Stardust

I'm a sucker for a good cover album and this is a very good cover album. I also love the story behind this. Record label was like, "You can't cover these songs! You're the king of outlaw country!" And then Willie is like, "Screw you, I'm Willie Nelson. Here's a bunch of covers. Deal." Album goes quintuple platinum. Moral of the story? Willie does what Willie wants.

Big music done charmingly small, which suits Nelson's down-to-earth vocals. It's just as easy to not hear the delicate strings, bells, harmonica and various other percussion. Not because they're not strong or good enough, but because like most natural things you take them for granted first before becoming fully conscious of their beauty and complexity.

didnt care for his take version of most of these songs. probably not terrible to fall asleep to.

Outlaw Country and American Pop Standards would seem to be opposite ends of the musical universe. An unlikely musical wormhole, STARDUST masterfully unites these genres resulting in a truly beautiful and transformative album. I have heard all of the songs on this album before. But my experience of them has largely been as musical artifacts. I don’t think I ever felt particular connection to most of them nor would I have sought them out. Yet on STARDUST these songs resonated with me in an emotional way that they never have before. The album opens plaintively with a quiet guitar and Willie’s voice on “Stardust”. A quiet organ and drum instantly made me stop what I was doing and just sit back and enjoy. This is my favorite version of this song. The one song that I did feel previously emotionally connected to was “Georgia On My Mind.” Ray Charles’ version is perfect, definitive and always gives me chills. It’s one of those songs that I would have thought no one else should record. Willie’s incredible vocals over a beautifully subtle arrangement proves that wrong. The country harmonica solo feels like it should always have been there and the finale provides an exciting, perfect conclusion. When was the last time I ever considered “Moonlight In Vermont?” Yet this version is so beautiful that now I cannot get it off my mind. It could be that only an outlaw would have the audacity to record such an album at the height of his career. Willie has created a truly unique American classic. STARDUST is one of the most pleasurable albums I have ever experienced.

Ron Swansons favourite artist, automatic 5 stars. Seriously though, couple songs in and really liking the vibe. Could imagine listening to this on a long late night drive and just chilling. How relaxing is this album man. Not too long either, a nice in and out experience. I can really see myself listening again to fit a calm mood.

I'm coming back from a night of drinking, I'm completely hungover. There was no better time to listen to a Willie Nelson album! I mean, I feel like I'm in heaven, shit, I threw up during September Song, it was just beautiful!

lame covers

Very chilled and covers of old songs. Perfect for a rainy or snowy evening.

Willie Nelson is great and I've never appreciated him enough

Love this. Perfect Album, sitting in the yard in the summer evening, sunset music. Blue Skies <3

Georgia on my Mind and Unchained Melody are especially good!

great! and I usually don't listen to country

All the great ‘ol standards from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. A country singer doing all these great jazz & pop covers is so impressive and he put his special spin on each song. Gotta love this man. There is no other voice like Willie.

When Willie covers a song, he makes it his. Best track: Moonlight in Vermont

Ça fait plaisir de voir Willy Denzey un peu lâcher le Rnb pour sortir des albums de reprises pop country comme ça.

I know he’s a legend, but I’m not a fan of his voice

Soothing.

Lovely chill album. Wilma the dog sat, listened intently, and swayed with Willie. This will bring more Willie into our lives.

wow im surprised wasnt expecting it to be so beautiful pleasant melodies and harmonies nice chill solos nice length

Really liked this album, such a good representation of Willie Nelson. Didn't know he covered a bunch of the songs on it, which was cool to hear his rendition. Got me listening more to him and other country artists! Highlights: -Stardust -Georgia on my Mind -Blue Skies -Moonlight in Vermont

I don’t know why I’ve never properly listened to Willie Nelson before; he’s got good vibrations and good sounds. Quite good stripped down covers of some classics. I think I’ll cover his covers

Nelson's style matched Booker T. Jones' production perfectly and the result is a fairly simple album, but one that is beautiful from its cover until the last track. Can't really say I love all the songs, but Nelson personal choice of covers makes sense and made his vocal performances more passionate. "Georgia on My Mind" is the obvious classic here - creating another definitive version of a song that already had a definitive version with Ray Charles - but "Stardust" and "Moonlight in Vermont" are also worth noting.

Very mellow and relaxing. I liked The Red Headed Stranger better, though.

I've tried listening to this album twice, and even though the songs are quite nice and calm, performed sparsely with good vocals, it's too dull for an entire album. I lose focus and have a hard time seperating the tracks from one another.

I think I liked it?

cozy covers

This was fine

mellow versions of older pop standards. I enjoyed Willie's stylings but wasn't blown away (nor did I think I was intended to be).

It's Willie Nelson singing standards. That's it. Maybe you had to be there at the time.

I'm not old enough/gainfully employed managing a wine bar enough to appreciate albums of American standards. Nice voice Willie, save it for your own material. Having lived in Atlanta, the last thing I want on my mind is Georgia (tied with a brain tumor)

Cover albums do very little for me unless there is something particularly interesting about either the voice or the arrangements. I was rather bored by this.

I'm honestly not sure of the significance of this album for it to be included in this list, all of the songs are covers of much older songs written mostly pre-1950, which I guess is why the album feels much older than 1978. I don't know much about Willie Nelson (although I have heard of him) so maybe he is the reason it's on this list more than the album itself? I do find that this kind of music can be quite a comfort to me though. There's something about the predictability of the chord progressions in these older songs that makes me feel safe, and it's nice to just have on in the background. It's nice enough but I don't think it's essential listening.

I've never really felt that I understood Willie Nelson or his appeal all that much. This album feels like background music to me. The parts I like the most ("Georgia On My Mind"; "On the Sunny Side of the Street") sound like riffs on artists I prefer (Sunny Side sounds like a Randy Newman composition, but with none of Neman's charisma). All in all, the album just feels a bit dull to me, although I'm sure there is something in it that I am just not connecting with.

Willie sings a few pop standards. His distinct vocals and guitar playing, created his take on some songs. Unfortunately, this isn't very original.

Songs only your grandmother (if she were from the Midwest) could like. I mean, seriously, why is this on the list? I genuinely think this is the most tedious album I’ve ever been forced to listen to. The fact it’s all covers makes it even less interesting. There are zero positive points to reflect on. Wow that was bad.

Willie goes all Sinatra n shit. Shit being the operative word.

Why is this even on here?

The tempo of the album is too slow for me. Not the greatest fan of country either even though i don't mind it. There's really nothing to grasp on in this album for me. The singer sounds great and that's about it. Every song (that i managed to listen to) were just plain boring with nothing special in them, which is just made worse that they're covers.

Wholesome as whell

Finally a great country

simply, incredibly lovely. i was debating between 4 and 5 stars and played this album a second time immediately after the first. this record lured my cat to seek out the source of the sound and make herself comfortable in my lap, ears facing my laptop speakers. i've never seen my cat react to music like this. 5 stars it is then

Classic!

Fantastic album. Willie breaking from the country mold and making something soft and sweet. An intimate set of sweet songs that feel like you’re listening in a small quiet coffee shop on a calm and breezy Sunday morning.

Wonderfull feeling.

5 stars for blue skies alone

Very pleasant listen. Would make a great album to have on vinyl

Excellent cover album! Gave me a warm feeling inside. Hard to choose a least favorite track.

OMG I loveeeed this album!😍 I got this nostalgic feeling and all the songs reminded me of my grandparents. This album would be perfect for a late-night road trip in the summer. I loved the vibes and especially the harmonica!🤩 The cover is simple but cute!

Beautiful. All of it. Everything about it.

I'm not much of a country fan. But this one is a real gem! Is it country? I'm not sure. For sure it's pop. And it's not complex and not challenging to listen to, which is - I guess - typical for pop music. But it still has something special. Maybe it's because it has songs of the 50s, which did not tend to the exaggerated simpleness of today pop music. I'm not sure, but I love it.

Am I stupid this whole time I didn’t realize it was just pop covers

On the one hand, I imagine this might be a bit of an odd Willie Nelson album to start with. I don't know him for much (mostly "On The Road Again"), but if there's anything I would expect... It wouldn't be pop standards. "Georgia On My Mind" and "Unchained Melody"... Heck, it's even the return of the Gershwins, which my group last tangoed with when Ella Fitzgerald spent three hours covering their entire songbook. And as I said in that review, I do quite love me some pop standards. When they're interpreted right, they can be amazing. It's just that I imagine for someone like Willie Nelson, you'd wanna hear more of his traditional outlaw country to start with. Get a sense of what he's more and mostly known for, y'know? That said, consider the other hand: I'm actually really glad that this was my first Willie Nelson album. I feel like it was a good chance to experience Willie as a musician first before considering him as a country artist, and, well... To put it in short: oh, these were all interpreted so right. These are just incredibly beautiful, plain and simple. So much credit has to go to Booker T. Jones, of Booker T. & The MG's fame, for producing and arranging these. I just... Had such a big, happy, peaceful smile on my face. And of course, Willie sings these beautifully — and really, the fact that he defied the expectations of his record label to record this, and it came out as beautifully as it did... Jeez, I have nothing but respect. And I can't give this album anything less than a 5. Jus'... Damn.

While just being some regular standards to begin with, Willie just gives 'em this certain magic with both his voice and the instrumentation of the backing band which elevates them. 4.5 bumped up to 5.

Just perfect. Willie is the GOAT.

Brilliant album Willie seems to be on his peak best listen so far

Very good cover album. Love Willie’s spin on classic music.

My dad introduced me to Willie Nelson when I was a kid and really .....The red-headed stranger what's not love about this man... He sings these standards like the professional he is.

I’m really glad this album was on the list. Willie Nelson is one of those guys that I haven’t really gone out of my way to listen to, but his music has been really hit or miss with me. About 20 years ago, I had a CD from him that was from the late 90s, and I loved it, but than everything else that I heard from him, just wasn’t the same. Wasn’t even the same style of country, but this album is the same style as that CD than I once had, and I’m loving this one.

This was wonderful. Willie's voice is so distinctly soothing and his song choices and vocal melody choices are so perfect on every track. And the instrumentation and performances are top notch. Very, very timeless and a great listen. I listened to it twice. Five stars.

Big fan

Really chilled out album. Lots of classic songs throughout. Laid back. Very enjoyable listen

Honey sweet vocals, smooth instrumentation and deep nostalgic energy

Kermit's stoned cousin sings Nat King Cole. Beautiful.

I usually don't listen to country, but this was beautiful. Got me tear up a little.

Loved this, soft and beautiful

yeah this was crazy - worth the hype

Old school. They don't make them like this anymore. I love the production - close mic'd. Quality songs, superbly performed and arranged. Never heard this before. A pleasant surprise. Blue Skies is sublime. Great cover art.

All time classic

Music is powerful. This is a favorite. It evokes sweet memories of my Dad who loved this one.

What can I say, I love Willie in all forms.

Beautiful through and through

This was so beautiful I cried.

Bloody lovely

za zanr vrhunski

His voice is truly one of the few that needs no back up music. His version of these old standards is just beautiful. I also love how he chooses to change the cadence of his vocal delivery throughout every single song and it sounds flawless.

One of country’s greatest songwriters covering standards in his unique style. Magic.

By god Willie Nelson. What a fantastic album. So peaceful, and filled with insane guitar work

5/5 songs 5/5 performances 5/5 production About the songs... I know many of these because they are old standards but I don't really care for how they have been performed before. Willie's voice is perfect.

This is a terrific album. I had listened to this years ago, but I forgot how much I really enjoyed it. Willie‘s voice and the guitar playing just brings a different dimension. I think to the songs that are so familiar.

Willie!!

I love Willie's voice. It's so soft and warm, but also conveys so much emotion. Maybe it's the selection of songs, but it feels like he's from a much earlier era like the 10s or 20s. Beautiful record though, and I'm keen to listen to more from him. His version of blue skies is an all time favourite. 4.5

Just lovely. I put this on while I was working and didn't expect it to be so relaxing. I think on another day I might have found it boring, but instead I just found it deeply peaceful

Could listen to this every day

A touchingly beautiful album. To start, I am now exactly 2 months away from my wedding where Paweł and I’s last dance will be to Moonlight in Vermont, in Vermont, so it is an emotional listen for me to say the least. But the rest of the album is equally beautiful.

Never listened to this one before but I absolutely love it. Willie-fied pop standards are incredible.

I hate country music so this getting 5 stars from me is shocking

Hadn’t heard this album or most of the songs, but it puts you in a really pleasant mood.

Love Willie. Love standards. Two great tastes that taste great together.

Willie Nelson is such a great songwriter that I forgot what an original interpreter of songs he is. That he has an affinity for these songs is clear, they way he sings them it feels like he's sung them without anyone recording a million times. Some of these songs I'm unfamiliar with and I only know they are covers because it's a cover album. Georgia on My Mind, Willie vs. Ray...like Ted Lasso's arm wrestling match up. Just an old sweet song....that's as good a theme for this album as there can be. Blue Skies by Willie is the definition of wistful. There's like a country-jazz-blues thing that he just nails with this album. That's the best Moonlight in Vermont ever. This album feels like a Willie Nelson album, that's hard to do when it's all someone else's material. This is a masterpiece of performance, an all-time great singing some all-time greats.

These are all remakes but he does an awesome job making them his own. Willie does not have a traditionally amazing voice, but he has so much feeling and passion in his voice. I felt happiness, sadness, love and everything in between.

Now THIS is how you do harmonica. This was such an enjoyable listen. Normally I’d dock for it being a cover album, but Idc I’ve never heard the originals.

Was Willie Nelson ever on Sesame Street? I can totally imagine some of these in a duet with Elmo or Kermit. And me crying. Not my cup of tea, but screw that, some songs are marvellous and beautiful. Goosebumps on Georgia.

The is a beautiful collection and rendition of classics. Willie’s the best.

Having spent my teenage years listening to and trying to educate myself about a lot of jazz instrumentalists, it took me far too long to work out that some of these songs were melodies I knew INCREDIBLY well that I was just hearing with words for the first time. That being said that was the first time I listened to this and there have been MANY repeat listenings since as Willie Nelson is just one of the supreme calming musicians. Nothin can be truly wrong in the world in the moment in which he is singing. The version of Moonlight in Vermont particularly makes me feel this way on this album it paints it's picture so vividly and you really imagine he's picturing it alongside you. Cool asf

First Willie, and it's great :). Beautiful record, absolutely will revisit. Title track is fantastic 👍

Never listened Willie Nelson before but I loved this! The songs are kinda simple but that’s part of what makes them so good. Smooth voice and sweet lyrics without straying into corny town. It’s all very nice and I enjoyed it a lot.

relaxing, lovely country songs. willie is the sweetest little country musician i've ever had the pleasure of listening to, and a lot of tracks just make me feel all safe and content. it's just so... it's just nice. so nice. even people who hate the genre would listen to this once and go "oh gosh, isn't this nice?"

1. Georgia on my mind 2. Stardust 3. Unchained Melody / Moonlight in Vermont 4. Blue Skies 5. September song Someone to watch over me All of Me On the Sunny Side of the Street Don't Get around much anymore

Know him and a lot of his songs. Always amazes me that such a sweet voice comes out of him.

Lovely