Faith Hill’s new album proves to be a well-put-together compilation of the singer’s greatest hits

By LINDSEY KASTNING

Faith Hill has released her latest album, “The Hits.”

With celebrity looks, a marriage to Tim McGraw and a voice that mirrors the pop sound of Shania Twain, it’s no wonder Faith Hill can make the hit songs featured on this album.

Since 1999, young couples have shared a romantic dance to Hill’s biggest hit, “Breathe.” After six weeks at the top of the country charts, the song escalated to No. 2 on the pop charts, and was still a hit on the adult contemporary charts through the millennium.

“Breathe” certainly deserves its spot on “The Hits,” as it conveys Hill’s unique country-pop voice and re-touches the hearts of her dedicated fans.

Through songs like “The Way You Love Me” and “There You’ll Be,” Hill reminds her fans of the love she has for her husband. A familiar duet between the two love-birds extends through those tracks.

“The Way You Love Me” hit the top of the country charts in 2000 while the track “There You’ll Be” has a place among the top songs on the adult contemporary charts. Both songs hit the top 10 on the pop charts in 2000.

But a greatest-hits list wouldn’t be complete without the song that gained her a Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance of 2003. “Cry” displays how much vocal talent Hill possesses and is the highlight of the album, only rivaled by “Red Umbrella,” her newest song on “The Hits.”

The only weak track is a live performance of “Stronger.” It seems odd this song was chosen over others, such as Hill’s rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.”

Appropriately enough, the 2006 hit “Mississippi Girl” included on the album is the best depiction of who Hill is, proving that, though she may be a star, she is still a humble woman.

This is a great compilation of the story of Hill’s career from her first recording in 1993, to surgery on her vocal chords in 1994, to life after marriage and kids. Hill’s list of hits doesn’t disappoint.