Stardust

Stardust is a great example of Willie Nelson doing what he does best—making any song his own. It’s pretty cool to hear his laid-back, soulful take on classic pop standards like “Georgia on My Mind” and “Blue Skies.” His phrasing and delivery are so relaxed it feels like he’s singing just for you on a porch somewhere with a glass of something strong in hand. The arrangements are stripped down, but that’s part of the charm—nothing gets in the way of Willie’s voice or the emotion behind each lyric. It’s not your typical country record, but it works surprisingly well. You can tell this was a passion project, and it’s one of those albums that grows on you the more you listen. A solid, timeless listen front to back.

this album would bring a tear to a glass eye - beautifully sentimental, richly emotional, with wonderfully economic playing and singing. great arrangements, too - by Booker T. Jones ! (yes, from Booker T & The MGs!) Willie Nelson's timing is singular - late on every note, increasing the tension, with a beautiful flow and a glorious voice. this is one of a handful of the LPs in this adventure where I listened to it a second time immediately after the first listen

I’m not keen on covers usually. These are no exception to the rule. Pleasant enough but not gonna light my fire.

Cover songs done by Willie with a Willie spin. Mello gold right there.

actually good for a country music

he sure can play the harmonica

80% Best: Stardust; Georgia On My Mind; September Song; Don’t Get Around Much Anymore Must-Hear? Sure

Great collection of standards. I might prefer more original songs but that isn't maybe what this asl um is about.

Der Song Stardust gefällt mir sehr gut! Die Harmonien in der Gitarre am Anfang sind ein Hammer Start ins Album. Ich muss allerdings sagen, seine Stimme gefällt mir überhaupt nicht. Er singt sehr seicht und mit einem zu luftigen Vibrato. Und der Song wird schon etwas schnulzig und behäbig.. Blue Skies: Hemmer doch im Chor gsunge won ihr s erst Mal ide Schnupperprob gsi sind oder? Ich finde das Album recht herzig, aber nicht bahnbrechend:) hahah han am Afang denkt ich schriib detailliert und denn het sichs nöd glohnt :P

Great songs, voice is a bit weedy.

I truly admire Willie Nelson, and I enjoy most of his work, but I'm simply not American enough to understand the appeal of this.

Willie Nelson is covering his faves. Pop rather than country, lovely, cosy voice. Super charming.

I have respect for Willie, but this is sooo boring :(

Willie, bless your soul, what is this party at the retirement house?

Meh, this is exactly the kind of music I would not listen to. I can see the musical prowess that went into this, but I'd never ever ever listen to this.

Great album, the layed back nature of each track was great after a long day, I have no problems at all with this album, I can’t say I’m familiar with the original song he chose to cover for this album but I imagine without a doubt he did them all the originals some justice. Favorite Tracks: Stardust, Blue Sky, Moonlight in Vermont, and On The Sunny Side of The Street

Beautiful and inspired. Willie Nelson really knows how to create a cohesive sound without immense production. 4/5 only because these are covers.

not bad. just really boring. it’s just a fucking snoozefest

It’s don’t know what to say except please stop giving me country albums i don't think i can take it anymore

If I were to rate this exclusively based on how much I enjoy the music, I'd probably give it a 3. It's pleasant. It doesn't exactly transfix me, but it's just nice to listen to. But there are two things that bump it up to a 4. First off, it really is better than the sum of its parts. Altogether, it's just such a comfy album. Like a warm hug. I'm not familiar with most of these songs, but I don't even need to be told that they're standards. They have this kind of nostalgia to them. Secondly, in reading about this album, it took some gall on Willie's part to go through with this product. He was already the king of outlaw country by this point, and he pointedly went against his label - ONCE AGAIN - to record an album of pop standards. Willie just doing figure eights around these suits. Gotta respect it. Fav tracks: Stardust, Georgia on my Mind, Unchained Melody, September Song

suburban. I'm so sick and tired of this sounds, it's not terreble, simply plain. By plain I mean white. Love, countryside, white male melancholy, all those stuffs...cliche subject and mild sound. Again, it does not sound terrible, but I feel like it's worse than terrible.

Meh. 2/5

I’ve tried listening multiple times but idk why I can’t make it past the first couple of songs

3.5

I want to like this album more because it's beautifully recorded, exquisitely performed and a wonderful batch of songs. At times the way the nylon string guitar sounds makes my hairs stand on end. But I'm the end it's a bit too reverent, too lush and too safe. I still really dig his version of "Blue Skies". I can't fully give it 4 stars... But close enough to warrent it on the app 7.9 ★★★½

Good song selections, but I don't think they particularily suits his voice and sounds a bit safe. 3.5 stars

This is good, but I think at times, it's a bit boring. I like Willie -- I think he's a good singer and guitarist. The songs are all classics, but the arrangements are often too vanilla. My favorites were probably the title track, "Unchained Melody", and "Someone to Watch Over Me". 3.5.

3.5

Apparently this guy is an outlaw and yet does such nice, gentlemanly covers of early 20th century pop standards. A very pleasant listen throughout. Blue Skies is one of the more notable highlights and is surprisingly mumblecore and even slightly slowcore towards the end. Overall as nice as it is it may be just a bit too gentle and snoozy. Not radically essential but very nice anyway. 3.5 stars.

Classic of classics

en̈joyable, enjoyed

Willie’s voice is so pleasing, I can listen to him sing anything. That twang puts a sweet spin on this collection of standards. He really slows the tempo, savoring the lyrics so that the songs really feel lived-in.

What a beautiful surprise, since I am not American, country music is not deeply rooted in me, but this album really is a masterpiece, well recorded and beautifully arranged.

Spokoj, jak patrzenie na niebo

One of the better “sounding” Nelson records that I’ve listened to, Stardust is a solid collection of pop standards covered Willie style. It makes for an enjoyable listen. Willie is a good enough songwriter that it’s hard for me to not wish I was listening to songs he wrote, but hearing Willie make these songs his own is well worth the journey.

Great!

Willie does great, but this album didn't really resonate with me. Good overall, but just didn't really connect.

loved

Beautiful.

I don’t like cover albums and I don’t like slow cover albums. It’s good, but I really don’t like it.

Listening to this album has taught me one thing: I have underrated Willie Nelson. Growing up in the '90s, Willie has always just been "that stoner country singer." In fact, the only album I've listened to his before this one was the reggae album he released in the mid-2000s. That wasn't a bad album by the way, but it didn't really change my perception of Willie. In all honesty, this shouldn't have changed my opinion of him either. It's an album of covers which isn't my favorite way to judge an artist, but when I think about the crooners like Sinatra and Crosby I guess it makes sense that some of the all-time greats do just do standards. All things considered I still didn't know what to expect from this album but I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself listening and thinking, "Is this actually good?" It's not like Willy's voice is anything spectacular. It's smooth, it's subtle, but it works. And, it especially works on an album like this, where he can really put his own style into these classics. I didn't love every song, and I'm not here to say that this is a 10 out of 10 masterpiece or anything like that. But, it did make me realize that I've probably been sleeping on Willie Nelson. I honestly didn't even know that he was this major star in the 70s, and I certainly didn't know that this album of covers was as big of a hit as it was. Overall, a solid listen that probably earns a few extra marks from me from just exceeding expectations, but his arrangements of these standards truly are quite enjoyable.

I'm hooked. Honestly it had me at "Stardust... by Willie Nelson... Its ten songs consist entirely of pop standards that Nelson picked from among his favorites" Saving it to my favorites

Very gentle, sweet covers from the Great American Songbook. Different? Sure. Groundbreaking? Hardly.

Enjoyed this one more than I expected, having only known Willie Nelson for his political songs and the "Roll me up and smoke me" one. Had no idea he is actually a serious musician too, and a good one at that! Will definitely be coming back to this.

I think I would have hated a cover album of pop songs if it were put out by most artists. However, Willie Nelson is not most artists, and his fucking voice makes this shit work so well that I never question it while listening. Just exquisite 4/5

For most of my life, I dug Willie Nelson as a person more than a dug his music. And maybe I’m just getting old, but this album soothes my cynical soul. Beautiful.

It's fine, a bit boring though

Strong title track, moonlight in Vermont is beautiful. Good easy listening. Proper chill out album.

Entspannter start in die woche! War krank, deswegen leider nur ne kurze Review 🙄

da het mer en Tag voller Wüesti, Sand, Roote Felse und 7te Weltwunder hinder sich, immerno chli ide Schamane und Bedouine Energy und denn Schrillerets am Willie sin Sternestaub tüüf ih mis ghör-organ und vermasslet mer jedi Erinnerig zunere wanna-be-western-Landschaft und das het mi biz gstört, gibi zue. Hans denn abbroche und gib der nur e Chlapf ufs Füdli - mach das nüm Willie!

Schnurregiege here we go. Willie nelson aka segelspezialist. Ha namal müsse drilose welli alles vergesse han aber eigentli chamer scho es 3 geh. Es isch scho au sehr gmütlich

grüezi herr nelson, schön wiedermal vo ihne z‘ghöre! wie gads de frau und chind? muess säge hüt hed die üblichi ami-abneigig nöd so inekickt… bravo willie, uf dich isch ebe meistens scho verlass, vom sattel hesch mi aber trotzdem nöd ghaue darum gang ich‘s hüt usnahmswiis mal entspannt ah und chlöpf mer nur 3 gramm sternestaub hindere

Lovely

It's a nice album, not more nothing less. Perfectly listenable, good but not outstanding.

Good album. Slow, soulfull, emotional.

Nice and relaxing. Not what I was expecting.

I love Willie! * Nelson I mean ** Willie Nelson

God I love me some good solid Willie. It was a lil short, but size doesn't matter, it's the motion of the ocean

Such a beautiful melancholic album to ride to work to on a breezy morning, a blue colour pallet morning with a blue colour pallet album cover GIVE ME YOUR WILLIE WILLIE

Living legend, but a little sleepy. Not into it.

i know u guys are gonna jump me, but i think this is a very strong 4, i’m just not feeling a five here. i love it a lot, but i don’t know. that’s me man

Pre-listening thoughts: hooray album 200! Sadly still on the stretch of no female artists but this should be a nice change of pace from the loud 90s rock we've been slammed with. I almost don't care if it's dogshit. It's something different, and we haven't gotten a ton of country so far. I also have never listened to any Willie Nelson songs. We shall see about this one! Post/during listening thoughts: this is just really solid cover work. 22nd studio album is already crazy but then I learned he has recorded a whopping 102 studio albums thus far. But anyways, he really took all these songs and added a very homely/cozy quality that you don't get much with big theater and jazz standards like these. It's like a warm blanket of an album. When you can get a sense for an artist's identity on an album of purely covers, that's how you know they've really carved a place for themselves. 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: lowkey yeah. Everyone should hear how standards can be reimagined like this Fav tracks: yeah I enjoyed all of this sue me. I love any cover of September Song I can get my grubby little fingers on so that was obviously my favorite but Least fav tracks: none

Not bad, but not excellent either. For a country record, very mellow, almost reminiscent of John Denver and Kenny Rogers.

Oh so lovely, sweet Willie.

As soon as that easy organ/wurlitzer? keyboard hit on the opener "Stardust" I knew I was in for a soft, sweet treat. Willie has that Leonard Cohen ease to his delivery, it's so simplistic and surehanded. Like a nice warm hug. I got a lot out of "All of Me" for the square-dance-meets-lounge-music combination. Probably my highlight of the record. I was ready to turn my nose up at a pretty simple cover of "Unchained Melody" and there is fair reason for that - I dont think Willie's voice is cut out for those few high notes he reaches for. But man, all the same, the soft beating heart finds it's way to shine through in Willie's gentle delivery. An earnest cover. It's at this point in which all listener's have realized that they've been lulled a first half full of pleasant love songs. Another moment worth holding on for is when Willie adds a little muscle to his voice when counting of the months on "September", to then have it followed by a romantic plucky acoustic guitar solo. A true sign of a generational musical talent is an artist who can make the transition from their breakout sound to something more poppy, while still preserving what made them identifiable in the first place. Willie Nelson puts on a masterclass on how to do just that. We are lucky to hear it done with such ease on Stardust. Good Sunday listening that will put a smile on your face and help you breath a little easier. I was gonna go with a strong 4/5 stars, but this is undeniable - a total pleasure from beginning to end.

I infamously gave Johnny cash a 2 for the man comes around , an album that I ended up playing a ton and is easily under valued . ( I did get it Johnny a club day at Miami ) Stardust has similarities , it’s a cover album , the instrumentals are underspokn . I have generally stuck with a 2 for this beautiful but monotone albums and I don’t think I’ll regret this one

took me back to childhood and kitchen with mum

As an album of covers, this holds its weight. It would be easy for it to not seem heartfelt and important. Nelson clearly felt strongly about these tracks and his versions felt necessary.

Pleasant listening

it was.... nice? mostly boring

Well this was a nice surprise. This is amazing

this is a fall listen. unfortunately it's spring but I loved it nevertheless

The man The myth The Willie

Less country then expected

Meh. Nice pleasant songs but nothing I'll bother listening to again.

Normally not really a fan of cover albums (or country) but this is very gorgeous

this is an all time favorite

Not a country fan but I do enjoy me some Willie Nelson. He manages to tackle standards like only Willie can. This is a charming album. I won’t likely listen to it again anytime soon, but I’m not mad that I did.

Willie Nelson is a legend and this album was fantastic! I definitely need more Willie Nelson in my life.

not my type of music, listening to this on a casual 9-5 is not it

literal suena un poco como escuchar clásicos mirando las estrellas, muy lindo ❤

don‘t know that album

3.5

Didn't realize how great his cover songs are

I like his voice very much, unfortunately none of the songs really cought my ear.

another country album to get me to change my opinion on country music. Very cozy, can’t complain.

Meh. I appreciate what he did here. Not a giant fan of Willie, but I have to respect it. Reminds me of Johnny Cash's covers of songs and releasing late in his life - but...the incredible thing Cash did is cover songs from all over the place, including current songs like NIN - which is just so intense and sad when you watch the video it is amazing. Many hate it but I absolutely love it. This album is sort of a snoozer - it's about exactly what I would expect it to sound like before I even started listening to it. It's a lot of older slow mellow songs redone in his style, but nothing completely awesome here. I keep comparing to Cash - but what Cash did was totally revise the originals in his own style - this was like just putting Willie's voice into an old song - which to me wasn't very exciting. I'm going to go a little lower here because I just don't think the goal here was accomlished.

I really enjoyed what Willie did here. While many of the songs were slower, they all this romantic flare to them that really just made want to slow dance with the one you love in the kitchen at 2 in the morning. Covering so many classics with his iconic voice also made this is an enjoyable listen. Probably won’t listen straight through again, but I was smiling through the entire thing.

Me gustó, todo parece el soundtrack perfecto para un domingo o un día lluvioso, buen sonido, concreto, no va a ser mí favorito pero me sorprendí disfrutándolo

This whole album is cozy. A delight.

So calming.

9/10

It's a pleasant enough cover album. But it makes you wonder why this album became Willie Nelson's biggest seller.

pretty cool, nothing groundbreaking!

Nice mellow willie

I was surprised how much I liked this record. I am hungover and maybe that played a role in my feelings. This was very chill and I even listened to it a second time. Lots of cover songs - great stuff.

I said no country and Willie Nelson is famously country, so... we'll see. Very weird knowing some of these songs. I'm not really a fan of these interpretations but after 5 songs, they're not entirely unpleasant. It's almost jazz country? Realizing now that I don't think I've ever actually heard Willie Nelson before. I would never choose to listen to this album, but it was a lot better than I expected and there are some beautiful moments. Really fascinating that he wanted to make an album of his favorite pop songs from his childhood with Booker T. Jones developing the instrumental arrangements, which quite frankly shine in several songs.

Kósý Willie.

Ósköp tilþrifalítið og meinlaust. Minnti á söngvara að spila róleg coverlög á kokteilbar. Skil ekki hvað þessi plata er að gera á þessum lista, Willie á betra skilið.

Thought I would love this, but no stand out tracks and felt a bit generic 4/10

Gorgeous album of "classic pop" songs like the elementary school favorite "Blue Skies". A mix of classic pop, jazz, soul and country. A bit front-heavy, as the schtick wears its course. Still 4/5

I don’t know if all the songs are covers but a lot are. And they’re lovely. 4/5

It was good but i don't think it's as influential on me as the other albums provided

Laid-back, vocal-based songs is probably my least favorite type music as there's usually not much to catch my ear. Not saying that Stardust is bad—the vocals here are great, and the instrumentation is… fine, I guess. I just didn't particularly care for any of the songs here since this kind of music is not for me. It was a little underwhelming. 5/10

The best songs on this record are amazing. The rest are pretty darn good. A pleasure.

Canciones antiguas pero cantadas como baladas, interesante.

Not my taste

Chill

Gute Songs dabei. Stardust, all of me .. unchained melody. Gutes country, folk album.

Well produced and sounds great. However, country star sings standards isn't really my preference. It is wild to think that a popular country artist could make a well produced cover album in ten days and have it stay on the charts for 10 years and go double platinum. Different ecosystem for music in the 70s and 80s I guess. (5 known . 7 new)

A nice album of easy listening covers. Nothing revolutionary but well executed. 3.5

Willie had a joint, a guitar and a dream. I’m glad he achieved them because our ears are better off for them. I usually hate cover albums but this one grabbed me from the jump and simply refused to let me go.

Willie Nelson has a way of taking the familiar and turning into his own thing. being biased as I am because I think the Great American Songbook is some of the US's best contributions to popular music and with this release, some 20-50 years after the genre's peak (depending on how you want to define it thanks to the resurgence in the 70s), in wanders this long haired cowboy with his wonky guitar and turns songs like Unchained Melody into a heartbreaking song of solitude. 5/5

wasn’t a big fan of country music before this. favorite track: stardust other picks: georgia on my mind, all of me, moonlight in vermont

Second Willie Nelson album on the list so far and that’s 2 times 5 stars! Just straight up beautiful! 💆‍♂️

The most I’ve been able to enjoy a country album

Extrem entspanntes Album - sicher super zum Abschalten Sehr melancholisch - Old school Country

70er SingerSongwriter Richtung slow romantic Bluesjazz. Der Typ macht aber eigentlich Country à la on the road again. Slow Guitar mit Mundharmonika ist aber trotzdem dabei.

reincarnated into a silly goofy dog under the starry sky in the countryside

I like his cover of unchained melody, v tender.

Enjoyable listen with fun songs and interesting covers. The record feels fresh and Willie does a great job at catching the emotions in the songs, like unchained melody, be it in a country style, which was great. The record does lack in originality, as the record is only made of covers. Nonetheless the new style make up for it and overall the album is just fun and relaxing to listen to. Favorite song: September song. Overall score: 7.2/10.

This is like I'm hanging out by the campfire with some old cowboys just jamming to some tunes. Legitimately surprised by how much I am enjoying this.

What a lovely album! There's a reason these songs are considered standards and Willie does a great job interpreting them. Favorites: Stardust, Don't Get Around Much Anymore Would I listen to it again: Yes

An exceptional album by the great singer/writer Willie Nelson. It highlights the clarity of his unique sound, love by many. A great collection of classic songs, performed brilliantly.

Cute, but not my style. 1 star. XOXO -Maggie

Probably really 2.5 stars, but: (1) this thing doesn't let me give 1/2 stars; and (2) it deserves an extra star for managing to get me all the way to "this isn't that bad" and thus somewhat overcome my lifelong anti-Willie bias derived from my Dad hating him and call him "The Bedbug."

What a pleasant and optimistic lil album

This was really good. Not really a big Willie Nelson guy typically (but maybe I should be?). Just very pleasant, mellow jams. On the other hand, this album doesn't have a ton of tonal contrast, but it was pleasant as I did my work. Highlights: Blue Skies Georgia on my Mind--Is this an original take? I don't think so, but its a great standard performed well Don't Get around much anymore and someone to watch over me is a very strong finish for the album

Willie Nelson was formative in my development of an appreciation of country and folk music, turning me into the closeted country lover that I am today. Growing up, my exposure was mostly through compilation albums promising "The Very Best of" that my parents would play on road trips. I don't think I realized just how many came from this single album.

Willie or won’t he release something that is not BORING

songs to sob in the bus to

lindíssimo som de violão e um maravilhoso opener, seguido de algumas faixas que já não sobressaíram tanto assim pra mim mas é relaxante e bonito o suficiente pra eu sei lá se pá colocar quando não tiver ideia do que ouvir

Good

Loved it

I respect Willie Nelson, but I’m not a fan of his voice. I listened to the whole album which was not unpleasant and had some nice highlights, however I will not return to this album.

Musically, this is fine. However, I’m not sure why it makes the 1001 list and I can’t imagine ever listening to it again.

There's a time and a place for this album and the covers are respectful

En coverskiva med gamla låtar. Det är inte överdrivet bra om jag ska vara ärligt. Inte värdelösa heller. Men jag känner ändå att de är "meh". Man måste vara mentalt på rätt plats för att njuta känner jag, det är sisådär. Lite för mjäkig och oinspirerande. Men som sagt, tillräckligt smånajs för att ändå ha på (inte för att jag kommer lyssna någonsin igen :) )

Lyssnade på denna på ett tåg där jag satt och tittade ut på en solnedgång över ett vinterlandskap, så det var onekligen helt perfekta förutsättningar för en bra upplevelse. Gillar Willie generellt också, så det blir en stabil fyra.

Not my type of music... Country + Jazz

Maybe the first full country album I've listened to. Honestly, a good introduction to the genre proper. (also, OK, the album's sound really was exactly like the title, OK, nice)

I feel like a bit of a fool having dismissed Willie's songwriting and singing for so long. While there are a couple of tracks here that feel a bit cliche', his understated performance still makes them a really good listen. This was a really good album.

Interesting sound, but personally not a big fan of folk-type. Apparently not original songs either so eh.

07/01/24 I have never listened to Willie Nelson and it was a chilled album, erring on the side of boring.

this guy is like the most one-dimensional singer in the world i cant fucking stand any more of these singer songwriter folk country fucking albums how many of them are here? you could group 100 of them into one album and just skip all this repetitive shit fuck man its so annoying it hurts me in my knees NNN

Great album cover, nice calm stuff here. Pleasantly surprised

i didnt know these songs were covers because i've never heard the originals but they're definitely willie's songs to me now

Nice but not for me

честно не дослушала мб потом вернусь но у меня аллергия уже на губную гармошку

послушал вчера, но уже даже не помню , что почувствовал, но вроде не все так плохо было

old folksy country sound, liked this well enough

Very Willie Nelson and a lot of cover songs

Not a fan of country. However... it's peaceful and charming.

Loving the guitar aspect of Blue Skies and All of Me. Loved Stardust, the first song on the album. Strong start. His voice is slow yet so beautiful. This is my first time listening to the whole album, and I'm loving it.

Annoying voice, mostly covers, commercial sound production: really not my thing.

Makes you realize how old Willie Nelson really is. 3 stars or C-.

Wonderful.

It feels country but beyond the genre. Blues and other elements contribute and i love this album

I, at first was like "Nah, I don't want to listen to a Willie Nelson album... come on!" Then I did. What? This album is not some down on the luck hard drinkin' gamblin man album... it is .. I don't even think it is really country per se... more bluesy or contemporary... with a somewhat country vibe... but still. Damn. This album is... To be honest? Great! It blew me away. It took like no time to for it to suddenly be over and I could have been fine listening longer. He does a bunch of covers and they are superb. This was honestly a shocker for me. I had like zero expectations and got a deep, emotional crooner just letting it go. Wow!

nothing wrong with it, but not my type of music. none of the singer-songwriters really are

Nice chill classic country.

It is a 2 with mercy.

Made me cry multiple times. Four stars.

As this plays on, I realize this is a cover album. Willie albums are so pleasing to the ears, and I like the cover choices here. Solid album that gets a 4 from me. Love me some Willie!

Just from the opener, I thought, "I'm going to need to own this album." Such a harken back to a yesteryear that never was, immediately nostalgic but unique. The remaining covers didn't change my mind. I never thought any version of "Unchained Melody" could rival the original, but here we are, equally painstakingly beautiful. There's a quality in Willie's voice that is aged, deliberate, and at ease, so every song he sings seems to impart a sense of learned wisdom. The arrangements here perfectly complement Willie's voice and create a timelessly classic and round sound. I can hear the analog here, despite me listening to this off of YouTube. I'll be picking this one up.

This is a collection of old standards, Johnny Mercer type songs, covered in a fairly straightforward way by Willie Nelson, with respectful yet slightly country-fied arrangements. The vibe is smooth and calm, the perfect accompaniment for pleasant, chill moments at home. I generally like Willy's playing, honest way of singing, but for me there were a few times on this album that I couldn't help but compare his version to an older version I was more familiar with, especially with Unchained Melody and Georgia On My Mind. The Righteous Brothers and Ray Charles did such iconic versions of those, that, to me, it's almost like setting yourself up to fail by comparison, like those kids that go on American Idol and audition with a Whitney Houston song. I wasn't as distracted for the songs I didn't have as strong of an association with a previous version.

Willie's voice is smooth and relaxing. Though not necessarily my kind of music, it is easy listening and straightforward. The standouts on this album for me are Blue Skies and Georgia on my mind.

It was a little slow for me

How relaxing is this album. Not too long either, a nice in and out experience. I can really see myself listening again to fit a calm mood.

Christmas eve. Willie Nelson tin Pan alley covers album. Yeah, absolutely fair enough. Couple of them are pretty forgettable, but it's a nice relaxing listen for today.

Beautiful, classy country music, great album

The fact that Willie Nelson made such a lovely album should be all the argument you need that weed should be universally legal.

I've looked forward to this album because I have enjoyed every song I had heard prior. This is not an "exciting" Willie Nelson and I can see why his record company did not want their outlaw country artist to start singing Moonlight in Vermont and Unchained Melody. It works though. This is a wonderful album and Nelson's voice perfectly fits these songs. He's like other country artists who have not gotten their due as a crooner. Just because they don't try doesn't mean they can't do. I think if you don't like country music then you will still like this album. Some standard albums feel like they are aiming for the heart of the old timers just to sell albums, Stardust does not feel that way. Wonderful record.

Calm, quiet and relaxing but surprisingly not in a stoner kind of way.

i don’t typically listen to country music, but i liked this. i liked his take on most of the covers; especially georgia on my mind. i’m gonna take this as a sign to dive deeper into willie nelson’s discography. i’m surprised i hadn’t done so sooner! 3/5

His voice is glorious but this album is a snooze. When the pace picked up a bit I enjoyed it but unfortunately it was pretty slow throughout

decent

I like Willie but this record seems out of place. Well done, but not for me.

6/10. It's pleasant, it's peaceful, and it's relaxing. Sadly, it isn't really for me.

Willie Nelson and Booker T. Jones here pair up for what is literally a heist or a hold up : recording classic jazz and broadway standards for an album that would help Nelson cross over from his outlaw country audience to more general ones. It worked fine for him in the charts, and decades later, the LP is still pleasant to listen to -- very dignified, and yet also unobtrusive and unpretentious, even if not particularly challenging. The instrumentation is top-notch of course, Nelson hits all the right buttons as a vocal performer, and the familiarity one can have with those songs can help you appreciate the whole thing for what it is. To this day, I'm still wondering if this album is not a little too "safe", though. But if you picture yourself listening to these songs under a starry vault, as suggested by the record's artwork, maybe you'll fall under its many charms... 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums 8.5/10 for more general purposes (5 + 3.5) Number of albums left to review: around a hundred, as I've gone over the 1000 line and this generator is including albums from all editions of the book Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 443 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 266 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 322

Willie!! I didn't realize!! Incidentally, harmonica solos are my weakness 😍

Festivus came early this year as this is a traditional album (along with Billy Joel) to be played that day. This I know of course from watching the entire series of Seinfeld on DVD with the added "notes about nothing" extra info. And the Festivus Wikipedia page or something. Anyway I like it

Sounds good, but not interesting.

Ihan passelia kappaletta, mutta ei omaan makuun toiminut oikein mikään.

Delightful listen. Probably wouldn't bust this out again, but glad to have listened to it.

Enjoyable.

This album almost made me cry. I listened in the car while snow was falling down. I love his voice, its simplicity and lack of straining. I love the care you can hear. I loved unchained melody.

Wholesome as whell

Sleep well, willie

Halfway through I realized these are all covers. I thought some of the titles were familiar. Sunny side of the Street was on that bluegrass album as well. All of Me was particularly lovely and it’s not surprising to me that it’s a Billie Holiday song. It’s kind of a sleepy album and I think that’s just Willie’s style. Very mellow, almost melancholy. Aside from my personal subjective taste I can’t say there’s a flaw to it, it’s just not for me. It’s pleasant, but it’s like looking at someone else’s memories. I appreciate the beauty but I’m not connected to it very deeply. Some of the original versions of these songs go hard and I think I would’ve preferred a compilation album of the originals than Willie’s versions.

having never sat down and listened to an album my Willie Nelson before, this was the perfect one to start out with. This was super enjoyable to listen to. I was expecting a much heavier country influence, and a lot more twang in the lyrics... but that wasn't the case at all. I would definitely listen to this one again.

I’ve always loved this album. One of the original vinyls that I got from my grandfather that got me into collecting. I didn’t really know anything about this album when I got it. I had just picked it out cuz of Willie but then I happened to watch this Netflix documentary thing and they were discussing this album a lot. Apparently this was peak Willie Nelson in his outlaw country phase and the studio kept pushing him to do more of the same and he was like, nah, ima do my own thing, and made this album of old standards, which by this point, was pretty worn out and people weren’t really doing anymore. What came out of it is a really no nonsense, zero frills album that on the surface you could argue that this is a pretty boring, nothing spectacular kind of thing. What I’ve come to realize though is that is kind of the point. It gives enough spin on the original song to make it uniquely Willy but still honors those classic compositions by just letting the songwriting speak for itself and prove why these songs are considered standards.

Pleasant throughout. Low 3 for me.

A really pleasant album to listen to, and the first time I’ve ever listened to a Willie Nelson album from front to back. I enjoyed it, I just don’t know how I feel about giving an album of covers a four.

Matt 1.0 first introduced this album to me. It was on in the background while we were having a conversation. The conversation was constantly interrupted as I stopped part way into a song to ask "wait, is this?..." and Matt would respond with a "Yep!". This is a perfect way to do an album of cover songs. Willie really makes each of these his own. It's not perfect, but you can't help to love recognizing a song 40 seconds in. Right before the first chorus is about to start. A great album, and I'm glad I know about it.

Underwhelmed by the last Willie Nelson album, and this started badly with a schmaltzy title track. It picked up after that, with his versions of Georgia on My Mind, Blue Skies, and All of Me, but then I drifted away from the rest of the album.

1. i like willie nelson 2. i didn’t know he had an album of covers. 3. sounds like the muppets a little bit

Very Radio 2. Not for me.

This was the relaxing comedown that I needed after particularly uneasy start to the morning. Willie Nelson's voice is like no other. It's almost spoken word, yet still so soulful.

Finally a great country

Nice

Second album de Willie Nelson après Red Headed Stranger, que je n'avais pas du tout apprécié. Cette nieme version de standards n'amène rien du tout. Sa version de All of me n'a vraiment aucun intérêt, il aurait pu faire une impro guitare intéressante au lieu de reprendre le thème. Je me suis arrêté juste après ... =>1/5

1 stern

Easy listening with some lovely tracks.

I was familiar with this one already. It's enjoyable throughout, but very mellow. It's mainly covers Willie liked to sing. I know this is widely well regarded but I don't see the innovation or impact, only the longevity. Everyone loves his versions of "Georgia On My Mind", "Sunny Side Of The Street" & "Blue Skies", but I think the highlight may be "Stardust", its beautifully sung & the guitar is lovely. "All Of Me" is also a standout track. His version of "Unchained Melody" is a stretch and seems forced. It's a solid lineup of songs delivered at a high level. While good & critically adored, not sure I'd have it in the Top 1001. No big hits and no innovation but it's awesome winter-in-front-of-the-fireplace music.

4/5 This was my first time listening to Willie Nelson, and the album had a warm, mellow vibe that perfectly matched the December mood. The length felt just right, and it was a soothing, enjoyable listen overall. The subtle jazz influence was a standout for me, especially as someone who loves jazz. That said, a bit more variation in tone or tempo could have elevated it to perfection while maintaining its cozy atmosphere.

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

Fun cover songs by willie

Folk music isn’t totally my jam, but I would happily listen to this once a quarter. Easy listening, cred to Stardust and Blue Skies- bangers

Good background music

A few good ones, a lot that sounded similar. Would listen again but not add to playlist

I really liked this album. It was relaxing. There are some memorable songs, but it generally just passed by like a calm wave for me. I will definitely go back to this album.

Willie does pop standards? Sure why not. Pretty good too. Flawless choice of songs. Arrangements that perfectly compliment Willie's voice. A very satisfying album that is hard to criticize. 4 stars

simply, incredibly lovely. i played this album a second time immediately after the first. it 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. a miracle 4.5/5

Поднадоело кантри :)))

Classic!

I really loved it. We all know these songs. And we've heard a million versions of them. Every other well-known artist has brought their own unique sound and meanings (mostly through their vocals), be it grandiosity, overwhelming longing or endless pain. But Willie Nelson has brought the serenity and acceptance of your fate. No hard feelings. Nelson's vocals are so calm and tender. So are the instruments. There is no storm of emotions but it doesn't mean there is no emotions at all. It's just about having this modest inner strength and not making a big deal of what your life brings. Perfect album for a demure autumn day, which is what today is. 08.01.25 update: it's been 3 weeks now and I find myself returning to this album very often. It calms and comforts me.

The harmonica on these tracks sounds amazing and epically beautiful. Willie’s voice in this context really sparkles. Just beautiful, fun and playful arrangements. Really enjoyed the experience.

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.

Very nice

5 stars for blue skies alone

Warm and cozy cover album from one of the greatest country songwriters of the 20th century. Took Willie 25+ years to be able to play the music he wanted to. And he did a great job doing so.

найс, подойдет для чилла или на фон под романтический ужин

Good old Willie! Wow, this album came out in 1979 so I guess his voice has always sounded like that. Weird this album came out when they were in their "Outlaw" phase when it's such a chill rendition of old hits. To me, this album is fine. Not my thing.

back on form after the zutons yesterday best song: georgia on my mind worst song: n/a

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.

Cover album, a little boring. 1001?

Good folk/popular, great attitude

Very sweet :)

Okay. We all know I have a Willie bias, but, c’mon, this album is great! Willie got a bum rap for his singing, but he acquits himself nicely and throws in some solid guitar playing to accompany. He really can do most anything he wants musically. Just because it’s not all original material…

Bought this on vinyl a few years ago and it’s grown on my every year since. Was the first Willie album I heard and I could see why he’s so popular. His interpretation of these standards are subtle and warm. Perfect vinyl to put on on a Saturday afternoon.

Ein Song „Unchained Melody“ in der dargestellten Interpretation ist ein Meisterwerk mit „Gänsehaut“ Garantie. Die übrigen Songs flachen dagegen ab und wirken wie zeitlose background Songs in der gehobenen Hotelbar mit Whisky und Zigarre.

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!

didn’t completely finish listening, but what I heard was great. i’ll continue it later on!

What’s the worst thing you can hear while you’re going down on Willie Nelson? “I’m not really Willie Nelson.”

Like lying in a Lukewarm bath that is rapidly getting cold. There were moments when I thought I was enjoying it, but then I just wanted to move on and get out of the bath. Made me go back and listen and appreciate his country music.

My heart sank a little at the prospect of listening to a Willie Nelson album of covers. But actually… I really enjoyed it. His voice is great, such control of vibrato. The band sound great too, lovely guitar sound. Ultimately it’s a little bit slight, but I did enjoy it.

Not really my bag, but rather lovely nonetheless

Had no idea this existed, the concept seems kinda unhinged at first glance. Initial favorites are Blue Skies and Sunny Side. Unchained Melody seemed like a misstep to me but I’m not really a fan of that song to begin with. And Moonlight In Vermont was like doing a shot of perfume. This is really good (in the sense that it’s like sincere, or benevolent.) Like, it’s Lawful Good. Also the only really unusual thing about this album is that someone thought of this idea and executed it in the first place. But I mean overall if you truly hated this you’d have to have a heart of ice.

I love Willie Nelson, and this was a lovely album, but it also felt like a slightly odd choice for this list. To me, it's best suited to the right mood and environment - I'm thinking winter, cozy, gentle snow outside - but I'm not sure how to rate it for everyday listening. Three stars, I think?

It's a solid overview of American Standards

Well jump a shark long in the tooth. By golly, I will use you! This will be my scene music for stereotypical middle class American old folks, in white picket fence romance, apple pie !

Quite nice initially but then I got a bit sleepy tbh 😴

Beautiful. All of it. Everything about it.

A True Music Legend singing legendary songs written by others from his past that influenced his songs. Fantastic.

Fall dinner background music

A very lullaby-like album comprised of mostly covers, which Willie does well.

Meh...don't dislike WN, but uninspired covers don't really get me excited. 2/5

Thoroughly enjoyed, added a few to my playlist

I'm quite surprised I enjoy this one. Most of the time with these calmer albums I find they need something a little bit more to add to them to make them more enjoyable, but this one was different. Whether it was his voice or the mood I was in I'm not sure, but this is one I will definitely be revisiting.

Some old classics, chilled time. Slightly dated

stardust- and this isnt stairway to heaven? 5 georgia on my mind- 4 or 5 blue skies- 4 or 5 all of me- billie did it better. pretty good though. 5 unchained melody- 5 september song- 5 on the sunny side of the street- 6 or 7 moonlight in vermont- 5 dont get around much anymore- 5 or 6 someone to watch over me- 5 it was fine

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.

Muy buen disco. Es como un country más melódico, alternativo.

not bad, easy listening.

Peak Willie.

While I appreciate Willie’s style this album didn’t hit for me.

What a curious album. I wasn’t at all sure about the idea, then I sort of liked it, then it seemed a bit saccharine in places. It certainly surprised me and was perfectly pleasant, but there’s not really anything much to bring me back again. It’s certainly a curious choice for this list. Not sure exactly what the critic that put this forward was thinking really as it is all a bit sweet and sticky and there doesn’t seem anything overly notable about it.

A fairly good album, I liked the song Someone to Watch Over Me the most.

Not really massively into Country, but this was alright.

this made me feel sleepy but in a pleasant way

that was nice. very pretty

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

All covers. Not my favorite Willie Nelson, (and given how much my father hated his voice, I feel guilty saying it) but I think he has a melancholy to his voice that works with some of these oldie but goodies. That said, I prefer him singing his own songs overall.

Really wasn't prepared for this one. Fantastic production, love the vocals, songs are amazing. They are all covers, but Willie's takes are excellent. Favourite tracks: Georgia On My Mind, Blue Skies, Unchained Melody, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Don't Get Around Much Anymore

I wanna yank those redhead pigtails right off his stupid scalp

Willie’s voice is indistinguishable. I love the covers, and the originals are good too.

Willie doing all covers. Interesting idea. Well done, but not amazing.

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.

Willie’s greatest inspiration was Frank Sinatra. Here, he shows that he can wield the power of American pop standards just as powerfully as Frankie ever did. 4.5/5

Such a comforting and relaxing album, very short but full ouf soul and emotions

Country style music, it’s okay I guess :)

Nice mellow jams. Would listen again.

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.

I’m at a 4. I really, really liked the first half of this album, and then the second half of the album gave me Ella Fitzgerald-adjacent PTSD of the Great American Songbook. That is to say, I think the first half of this album really clicks on a good middle ground between his contemporaries and the “classics” of his time, and the instrumentation that guides them feels like his own. He takes control of those songs in a way that feels good for 1978, and just as good in 2024. The second half of this album throws out that middle ground to focus entirely on the 30s and 40s, and while there’s not a single bad track on the album, it definitely felt like he was in less control of them, and just covering them mostly as they were, and the album sort of loses his touch. I do think what’s here is good – the Georgia on My Mind cover especially blew me away, and when this album clicks, it really clicks. I just feel like it sort of got… boring near the end. Not like, “dear God, end the album already” boring, but a lot of the back half felt like it touched on topics already explored and covered in the first half, and that redundancy, mixed with the slower tempo of everything started to make me feel drowsy, for some reason. It’s not like I was literally getting bored to sleep or anything, but the instrumentation was so calming and serene, with his vocals so soft-spoken that it simply created the perfect environment to get to that point. When I say it’s “boring”, I simply mean that the energetic songs, or at least the more bombastic instrumentation and tempo go away, and their lack of presence throughout that second half creates a sort of homogeneity that drags the album down to a 4 for me. It is Willie Nelson, though, and who am I to talk shit on his music taste? The band does a great job, his vocals are stellar, and the emotional pull of every song is left intact here; it is a good album, and a recommended one. If nothing else, that Georgia on My Mind cover gets this album to a 3 by itself, but for me, the entire package is worthy of a 4. It could totally go up to a 5 though.

Just perfect. Willie is the GOAT.

"Stardust", released in 1978, is one of Willie Nelson's most iconic albums, marking a significant transition in his career and solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist. This album is a collection of American music classics, reimagined by Nelson with his unmistakable and emotional interpretation. The production of "Stardust" is notable for its welcoming and cohesive sound. Produced by Fred Foster, the album combines elements of country, pop and jazz, creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. The instrumentation includes string arrangements and soft piano, which complement Nelson's distinctive voice, providing an immersive and nostalgic soundscape. "Stardust" remains a landmark in Willie Nelson's career, showcasing his ability to reinterpret classic songs in a unique and personal way. The warm, cohesive production coupled with her emotional delivery makes this album timeless, resonating with new listeners and longtime fans alike. It's a testament to Nelson's talent and a celebration of the songs that shaped American music.

Sweet, but also boring

Seems to be Willie Nelson insisting on recording a handful of his own personal favourites, rather than finding covers that would actuallly fit him. Obviously there is the musicianship here as it should be, but weird picks, like Unchained Melody and All of me. He does not make a difference here.

I think I liked it?

cozy covers

i want to like it i just can't get into it nice to hear the album with Georgia on my Mind

A nice album that is pretty heartfelt. Great music to relax and reflect on.

Ja snap dat het impactvol is maarja

Not my usual type of music but lovely for a drive plus a great version of Unchained Melody.

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

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

Blue skies, unchained melody

Stardust Moonlight in Vermont

Blind album and artist. Know the name of course. I can understand the appeal, and I thought it was alright.

3.5 stars. Willie Nelson switches from country outlaw to cover some pop hits in his soft, easy vocal style. He puts a simple yet nice spin on things and it is a pleasant listen if not a revelation. Standout "Moonlight in Vermont"

This was fine

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.

Stardust is slow sing-songy covers of popular country songs. Bound to be a commercial success, not sure that makes it worthy the 1001 must hear before ya die list. But here it is. To me, this is like Willie put out a Christmas album. Everyone is familiar with the songs and he’s a popular musician so it’s gonna sell. This one looses points for lack of originality. It’s not a bad album, but it’s country. (1.9*s)

I didn't recognize a single one of these songs as covers and also didn't know that Willie has this many albums (this being his 22nd). Off the bat this sounded way more jazzy and schmaltzy that I expected for him but I still didn't really need to hear it. It's not terrible but it's not good either. It's a weak, old, light 2.15.

An album chock full over pop covers sung by a stoner country guy is not what I would expect on the list. How this became such a chart topping, award winning, quadruple platinum album is insane. Too many old fogies buying this snooze fest? No more Willie please...1.1.

Unfortunately the second Willie Nelson album in two weeks. This is in line with the prior album. It's not bad by any means but doesn't move the needle for me at all. Really slow light country songs are made for someone but its not me. Nothing against Willie but two albums was all I need for the next 10 years. 1.30 stars