by Zac JohnsonThe origins of Keith Whitley's "new traditionalist" roots are readily evident on Sad Songs and Waltzes, a collection of some of classic country's most prolific songwriters' grittiest contributions. Available for the first time on CD, this album pulls together tracks from Whitley's 1982 LP Somewhere Between and adds five previously unreleased songs, each filled with twang and heartache. Tastefully remixed by J.D. Crowe, the 15-song CD features Alison Krauss, Carl Jackson, and Diamond Rio's Gene Johnson and really captures the essence of Keith Whitley not only as a performer, but also as a true fan of country music.