Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Honestly very nice. I don’t really listen to this genre of music but it is surprisingly calming.
Good old country
Honky Tonk goes Music Row. A slick slice of the seedier life by a master of singing.
I absolutely love the mood and atmosphere of this album. I often think of music in terms of "day music" and "night music" and this is pretty much THE epitome of night music. Bittersweet and seductive. Romantic but honest. I feel like almost any professional musician would have to identify with that title track. I remember hearing Willie Nelson's version of it first when I was a kid, and I love that version too, but there is something about this version that is so much more haunting. The rest of the album doesn't quite have the same magic as that opening track, but it's still top notch crying-in-your-beer country. The playing, production, and arrangements are all spot on. I especially love that splash of reverb on the vocals. The fact that the songs all adhere to that theme of the trials and tribulations of life in the bar scene is what makes it so great (and believable). A perfectly executed concept album before concept albums were a thing. The intro is a bit goofy, but quaint in an old fashioned way. And goddamn that cover is so cinematic.
I am constantly impressed with early country songwriting. Ray really nails it here. At this rate, I may have to start saying I like country.
Like the old country. Almost has an Elvis feel to it. Would definitely try some of his other music.
Damn this is some good shit.
It's like an Alcoholic's Blues album. Loved it.
Loved it, transported to the 60s
Sorta country, sorta lounge and kinda frank sinatra. Pretty darn good!
I loved this. Pipe smoking rocking chair evening scotch music. Gonna explore this guy's catalog
Good for dinner bgm
Very good country album from the sixties with that smoky-room, accessible feeling I’ve been chasing This one’s easy listening. Probably my favorite county album I’ve heard yet
Actually really enjoyable, especially as I don't listen to much country music.
I like this album lyrics and instruments the Hawaiian and country vibe but sadly I can't get over his voice its not my vibe but great lyrics 7.7/10
This is another album that I could totally tell what it was going to be by its cover. The intro and theme was just that, an introduction. The title track was nice to listen to, not my style of music in the slightest, but it was nice enough. Lonely street had a nice steady backbeat to it which I appreciated. I quite liked the lyrics as well. The wild side of life was actually quite fun to listen to. I didn’t really think too much about Sittin and Thinking, but I thought it was fine. The twenty fourth hour had some gorgeous strings in it! I thought this track was overall quite great. I liked the storytelling of a girl in the night. I liked the drumming in Pride. There’s no fool like a young fool has some great lyrics. I like how a lot of these tracks don’t overstay their welcome. They have some good ideas, present them, and then it’s on to the next. If she could see me now was a great example of this. Bright lights and blonde hair was the opposite of what I thought it would be! Are you sure’s melody actually reminded me of you are my sunshine in a couple places. To end it off, Let me talk to you was fantastic. I think it was the perfect end to this album. Not my style, but 4/5 ⭐️ nonetheless. 171/1089
Surprisingly good
Didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Not sure I needed to hear it before I die, but glad I did.
I really enjoyed this one. Willie on the bass! If only modern country still sounded like this.
The intro sets such a good mood for this album. It’s like having a personal little country set in your living room
Wow, what an enjoyable experience that was. I love this album and I've never heard of it before. Ray's voice is so crisp and easy to listen to and the backing band is the perfect compliment. I get chills every time that steel guitar starts playing and the fiddle so expertly included. This is not his best album, but it's way up there. I'll give it an 8/10 and I'm definitely going to try and find this album for record player.
east texas, honky-tonk, moody concept album about the night life. makes me think of a small town that has winded down, buzzing street lamps, an old gas station
I love classic country and I enjoyed this enough to listen to old school country for the whole rest of the day! I don't think it was anything mind blowing about this specific record but I love the era and I love the songwriting. Plus you can't hate anything with as much stellar pedal steel as this.
Gotta love the old country crooners. His voice, especially on the back half of this album, is just mellifluous. That is one crazy vibrato he's got going on. Enjoy the earnestness.
That's the typ of music I imagine is played in Hawaii all the time
This was actually quite good. Old timey country-ish listen.
🥃
This dude parties hard and sad
Just seeing the album cover and listening to this album teleported me to a specific time and place. I can smell the cigarette smoke, hear the audience clap, and see couples huddled over candlelit tables inside a little music club. Really enjoyed this one.
Bury me in this Honky Tonk Just a bonus that Willie Nelson is in the backup band.
teardrop seasoned budweiser
An 8/10. Honestly, I thought this was really good, especially since I had never listened to it before. I even added a few songs to my cooking playlist haha, that says a lot. A really good album
Album #94, Ray Price, Night Life, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I think I gave k.d. lang’s Shadowland a fairly rough review a couple of weeks ago. I’m not entirely sure what I disliked so much about that record, but I remember saying that I hoped there’d be a better representation of honky tonk on the list. I wasn’t waiting very long to find it. This is just a really conceptually sound record. It’s a pretty standard honky tonk country affair on paper, but because it’s so thematically focused, it really holds itself together. All the songs revolve around loneliness, drinking, heartbreak, and staying out all night. It’s just exceptionally well curated. The real star of the show is Ray Price’s voice. He has the perfect voice for this genre. I genuinely wouldn’t change a note. It’s soulful, mournful, warm, deep and versatile all at once. He’s backed by a brilliant band as well, including Willie Nelson on bass, who also provides some really beautiful backing vocals. Their harmonies together are honestly some of the highlights of the whole album. I just loved the atmosphere and mood of the whole thing. I listened to it first thing in the morning while playing with my toddler on the floor, which probably isn’t the ideal setting for this kind of music. This is definitely more of a late night, tears in your beers kind of record. But even in that setting, it still completely worked for me. Really, really enjoyed it. I feel like I’m absolutely swimming in country and honky tonk music on this list at the moment, but this was a really welcome listen today. That being said, I would absolutely love a change of pace now. Give me some filthy, dirty electronica album next. Something nasty. That’s what I’m hoping for.
Actually a solid listen, would definitely listen to more as background music.
Enjoyed this more than I expected to.
It’s a four for the culture. Not my type of music, but great tunes
This album features a spoken introduction from Mr Ray Price himself promising “songs of happiness, sadness, heartbreak.” To be honest, this is mainly about the latter two emotions featuring late night honky tonks, lonesome streets and ending up in jail because you drank a whole bottle of gin. Again. Musically, this has its roots in the Western Swing sound with fiddles handing off to gorgeous sounding pedal steel guitars and back again, with solid double bass and drums keeping the tempo going. Ray Price has a mighty fine singing voice holding everything together. Going back to the intro, Ray urges fans to get in touch and let the band know if you enjoyed the record. Well, I certainly did! Honky Tonk-tastic!
Muy buen blue y poco conocido
Never heard of Ray Price Never heard Night Life This had me interested from the first spin. Not traditionally a country fan, but the vocals and arrangement just hit. Lyrics are a bit repetitive, but this was a great listen .
Crooner country! Really pleasant.
actually loved every minute of this
4.6/5 to me. Its not a 5/5 only because i think some song are very similar, especially in metric, but excellent album, really love it.
Yeah, this is cool. Lounge lizard country. Crooner country. A story. A tale.
This is a great album. Beautiful songs, beautiful steel guitar, and Ray Price has a beautiful voice. A lovely cozy listen.
Loved this! Amazing oldies album!
My first real dive into Ray Price. Amazing voice, big and piercing. Title track is an all-time great honky-tonk anthem. "Lonely Street" is a master class in the plodding, heavy-footed honky-tonk rhythm.
Not really mindblowing, but some nice country.
Love me some old country music
I really like the aesthetic of the title track. it gives me fallout vibes. So even though I haven't heard this before it strikes a chord with my love for the lonely lounge/bar aesthetic I really like this but I wouldn't say it is revolutionary or culturally ground breaking.
Lol hate that this hit a specific spot I needed rn
I love country music from inception to about the year 2000, and this is no exception. I haven't listened to any lately, and album inspires me to listen to some of my old favorites next. Thanks, Ray Price. Nice to meet you, and thanks for the music ⭐⭐⭐.75
Maybe I'm sick of 80s new wave and generic rock, maybe it was the day that was in it, but I enjoyed this. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.
I came into this with some prejudice because I wasn't really in the mood to listen to older music at the time. I don't remember hearing Ray Price anywhere before but I can't say for sure that I haven't. His singing voice is great and the band sounds great. Glad I heard it.
Perfectly enjoyable
Great album! Such a strong opening.
Dusky and moody. Bright early country but in a nightlife honky tonk way. I hadn't heard of Ray Price despite liking country a lot and didn't know Willie Nelson was part of his band. Great writing and a sophisticated country feel without being over the top. Also learned about his 4/4 shuffle beat which I did not know he pioneered. Highlights: Night Life, The Wild Side of Life
What a nice mood this album has. It's a live album with a solid introduction track (and separate from a song track; bonus points!) The albums contents are pretty much melodic, moody, country and/or country-adjacent music. Ballads galore, and lonesome feelings that are shared to the listener via singing and instrumentation. I didn't think I'd ever enjoy cheesy country ballads, but I suppose If it's done well - like this one - why not? Highlight Song/s: "Lonely Street", "The Wild Side of Life" and "Sittin' and Thinkin'"
I was dreading this. But damn, when Ray lets loose and belts, his voice is beautiful. What a heartfelt album about losing a woman or women. Might be my biggest surprise so far. 4.5/5.
Great little album, really matched a laid back Saturday vibe, I was hungover. But this worked nicely for my walk in the rain.
I've never wanted to go to the honkeytonk so badly
Ray Price wasn't on my radar, I didn't know what to expect, but I've always had a soft spot for steel guitars sliding through comfortable chord sequences, and honky tonk chord structures turn out to be deep in my bones, so I liked this album! Singing is good - lyrics are tolerable for their period and varied - I like the lush strings, and also the country solo violin segments. The introduction is unusual, at first I thought it might be hokey, but decided it's not, because it's not pretending to be speaking to listener conversationally, it's very much the band leader speaking to audience at start of a show - ie the album listener should think of it as like a show, but make themselves even more comfortable. Favourite song: Night Life (the chord sequences and slide have a little bit of jazz in them so yum). Overall, it's Good, 7/10.
Аристократия во плоти музыки. Прекрасный альбом, который только в счастье услышать сидя в баре. Для своего времени невероятная работа. Ещё и интро какое приятное, я такое раньше не видел, приятно уважение исполнителей к слушателям!
Not a big fan of country. However this record is really good. Ray Price is a really good singer.
Bikini bottom music
This was cool. Didn’t realize it would be this type of country. Sort of like cowboy music ish. I’m down for it sometimes! 2/20/26
Good songs - love the theme - beautiful recording - the instruments sound amazing and the pedal steel player is next level plus - and nice stereo separation that rewards headphones.
Rather pleasant; minimal misogyny.
Very lovely
Album 99. Night Life — Ray Price (1963) I'm an old and sad cowboy😔, I guess, because I like it so much. The introduction song is unexpected and cool. The album is wistful, emotional and bluesy. The voice is perfect. By the way, Willie Nelson was in the band on bass and singing backup. It was before Willie became famous. True country that itches you deep deep down. 4/5 Liked songs: — Night Life — The Wild Side of Life — The Twenty-Fourth Hour — Pride
Very good
Fine, Roy, I'll kick my shoes off and relax a bit. This might just be a 3, but I'm giving it a 4 to help drag it's global average up a bit
Man, his voice is remarkable - up there with Frank Sinatra or Bing - and possibly more emotive given the difference in genre. Also remarkable I'd never heard of him before today.
I dunno why this is speaking to me today but I enjoyed it start to finish. Old school cool for sure!
Would love to own this one on vinyl. There's something about a classic honky-tonk concept album that I fine enjoyable on a turntable so much more than in earbuds.
I like this kinda music. It's sad
Yeah this is cool, some classic country. Very on-brand all the way through, thematically, sonically, musically, instrumentationally...Not often in the mood for this kind of thing but it's a vibe I can dig.
Day744 - lets get drunk,tell some stories and get all the way into the feelings
11/01/2025 It was a harmless, timeless album. Spotify listeners: 244.5k
Old country
This was a nice, smooth listen.
I quite liked
GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: Having a bath FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Deffo play again DISCOVERY CURVE: Loved it straight away ALBUM ARC: Strong start, tailed off VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3.5 Sound of a heartbroken man, sitting at a bar, crying into his whisky.
If that’s jazz then this kind of jazz I like…….. take screenshots lads
I've enjoyed this for all the reasons mentioned in the reviews. I'll give it a 4*, not for the abum greatness, but for it being a testament to a bygone era.
The instrumentation and similar cadences between songs got repetitive by the end and the intro is a little too drawn out. Despite that, I enjoyed the vocals and storytelling quite a bit.
Apparently I can’t get enough old country in my life. Biggest surprise of this project so far, for me.
First time hearing Ray Price and I really liked this record. I’m a huge Patsy Cline and the melodies of the music reminded me of her songs . Love the classic country sound. The songs were pretty mellow and he has a great voice.
Sehr chillig, mit der Zeit eintönig.
what nice listening. I had heard the title track before but that was it. It’s probably still the highlight but the rest of the album is also great. That steel guitar-fiddle combination is excellent.
"As I sit here tonight the jukebox playing The tune about the wild side of life As I listen to the words you are saying It brings memories when I was a trusting wife It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels As you said in the words of your song There's many times married men think they're still single That has caused many a good girl to go wrong It's a shame that all the blame is on us women It's not true that only you men feel the same From the start most every heart that's ever broken Was because there always was a man to blame It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels As you said in the words of your song There's many times married men think they're still single That has caused many a good girl to go wrong" - Kitty Wells 'It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels'. A banger of a response to the Hank Thompson hit “The Wild Side of Life”. Give it a spin!
This was pretty awesome. Loved the intro.
Lovely! Classic. A wonderful album. Would be great for cooking to or a dinner party.
Very classy and good vibes album. Not much to say, it's just great time spent listening to classic country music. Reminds you so much of playing games like Fallout 3 or New Vegas. Always a pleasure.
Best Song: Sittin' and Thinkin' This has both country and western! But, while not a fan of this type of music, there was something kinda special and fun with this. It is almost like it is good drinking music even though I don't drink. Then to find out this was Willie Nelson's band before he went solo added to it. 4/5.
Many brilliant songs-would have improved with some faster tempo songs mixed into the whole enchilada. And the intro was sincere and compelling.
This is a style of music that I appreciate and enjoy while its on, but never lust after. 37 minutes of solid honky tonk with some beautiful arrangements, clean mixing, and soothing vocals. I have no knocks against this one. The title track certainly stands out to me for its swankiness. A slower pace of music to be sure, but this was thoroughly enjoyable to my ear. Going with a low 4 here.
Back when country spoke about real Human emotions and not weird ass faux nationalism. A little jazzy, a little bluesy, a little rockabilly. Slow, sad and oddly beautiful. Pretty repetitive though.
Very soothing! Ray Price has an undeniably strong voice
4.2
Honkey Tonk Elvis/Roy Orbison but conceptually Tom Waits ? I like
The pedal steel eeriness sold me “Nightlife” immediately, tuning into a holiday stint in Hawaii: the title song has an otherworldliness that fits the subject, a boozy lens, regretful couplings, cheap drinks, neon, sensations warping and bending with steel string. Willie Nelson has a hand, but this vibe is a band effort. A busy day - remember, I’m on vacation - has allowed me only a single playthrough, and none of the rest has grabbed as much, though a semblance of that vibe runs through it. One to return to, yet another country concept album!
Cool country album with some pretty slick lyrics. I don't know country that well but for the traditional stuff, this is a pretty great showcase.
I liked a lot of this album. Real classic country swing. It’s nice that this came at a time when the days are getting shorter - a good album for the dark. I will say, Ray Price seems to have a problem with hanging around in bars, my primary source of a good time. Bring on the honky tonk angels I say.
the introduction absolutely tickled me
The cover of Ray Price's 1963 album, "Night Life", is pure, iconic early '60s country, setting an expectation the first two tracks immediately subvert. Instead of a steel-guitar twang, we're greeted with a quaint "Introduction and Theme" followed by the surprisingly bluesy shuffle of the title track, "Night Life," and then a similarly moody "Lonely Street." The album truly settles into its rhythm with "Wild Side of Life." While I know the song best through Status Quo's 1970's excellent cover, Price's version establishes the country foundation on the album. The instrumentation, the slide guitar and fiddles, are used with subtlety, and Ray Price's voice avoids the exaggerated vocal affectations often found in the country genre. The true highlight of "Night Life" is undoubtedly "Pride." It's a cracking song and a performance that stands head and shoulders above the rest. From this point on, the song writing and performances generally solidify, raising the album's standard significantly before a slight dip in quality toward the final two tracks. Price himself possesses a strong, appealing voice. The entire album is well-arranged and played, benefiting from Don Law's early '60s production, which sounds classy and clear today. It's a testament to the high-quality musicianship of the era. Despite its overall quality and enjoyment, the album's place on an "essential" list is debatable. While it's a good listen and good fun, its significance isn't immediately clear enough to warrant an automatic spot among the 1001 Albums. Regardless of its legacy status, it remains a surprisingly engaging listen. Four stars. 1. "Introduction and Theme / Night Life" - (3/5) 3. "Night Life" - (3/5) 2. "Lonely Street" (Carl Belew, Kenny Sowder, W.S. Stevenson) - (3/5) 3. "The Wild Side of Life" (Arlie Carter, William Warren) - (4/5) 4. "Sittin' and Thinkin'" (Charlie Rich) - (3/5) 5. "The Twenty-Fourth Hour" (Ray Price) - (3/5) 6. "A Girl in the Night" (Hank Thompson) - (4/5) 7. "Pride" (Wayne P. Walker, Irene Stanton) - (5/5) 8. "There's No Fool Like a Young Fool" (Bette Thomasson) - (4/5) 9. "If She Could See Me Now" (Hank Cochran) - (4/5) 10. "Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women" (Eddie Kirkland) - (4/5) 11. "Are You Sure" (Buddy Emmons, Willie Nelson) - (3/5) 12. "Let Me Talk to You" (Don Stewart Davis, Danny Dill)- (3/5) Total - 46 Average - 3.54 125/1001 66/125 albums reviewed were new to me.
This is the kind of country I can get behind. Really solid tunes, simple and sweet lyrics, and a voice that just won’t quit. Big fan of this one.
I know this isn’t all that country, but I wish modern country music sounded like this. Or at least the newer country music that resembles this sound got more play. I enjoyed this one a lot more than I thought I would, even if the intro was strange and seemed unnecessary.
Il pleut dehors, le vent souffle, et je trouve que cet album correspond totalement à cette ambiance automnale.
Love how this starts out with a corny spoken word intro about how Ray hopes we have a good time listening to his new album, when we all know that this album is meant for being the most heartbroken loser in the bar. Coincidentally, my dad and I were talking about the title song (albeit Willie Nelson's version) earlier today! He prefers Willie's, but I think this one's pretty good too.
Solid honky-tonk country pop. First track is pretty weird, really sets the stage for the album. I enjoyed this. A good album to listen to on a cold winter’s night.
old country music is pretty good :o
Significant hell yeah album
I never thought I would like this. I do. Ray Price has a phenomenal voice. I feel like I'm sitting in a diner in Texas or Nashville as this album is playing. This album has a charm and I will be returning to it for morning coffee.
Pretty great.
This was an easy listen. I love this shit. Relatable
So far this album is fantastic.
What a courteous and informative introduction. Overall a pleasant surprise. *insert joke re honky-tonk and/or*
Pretty enjoyable
incroyable. fantastique.. bändi rullaa ja ray hoilaa hurmattaa. voiko kysyä parempaa? tämä on sellainen albumi jota kuunnellessa ei tarvitse mitään muuta tehdä. tarvi reenailla, scrollailla, kävellä tai kokkailla. tyhjyyteen katsomaan ja istuen kuuntelemaan kaikki muu on turhautta. kolmetoista pikku lurautusta ja albumi on ohi ennen kuin edes huomaat. texazilainen, texaz.. best american state FREEDOM!! FREEDOM STATE.. meikäle vois kuulua texas free state hehheh (leopold II referenssi(). niin ja tota niin ja totanoin noiskos oiskos notota jassoolikkahaa.. jatotanoin niin siinä siinä ois arvostelu varmaan ohi niih... night life
Pretty decent.
Having recently lost a beloved family pet, this 'sad cowboy' music hits oh so right. Really has a "tears in your beers" feeling, as perfectly put by another reviewer. Is it the strongest or most revolutionary country album out there? No, not by a long shot. But that's okay, it's still a lovely listen that doesn't overstay its welcome. Plus the personalized intro voiceover by Ray was such a wonderful (and unexpected) start to the album... hearkens back to a simpler time when life was slower and easier (for white people, anyway)
I was pretty excited by the first 15 seconds of this album because I’ve been listening to a lot of lap steel guitar country music lately (surf country, psychedelic country, etc). Sadly, as soon as Ray Price opened his mouth, the spell was broken. And to hear it was for a long winded album introduction… woof. Admittedly, that tainted my first listen of this album, but I enjoyed it more the second time around. If I’m going to listen to 50/60s crooning, I think I prefer this to the lounge lizard alternatives. As a kid, I think this is what I thought Elvis sounded like; at least late stage white jumpsuit Elvis. Anyway, at only 37min, the album wraps up just as my attention span starts to wane and that’s great. Lastly, Idk if we’d have Orville Peck without Ray Price, and thats reason enough to give this a thumbs up.
I would add any of these songs to my country playlist
Ended up enjoying this more than I expected. I didn't really have high hopes after the intro speech. Oh god, am I an old man?
I'm a sucker for this style, and this is about as will as it is done. Back when success required actual musical chops and lyrics were clever, Willie Nelson was in the band. Enough said.
++: Introduction and Theme / Night Life, The Wild Side of Life, A Girl in the Night, Pride, There's No Fool Like a Young Fool, Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women, Are You Sure, Let Me Talk to You +: Lonely Street, The Twenty-Fourth Hour, If She Could See Me Now +-: Sittin' and Thinkin' 8,5/10
This is the first album on this list so far that hasn't had a Wikipedia entry, how peculiar. Night Life was a pretty fresh mix of blues and honky tonk. Then after that it's off to your regularly scheduled programming of Honky Tonk. Anyways, this album is pretty much every honky tonk record you've ever listened to, the voice sounds exactly the same as every other artist from this genre, lyricism about heartbreak, exact same instrumentals, etc. You could say this was a Buck Owen record and I'd believe you. That being said, I don't really care. Honky Tonk rocks. In the same way you could play me 5 different Drum n' Bass singles that sound similar and I could believe that they're the same artist - it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. I love Honky Tonk, it takes me back to a part of my childhood that I long for. I'd give this a 3.5 if I could. Highlights: Night Life, obviously.
hb pull up to a girls crib like, "I didnt know God made honky tonk angels." My brother in christ, she gave up the only one who ever loved her. And went back to the wild side of life. 7/10
I haven't heard many albums that have a personal thank you (at least not at the very start) so I was immediately impressed by its charm. I haven't heard of Ray Price before and I'm worse-off for it, this man has such a beautiful voice. I can see myself giving this album a spin anytime, it has a few standouts for me (especially the title track and Are You Sure). There are a few tracks here which are rather forgettable, even on repeat listens I found I just couldn't place them, but overall this is a great. This is one of those albums I don't think I would have encountered in my life without this project and I'm happy to be reviewing it now. Highlights: Night Life, Lonely Street, Sittin' and Thinkin', Are You Sure
This squeaky clean sounding cat had Willie Nelson, Johnny Paycheck, and Roger Miller in his band. He worked with Merle Haggard. This guy was an OG, even had a marijuana bust! He was a cooler guy than this album, but it’s a solid listen.
Beautiful album by a real band. It's so refreshing to hear actual musicians playing. I keep wishing country music will swing back to this down-to-earth sound, and it keeps not happening.
Not my music style but good for what it is
This was nice, like Frank Sinatra singing a country album.
Loved it
Very relaxing, tells a good story. Could be put into a country Fallout playlist. Listening to this in the wasteland would go well
Can't wait to ask my dad if he knows of this guy and probably find out he bought his albums 40 years ago and played them at home and I was just oblivious. Enjoyed his voice and some of the Prine-like humorousness?
Some smooth tunes here. The more I listened the more I really enjoyed this. Sometimes I hear this type of country and it bores me or it doesn't really move me in any way but this one really jived with me. I really love the album cover- maybe one of my favorites I've seen recently. Usually the artists tend to be the focal points of these, but this one I really feel like couple in the foreground are the stars. Here's Ray Price, a famous singer and guitarist, and people are paying to come see him perform. And yet in this dark room this cute couple can't help but turn their bodies into eachother and whisper during the performance, with Ray even looking at them. Has he reached the pinnacle of his stardom and yet he's lonely? Is he longing for a life as an everyday man with a partner? It's a great little story.
Surely this can go to make way for something better... is what I was thinking before I listened to Ray Price. That voice, like someone's pouring chocolate milk in my ears. That guitar, like watching shooting stars on a warm prairie night. Have I gone too far? I probably have, but I liked this just fine. I'm giving it a four.
I’m a sucker for old school country about drinking, loving and fucking too much. This here record ticks all those boxes.
Don't know why but I just enjoyed this, it felt pretty sincere. You get 4 Ray, enjoy them.
It is what it is innit?
Classic
A good album, I really liked the music style. I liked Night Life and Lovely Street the most.
evocative
Wonderfully recorded, tear in your beer country played with yeoman-like precision and heart
Nice
Pretty solid. No thrills just easy listening music. Not as good as some others with the same type of lounge vibes. 3.5 and we will round up.
First album I was only vaguely familiar with. Also old country definitely a blind spot in my listening knowledge. Really enjoyed, tho shoulda listened after dark. As soon as I heard Willie I knew this was gonna be good
heard this before. i'm skipping the introduction in the rating Night Life - 5/5 Lonely Street - 4/5 The Wild Side of Life - 3/5 Sittin' and Thinkin' - 4/5 The Twenty-Fourth Hour - 3/5 A Girl in the Night - 4/5 Pride - 4/5 There's No Fool Like a Young Fool - 4/5 If She Could See Me Now - 3/5 Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women - 4/5 Are You Sure - 4/5 Let Me Talk to You - 3/5 Average score - 3.8/5 (rounding up) the title track is definitely the best, and the song i go to most off of this album, but that doesn't necessarily mean the other tracks are bad by any means. Price has a smooth, crooning voice that tugs at the heartstrings (think Frank Sinatra if he decided to go down the country-western route) i think as i listen to more albums like this, i'm coming to learn that i don't necessarily hate country, just *some* country. either that, or i'm beginning to appreciate the sound as i grow older. i enjoyed this about as much as i would anything by Marty Robbins or Johnny Cash and the like, so if you're a fan of those artists you might appreciate this too
Nice classic country sound. Ray Price has such a great, and pleasant voice. I enjoyed this record but lost focus on it a few times. It would be a great record to throw on at home in the evening or a slow Sunday morning.
This is a pretty awesome record. What stands out to me is the fusion of genres. Its jazz crooning from the 40s and 50s, but played by a Texan with a guitar and a backing pedal slide. Its elements of early country and western music but carrying on the tradition that was laid before it. I also really love the songwriting. Sad songs about sinning at night. You can really hear the influence this had on Willie Nelson in particular, but also with other early country and rock and roll artists.
Yee-haw?
It gives me Pride to give this album a good rating. It had me Sittin’ and Thinkin’
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Mr. Price is crafting a wonderful story here about lost loves and dive bars. Honestly makes me nostalgic for my early days of living in Nashville, chasing the music dream, thinking that hanging out at a shitty bar at midnight on a Wednesday would help me get "plugged in" to the community.
Price's forlorn tales of love lost and hearts sinking to the bottom of bottles are ultimately transcended by his vivid storytelling and the soaring pedal steel guitar work that elevates this country concept album beyond mere melancholy.
Very classic-style country album. Not the most variety, but great consistency, melody, and concept. I enjoyed it. Best song: The Wild Side of Life
nice old country from before The Beatles changed the world
Thoughts before listening: I believe this is very old style country music. I don't know all that much about Ray Price, but I do recognize his name. Review: Great title song that I mainly know from Willie Nelson's cover. This is crooner country music with a cool jazzy vibe. I am digging this quite a bit, and I will give it 4-stars.
What a voice! Sad sentimental songs sung so sweetly, with aching swelling pedal steel guitars, crystal clear twangy reverb soaked telecaster solos, just the right amount of honky tonk piano, a touch of fiddle, and a bouncy cowboy bass carrying it all along. I love this old addicted to heartbreak country stuff that's all about what a big loser you are, how everyone is so cruel to you all the time since you're a pathetic drunk failure, how you'll always be lonely and you deserve it for being a stupid miserable little shit nobody could or should ever love, and how the only pleasure in life is the anguish of seeing other people have a good time that you're not invited to and the only thing you can do is project onto them your own fantasy that they're not actually enjoying themselves.
Fun!
2/13/25. I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would! Superb honky tonk right here, loved each song.
Surprised that this album actually impressed me the way it did.
Surprising how much I enjoyed this album. There is a kind of purity to it; from the cheesy but earnest introduction to the consistent vibe throughout every track. This is an old school, prime country record. I really loved “Sittin’ and Thinkin’”, but basically every track here is enjoyable. The only reason it doesn’t hit 5 stars is due to how distinct it is, I’d really have to be in the right mood to relisten. But it’s a great reference point for a classic sound.
This one feels like a true blast from the past! I still like the way Willie sings em better, but I was surprised by how much heart this otherwise squeaky clean honk tonk has.
Wow.. This is insanely good. Perhaps it was mood but this scratched the itch today.
Country crooner with western flare with really good recording. Enjoyed this quite a lot and will definitely add into rotation for listening in the pickup truck.
Chad country.
## In-Depth Review of *Night Life* by Ray Price *Night Life*, released in 1963, is a seminal album in the country music genre, showcasing Ray Price's distinctive style that blends traditional honky-tonk with the emerging Nashville sound. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also highlighting its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrical content of *Night Life* is a poignant exploration of themes such as loneliness, heartbreak, and the struggles associated with nightlife. The album opens with an introduction that sets the tone for the emotional depth of the songs. The title track, "Night Life," written by Willie Nelson, encapsulates the essence of living in a world filled with late-night escapades and emotional turmoil. The refrain, “the night life ain’t no life but it’s my life,” poignantly reflects a sense of resignation to one’s circumstances. Other notable tracks include: - **"Lonely Street"**: A haunting reflection on lost love and despair, where Price's delivery emphasizes the pain of unfulfilled dreams. - **"The Twenty-Fourth Hour"**: This song captures the feeling of longing during the quietest moments of the night, illustrating how absence can amplify loneliness. - **"Pride"**: A heart-wrenching narrative about conflicting emotions in love, where Price’s vocal performance highlights the inner turmoil between desire and pride. The lyrics throughout the album are characterized by their relatability and emotional resonance, making them timeless in their appeal. They paint vivid pictures of heartache and longing that many listeners can connect with. ### Music Musically, *Night Life* is marked by its rich instrumentation and seamless blend of various elements characteristic of country music. The standout feature is Buddy Emmons' pedal-steel guitar, which adds a layer of melancholy to the arrangements. The use of fiddle and piano complements Price's vocals beautifully, creating a lush soundscape that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics. The album features a mix of major and minor keys; interestingly, many tracks are in major keys yet convey profound sadness. This juxtaposition creates a unique listening experience where one can appreciate both the musicality and the underlying sorrow. Key musical highlights include: - **"The Wild Side of Life"**: A classic honky-tonk tune that captures the essence of nightlife with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. - **"If She Could See Me Now"**: This track showcases Price's ability to convey vulnerability through his vocal phrasing while Emmons' steel guitar provides a poignant backdrop. ### Production Produced by Don Law and Frank Jones, *Night Life* benefits from high-quality production that captures the raw emotion of Price's performances. The arrangements are well-crafted, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing Price's vocals. The production style reflects the transitioning era of country music in the early 1960s, blending traditional honky-tonk with more polished Nashville sounds. The album is structured cohesively as a concept album, where each track flows into the next thematically. This approach not only enhances the listening experience but also reinforces the overarching themes of loneliness and heartache. ### Themes The central theme of *Night Life* revolves around the complexities of nightlife—its allure and its inherent sadness. The songs collectively depict a world inhabited by lost souls seeking solace in bars and late-night gatherings. Key thematic elements include: - **Loneliness**: Many tracks explore feelings of isolation amidst social settings. - **Heartbreak**: The lyrics often reflect on love lost or unattainable desires. - **Acceptance**: There's an underlying acceptance of one’s circumstances, as seen in songs like "Night Life," where living in despair becomes a part of one’s identity. These themes resonate deeply within country music traditions but also transcend generational divides, making *Night Life* relevant even today. ### Influence Ray Price's *Night Life* has had a lasting impact on country music, influencing countless artists who followed. It is often regarded as one of the first concept albums in country music history, paving the way for future artists to explore thematic storytelling through their work. The album's sound has been emulated by many artists within the genre, contributing to what would become known as the "Nashville Sound." Price’s innovative use of instrumentation and emotional delivery set a benchmark for future country musicians. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Emotional Depth**: The album's exploration of loneliness and heartbreak resonates powerfully with listeners. - **Musical Excellence**: Exceptional instrumentation featuring pedal-steel guitar creates a rich soundscape. - **Cohesive Concept**: As one of country music's first concept albums, it presents a unified theme throughout its tracks. - **Timelessness**: The relatable lyrics ensure that the album remains relevant across generations. #### Cons - **Gloomy Tone**: The pervasive sadness may not appeal to all listeners; those seeking upbeat music may find it too heavy. - **Limited Variety**: While cohesive, some may argue that the thematic focus limits musical diversity across tracks. - **Niche Appeal**: As a classic country album, it may not attract listeners outside dedicated country music fans. ### Conclusion Ray Price's *Night Life* stands as a monumental achievement in country music history. Its blend of poignant lyrics, masterful instrumentation, and cohesive production creates an immersive experience that captures the essence of nightlife's bittersweet nature. While it may not cater to every listener's taste due to its somber themes, its influence on subsequent generations is undeniable. For anyone interested in exploring deep emotional narratives within music, *Night Life* remains an essential listen.
I enjoyed this.
A great singer. Songs are a bit dated. Good overall.
i was between a 3 and a 4 on this one. I love the sound of this album. The harmonies, the pedal steel, Ray's voice. It's nearly blissful. My only real complaint is that every song sounds the same. Not only were the arrangements the same, but the melodies were often similar, too. But this was cool to hear, and I can see his influence on so many of the later country artists I admire, so I'll go with a 4.
Not my preferred genre and not something that I would listen to regularly, but I can respect the old school country music artists. They were masterful story tellers and good at emoting.
loved it
Really fun, sounds Christmassy and old!
I am not usually a fan of country but I enjoyed this record. Ray was an excellent vocalist and the musicianship and production quality are top-notch. It was also interesting to learn that Willie Nelson was a backup musician on this record. I would listen to this one again.
the concept of this album itself is enough to get a couple stars from me. i’ve been pretty interested in the classic beat generation recently and THEY lived in the night life. it’s a cool idea overall that there are people that live in the night whether by choice or my circumstance. the songs made sense for 1967 and were pretty similar but they were never bad. music would be 3 stars but idea gets it up to 4
Lovely jazz country
This was a great surprise. It’s country as it should be: timeless, raw, and contains real stories about real people. I wonder if this was sort of controversial when it was released: it dabbles in some almost taboo subjects for music in the early 60’s. It must be one of the first country concept albums, and it delivers on the concept tremendously. It also rocks for having an early Willie Nelson song as the opening song and the basis for the concept.
This was a good one. Nice old country album with a good feel. Favorite song: there’s no fool like a young fool
This album made me realize that I truly love country and have a soft spot for classic country. This album put me in a great mood for the whole day. I'll be back to give it another listen.
4.5
I liked this album, and I would listen to it, again, but it's not something I'd likely have in a regular rotation but something I'd randomly put on at my house while cooking or cleaning. I do listen to some modern "Western" music, and it's obvious that part of their ancestry was Ray Price.
Very frontier-land coded. Nice soft, ballads. Occasionally blurring together. But a good nighttime feel. Notable song: Twenty Fourth Hour 4/5
Country legend. Great voice. Great songs.
I really liked this album!! Ray Price’s voice is great for this genre and the album was consistent without being repetitive
Very surprised how good this was.
3.7 - I enjoyed this more than I thought. Did give off a weird vibe at the start though, like some church sermon about to ask for money or something
This is closer to the country that I will kinda enjoy, and that’s mainly just because I recognize its significance in history. I didn’t actually know Price’s name, but I’ve heard his influence in country. It was nice to put a name to the sound.
Now this is classic country! Simple songs with concise storytelling and a message of love and longing and heartache that anyone can latch onto and relate to. Was listening to Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison the other day and it's funny that both of them have a little monologue from the artist expressing gratitude to Columbia Records. That's the record company wanting recognition because there's no way the public gave a damn about that little factoid. Oh Columbia Records! Well now we GOTTA buy it!!! One thing that struck me about the vocals. The diction is sooooooo clear. You can understand every word this guy sings. His accent is always audible, but still! That's impressive. As a singer, his caprino vibrato was a little off putting, and a little surprising given how strong his voice was otherwise. Every once in a while he'd have healthy vibrato and it was funny because it was a total fluke. Love how strong the song titles are. They make you want to hear the song and hear the story. "There's No Fool Like a Young Fool" in particular was just beautiful.
This is someone that I was unfamiliar with before today. I liked this album. Nothing knocked it out of the park for me, but it was soild. At certain times it sounded like Elvis. Either with his voice or style of playing the song, or even the song in general. But that didn't take away or distract at all. For only the 2nd rime in 150 days, I've been introduced to an artist that I will listen to again. (Rounded up from 3.5)
Liked this! Wasn't expecting it to be as country from the first few songs. 4/5 Favourite songs: - night life - are you sure Although I did like let me talk to you as well The whole album felt very easy to listen to and I appreciated that
I’ve never listened to earlier country before but wow, that was pretty good. I really don’t get the hate, even if it isn’t super original. The instrumentals are great and the vocals are obviously amazing. Sounds like Frank Sinatra, as many have already mentioned. Anyways, maybe I should listen to more old country.
4.5
Night Life is a classic. I dig classic country. Can't say this is one of my top albums, but the crooning contained in here - WOOMAMA! 4 stars.
3.5/5. Great, easy listening. Good old country music.
a pretty decent country and western album from the early sixties. this one starts off with a goofy introduction from mr. price thanking everyone for how much they loved their last record and how much he hopes they will love this one - should more records start off with a personal plea to fans? maybe, maybe not. it is kind of an awkward way to start the album. sir, i just met you. anyways, i enjoyed myself with this one. a lot of songs about honky tonks and falling in love and drinking, fairly common tropes for the time period, but i don't think there's a bum song here. mr. price's voice isn't the best country voice i've ever heard but it is charming and the musicianship here is pretty good. it's not an album i see myself coming back to, really, but it's one that i was pleasantly surprised by.
Oh I like this. Talk to me Ray! “Night Life” makes me wanna slow dance and share a bottle of red. “Lonely Street” is a little sleepy. This is kinda honky tonk but I do like it. So I definitely thought it was one type of album and it was another kind of album, but I’m not disappointed. It’s maybe a 3.5 but I don’t have the heart to give it a 3. So, 4.
Kinda like it in the time machine.
really enjoyed!!
There aren’t any big surprises here. It’s classic honky tonk with songs that are still played the same way today. His voice is super smooth and pleasant and I especially loved the Willie song for him. 4.0
very good, great vibes
Definitely not as terrible as I was anticipating. I dig it.
This is fantastic. Thank you. What a country classic.
Lounge country! Yeah, I can get behind this - nice relaxing listen. The spoken word intro could be a lot shorter, though, I imagine that'd get old fast. Fave track - "The Twenty Fourth Hour" maybe? They all kinda blended together, but not in a bad way. Like spending time in a casino with no windows and no clocks, heh.
I can almost smell the stale beer and cigarettes with a Sunday morning hangover, from a few decades ago, when I listen to this, so that must be worth 4 stars or B- at least.
June 20, 2024 HL: title track, "Lonely Street", "The Twenty-Fourth Hour", "Are You Sure", "Let Me Talk to You" On the day I got k.d. lang's Shadowland, I lamented I wasn't getting much sad, croony country from the actual "golden age" here, instead getting modern acts very much inspired by those sad crooners. Tonight I'm eating crow, since Ray Price, an artist I've never listened to before (increasingly rare on this website*), scratches that itch for me. It's got: - great singing - great lap steel - Floyd Cramer piano (that's almost always mixed too quietly tbh) - Willie Nelson - melancholy mood music that fits the title (although much of Night Life's middle could also pass as AM radio in the A.M.) - plenty of reverb *Only other artists this month that I can say I've never put on before are The Coral, since curiosity about the most-hated albums on this list led me to both the Residents and Einstürzende Neubauten earlier
I hadn't heard of Ray Price before. From what I can gather, he was notable for being one of the best baritone singers in country music and helped popularize the shift of the beat in country songs from 2/4 to 4/4 time. There's a bit more to the story though, as one of the members of his touring band that played on this album was a young Willie Nelson, playing bass and backing vocals. As for the music itself, this is the chill yet upbeat country music that would be expected from such a pairing. Every instrument has its moment in the limelight, and Ray's delivery is silky smooth. There were a fair amount of standouts from the opening title track to the end with "Are You Are". It was a pleasant listen and as such gets a solid recommendation.
This is giving me serious David Lynch vibes — I love it!
Fun album. Over the top and and a bit of an oddity but that is the way we love it, don't we?
krijg hier enorme strand vibes van heel erg nice
Surprised how much I enjoyed this one. Never heard of this guy before.
Oh wow, I really loved this. Incredible mood music, how have I never heard of this before? A-
The age-old flaw of this list strikes again with Ray Price as the victim. In what is a criminal lack of country on this list (I'm not even a country music fan), Ray Price's Night Life is pounded by negative reviews that don't comment much on the quality of the music or the songwriting, but when you boil down to it this is a great classic country album. I know that if the person that plays guitar on this album and wrote two of the songs had his name on the cover, this album would have much higher ratings. I'll let the reader find that one out and then question their thoughts on this album that is a clear 4/5.
Surprisingly enjoyed this album.
Nice Blues album, but not my music... Still good
Loved this. The honesty was unexpected. The overall concept and tone were different enough to keep me engaged the whole way. Really swept me away. Tears in beers 4 life
He has a classic sounding great voice, I will have to look into Ray Price more.
I’m not much of a country fan but this was pretty good and his voice is amazing.
Love the old country
Banger classic country.
LP
Turns out if you take the twangy voice out of it, I don’t really mind older country music. It’ll never be a go to, but it was fine as Monday morning coffee background music.
Déjà il est bien poli cet homme puisqu’il commence par dire bonjour, nous remercier et se présenter. Beaucoup de charme dans cette country dans son jus, une très belle voix. On y retrouve Elvis, Johnny Cash (son “Flushed From The Bathroom of Your Heart” est une copie à l’identique de “The Wild Side of Life”). “Lonely Street” et “Pride” sont charmantes, “The Twenty-Fourth Hour”, “If she could see me now” tout le reste de l’album l’est en fait. Très agréable sans être complètement bouleversant.
old school at its best
Honky tonk country politan weepers.
Beautiful album.
I find the spoken intro to the album thanking people for liking the last album quite charming. It is very pleasant and catchy and I would definitely put it on while relaxing. There isn’t anything terribly groundbreaking or interesting, just very competent and peaceful.
I enjoyed this! Great voice, great recording, but the songs got repetitive.
What a surprise! Loving this album
I did enjoy this very much.
I think I just like old country. Reminds me of a dusty old town, and it feels nostalgic. Pretty good, not as good as the Willie Nelson album I had.
Old fashioned C&W, honky tonk style.
Very well done, I usually don't care for this style of music but it drew me in
What a voice, just a hint of old Americana and a southern lick. These would pair nicely with a Fallout soundtrack . 3.5
This is the type of country music that would have been playing on TV/radio as I grew up so it's kind of a part of my musical DNA and feels kind of like a comfortable and cozy blanket. The 60s may have been the last great decade for country music. There's still a lot to love from the 70s but country music was changing and mostly not for the better. Ray Price was one of the good ones and I could easily listen to this again and again.
Sincerely shocked at how much I enjoyed this. Really didn’t excpect to.
loved this, great vibes
Very decent, though i don't dig the genre at all
Good older style of country music, reminds me of inspiration for elvis.
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Yes it is old-time country, but there is the slightly cabaret touch that makes it interesting slightly dark.
Pleasant as hell. Could put this on in the background while cooking or hosting a dinner party anytime.
Well now, this was some real old timey honky tonk! Not especially remarkable, but definitely great stuff.
vraiment un bon crroner, super chanson et le thème est assez original pour mes gouts. mais je ne suis pas expert en ce type de musqiue mais j'Adore ca 4.25
Ok. Don’t why but even though this is very country which usually puts me off I enjoyed this.
Sweet country music.
Night Music. Cruising with the top down music. Music.
Damn I wasn’t expecting that chord progression on that title track. If this was what honky-tonk was, then I’d like to bring it back. And god, what a voice!
I really liked this now ! I’ll definitely give some of his other music a listen
It wasn't a secret to myself, but I'm finding that I really like old school country music. This has a lot to like. The intro is a bit weird but was worth hearing once I guess but thankfully the rest of the album is pretty solid. Not 5 star good, but really good. Will return for more of this.
I love listening to old country! 4/5
This sounds almost like a live album. He talks through the first "song" and says tonight a few times. It's weird to say that I "grew up" with this stuff. It's soooo simple. Nothing crazy. Nothing flashy. Don't know why I like it. I shouldn't like it.
Based
nah actually had such a great time listening to this, late night and having a whisky kinda music I love it
I am not big into this particular style of music, though he does have a nice voice (I can sort of hear my Grandpa in his pronunciation). Definitely not an album I would listen to casually, but if it were playing in a restaurant, bar, or even in a movie, I'd be okay with it! "Night Life" is genuinely good. "Sittin' and Thinkin'" is even actually, surprisingly, good. This is not stuff I usually like, but I think I like his voice enough that my general distaste for country music is overridden. This might be the only actual country album I like. 4/5.
I liked it. It reminded me a little of Roy Orbison
4.5, really enjoyed this. Not quite perfect enough for a 5 but very damn close
Great combination honky tonk and western swing. Ray Price has a wonderful baritone voice that cuts through the instrumentation. This album was released at a crucial point in Ray Price's career as he was embracing the lush Nashville Sound while still retaining some of the Honky Tonk in which he cut his teeth.
Very pleasant country-western album. Nice short songs, subtle instrumentation, honestly a very pleasant listening experience.
I hate ("modern") country music, but somehow the older stuff always clicks with me. I enjoyed this album. The subject matter is depressing, though. Every song is about alcohol enthusiasm, but I guess country music is always about how shit it all is. Would listen to it again.
This is a concept album and I'm into it. Willie Nelson wrote on this. I love that it's set up like a program where he introduces the album verbally. It feels like we're at the show, seated right behind the two love birds sitting in front of us. Cowboy blues meets jazzy night club. Pedal steel, honkytonk piano, crooner, but country blues songs. This is right up my alley. Night Life: Around 2 min mark, the left channel pedal steel is juicy AF. Really nice experience listening throughout. I love this era of music production.
whew that hit my sweet spot for orchestral mid-century twang fronted by a golden voice, i am not joking
Probably enjoyable after a few listens. Will that ever happen thought?
Not a country music expert by any means and the album won’t make me start listening to it more, but I appreciate how polished this album is. Clear dreamy vocals, reverb laden lead guitars, plodding bass. This is what I imagine a barn slow dance would sound like. Also appreciate that this is trying to be a concept album at an era where this wasn’t the done thing.
Deftly blends darkness with some countrypolitan-ish sheen and upbeat bounce in the playing. "Honky Tonk Angel" is aces. Title cut is classic, though with many other excellent versions.
Very soothing and nice to listen to when you have to study.
Really solid country, I love the low-down bar stories, and the lonely guitars. I'm glad the "introduction" trend did not catch on, it feels like a weird commercial where he's required to rep the label and promise the fans that he'll promise cranking out hits. Though there is something funny and charming about it. Favorites are "Night LIfe" and "Sittin' and Thinkin'". Some of these songs are just ridiculously similar to each other, which makes the album wear out prematurely.
Just my kind of background music :D
Really lovely lounge country songs, sung beautifully with Willie Nelson involved. U great deal to enjoy. Best song is the title track.
Some more country greats. I really enjoyed "Are You Sure?", though I think I still prefer the Willie Nelson version. I also liked how the album kind of opens with an ad for the album itself. "Hope you like this one! If you like it, buy it and we'll make more like it!" BOLD
4.1 - Being a total sucker for lap steel guitar, I loved this record! I also love the songs themed around (not surprisingly) the perils of night life. Ray Price sings with a baritone twang about pursuing “honky-tonk angels” and about keeping company with barflies.
Hell this is good fun honky tonk!
Well hi neighbors. I’m so glad to be introduced to this. Started and listened, because the famous name, then hung around for that unbelievable voice, steel guitar, fiddle, piano, strings, bass. Every line perfectly enunciated. (Perfect in its own way). Yessiree all of it right thar.
Lush and rich and shadowy, despite the countrypolitan sheen. VIntage in the best sense and Americana-ish (weird, old division) plus Lynchian and this is how cool country could/can be.
A very enjoyable experience and nice classic swing and vocals. Certainly you need to be in a specific mood to enjoy though.
Swaaaaaaag
Some great downtrodden, melancholy country songs. Lapsteel guitar features prominently and when Ray Price really breaks out his majestic voice it’s sure to impress
Swag....
Sweet and charming country music.
Just good classic country. A simple beat and melody that just make you happy. Another of what my grandpa would call "attitude adjustment music" type of album. And Willie Nelson played bass and sang on this album too which makes it even cooler.
Curti, um bom álbum pra ouvir sozinho à noite. 7/10
eu vo sair desse trem a própria sandy bochechas
country conceito
I really the fact that the album has an intro to put the listener in the mood. It was the best beginning of an album of this genre I've ever heard. I'm a fan of this era and this kind of country/crooner singers. They give a strong impression of their time. It's weird to say, but their music is timelessly outdated and that's the best part of it.
This is a lot of fun. Would make a great movie soundtrack, too, which is my bias reflecting how this style of music is sometimes used in movies I've liked. I so rarely listen consciously to country & western like this, and it's nice to hear that swing beat. Could waltz to a lot of this. He croons perfectly for this style. Nice album.
Good stuff. I'ma sound old here, but I love the old country and can't stomach new country. It reminds me of 80's hair rock. Only diff is that the lyrics aren't about partying. They're about drinking alone, sitting on tractors they've probably never driven, and supporting white supremacy. The lyrics haven't changed much, but the music has.
Enjoyable. Classic honky tonk music with a bit of a sleepy, sometimes torchy vibe. It takes a few songs to settle into it, then it's pretty great. The only drag on the whole thing honestly is that weird intro, which was really unnecessary. Fave Songs: Pride, If She Could See Me Now, Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women, Sittin' and Thinkin', The Twenty-Fourth Hour, Night Life
I thought that I was not a big country fan but it might be more that I’m not a big modern country fan. Ray Price was great and what I would think of as old school country.
Very smooth, "feelsy" album. Would be good for nighttime listening
Feeling ill, so I'm listening to this and reading Dickens. Somehow they go together!
Hyggeligt, jazzet, bluesy country. Vild stemme. Ritti godt
Kind of a concept album. A little bluesy, deep and lonesome songs drenched in barlight, spilled whisky and regret. The tunes still hold up today.
Good classic hony-tonkish country. I've heard the name Ray Price before, but don't really recall ever hearing any of his music. I threw the album on and started doing some minor research on its history and saw that Willie Nelson is credited on a couple tracks. Then notice that one of them was "Are You Sure", which is a song that I first heard on Lost (yeah, yeah...) and I immediately fell in love with it. It's probably the moment I started really taking a lot of the classic, outlaw type country more seriously and I'd just never realized it had an earlier incarnation. This is just great news! Oh, and the album here is solid. Not much to complain about. 4 stars!
good stuff
Sensuous and bold
I was fixing a greasy mower while this was on. Could not find a filthier panegyric for this album, I really liked it. Felt like I was transported to the era
Nine change of pace
Take me to the dance
Elvis Costello introduced me to the Nashville sound (Almost Blue) and both cover the dark “sitting and thinking”. Cloying sentimentality of early 60s USA. Magnificent.
A very fine and soulful country album. 8.1/10