I Don’t Make It Back 4:08
  • 4 If the World Had a Front Porch 3:06
  • 5 Sticks and Stones 3:42
  • 6 Is That a Tear 3:22
  • 7 Time Marches On 3:09
  • 8 I See It Now 3:38
  • 9 How a Cowgirl Says Goodbye 3:37
  • 10 Alibis 3:08
  • 11 Today’s Lonely Fool 3:56
  • 12 Can’t Break It to My Heart 3:42
  • 13 Lessons Learned 3:01
  • 14 Texas Tornado 3:34
  • 15 Stars Over Texas 3:40
  • 16 My Second Home 2:49
  • 17 If the Good Die Young 2:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata