Stardust

Good, I might give it another go #relisten

Day 5/6 — Willie Nelson — Stardust (1978) Listened: Feb 27–28, 2026 Genre: Country Jazz / Torch & Twang Vibe: Chill country music with a little jazz Highlights: • Georgia On My Mind • Blue Skies • All of Me • Unchained Melody • Someone to Watch Over Me Impression: Nice album of covers fusing country and jazz. Really grew on me by the third listen. Rating: 3.7/5 Keep songs? Yes Revisit album? Yes

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this, but these covers are pure magic. Calm, sweet, and full of heart. I kinda love Willie Nelson now.

Good ass songs.

First thing that struck me about this album is how wonderfully recorded and produced it is. The finger-picked guitars and Nelson’s weathered voice shine as a result, making it all feel very intimate. Sure, this is an album of covers but he makes even well known songs, like Unchained Melody, sound like his own. Again, the arrangements on most songs here really elevate them. It’s clear why what could have been a throwaway release (as many cover albums are, and something his label was restating to as a result) is held up among his best.

Willie Nelson’s Stardust was big news when it came out; outlaw country’s premier songwriter releases an album of American standards; it crosses over to the mainstream and cleans up on the charts. But you know, it’s understandable – it’s just a lovely collection. The songs are all well-known classics, but familiarity can breed contempt, and by applying his own idiosyncratic style, Nelson reinvents them and presents them fresh and new. And that’s it. Songs you know, stripped back and performed beautifully. It’s easy to understand its success. 8/10

Such a pretty voice. Can’t hate on Willie.

chill

Perfectly curated tracks by a legend.

A cover album? sure. Sure why not. Willie does what he wants and that's fine by me

Gentle country/singer-songwriter

I love Willie, can’t get enough Willie

good

Got me on a Willie Nelson covers binge. Beautiful!

This is an old masterpiece the slow pace goes so well with this night im first listening to it. This on a chill night drive would be sooo majestic. Love this album.

Fine. Good. No complaints.

Cozy sleepy country.

when my students ask me what kind of music i listen to, i usually say everything except EDM and early 2000s country. when they ask if i know any "good country", this is the artist (and occasionally the album, although others come first) i think of. i don't give a shit about the "akshually there is good new country too!!!" argument because of course there is-- there is "good new" everything-- and because for me, it's just too difficult to top willie nelson. sorry. but not really. also the album art is great. i love the simplicity and the color choices. had to google susanna clark (of course the author is the first result), and i'm glad i did. learned a lil bit.

Melancholy

A chill vibey album!

Never heard a country album like this before. It's a real good time.

Do I like Willie Nelson now?

Very soothing.

I'm listening to this on a gloomy Monday morning in February and this charming collection of covers makes for such a nice soundtrack while I drink my coffee and type out "as per my last email" to someone for the 3rd time today. I didn't care much for the cover of "Unchained Melody", but that's mostly because I don't care much for that song in the first place having heard it way too many times. Overall, it's a delightful, short and sweet record that I'll probably come back to sometime.

I could listen to Willie sing nursery rhymes. A legend if there ever was one.

Certainly unexpected. In the end I found this pretty charming

Before even starting to listen to the album I'm excited! Produced and arranged by Book T. (Willie's neighbor). Pitchfork: Rolling Stone: Best Songs Stardust Georgia On My Mind September Song Moonlight in Vermont

Delightfully magical.

A very surprising and non-country album. It's like an album of Sinatra (or such artists) covers, which I've later learned it is. It's very different than other Nelson music I've heard, but he made them his on this album. It's a great album. Not a 5/5, but a strong 4/5

Enjoyable chill, country album. Would have liked a bit more variety on the songs, but overall a great listen from start to finish.

so sweet and slow. really nourished my heart :) <3

A lovely little album to have as my 1001st. Willie tackles a bunch of standards and makes it unqiue out as he doesn't have all the big band and swing going on; he keeps it simple. Guitar, piano, drums and the odd flash of orchestral florishes. Best Tracks: Stardust; Blue Skies; Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Lovely. Positively lovely.

This was lovely to listen to. I've heard quite a bit of Willie Nelson before but just the country stuff. His voice is really good on this album. Would definitely listen to it again.

Good calm solo album, love the guitar work, my first Willie Nelson album and I cant wait to hear more.

For an albums that's literally all covers this is actually surprisingly good. Not that I'm particularly familiar with all that many of the originals, but listening to this was still all around a great experience. At no point does he ever try to be something he's not, or get overly ambitious. He just made a simple album of covers, and absolutely killed it by keeping his goals small.

Willie Nelson has one of the most distinctive voices in music and he uses it beautifully. His simple approach brings out the tenderness in the standards covered. Pure joy to my ears. I added “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” to my Generator playlist.

Never expected Willie Nelson to have a cover album, but this stoner's voice in the late 70s still had that campfire warmth. Lovely little "background music" for a night dancing with someone you love in the living room.

How have I never heard this before? Willie Nelson is already goated as a country musician, so hearing him do jazz standards takes him next level all over again in my book.

Soothing

I went in not knowing much about Willie Nelson other than that he is a country artist, and I don't like country. I enjoyed being proven wrong, very charming.

Whatever Willie sings is Outlaw Country, even 'Unchained Melody'. His voice and his delivery make every song on this album worth listening to. It's not an album that makes you sit up and take notice.

Don’t really like covers. But Willie makes it feel good

sweet jams! Takeaways: "Georgia on my mind", "on the sunny side of the street"

I’d like to see a scene for you, dear reader. I was sitting on my couch, blanket and cat on my lap, cup of coffee in my hand, when I looked at my album for the day. I started it, and I was immediately in the coziest little heaven on earth. Willie’s voice and guitar soothed every stress life had thrown recently. Each song was spectacularly performed. Sweet cowboy waltzes to calm what ails you and remind you of the love in your life. Hints of jazz, blues, and folk making their appearances to break up any potential monotony. And seeing as these are all songs made famous by other performers, everything feels familiar and safe. Is it Willie’s most adventurous album? Definitely not, but it’s not meant to be. It’s meant to be familiar romance songs performed by Willie Nelson, and that is wonderfully exactly what it is.

This whole album feels very cosy and chilled out. I can imagine listening to this whilst painting late at night.

Love It. Own it.

ykw! very sentimental! very sweet! very dennis whitaker! not exactly my taste but a sweet tune nonetheless

Oh great, Willie Nelson. This album is actually quite relaxing, and pretty good. I'd listen to this again. Definitely not country here, which I appreciate.

surprised I actually did end up enjoying the album, however it's just not something I'd ever listen to again. pleasant and slow

A whole album of classics sung by Willie Nelson - this is chicken soup for the ears. Easy to listen to and comforting.

Flow

Great album for a dimly lit evening. While this is most certainly is easy listening, romantics beware the lyrics could get you in your feels. Really good stuff. 4.4 outta 5

Is this a great album? Probably not by many standards since it's an album of, you know, standards. That said, when the world gets too loud, this is the perfect soundtrack for a quiet room with a lit fireplace, a glass of good brown liquor, a slow joint, no phones, and a long exhale.

great

🤠

Good easy listening album. Does the originals justice

Much respect for Willie Nelson and his gentle interpretation of these songs.

I’d heard “Georgia On My Mind” plenty of times but never explored the full album. It didn’t surprise me that the rest carries the same relaxed, lightly jazzy, emotionally real feel I tend to gravitate toward. Will definitely revisit

Covers for your mothers. Very pleasant listening!

Had zero expectations going into this but was pleasantly surprised. A strong 3.5. 3.5/5

Jeg var lidt skeptisk, men endte med at lytte til det på repeat imens jeg byggede Lego. Meget smukt album

Listened to this, this morning on the bus. It’s dark. Sludgey snows on the ground. This album fits Probably selected because it allowed the compilers to pick a Willie Nelson lp and selections from the Great American Songbook the originals of which generally weren’t on LPs. I like Nelson’s understated delivery and the relaxed but perfect backing from Booker T. Reminds me of Cookooland by Robert Wyatt on terms of feeling and that’s not a bad thing. .

I've never really listened to Willie Nelson before and was pleasantly surprised. I expected to not hear much I would like but I was wrong

First half is excellent, second half gets a little dull but still sweet.

Fantastic driving to work early morning music

La voz de Willie Nelson es tan suave y la música tan tranquila y serena, de verdad acerté al escuchar este disco en la noche, me aruyó tranquilamente de principio a fin. Unchained Melody fue una de las canciones que más destacó en el álbum, junto con Scarlet Ribbons (por alguna razón pensé en Ribbons de The good, The Bad and the Queen)

Knew more of the songs than I thought I would

Just lovely

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Very easy listening, calming, and a sweet little love story.

Just a lovely gentle album full of quite nice covers. I had a really nice time listening and would definitely listen again for a chill vibe or as background music. Fav song: All of Me Least fav: Unchained Melody

Gorgeous album! Feel like it should be listened to late on a summer evening. Favourite song: Blue Skies Least: September Song

Starts off strong but loses me in the back end. I enjoyed it though. A cross between old Country Western and standards.

Clear breakaway from his classic country sound we heard in "Red Headed Stranger" earlier. A breakaway I greatly appreciate. So good, i knew there was really a black man behind this. The whole album is really covers of popular/standards which I found interesting. Thus, theres so many different versions and renditions of these songs by many great artists. you think these songs are good THEY GET BETTERRRRRR WHEN WE DOOO ITTTT

What a gorgeous cover of Stardust. That alone makes me come back to this album.

This is a country covers album. A very well done country covers album. The songs are all very relaxed and easy to listen to, which makes for a nice, relaxing album for the end of the day. Nelson plays these pop songs with a distinctive country twang that works very well in this context(a far cry from what modern country is, despite having a similar formula). However, an album needs to have original songs to get full marks, so -1 for being all covers.

Hat mich nach Georgia entführt

Lots of classics

Never listened to this one but Willie Nelson is a legend

Easy listening

Not my jam

Lots of classics here. Even if none are original to Willie, he gives a memorable rendition of each.

Who could not love Willie?

Classic 70’s Willie.

3.7/5 Stars Top Songs: Blue Skies, Moonlight in Vermont, Georgia on My Mind

m'encanta softcountrycore

Willie Nelson is one of the artists that got me into country music, a genre I would have shunned previously. I loved Red Headed Stranger, and I loved this (very different) album. There are no weak performances of these American pop standards - my personal favourite was September Song, repeated about three times. Top stuff, and fair play to Mr Nelson for trying something new, given his "outlaw country" background. Shout out to Booker T. Jones for the production too!

Awesome branch out for Willie to sing American standards with his stripped down country styling. Albums like this pave the way for modern country crossovers. I'm glad this was on the list. My rating: 4/5

Great vibe

Beautiful album

Fairly relaxing.

Très bon album de reprises folk

Better than the first Willie album.

Exactly what a true classic sounds like!

Wasn’t familiar with this album. Enjoyed it and the history behind the music.

Cute!!!

Beautiful album. I had no idea Willie Nelson had such a lovely voice. Favorites: Blue Skies

Willie Nelson always delivers a solid album. But I don’t think an album of covers really belongs on this list in my opinion.

Truly delightful! When you hear the words "cover album", you tend not to think of work so high quality as this. He really made these songs his own--if I didn't know better I might think his were the originals.

Never listened to Willie Nelson before, but it's my kind of country/blues. Seems like this album is mostly covers, but they're all really well done.

It’s a fine album, but, gosh, I want my Willie to be a little less . . . smooth. These are pleasant renditions of standards. I really like his version of “Blue Skies.” 3.5?

good stuff! great artist + songwriter all around. blue skies is so lovely

i liked this a lot more than i was expecting! very chill and funky

Fantastic, elska Willie Nelson

A slightly odd choice for Willie to record an album of standards but he has a fine voice which suits quite a lot of the material. Everything is good about this record.

Wanted to love this, and honestly will probably revisit, but... comes up just a little lacking for a 5 star.

One of the greats.

Dope

Though I know about Willy Nelson, I don't think I've ever knowingly listen to him, out side of movies etc. I wasn't sure at first, but it was cool. Much better than Johnny Cash.

pretty slow and chill, would only listen to it again while studying probably

my first willie nelson album. Pretty cool, did not disappoint, would listen to more...

A beautiful rendition of songs I’ve not heard the original versions of anyways

8.5 / 10

Lovely and relaxing

Good album of covers

So gentle

Very easy listening and an enjoyable experience, but why this album? This is "essential" listening? I was hyped for a Willie Nelson album, but this seems so slight and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

I like this album. Never heard it before, but I've heard the songs. It might be one I purchase. It's calm and slow. relaxing music for a rainy day.

Willie Nelson. One of the greats. Great tunes. Great album.

Great album. A real departure from his usual work at the time. All of Me is a stand out.

An intro to country. He’s got so much emotion to his voice and transfers that into his guitar, too. Really pleasant and I’ll come back for sure.

Not quite what I was expecting and I wish it had been more traditional Willie Nelson stuff, but obviously a great voice and instrumentation.

Already listened to this one. My fav from Willie I like the moody/sad vibes. Def one for driving at night or maybe staring at stars. Fav track is Georgia on My Mind and Blue Skies.

Enjoyed this one, country meets crooner

I know of Willie Nelson and had assumed his music was different. Good tunes

Really wonderful covers, I really enjoyed this album and found it very relaxing.

Willie’s covers are great. Would listen to again.

I have never purposefully listened to Mr. Nelson before. Why do I feel nostalgic for this album? It’s so good. Love truly every moment of it. The only thing holding this back from a 5 is that it’s all covers but part of me wants to say who cares. That harmonica sound is haunting in the best way.

Interesting! I only associate Willie Nelson with country/folk music, so hearing him do this album of old standards was nice

Good

This one might have to join my slowly-growing rotation of non-holiday albums that I play in December after I get tired of Christmas music. Hard to explain why, but Starlight just felt like sitting around the hearth, drinking hot cocoa with the lights down low and the smell of a fir tree in the air. In other words, it was a pretty nice listen! I was definitely expecting something more strictly “country” from Willie Nelson’s first cover album (which I would have been completely fine with), but the style he went for here was a breath of fresh air. While it’s not something I foresee myself putting on all the time, I’m definitely planning to come back to it when the mood is right! Slightly off-topic, but today I learned that Willie Nelson is 92 years old and that he is not only still active, but has already released two studio albums (his 77th and 78th) this year. What an absolute machine! I’m not super educated on his discography beyond Stardust, but the fact that he was making music this good 22 albums into his career cements his GOAT status in my book. Highlights: Stardust, Georgia on My Mind, All of Me, September Song, Moonlight in Vermont, Someone to Watch Over Me

Relaxing.

gostosinho de ouvir. queria ter podido ouvir com mais calma

Enjoyable listen.

Excellent little record here. I am a big fan of Willie Nelson (as is anyone with a soul). I particularly liked the opener and closer, “All Of Me”, “Georgia On My Mind”, and “Moonlight In Vermont”, the album is really chilled out and fit the weather where I live very nicely. It was just a purely pleasant time.

7/10 This album feels oddly more than the sum of its parts. At no point did I think any of it was spectacular, and I frequently recalled versions of these songs that I much preferred to these ones, but despite that, I really enjoyed my time with this. It was a proper warm hug of an album. His voice has its limits, in range more than control, but the relaxed, smooth tone of it really gelled everything together in an satisfyingly listenable package. In some places I did feel that the orchestration was a little on the basic side, but there were some deft pieces of musicianship here and there too that just gave things enough of a lift that the momentum never really dipped enough to lose me. When I first looked at the details of this, an album of jazz and pop standards by a country stoner, I was sceptical, but I think he really pulled it off, and I may well find my way to this when the right listening moment comes along. Stardust - This is quite nice. His voice is smooth and comforting without being spectacular and the guitar work is very good. It's obviously a classic song, and it's a nice listen, but I doesn't really feel special in any way. Georgia On My Mind - Willie seems to have a very nice voice, but a fairly limited range. You can hear him reaching the lower and upper limits at points, but when he's in the middle it's smooth. Another classic song, another nice performance. Some nice background elements like the piano and harmonica that gives it something a little extra Blue Skies - This has an unexpected bit of pace. The bass playing here is super strong and has a great wandering groove to it. Another warm hug of a song, and again, some solid moments from the background players. All Of Me - This is a bit more meandering and goes a bit too far in the direction of twee for me. It's nice enough, but it's all very straight and simple, perhaps not giving enough nuance to the cover. Unchained Melody - It's certainly an understated version of this track. I can't quite work out if that works in it's favour or not to be honest. I think perhaps it's just a little dull and doesn't have enough drama, but it also has an endearing charm to it. September Song - This one drifts a little too far into dull territory for me. There's nothing really there for me to grab on to and if I was looking for a song like this, I feel like it needs a spectacular singer to hold it together. On The Sunny Side Of The Street - Another absolute classic. It's got a great shuffling swagger to it, especially the bass on a stroll and the piano dipping in and out with it's jazzy trills. It's never going to live up to Ella or Louis, but it's pretty damn nice. Moonlight In Vermont - Such a beautiful song. I know the Ella and Louis version of this like the back of my hand and it's so, so good. But this really lends something different to it. It's got a laid back warmth to it that I really like. Not my favourite version, but a good one none the less. Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Another slight lull. It's ok, but it's just a bit plodding and doesn't quite have the warmth of the better songs on the album. Someone To Watch Over Me - The album is petering out a little here. It's another one that just kind of plays things by the book and doesn't add the ornamentation to grab the ear, or quite provide the warmth and vibe to fully engage. Not that it isn't nice, it just isn't special either.

Coming off of Red Headed Stranger two albums prior, it was difficult to change gears for this album. You can't get any more Americana than Willie singing pop standards.

Liked this cover album better than the last one. 4

good

Kinda loving it Always a fan of a space-related theme And love songs are always a plus !!

This is a really nice mellow album. I’ve never listened to Willie Nelson before. At least not an album. I’m familiar with his work. But all singles and radio hits. Right from the the start of “unchained melody” I like it. This album is super mellow. I didn’t think I was going to like it but I really do. This is an “evening” album. I want to listen to this when it’s dark. Have a nice drink or some sort and a book to read by low light.

I usually don’t like cover albums, but something about the Willie Nelson delivery and crisp production combined for a great rainy day vibe.

265/1089 - Alright music and singing but a weird pick to me. It's all standards from the Great American Songbook so it's probably aimed at an older audience/audience familiar with jazz. I thought it was competently made but I probably am never gonna listen to it again. Then again, I feel that way with most of the 4 star albums I rate.

It’s nice and simple

makes me wanna roll up in a blanket and smoke a fat doobie

Light 4

Willie plays pop classics, Booker T produced Blue skies Georgia on my mind

Excellent album!

I bought this on vinyl in my early 20s (for probably $2) and don't think I ever listened to more than one side. I can see why. But middle-aged me gets it, man. Willie's voice and guitar playing are slight but pretty perfect.

This was great. Willie doesn't disappoint

Good Ol' Willie! Incredibly relaxing and sweet. Definitely my type of country! Favorite track: Blue Skies 3.5/5

Willie makes some big calls when choosing what to cover, here, but honestly these all now sound like Willie Nelson songs which, when you consider how huge some of the songs this album are, says a lot!

I was skeptical when I saw the track list and noticed it was mostly covers (then realized they were all covers). I needn’t have worried, though. Nelson’s covers are very tasteful, and his tender vocals really lend themselves to giving new depth to each song. My favourites were “Unchained Melody” (a truly beautiful rendition) and, surprisingly, “Blue Skies,” which I thought was going to be weak but turned out great. Should a cover album be on this list? I think it can be. Johnny Cash’s American recordings, which are mostly covers, deserve a place here—so why can’t this? Still, a covers album can only take you so far. In this case, it’s a solid four stars.

Didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. Very calming album

very much open starry night in the countryside vibes with this one, very nice and slow

Objectively speaking it is a 7/10, very cozy album, filled with longing. Favorite song easily someone to watch over me.

As a self proclaimed loverboy/simp myself, I found myself relating to this album. Great cover of blue skies, and while it's simple it just works.

Ah, Willie Nelson, rien que le nom et on a déjà l'image qui va avec : le bandana, les tresses, le nuage de fumée et, bien sûr, cette country "outlaw" qui a fait sa légende. Alors, quand j'ai vu "Stardust" sur ma liste des 1001 albums, je me suis préparé psychologiquement... J'ai sorti mon Stetson imaginaire, me suis versé un fond de bourbon (toujours imaginaire) et j'étais prêt à affronter des torrents de pedal steel et des histoires de cow-boys solitaires. Et quelle ne fut pas ma surprise, mes aïeux ! L'agréable surprise, je m'empresse de le préciser. Dès les premières notes de "Stardust", ce standard de Hoagy Carmichael qui donne son titre à l'album, j'ai froncé les sourcils. "Attends... c'est quoi ce bordel ?" me suis-je dit. Pas de twang, pas de violon larmoyant, pas de banjo frénétique. Non, juste la voix nasillarde et si particulière de Willie, posée sur un arrangement d'une sobriété et d'une classe folles. Une guitare acoustique, un piano discret, et cette voix. Cette voix qui, débarrassée de l'attirail country habituel, prend une dimension totalement différente. On n'est plus dans un saloon du Texas, mais dans un club de jazz feutré à New York, tard dans la nuit. Et c'est là tout le génie de ce disque sorti en 1978. À une époque où Nelson était au sommet de sa gloire "hors-la-loi", le parrain d'un mouvement qui envoyait paître les conventions de Nashville, que fait le bonhomme ? Il prend tout le monde à contre-pied. Il décide d'enregistrer un album entier de reprises de standards de la pop américaine, des chansons écrites pour la plupart entre les années 20 et 40. Des morceaux que nos parents, voire nos grands-parents, écoutaient. Le suicide commercial annoncé ? Le caprice de star qui va se planter en beauté ? C'est ce que sa maison de disques a dû penser, et on ne peut pas vraiment leur en vouloir. Le rock progressif et le punk venaient à peine de débouler, et notre Willie voulait nous faire écouter du Irving Berlin. Il fallait oser. Et putain, qu'est-ce qu'il a bien fait ! L'album est d'une cohérence et d'une beauté à tomber par terre. Le choix des morceaux est impeccable, de "Georgia on My Mind" à "Blue Skies", en passant par "All of Me" ou "Someone to Watch Over Me". Ce sont des chansons que tout le monde connaît, qu'on a entendues des milliers de fois, souvent massacrées par des crooners en smoking ou des chanteuses à voix de supermarché. Mais ici, Nelson les déshabille, les dépouille de toute grandiloquence. Il ne cherche pas à impressionner, il chante, tout simplement. Sa voix, souvent moquée, devient ici son plus grand atout. Elle est fragile, un peu fatiguée, mais elle a une sincérité désarmante. On sent qu'il aime ces chansons, qu'il les a en lui depuis toujours. Il ne les interprète pas, il les vit. Il y a une sorte de mélancolie douce qui parcourt tout le disque, une nostalgie sans amertume. C'est le son d'un type qui a bourlingué, qui en a vu des vertes et des pas mûres, et qui se pose un instant pour se souvenir des belles choses. La production de Booker T. Jones (oui, oui, le Booker T. de Booker T. & the M.G.'s) est un modèle d'intelligence et de subtilité. Il a compris qu'il ne fallait surtout pas noyer la voix de Nelson sous des tonnes d'arrangements. Tout est minimaliste, chaque instrument est à sa place, chaque note est pensée. C'est de la haute couture, mais avec un jean usé et des santiags. Je le répète "Stardust" est une belle surprise, on s'attend à de la country pur jus et on se retrouve avec un album de pop intemporelle, un classique américain qui transcende les genres et les époques. Pour moi qui ai passé des années à disséquer des disques dans une boutique indépendante, c'est le genre de pépite qui vous réconcilie avec les artistes "mainstream". Un disque qui prouve que quand un artiste a une vraie vision et un vrai talent, il peut se permettre toutes les audaces. "Stardust" n'est pas un album de country, ce n'est pas non plus un album de jazz, ni de pop. C'est un album de Willie Nelson, un disque honnête, touchant, et d'une beauté simple qui vous file des frissons. Ça ne révolutionne rien, ça ne crie pas, ça ne provoque pas. Ça se contente d'être là, magnifique et évident. Et parfois, c'est tout ce qu'on demande à la musique. Alors oui, je le réécouterai avec grand plaisir. Pas tous les jours, ce n'est pas un disque qui s'écoute en faisant le ménage ou en headbanguant dans sa bagnole. C'est un disque pour les moments calmes, pour les fins de soirée, pour quand on a envie de se sentir un peu moins seul. Un compagnon de route discret mais fidèle. Une sacrée belle découverte, vraiment. Un beau 4/5

A lovely surprise. Will play this again on a Sunday morning.

Classic Willie

Beautiful! Songwriting is so simple but makes you stop and listen. Love his voice.

76/100. This is really good. Such a calming and soft record. Nelson really hits it right with this release, delivering timeless covers with warmth and ease.

Love Willie. This is a classic 4.5/5

slaps so hard

Yeah this one is really good. Just a bunch of standards covered well

Loved it

one of the best country albums i’ve heard 4.5/5

It's a really excellent album that was so close to getting a 5 on first listen, but that cover of Unchained Melody just didn't do it for me. I understand that the album is made up of covers, and maybe if I was more familiar with different versions of these songs, I might feel different, but that one specifically felt a little undercooked. I will be relistening though. 4 Stars.

What a nice and relaxing experience this album was. The one and only Willie Nelson provides a serene half hour of folky classic country tunes, among them a lovely cover of Unchained Melody.

Willie! I hadn’t heard this album before. Really liked it. Total country crooner, slowed down vibes. It really hit for me today.

This was delightful. Always love some Willie.

Beautiful bunch of standards very well done

Surprised by how well this worked. Reminded me of some awful covers I've heard but it teetered in the right side of a vulnerable vocal.

Very nice

Willie is so soft and sweet. I could listen to this all day in a hammock.

A magical album from a tremendous country artist.Those popular songs get the willie nelson treatment and a superb production.Georgia on my mind is as dreamy as you wanted and needed.Unchained melody though is an untouchable original win all the way i think it does it justice.Moonlight in Vermont almost gives me those Sinatra vibes,fantastic.

Willie Nelson is a blind spot for me outside of his big hits like To All the Girls I've Loved Before and Always on My Mind and, erm, bong hits I guess. I am so glad this is my first Willie album. It's completely beautiful. When the 2nd track Georgia on My Mind came up I did a double take. This is a Willie Nelson song? That prompted me to read the album notes on YouTube Music which revealed this is a covers album of standards. I'd never have expected to find a covers album on here but I can see why this one stands out. Willie has such an effortless and intoxicating way of singing I was transported by his entire vibe. He is a treasure and I'm grateful that I finally got to learn this otherwise well known fact.

Mysigt

Gotta be honest, not a ton of context around Willie's music heading into this. I know he's an icon, know what he sounds like, but could not tell you a time I've ever listened to one of his songs. This album rules. I know it's mostly (if not entirely) covers but he just puts his own imprint on all of these tunes and puts out such an uplifting and easy listen. This one caught me by surprise and was quite nice.

4.4 To be consistent, I have to deduct half a point for not writing any of the songs (Dusty Springfield rule).  With that being said what an absolute jem and no record collection would be complete without this album.  Wille takes these songs and makes them his own.  I thought the instrumentals were pretty much perfectly arranged; must have had some real pros working on this, in addition to Booker T.  And I was hanging on every note of Willies guitar playing. 

What a lovely album cover. I wonder if the country music will match its loveliness. It does. Tenfold. What a stupidly lovely album. I mean, you’d expect something at least halfway heartfelt with Willie Nelson, but this is just something else entirely. It’s like the smoothness of Sinatra and the country sophistication of Cash have blended in a happy union, with the strings pulled by Nelson’s vocals and his musical ensemble. Willie is still with us and is still churning out music at 92, but even after he’s gone this collection of standards shall eternally shine. All because of, that word again, its loveliness.

I dig this… countryfied top songs…

Goddamn young boy at the height of his powers here. Masterful guitar playing and singing. And I think booker T produced? Memphis shit.

The vibes are impeccable. A perfect album for driving down a country lane to have a picnic, or sitting on the porch as the sun is setting with an ice cold beer in hand.

Easy listening in the not pejorative sense. Great songs and a lovely voice with arrangements that let you enjoy the songs and the vocals.

Willie Nelson's voice makes any song sound like it was etched in stone.

What beautiful album. He's a gracious, honest, and thoughtful lyricist, and his arrangements are simple but lovely.

Note to self: don’t listen to Willie Nelson sing romantic covers while you’re snuggled up in bed lest you feel lonely and sad 👍 I was a bit skeptical of this one, because Willie doesn’t have the best voice in my opinion. I was worried he might ruin some of these songs that I really really love in their original form. But he didn’t. I liked this album a lot. He put his own charming spin on it and that really worked for me. Favorite songs were Stardust, All of Me, Unchained Melody, and September.

We should buy this album. Very chill and soulful.

Very sweet❤️ quality lyrics

Beautiful and relaxing, perfect!

Great rendition of American standards. Especially the first two tracks are great examples of the more relaxing, melancholic country out there. In the end it's a collection of known songs and therefore not really that standing out stuff you'd want from that list.

Really good album. Lovely piano and vocals. Can't say I've listen to Willie Nelson much before but I will probably check more of his stuff out

enjoyed willies take on some classics. wish it wouldve had some originals on it

I’ve listened to a few Willie Nelson songs randomly here and there but never a full album. It’s a pretty laid back slower paced album that I need to be in the right mood to enjoy but plenty good when I am in that mood

Country version of Frank Sinatra? Oo

Lovely album cover, surprisingly enjoyable content as well.

I definitely don’t really like country. I grew up hearing a lot of it and I don’t like most of it. But this album is not just country, it’s also alittle bluesy. Plus it has really really great production and the songs that don’t sound like country song so really loved. As always I struggle with slower songs, so there were plenty of songs I didn’t get a lot out of. But the songs I did like I’d say are some of my favorite country songs. Everytime I go to a yard sale or any kind of used record stores, I’m gunna be looking for this album.

Aww, this is a really sweet little album. It’s only flaw and it’s not much of one is I’ve heard better covers of some of the songs. But that’s unfair

Olipahan hieno tunnelma ja miellyttävää kuunneltavaa. Mutta kun ei laula omia lauluja ei voi antaa kun 4

Great folk album!

Great album

A relaxing album with my Willie out. My Willie might not be the most impressive but he does know how to put on a show. 7/10

This an old fave, though one's always thought Willie sounded less than fully comfortable with the format and the arrangements, as if his deep respect for the material led him to be somewhat stiff in his approach. Yes, editors, he is a bit of a jazz singer, and it's cool how he countriies these tunes despite the broad, sweeping and normie orchestrations. There are better Willie records (Teatro should be on the list, say), though the quality and originality abound here, too. The strong commercial reception is well deserved (and no doubt helped with his parlous tax situation), though slightly more variance in tones/tempos as the record progressed mighta made it even better. Bottom line: these are timeless songs intriguingly interpreted by a truly original artist and a delight to hear overall, far transcending the bad vibes stemming from the fact that this was a favorite of one's ex-wife.

What a pleasant and relaxing album. I thought I was getting ripped off with a bunch of covers at first, but it's very enjoyable.

Great album. Willie picked some great songs to cover and showed off his voice.

Really good covers

really enjoyed this one. yes, it's covers but the choices let Willie's voice & arrangement shine even more. and this brings some great memories of listening to my Dad sing some of these.

Leuke verrassing! De jazzcovers werken heel goed. De popcovers iets minder.

It was nice

A few years ago I went to the "Country Music Hall of Fame" in Nashville and walked through over a century of country/folk/blues history. Since then I have said on more than one occasion that I love country up to Willie Nelson. I'm sure that there's some stuff after him that I'd like, but in general that captures my feelings on country. I've never listened to this album, so I'm excited to get into it. "Stardust" is a very appropriately named song. It does feel like I'm floating with Willie through space. "All of Me" has some sweet guitar. "September Song" also has sweet guitar. Willie is really plucking on the heart strings in this record. "On the Sunny Side of the Street" is so nice. Willie wrote a lot of other people's most famous songs. I only recently listened to Patsy Cline for the first time and had a real "Hurt" Johnny Cash/NIN moment with "Crazy". I loved this album. Lots of really great songs. I love what Willie's cooking. 8/10

Classic Willie Nelson, pairs well with whiskey... Or tea

Fue un buen album. Realmente se lucio con los covers, me gustó mucho los arreglos y la voz.

It's hard not to be uncharged by this album in large part because of Willie's image as a performer a musician in the outlaw country world as well as the way that he is aged in the public eye and remained a darling for hippies in traditionalists alike. I'm probably also a little biased towards Willie Nelson because of my father, so there's that. 4/5

Very relaxing

Willieee

Great album

Everyone know who Willie Nelson is, he is a classic American figure. But I have to admit, I never actively listened to Willie. I have heard several songs in my over 4 decades of life, and could pick out his distinct voice on any song. For what could be considered my maiden voyage into Willie, I really enjoyed this slow and mildly bluesy version where he covers some of the most popular songs of all time. I know he is more of an outlaw country singer/performer but this was a quaint and enjoyable album that I am glad I heard. I have been saying for years I was going to dive into Willie's catalog, maybe this will jump start my adventure. 8.1/10 117/1001

Mysigt och chill.

Loved this, such a lovely vibe. Really chill and relaxing

Another mainstay in my parents catalog of CD’s. Never really gave it too many listens as a kid because I thought it was too slow. But it is a very beautiful album. Willie really gets to show off his vocal range amidst covers and originals.

One of America's great storytellers covering some classic po and jazz standards. A great collaboration with Booker T.

Delightful album that was sang from the bottom of his heart. You can feel the emotion

8.5/10

While interesting that a cover album would be the first album revealed, it proved to be an album you cant help but like. Classic and timeless songs sung so dreamy it’s as if you were transported to another decade. The melodies are calming but also make you want to move with the song. And yes, he didn’t write these songs but it still feels like a story, choosing his favorite songs from his childhood. I enjoyed this album more than I expected.

Not the country album I was expecting at all. Beautiful easy-listening album.

I actually really liked this? Great atmospheres, gorgeous voice, nice!

a lovely little country album with a little jazzy, Sinatra, Christmas standard warmth to it. :-)

Normally I don't care for standards, and I've always thought Willie was a bit overrated as an album artist, so it's a pleasant surprise to have really enjoyed this!

Very cozy

The man has 70+ solo studio albums over his lengthy career, but only about 3 or 4 of them are absolute classic Willie. This is one of them.

A perfectly nice set of standards done in Willie style.

This the only Willie Nelson Album I own which is strange because it is far away from the outlaw cowboy music he is known for. His voice is not powerful but it's expressive, agile and even "weary" quality perfectly matches the standards he chose to cover here. Brave choice that shows his confidence as an artist.

A really good vibe, very laid back and pretty. A nice Americana jazz ish album with old songs reimagined. Will return to this for sure and loooking forward to more Willie Nelson in the list

Slow but good! Can tell it influenced a lot of music beyond just country. Lyrics especially.

Though this album did not blow me away, it was a great listening experience. Just a tiny bit drunk after a family reunion turned into an evening of drinking, this album grounded me again on the way back. I can definitely see myself returning tot his again.

It's warm and wholesome. Not all of the covers landed for me but the ones that did felt great. I'll come back to this one.

Very different than most of Willie's music, but really good, and very unique performances of some American classics.

i didn’t know willie had this side to him!! super good

Lovely 4/5

This is a very good album by Willie Nelson! It's one of his more popular albums lots of good covers and kind of ethereal feel to it!

This is a remarkably rich collection of jazz and country standards, entirely different from an Ella Fitzgerald cover album, which emphasizes her genius and improvisatory skill, closer in kind to Rod Stewart's The Great American Songbook volumes, tho a thousand times better. In reality, this is a mere cover album, but it possesses something grand, something transcendent, not just a sum greater than its parts, but parts that are greater than their parts, etc. It could be that, w/o Willie's songwriting on display, you're reminded just how quietly superb a singer he is. It could also be that well-arranged covers are souvenirs of an artist's love for music and its history. Whatever it is, Stardust is a touching, often jaunty record, & one for keeps.

There's not much to say-Willie is the GOAT. Not an album of originals but just a lot of extremely well done covers of pop standards. I personally prefer his other older stuff that's a little more country-themed specifically but it's good.

Willie Nelson singing the Great American Songbook? No thanks. Or so I thought. This album is a surprise. Willie Nelson is in great voice here. He's not trying to be a crooner. He's not trying to sing bigger than he is able. The arrangements are great and allow him to give understated, yet effective, performances. 4 stars

What a wonderful record. You can really hear how much Willie loves these songs that he grew up with. The arrangements are full without being too dense and the album flows beautifully from song to song. Standouts for me are "Georgia On My Mind", "Blue Skies", "On the Sunny Side of the Street", and "Someone to Watch Over Me".

I remember listening to this when it was first released and gaining a new appreciation and admiration for Willie’s talent. He’s not just a great Country star, but a genuinely stellar musician. Five stars!

Really good - sounds great and WN’s voice amazing

3.5

This was a very relaxing album to listen to, gives a christmas vibe off of it. I realized that this was a cover album and it was really well done. A lot of the songs had his personal twist to them which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Pretty good. They feel like movie credit songs, and I gotta respect that.

Excellent.

Don’t know if I’m just in a certain mood, but this was just wonderful to listen to. Sparse at times, but calming and comforting. 4.5

I’ve only ever known one man smoke Willie under the table. Mr Len Houmous! 4.1 7/10 on the sunny side of the street

nice relaxing study music!

estaba guapo ritno lento pero triston

First time listening to a full Willie Nelson record. Although it was tempting to dismiss it as another dose of Americana, the quality of his voice, and the musicianship was hard to dislike. His voice has a remarkable way of breaking during a phrase which renders the lyrics tender and authentic, even during a song that has been recorded many times.

Tender

A beautiful album of covers that I didn’t realize he had made, but truly enjoyable in that signature Willie Nelson voice.

Wow, I really liked this! I've been a Willie fan in name but haven't ever gone back and truly listened to his albums as a whole. Consider me hooked on this folky 70s style serenade.

I mean, I knew who Willie Nelson was, knew his big hits, and love country/folk/American music. But this? It hit me how much I dismissed Willie Nelson. These covers are unique but immediately recognizable. I think this has convinced me that he's a great musician. I'll listen to this again and again.

Great, it’s a classic I hadn’t yet heard.

Very relaxing

Me ha sorprendido a bien. Y me encanta que haya hecho lo que quisiera adaptar canciones que a él le gustaban y punto, así sí. Además bien adaptadas a su estilo country. Para estudiar, dormir o contemplar el día 10/10.

Really chill and lovely album. It really matches the energy of a person who is deeply in love, in a safe, healing and quiet relationship

Who wouldn't love the legendary outlaw country singer Willie Nelson? I used to think of Willie Nelson as the guy who sang about whiskey, heartbreak, and maybe outrunning the law a little. Willie covering old-school pop standards like “Georgia on My Mind” and “Blue Skies” sounds like it shouldn’t work — but it does. The older I get the more I really appreciate Willie.

Cup of coffee, windows down, long day on my way home - I didn't want this album to end. Very slow, but it hit me at the right time. Calming and soothing, Willie nailed these covers. Big fan.

Awesome, smooth, easy to listen to. some great songs

Knew so many song on here!

This album was so good. I had no idea it was a cover album of pop tunes. Willie's voice is sooooo smooth. It is so good. The guitars, harmonicas, pianos are all so peaceful and calming. This was such a great listen. "On the Sunny Side of the Street" is sooo catchy. Loved it! Hannah loved "Someone to Watch Over Me" Liked Songs: "Georgia On My Mind" , "Blue Skies" , "All of Me" , "Unchained Melody" , "On the Sunny Side of the Street" , "Moonlight in Vermont" , "Someone to Watch Over Me"

Me gusto , es un buen álbum a diferencia de mis quejas anteriores con algunos que no se deciden a establecer con sinceridad que son , este álbum en vivo es 100% honesto música country simple y directa, si bien no soy un habitual del genero y mucho menos un conocedor , creo que es un buen disco y lo disfrute , incluso lo escuche una segunda vez con mi suegro el cual si es un conocedor del estilo . Recomendable.

a bunch of covers of old classic pop songs, so while I know that it isn't going to be bad or anything, I also don't have anything to say about the lyrical content or melody or anything since he's not the one who wrote it. generally not much to say except that it's gorgeous and soothing, even if a little boring. willie nelson is a cool dude. favorite song: "unchained melody" overall: 7/10

Willie has a great voice. Add on the fact that he's singing covers of some of the greatest songs ever written and you've got a terrific album. It's just soothing to listen to. Worth at least a listen.

If this is a country album, I'd love to listen to more country. Honestly, I felt like this album was more of a soul or gospel record. This record is relaxing and dreamy. I loved how Nelson expresses his feelings throughout this record. His dream-like vocals make me feel like everything is going to be all right. I also find the faint use of the organ throughout many of the tracks on this record. Favourite Track(s): Georgia On My Mind, Unchained Melody, September Song, Moonlight in Vermont Least Favourite Track(s): On The Sunny Side of the Street

He’s a very good songwriter and while he doesn’t have the most amazing voice he still sings these songs the best

A lot of fun covers with a surprising amount of Jazz Standards from Ole Willie

I need someone to watch over me 🙏

Some timeless jazz and pop standards sung by the great Willie Nelson. What’s not to love?

I LOVE Willie Nelson, so this album is right in my sweet spot. Is it his best album? No, but it's a top 3 choice. The late 70s production comes through here, but his voice and guitar playing are crisp and dead on. No missed notes, no hair out of place. It's impossible not to love these songs, and the arrangements here are ideally suited to Willie's voice and style.

Beautiful.

Beautiful and a very easy listen. Nothing wasted. No bloat. Not a single thoughtless chord progression It feels like one of those albums that you listened to and think “oh how did I miss that”. Upon checking the wiki, turns out they’re all American pop standards, and Willie was branching out of his usual country style with the help of Booker T. While some of these, like Unchained Melody were obviously covers (to lack the proper term), the fact these are standards explains why it feels so familiar, easy, and homely.

This one is very pleasant, all the arrangements are minimalistic but Nelson's voice is great and they're all classic pop songs. Favorites are Blue Skies and Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Honestly this was pretty lovely. I wasn't expecting to be that impressed with Willie's version of I Can See Clearly Now, but he really made it his own.

There’s my Willie. Great album, shocked I’ve never listened to it though. So emotive with limited instruments. Soulful, great songwriting, like a warm hug. 8/10

Sweet

#1 harmonica player NA

está bn soft

album muy chill buenas vibes

Great album. I’d listened to certain songs but not the whole thing. Wonderful mix of musical styles and a chill vibe the whole way through. Loved it.

On pense rarement à Willie Nelson pour sa voix, mais plutôt pour ses compositions. Mais ici il se révèle un interprète sensible et nuancé. Un bonheur à écouter.

I don't say this often, but this album wasn't long enough.

Really lovely and varied. Surprisingly short, which in a way is cool. Super enjoyable

actually really liked this album. was not expecting such a nice country album.

how can you go wrong with Willie? I had no idea this was all standards. Reading about it was interesting. Good old songs. Willie’s guitar is unmistakable, as is the harmonica player.

Only half serious when I say it, but definitely not NOT serious - this is back when there was *real* country. Not this "beer in my truck" crap. The lyrics are good and the instrumentation is actually interesting and varied.

Had more fun with this one than his previous album (which was still solid). Love his voice. A lot of these songs were a little slower, sad and sweet. Stardust starts us off, nice and chill. Continues along with the sweet Georgia On My Mind. Blue Skies is a lot of fun. Then it kicks up a notch with All Of Me. And then an amazing rendition of Unchained Melody. Don't Get Around Much Anymore is cute. The rest of the songs are sweet and chill for the most part. Not a bad song on it, it's a really nice listen. Best song: All Of Me

This album had me floating man. Willie Nelson perfectly blends his usual country and bluegrass sound with the dreamy changes of these classic jazz standards, with beautiful arrangements by Booker T. and absolutely pristine production throughout. Top 5 (no order): All of Me, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Stardust, Georgia On My Mind Honourable mention: Blue Skies I did, at first, think sometimes the harmonica felt a little out of place, but it grew on me more and more. I think it gives some songs an extra mid-century feel to them. I can't believe I'd never heard of this album before, it's easily the best works I've heard from Willie Nelson (and that is a high bar). 0 skips, and definitely an album that will have me coming back for a long time 8/10, but that could probably go up over time as I relisten to the album.

Þetta var mjög hugljúf plata. Ég skil vel af hverju Willie Nelson er svo vinsæll. Góður flutningur og góð lög. Ég mun alveg pottþétt setja þessa á við fyrsta tækifæri þegar ég þarf dempaðri og rólegri tónlist.

I flirted with giving this 5 stars. It is beautiful and gentle and Nelson’s voice is so lovely. And of course all the songs on here are romantic classics. I only dropped a point because there’s no edge whatsoever, so it gets a little goopy by the end. But otherwise it’s a very classic sounding and simple-folk-arranged collection of cover tunes. It’s a must-listen (#134).

Blue Skies, Unchained Melody

Such a calming album