Night Life

I was carried away with the honky tonk angels, all the way to lonely street, where in the twenty-fourth hour, I decided this album is worth five fat stars.

This is a solid album of enjoyable music. I don't think it's life-changing in the context of this 1001 album list but I did enjoy it, nonetheless.

A good album, I really liked the music style. I liked Night Life and Lovely Street the most.

Pleasurable listen, a bit tiresome at times. Title track rules. Would be a good one to have on vinyl

Didn't get into it too much. Not unpleasant, but lyrics and songwriting didn't resonate with me.

An album of slow knock off Elvis crooners. Thought there was going to be a light entertainment intro to every song so was at least glad to see that didn't continue. Struggling to think of another positive note though, it was dire. 1.5.

Really enjoyed the introduction, a bit daft. Very traditional, classic country and western. Nice voice. Not again though.

Big difference between this and the black monks I just listened to! Not for me, very dated and didn't do anything for me. Didn't hate it though 1.5

What in the Americana?? It may take a little getting past the baked-in hokeyness of 50's and 60's country, but if you, this is actually an enjoyable record. The songs do blend together a little, both in theme, lyrics, and sound, but it's alright. It's a really well-produced album. It sounds great and honestly feels like THE record you'd put on if you wanted to invoke this kind of sound and vibe. This is what country was before it became a caricature of itself. This isn't all about being lonely, women, trucks, horses, beer, being from a small town, working on the farm and/or ranch, or any combination thereof. Am I claiming that it's a deep record? No. But it at least feels a little more genuine and real than what we get today. I guess that's true of a lot of music though... Anyway. I really found this to be perfectly listenable and not at all offensive. Kind sounds like a three star album to me. Standout Tracks: Night Life, The Wild Side of Life, Pride, Are You Sure

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

Standout tracks are: "Night Life", "Lonely Street", "A Girl in the Night".

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.

Varsin kaunista paikoin. Honkey tonk angel on hieno mielikuva! Tyylikäs kansi myös. Miellytti kokonaisuutena.

Ensimmäinen biisi (enkä puhu alkutäytteestä) eroaa kuulemma siitä, mitä he yleensä soittavat. Todella hyvä biisi. Loput levystä on sentimentalisoitua kantria, johon haastan sinut keskittymään (tykkään kantrista).

Cheer up, cunt

I’m a sad lonely cowboy and I simply must croon about it

Yeah, this one didn't do anything for me, but I didn't really expect it to. It's your standard honky-tonky record - short, steel-pedal-backed ballads and lovesick crooning about how much your "girl" is going to regret doing you wrong. There's an aesthetic to dig into here, but every song sounds the same at the end of the day, which was my main problem. But, admittedly, an album like this, I don't think, is meant to be experienced while sitting down on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee. Maybe if I was getting drunk in my creased white-collar button-up after I had just caught my girl cheating on me, I'd be able to buy into this vibe, at least a little bit more. I'll give the album this: I did feel bad for Ray Price (or the protagonist he's playing as) by the time this thing was over, so I guess that speaks to the guy's lyrical ability at least; they warrant surface-level compassion. He really does hammer home the idea of how much he wants this girl back, this album cover does too.

Tråk, lyssnade bara på 1 låt

Great dinner party record that night grow on me with repeat listens. Love a sad cowboy!

Yee-haw?

Both blues and country? No can do. Loved the whimsy of the first song, though, having him introduce the album in his sort of transatlantic and affected speaking style.

Great songs, but most of them are better with other artists, especially those who wrote them.

It gives me Pride to give this album a good rating. It had me Sittin’ and Thinkin’

Robust, full-throated honky-tonk mostly about failing to fill a hole with booze and women. As perfect a specimen as you’ll ever hear rendered with steel guitar and piano. It literally couldn’t be better.

Night Life is a well-regarded country classic, but it didn’t do much for me—and a big part of that comes down to Ray Price’s voice. He’s got that smooth, polished crooner style that leans more towards Nashville’s big-band country than the rough-edged honky-tonk sound I tend to prefer. The arrangements are lush, the pedal steel is lovely, and the songwriting (especially the Willie Nelson-penned title track) is strong, but I just couldn’t connect with the vocal delivery. It all sounds a bit too clean and controlled, which takes the edge off songs that are supposed to be about loneliness and barroom heartbreak. I can see why the album is respected, but for me, it lacked that emotional grit. Just not my kind of country.

I will say, I have never heard an artist thank its fans on the record ITSELF. Normally it's on the sleeve, or something like that. That he took the time to actually say it on a song was an interesting moment. Still, it's standard early 60s country fare. (Songs like "Night Life" and "The Wild Side of Life"... indeed.) The songs are fairly formulaic, but not terrible. But it sounded dated, and pretty much something I would not expect even my parents to listen to. Top songs: "The Twenty-Fourth Hour," "There's No Fool Like A Young Fool," "Are You Sure"

Ray Price has a great, classic country voice. Not unlike Marty Robbins or Merle Haggard. But he needs to change the tempo on some of his songs. It is all very much the same slow tempo - one step, two step. Classic country style, which I don't mind, but I could use more variety. I understand he's a pioneer in country (was floored to know Willie Nelson and Buddy Emmons were in his band) and I'm fine with his style. But that's all this album is. Fine (i.e., average).

The good: He has a really good voice and the songs are all decent. The bad: it's all the same song over and over, sometimes a little upbeat, sometimes not. Oh, and it's country. That said, not the worst thing to listen to.

Man this one is a downer, but not in a bad way. Very earnest and Price has a great country voice, but every song is basically the same.

Gefällt mir

I got through it. Just not a fan of this type of music.

I was a bit bored.

Not bad, but not one for me

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

If you quickly glance at the cover it really looks like that woman is giving him a blowie. Also, this music is more than a little bit shit.

2.4 2x not too bad just a little old timey for me

Some timeless stuff here.

No way am I listening to country & western. Urrgg...

It's fair to say its all a bit samey. Same pace, same chords the same baseline throughout every song It's fine. Decent, but its bit sorta just the same the whole way through, Nothing stands out, so even though it's relatively short, it feels long

Easy breezy classic country crooners - this was swell.

5/10. Goodnight.

I do love me so old school country, but I normally prefer it with a bit more grit. This was great don't get me wrong, but a bit showy, and a lot about crying. And dude has so much vibrato on those notes

nice old country from before The Beatles changed the world

I'm glad country evolved. But this is definitely a good foundation stone.

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.

3/5

Very old school

Fell asleep

Tough one to rate. In one sense I really like it, its the kinda of nostalgic and sad old country music that my grandparents listened and I wouldn't be surprised if I had heard some of this before. When you're in the mood to sit and cry in your beer, this is the record for you. Although I would say that the title track also makes a great slow dance and seduction song, and how. But the downside? All the songs started to feel like variations on the same theme and my attention wavered. This isn't an album that makes it easy to listen front to back. But pick any handful of tracks and in you're in for a good (I mean sad) time.

ok

The creepy, “I’m-going-to-watch-you-make-out,” cover-art set a tone that was hard to overcome. I sort of liked the concert-like intro track, and his voice wasn’t bad. But there’s such a thing as too much slide guitar, and when set against the backdrop of the album cover…all I could visualize was the next Netflix “true crime” documentary series.

A crooning country singer, a la Elvis and Bing; but he is neither. The monologue at the beginning is ridiculous.

Unlike most country music, I don't mind listening to this. Ray's a great singer, without the twang. Music all sounded pretty similar, but was agreeable enough.

Not my kind of country. 2/5

This might just be the honkiest-tonkiest album to ever honk a tonk. Ray Price's 1963 album Night Life is a pretty simple record, but that doesn't mean it's bad. This is a nice album right here. It is a bit repetitive, but it's not particularly bad in this album. Still, it's certainly there. Ray Price's singing is nice. It's quite good for a country album like this. The instrumentation is also pretty good. The writing fits the vibe very well. The album as a whole carries this honky tonk vibe that I kind of like. It's not really my thing personally, but I enjoy it for what it is when I get albums like this. Night Life is good. 3/5.

For an album with such a high concentration of the word 'honky-tonk' in its lyrics, I sure was bored. And I feel bad, because (after the initial terror of him speaking to me at the start of the album) he seems like a sweetie. 'thanks for being so nice on our last album' 🥺 unfortunately I'm less nice, I guess. I don't have a vehement hatred of it but I really can't give it any other rating. Also, while the song about all your worries coming at night was super relatable, I could only listen in disbelief to the one whose storyline was basically 'sorry I beat you and literally got put in jail and it will happen again but you'll stay with me right'. hm

Elvis in hawaii as Cez put it. I saw more country. Too dour at times but this music charms me

Retro retro sin llegar a ser clásico. No veo nada original ni excepcional.

Fun!

Well, the album cover and the first song, Intro, are really wonderfully cheesy…but I found that I enjoyed this anyway. It’s the type of album that I would enjoy hearing softly in a restaurant, lounge, or someone else’s home; but I would never play it at home myself. I did think it was really cool that Willie Nelson, Johnny Paycheck and Floyd Cramer played on this record. In the end it gets 3 stars from me.

This classic country album isn’t filled with the twangy whiny crap I hate, I still didn’t enjoy it. It’s just not a genre I find impressive or enjoy. Ray Price’s voice is at least not off-putting, so I’ll give it a 2 for that.

Kind of like if Elvis was a country singer. 3.5

What kind of hell is this? There's some good songs on the album, and good musicians in the band, but Mr Price must be the most bo-ring singer ever. He sucks the life out of every song, and leaves the bones behind. Wish I could give it zero, or minus marks.

The introduction monologue was so hilariously bereft of confidence that I was started on a good foot. The first track was really great and holds up well. As the album progressed it slowly became apparent that every song would feature identical instrumentation, singing and lyrics. I can see why this didn’t make it on the fallout soundtrack. Rating: 1.5

Not my vibe really but it's not unpleasant either. The intro is a bit goofy and feels VERY dated but you can't really blame them when it's 60+ years old.

Was that the same song over and over for 30+ minutes?

Kann man hören, ist aber kein Highlight für mich 2/5

This kind of music always reminds me of working in aged care, the oldies absolutely love songs like this and I don’t blame them. There’s a timeless sound here, although I do tend to get a little tired after several tracks. Favourites were 24th Hour and If She Could See Me Now.

Mmmm, smooth.

Honky Tonkin all the way home. Wild Side Of Life is a good tune. If She Could See Me Now is another good one.

A lovely voice - but the fairly pedestrian pacing and lack of variety means that it just fades into the background.

Night Life Quite the contrast to Public Enemy. I really like the crooning vocals and slightly jazzy drumming with the bluesy reverb heavy guitars and pedal steel on the title track, and I also like the more obviously Honky Tonk The Wild Side of Life. And those two songs are pretty much the general vibe for the rest of it, with it not deviating too far from either, all tied together with that kind of country-jazz crooning - e sounds a lot like Dean Martin singing on the Rio Bravo soundtrack on Sittin’ and Thinkin’ in particular. Luckily I do like those two song types, I also really like his voice and the downbeat lyrical themes, so overall this was a very pleasant 40 minutes. I’d definitely listen again, but I don’t think it's quite worthy of a 4, so I’ll stick with a solid 3. 😴😴😴 Playlist submission: Night Life

Much of it doesn't seem to offer anything except staying well within well-trodden country guidelines. So 'Pride' is just a lesser take on Everly Brothers 'Walk Right Back'. 'Lonely Street' reveals glimpses of his very nice, gritty baritone, which frustratingly often gives way to more of a croon throughout the album. The album moves from introspective ballad to jaunty country pop pretty well. There are flashes of a nice baritone; and some decent country tracks that never grate, nor excite.

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.

nice enough for what it is

Helt okej. Påminner lite om svenske Yngve Stoor.

Interesting classic country album.

Ray Price was a musical treasure. Not exactly my favorite genre but it's certainly grown on me as I got older.

Novel listen with some great vocals and fun tunes

A fine example... of a genre I don't care for. I put off listening to this for over a week after it was generated, waiting until I was in a sufficiently open minded state to give it a fair chance. It's decent for country, but, you know... it's country. Sorry.

Pretty middle-of-the-road stuff. It's well made but nothing really blows my hair back.

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.

crooning

I enjoyed it

I didn't expect to like this, but its turns out I love it. Right from the spoken intro over the albums theme music you are taken to a different world. This guy can sing and the lyrics are still relevant today. Yes its country music, but country music before it became the schmaltzy caricature of itself that it is today.

I don't like country music. Sorry not sorry.

Traditional country, sung by authentic voice

So good I listen to it three times today

Eh. Feels like I'm wading through bad music recommendations.

nice little album. Familiar with Night Life from Willie Nelson's solo cover, and highly enjoyed having an intro track. Wouldn't consider myself a country fan, but this far back I enjoy it.

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.

Didn't do much for me. Maybe it was the hottest thing in '63.

This is not my favorite genre and it's an outdated version of a genre I'm not loving. It's well done, no complaints there, but I don't see myself listening to it again.

Night Life feels like a kitschy dive-bar soundtrack, complete with a hilariously sleazy cover. Backed by legends like Floyd Cramer and Willie Nelson, Price delivers smooth, mournful country vocals that capture the essence of heartbreak. While the formulaic honky-tonk can get repetitive if you're not in the right mood, the stellar musicianship makes it a genuine, bittersweet classic. Also your night life is what Ray Price likes to watch, just remember that...

2.5

Classic country

point8.

An interesting idea! Though sometimes the execution is a bit lacking.

This was pleasant to listen to. Until it wasn't. Every artist should be required to include a cheesy intro on every album they record. 3

Gene Autry type stuff, might be for someone but not for me

Lovely voice, sad songs, and a hell of lap steel! The message of heartache becomes clear by the 4th or 5th song, the rest is just filler.

Country style frank Sinatra sounds gooooood, I really enjoyed it, don't think I'll listen to it again but good listen nonetheless

Was truly not expecting country when reading the name of the artist. Actually though it was a soul singer in the 50's. I think my Grandfather actually had this album in his collection. This is definitely not my style. Not a huge Country fan. The old time Country I really respect, the OG country. He has kind of an Elvis-like vocals. 2-stars because I am not a fan of this genre but do respect it

No thanks. What a relic of the past. It was funny for 2 songs, but I can't sit through a whole album of this.

60s blues/country. Self-titled is some sleepytime depressing last call at the bar type of song. Turns out they all do. A Girl in the Night is pretty good and I think I've heard it before. Willie Nelson sings on this album too and is the better singer. Most all but one song are on the 2.5-3 min mark and sound about the same. 1 star for Ray Price, 2 stars for Willie Nelson and the violin players.

Tired of Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women? I can’t relate Ray, sorry.

Absolutely hated the introduction, it was completely unnecessary. The tracks themselves were fine, although not really my thing. Great vocals. Didn’t love it but easily tolerable, 2.75/5

De la putain de country classique de Nashville avec des violons mielleux, une voix de crooner des années 50 et toujours la même mélodie.

Not for me. They felt like pot boilers and I didn't like this album at all.

I enjoy my share of country music, but I really don't care for Ray Price's vocal delivery. I made it through the first 3 songs (and the overlong intro) and bailed on this. His version of "Night Life" is grating. I'll stick with Willie Nelson's.

Chad country.

Decent country

Alright background music I guess.

## 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.

Okay. 4/10

Old school start. I seriously doubt I'd ever intentionally listen to this again. But it is an interesting change of pace.

The first track on this got my expectations up, as it's down as a country album, but the tune Night Life sounds like a country inspired big band doing a more Sinatra styled slow jam. Not a bad sound at all. But then the album just goes full honky tonk, although a bit slower. I just have got no patience in me for country music.

I like this honky tonk. Some Willie Nelson is always good. It wasn’t the best album to listen to in dry January, I wanted to get a Night Life though.

not for me or the vibe i was in at all, but probably really good if i just put it on in the background

More fun when I picture it sung by the country bears. 3.4.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, which isn't saying much. Personal enjoyment: 3/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5

A nice album. Not my style but the songs are well performed, beautifully sung and touch on the usual Country themes. All done with skill and beauty. 3 stars

It’s a chill, nostalgic vibe. The sound has that Patsy Cline kind of smoothness but without the same punch. It’s nice background music, though it doesn’t always grab your attention. It gets the job done if you’re in the mood to unwind.

Easy listen

A cowboy delight.

Odd opening to this one where he thanks the listeners for buying the album. Then goes into a bluesy number, Night Life. I figured this is what the music was going to be, but not really. It settles down into some regular, but decent 1960s country music. It was alright.

This is that two stepping in the barn type music. That fishing out in the lake by yourself type music. Not too bad honestly.

Ok wait, just learnt Willie Nelson is on this record. It starts with the cute intro, thanking the listener for enjoying the previous album - and it goes on from sweet country ballad to another. It's not too remarkable, but the heart is in it - and what I've learnt in this exercise is that I have a soft spot for old Country music much to my own bewilderment.

Price has a great voice and a great backing band. This is a country analogue to Sinatra's “In The Wee Small Hours”.

The first few songs you think "this is alright and sounds pretty good" but then you realize that's how every song is and the heartbroken cowboy shtick gets old quick. Probably a great listen in 1963 but too dated of a sound now. 3.75/10 (1.875/5)

Sometimes, this style of music does it for me. This time it didn't. Too much whiny guitar, and his voice wasn't that great. It's too bad because I usually appreciate this older style of country music.

This was more or less rather one note and played almost like a medley. Classic country sound though and a pleasant listen.

Who doesn’t like a little twang? This was a fine listen. But with every song clocking in at nearly the same tempo and vocal delivery, it was pretty repetitive. Making it sound a bit watered down for my country tastes.

Who doesn’t love a good intro? And who doesn’t want them some night life? This was cool, almost like Hank Williams meets Dean Martin.

3.25, gets me in my country western mindset

Hey, I dig me some country and western swang. This doesn’t stand out in the genre but I still enjoyed it! 3/5

I enjoyed this.

Played this while driving over a snowy mountain pass late on a Friday night and the little intro at the beginning helped put me in the mood. It was perfect. But I usually hate intros like that because nobody really wants to hear that every time they play it. It would be more fitting for the radio, but then there's no way I would've been able to hear it.

Old

Belle voix profonde, agréable à l'écoute ; les fondements du country

A great singer. Songs are a bit dated. Good overall.

LOVE the vibes of this album Perfect title choice

Not really my sound but enjoyed the emotion and production in this album

Listened to this a couple of days ago. Don't remember a thing about it, except that it was kind of old-fashioned country. Nothing to object to in it, though.

I'm enjoying this even though countryish honky tonkish not typically attractive to me. Like the loungey voice (country Roy Orbison) and dang that guitar (pedal steel?) can swing. I can imagine these songs easily turned into great Stones tunes. Also love the phrasing--lonely street; honky tonk angel; anybody's baby; the list goes on and on.

I mean - it’s pleasant but unmemorable. A crooner for his era - it took me three days to listen to it because I’d press play and then completely forget to listen or get distracted after half a song. It’s a 2.5 really.

I guess in 1963, "night life" was synonymous with being a drunk. I think there was a reference to drinking in every song. And while the lyrics may mostly have been meant as a warning or a lament, the delivery and vibe of the music certainly didn't reinforce any negative sentiments. It was more of a wistful ode to the drinking lifestyle. I was struck by Ray Price's golden vocals — he can sing. I was also struck by the evolution, or at least the dramatic change, in what country music was as compared to today. Of course, that's true for all genres, and is partly why these sorts of albums need to be included on the 1001 list. I, for one, had never heard of this artist, so I'm glad to have listened to it. My 3-star review is a reflection of not being able to really relate — in the mid-60s, this was probably bangin.

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 cup of tea

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.

eh it's alright not much of a country guy but there is some nice lyricism and his voice is very smooth but over all just meh about the genre

It was really pleasant and a Nice introduction to more people in that genre

Classic country, lots of slide steel and fiddle

Good ol fashioned country and western. it was decent.

I think I can safely say this was my first full-album experience with honky-tonk music, a genre I'm only peripherally familiar with thanks to Fallout: New Vegas and its influence on alt-country, which is typically the only country subgenre that really excites me. I've alluded to how painfully American I am on this list before, but I'm specifically a New Yorker, and even more specifically a Long Islander. country music is huge all over various parts of the state, but I've always felt like I'm at a distance from it. recently, I realized that what I really can't stand is the various post-9/11 mainstream country sounds, music that feels like so inauthentic that you'd swear it was created in a boardroom. this Ray Price album was hugely refreshing in comparison! I love the sound of pedal steel, and Price's voice is captivating over this selection of songs, pretty much all of which deal with sad romantic themes. there's an unmistakable nocturnal vibe here; slow tempos, unhurried vocal phrasing, the overall downtrodden vibe. I listened to this album at 1:30 in the afternoon, but I think I might have enjoyed it a little more if I waited for sundown (which, depressingly, is around 4:30 right now). I liked this, but I'd struggle to say I love it or that I'm likely to return to it. classic country music is heavily focused on the lyrics, but I've just never been that kind of listener. and after 12 tracks and 37 minutes of existing in this sonic space, hearing the same chord progressions and melodic phrases return many times, I think I had my fill. I get that the appeal is in the simplicity, and admittedly this album has a killer atmosphere, but again, I'm spoiled by the innovations of future artists. I'll definitely remember that title track, though! strong 6/10.

Country der frühen 60er. Das Album wirkt sehr kitschig und besingt die heile Welt, wie sich die ältere Generation sich das erträumte. Wer das Album hört, weiß warum die Welt auf die Beatles, Stones und Who wartete.

loved it

I could listen to only records like this and be perfectly happy. Truly excellent through and through.

Good or bad, I’m not a lover of classic country music.

Big voice, big country music.

This made for fine background noise while working, but definitely not something I'd ever return to.

Definitely the greatest Ray Price album of all time. 1/2 star.

Pretty average country music. It's OK, but in 1963 artist like Bob Dylan, The Beatles and The Beach Boys were the sound of the future, by comparison, even then, this must have sounded old fashioned and passee.

Cowboy shit, altough he seemed kinda nuts

Competently covers all the typical country bases. Doesn't mean that I like it any more than any other on this inexplicably endless list of country album torture.

A pretty decent classic country album, I just don't like country.

Why don't more albums have an introduction? oh, yeah, coz it makes 2 minutes feel like 10!

Bizarrely I didn’t mind this. I guess it made me think of my Mum & Dad. Consequently that skews my view somewhat but as I’d never listen to it again it has to be 2*

It was OK but nothing stood out.

Really fun, sounds Christmassy and old!

Good

I can’t do C&W especially when it’s just songs about women being loose of morals. No wonder America can’t elect a female president.

I am not a country fan, and this sounds like just about every other country record from the late 50’s or early 60’s that you’ve ever heard. Not objectionable, but not necessarily an album I needed to hear. 2⭐️

some wannabe Sinatra with a tropical twist. not for me

I've never heard of Ray Price before, but I'm a little familiar with Willie Nelson, and I know of Johnny Paycheck and Floyd Cramer. I've enjoyed a lot of the older country music that I've reviewed so far, so I have pretty high hopes for this album. Well, even though this album had a distinct honky tonk sound (which I tend to enjoy), I found this album pretty dull overall. The songwriting was good, and I enjoyed that all of the songs felt very tied to the theme of night life, but there just wasn't much going on for me musically on this album. The arrangements, while well done, were pretty bland, and I didn't think they were particularly unique or noteworthy. The singing was pretty good, but there wasn't anything particularly novel about Ray Price's voice. While I respect and like the idea of this album, the actual result just wasn't that good in my opinion.

Country perfection. I despise steel guiar.

It's funny how tame and kinda boring this is compared to music that came only four or five years later. Ray is clearly talented, and a master of a style of music that was just tailing off in the early 60's, but it's just not something I can get excited about.

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.

A great example of what it is - but both something I would ever reach for.

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

Tranzit ahh album 🧟

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

Country music which Is entertaining in a humorous way, good voice though and funny lyrics of the time

Not my cup of tea

a really great example of itself

Decent sort of "lounge country." Lacks edge, but well executed. Willie-heads hate this version of Nightlife.

Another old country album that's fine, but in one ear and out the other.

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.

Definitely not my thing.

thats great man

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

Price is a man who owes much of his success to other great names in the country music industry: Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, even Kris Kristofferson. Much of this can be attributed to being at the right place at the right time, though no doubt he can hold his own. Night Life is best compared to Sinatra's In the Wee Small Hours, with Price's sweet sorrowful voice singing songs of longing and loneliness that tend to creep around when the sun goes down. The Nashville Sound influence suits this vibe well, as the Nashville Sound has turned out a number of country crooners (Price included) and helped achieve crossover appeal beyond the "hillbilly" demographic. It's certainly a smooth and slick album, but a far cry from the greatest in country music. It lacks a lot of the grit that made other country albums so great.

A mostly slow-tempo country album in the old "classical" country style. A lot of songs remind me of elvis. Pretty ok album but not my style for the most part.

Pretty low-key, personable (and sorta depressing) country music. I was kind of taken aback from the intro due to how personal and direct it was actually. Outside of that, sounds like something you'd listen to whilst drinking a whiskey at home in your dimly lit living room on a weeknight.

Night Life is quite a nice listen, a mix of crooning and simple country, not extravagant but easy and smooth. Wild Side Of Life is one of my favourite songs by lots of artists who've done it, this is another good version, a happy morning 3.

This is fine, a bit underwhelming and not a huge amount to it, but not bad. Country-style crooning, mostly in a melancholy way, a lovely voice, but the lyrics are a bit cliched and there's not enough going on. 2/5.

Enn einn þristurinn sem ég tengi ekki sérstaklega við en rennur ljúflega í gegn. Það verður að segjast eins og er að platan hans Morrisseys er þrátt fyrir allt betri.

Good old honky tonk classics.

Fun but a little judgey.

It was fine, very dated in style and recording quality

Not really my thing

I’m meh on the Night Life

Eh probably will not revisit but it was fine

Nice historical listen, but not something I'd flock back to

Country legend. Great voice. Great songs.

Not as good as Marty and his Big Iron

Solid country album. Good performances, decent lyrics and melodies. The introduction made me laugh, I can't say I've heard an album where the artist thanks you at the beginning. This is probably not an album/artist I'll feel compelled to revisit but I didn't mind my stay.

fine

honky tonk. lets see how much patience I have for it. Simple enough. 3.

Pleasant. Bit dull. Instantly forgettable, sure it was great at the time 52/100

It was OK not terrible but not exactly exciting either

sounds good for the genre.. but not a great album for me.

Very much the sound of an era. Fun to listen to, even if I probably won't seek it out again

I find this kind of country enjoyable but repetitive so while I like individual songs here and there, it's tough to decide to sit down and listen to a whole album

Was nice to hear something a little different, but not sure I'd come back to it.

I really liked this album!! Ray Price’s voice is great for this genre and the album was consistent without being repetitive

To be perfectly honest, I thought I would hate this, but it was actually kinda vibey. I found it so funny when I pressed play on the first song and he like personally greeted me to the album (that was the highlight) and I think that should become the standard with all albums now cuz its so funny. Favourite song: introduction and theme

Very surprised how good this was.

This album makes me feel like a cowboy in the wild west.

3.5 - not a fan of country, in general, but I find the older it is, the more likely I am to enjoy it.

Nauseous music, but amazing voice. I think if this album would be all a capella, then it's easily 4 stars or more. The reality is that Ray plus same country beat on all 12 songs is just too much to bear.

I didn't mind this.

Is this country or honky tonk either way in sure Ray was massive before the British invasion. Man can holler and croon. I found it a pleasant listen. 6/10

classic country style album. Elvis like

It’s a country album that doesn’t really do anything for me. The constant slow honky-tonk swing that permeates the record isn’t my thing. While I’m sure the singing was popular for its time, it wasn’t for me. 2/5

Typical country Western for the 1960s, nothing too out there just the typical drone of the western drawl. Best: Night Life Worst: A Girl in the Night

2.5/5 At first glance it seems like a collection of unexciting songs, slow and monotone. It's often difficult to know when one song has ended and another begun. What a repetitive, boring, snoozefest. However, it isn't all stinkers, and the experience improves immeasurably on the second side. In summary, meh. Night Life 2.5/5 Lonely Street 2/5 The Wild Side of Life 2.5/5 Sittin' and Thinkin' 2/5 The Twenty-Fourth Hour 2/5 (LEAST FAV) A Girl in the Night 2/5 Pride 2.5/5 There's No Fool Like a Young Fool 3.5/5 If She Could See Me Now 3/5 Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women 5/5 (FAV) Are You Sure 4.5/5 Let Me Talk to You 3.5/5

That kind of classic country that I probably wouldn't have listened to on my own. Very good for what it is, but not quite my thing.

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

I enjoyed the first few tracks, and particular the intro where Ray explains what the albums about - weird. But then it all got very samey quite quickly. Fave Tracks: Introduction and Theme, Night Life 2.7/5

classic

country halt .. nettes gesäusel nebenbei.

Schön gemütlich dieser Country. Stört nicht, aber reisst mich auch nicht mit.

While I enjoy old honky-tonk country, all these songs had the same sort of mopey vibe to them (I know, it IS country, but still) and therefore it felt a bit repetitive. An easy listen, but not one I'd ever be in the mood to hear again.

Ok

Nothing offensive, but nothing noteworthy.

Wonderful voice, great music, excellent recording. The genre is a little old-fashioned, but I didn't care -- it was timeless and I liked it. Three stars.

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.

Bad, but not so bad it's actively annoying. It's so generic that I didn't notice when Spotify started playing similar artists afterwards. It was great when he sang about getting drunk and hitting his girlfriend though :/

original and ok

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)

Repetitive and sometimes boring country. Cool introduction with a few good songs though:

Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.

A little misogynistic...

🎧More songs should start like “I got loaded last night” (Sittin’ and Thinkin’)

Good sound. Roy Orbison vibe. Never knew Sittin and Thinkin was his song covered by Elvis Costello on Almost Blie.

Some really cool sounds for this album, and I love the vibe of the intro into the first track. Night Life has some very cutting edge musicality for the time but other songs fall more into the same old same old category.

Sounds a bit like all the 50s solo guys.

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.

I had to stop halfway through. Good lord this was awful. References to "Honky-tonk angels" and doubts as to whether his girlfriend would make a good wife are the general thrust of this album. 0.5/5.0: Unlistenable

he had a great voice but this album was terrible

if I was born in the 30s, this would’ve been lit.

Detta är helt meningslös musik. Det är trist och faktiskt helt onödigt för världen att höra. Jag var tvungen och det var en plåga. Inte så illa som Elvis men nästan.

Varje sång låter som om den har spelats i spongebob square pants. Det är inte svinbra. Lite lattjo med enstaka låt. Men en hel skiva av detta. Nej tack.

Kände ändå lite pepp under första låten men tappade gradvis intresset då den gode Ray visade sig leverera helt generisk cowboy-country. Det är inte dåligt, men helt ointressant.

Cool glimpse into a different time and genre I’ve never sought out. That said, not for me.

Not really for me. Just don’t like country

Good to finally dig into some 60s country, but I wasnt particularly attracted to most of the songs. I liked Night Life and Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women.

Pleasant but hard to get excited about most of it. Some nice harmony in a few songs. I’d keep it as background music

Love the introduction and title track - Night Life. What an amazing song. Get’s a little repetitive from there, but Ray’s vocals shine throughout. Had no idea this was Willie’s beginnings in music!

reg

3.5/5. Great, easy listening. Good old country music.

Liked it, nice and chilled morning vibes

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.

I didn’t hate it but I’m also never going to love this type of country

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.

Definitely holds the highs and lows of the era: the talking-over-the-lead-single introduction is silly and charming, even if its two minutes feel like seven. The lyrics of Sittin' and Thinkin'? Troubling. Deeply troubling.

Easy listening country music. A pleasant album that accurately depicts what it is like the for those of us who have worked the night life for decades. Tight performances and the dynamics were handled with the subtlety of an experienced pro.

Ahh now

Straight outta Sunday morning breakfast playlist. Extra points for the intro speech.

Classic early 60s but nothing mind blowing

This is a style of music I've always hated. Over-produced, over-orchestrated, saccharine and sentimental.

Sad boi country man. Up late thinking bout a honky tonk woman.. don’t text

Solid Sixties country stuff, with some funny lines, but I feel like I've heard this before.

Couldn't get beyond the rambling introduction. Tell It Like It Is, etc. I stuck with it as background music. The only country I can tolerate is outsider music. Ray's view of Night Life is a little different to mine.

I like the band more than the featured artist (Willy Nelson AND Johnny Paycheck?!). This is what most 60s country albums sound like to my (admittedly untrained) ear. It's just a lot of songs about them being sad that women are out in the bars having a good time.

The backing band is great, but you can't tell me the singer didn't get this job through nepotism.

you can tell this guy was a alcoholic degenerate.

Too twangy for me

I just enjoyed it that's my note