Reviews (page 6 of 13)
Fallout: New Vegas OST
Yeehaw
El Paso is one of the greatest songs ever. The rest were some very good country and western songs too.
While the first track on the album is legendary thanks to a certain Nevada-based game which I will try to not name as a challenge, the other songs on today's record do certainly hold up on their own regard, with The Master's Call being a highlight for me. Pretty solid 4 in my book.
I'm not a fan of country music and thought I was going into this blind. Turns out that I already knew a couple of the songs. El Paso was in Breaking Bad and I've heard a cover of Big Iron, although I didn't know it was a cover until now. The storytelling in this album is top notch. I love the vivid imagery that each song paints. Most songs on this album are brilliant, although I feel there a couple that fall a little short.
Grateful Dead has covered El Paso, so when I heard it, it was the Leonardo DiCaprio meme. Good listen, not in my normal wheelhouse, but that’s why I’m doing this challenge. Would listen to some of the songs again.
This was great! My Grandpa is a huge Marty Robbins fan but I've never really bothered to listen to him. A great album. Great songs, great musicians, what a voice! And these songs really tell some great and even dark stories. I got chills when I heard "They're Hanging Me Tonight". This is the best new album I've discovered on this list so far.
Great voice (if a bit formal and over-trained), crisp and professional delivery. Not the most darkly-delivered murder ballads, but the rich smoothness of the voice and polished playing contrast intriguingly with the grim content. However, there is a paradox in hearing a condemned man and one dying of thirst voice their plights in such balanced, even polished, fashion. Personally one likes the close mixture of thanos and eros especially when there's a backing chorus that seems to sing for uplift (e.g., "The Hanging Tree). A true piece of Americana, this, and quite worth hearing, even if it's not exactly outlaw country.
Va duro.
There’s an unhurried grace to these songs, a kind of quiet confidence. It calls to mind the storytelling style of Willie Nelson, but more grounded and direct. The melodies are timeless, and the lyrics are vivid, like stepping into a sepia-toned memory.
I loved this so much more than I was expecting to. His voice is truly lovely, and the backing vocals complement him so nicely. And not only is the storytelling great, the lyrics flow like water, the meter a perfect match for the melody. And the melodies! One of my favorite moments is that climb and fall on the word wind in El Paso. Delightful. This is what I'd been hoping for when I had my Waylon Jennings album, which, while still good, just didn't leave the same impression that this did. When I listen to country music, this belongs in the rotation.
Really great. Enthusiastic and candy like while cartoonishly dark and morbid. What a fun piece of history.
My initial reaction was “uuuugghh no thank you” but honestly, embarrassingly liked it. Catchy and sweet
This album might more properly be called "Songs About My Own Violent Death" but you gotta give credit to Marty Robbins, he writes a hell of a tune. It's crazy that this album was recorded in 8 hours. His voice sounds great, and his ballads are all fun stories (that generally end in his violent death) 4/5
Unique and perfect for this list. The voice is impeccable and the story telling is top notch
Favorite Track: El Paso
I can get behind county like this
4.5 Outlaw country. A couple epic songs: Big Iron, El Paso
This is what I would be if I was a cowboy. Just four part harmonies with my boys, posing, and singing lil story songs.
favourite song - the little green valley favourite lyric - but the weight upon the saddle had not been felt before / his backcinch snapped like thunder and he fell by lenore / picking up the blanket he swung it over his head / and started cross the prairie, "lay still lenore" he said cover - 5/10 album overall - 4/5
Not a single skip I fear……
A selection of soft country western songs with each song telling a story.
Breaking Bad reference!
Yup
A little samesie, but I won't knock Marty for a-knowing what he knows.
I have listened to this record for over 40 years. It somehow makes the violent, tragic, and hopeful world of the old west in the US come alive beautifully. I am a fan of Marty, and even enjoy his Hawaiian music. Check it out!
Made me want to be a gunfighter. Tons of fun.
Actually suffers a little from being listened to as an album - every song is solid but they lose impact sat right next to each other.
I enjoyed this, it sounded like every country song ever to appear on a Tarantino soundtrack.
Não sabia que tinhamos um country progressivo. Muito boa as letras e a voz do Marty Robbins. Big Iron é um faroeste caboclo melhorado..
This starts off with a -1 star rating purely because of the goofy ass album cover. I joke of course but wow it's awful. Anyway, this is half an hour of songs about the wild west and gunslingers. It evokes imagery of being in a saloon with duelling pistols at dawn going on outside. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this, but Marty Robbins' voice is like smooth liquid gold and the tracks are just catchy and fun. 'El Paso' swings along nicely. The vocal line actually sounds like a gallop. 'Big Iron' is the most famous apparently and I can see why. This and 'The Masters Call' are the best offerings. They sound very similar, you could probably sing one over the other and it would fit. They both have this rhyming couplet thing going on where the first line ends with a higher tone and the second line ends with a lower tone. It gets stuck in your head. Overall it does start to get a bit samey towards the end, but I can't believe I enjoyed this as much as I did. I'm glad it's on this list and I was able to discover it!
Listened to this while playing Isofarian Guard. The music totally and game pairing was super weird, but also worked with all the battles. I enjoyed this a whole lot more than I was expecting to.
Fun ballads. 45 minutes is enough. ;-)
Great story teller, some classic songs. The guitar gets a bit repetitive
I've listened to this before! I love outlaw country and I like a good story song, even though these are gruesome. I remember playing this at home and my mum asking me to play anything else after listening to how violent these are. You do get a bit tired of the same sound, but I generally find this a pretty pleasant listen. I love the strong Mexican influence. 4/4.5
A great listen. This is why I like the Albums Generator, as I'd have never come across this otherwise!
Westerns distilled with an awesome voice. I cannot imagine a better execution of the concept, not my thing but glad it exists
Times have changed. Cowboys song about killing, loving, or the country. Nothing else.
Day 47 - October 7th, 2024 ROOTIN TOOTIN COWBOY SHOOTIN. 4/5
For this review, I will not be factoring in the bonus tracks included in the CD reissue. I’ve heard of Marty Robbins before as a country singer-songwriter, often cited as a pioneer in the subgenre of outlaw country. The one song I knew from him prior was “Big Iron”, which not only serves as a strong opener to this album but it has since gained a wide resurgence in popularity from its inclusion in the Fallout: New Vegas video game soundtrack. I’d say the rest of my enjoyment with Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs is about on par with that opening track. Marty had such a knack for effortlessly crooning and singing baritone whilst strumming away on his guitar, as him and his backing band run the gamut through tales of the Wild West with a fair amount of cover songs played decently. Probably the only complaint to be had is that the album is rather one-note. Most of these songs are standard tempo and sticking to the Wild West aesthetic. It’s certainly pleasant to listen to, though outside of “Big Iron”, “El Paso” and his cover of Curley Fletcher’s “The Strawberry Roan”, there’s not much else here that uniquely stands out. Still at the end of day, I had a good time with Gunfighter Ballads. If you like your country western, or need a good soundtrack for traversing a retrofuturistic nuclear wasteland, then this album comes with a strong recommendation.
One of the most American sounding things I've ever heard. New quite a few tracks but never knew who recorded them. I doubt this will be something I listen to often, but I enjoyed listening through it once.
Such a cinematic country album. Definitely sounds like a classic cowboy album. And El Paso has the Felina breaking bad reference! I'd say don't judge a book by it's cover but in this case you really get the image on the front for this.
Интересный альбом, в духе своего времени, каждая песня как мини вестерн
YES DUDE!!!!!! YEEHAW!!!!! highlights: a hundred and sixty acres, they’re hanging me tonight, billy the kid, el paso (dec 19 2024)
cowboy
Thoroughly enjoyed that album. The Masters Call was my favorite song.
western elvis
Este es el álbum de canciones del Oeste por excelencia. Incluye canciones de amor y clásicos anónimos de la tradición americana. Sus historias son las repetidas una y otra vez en la gran pantalla, pero cantadas con una emoción, como en "Big Iron" o "El Paso", que las hace especiales. Me gusta, quizás por su evocación fílmica, "The Hanging Tree", escrita precisamente para la película de 1959. También "Saddle Tramp" y "The Master's Call.
Corny but upbeat. Fun listening especially while doing chores. Helped me to move faster. 😆
This is just brilliant country music. Can't beat it.
a little classic country & western rarely comes amiss
Oh cunt this shit got me feeling wiggly and jiggly
Really enjoyed all of the references that go back to this album which was very cool and weirdly coded for Grant and me. A really pleasant listen though. I actively said while listening that I never would consider myself a fan of the genre but I enjoyed listening to it a lot
NGL, kind of a vibe. Old-school gangster, "shoot someone who's talkin' to your girl at the saloon" shit. Years of accumulated useless knowledge from Wikipedia rabbit holes also yield the following easter eggs/ fun facts. Big Iron: famous as a meme from the radio on Fallout: New Vegas The Strawberry Roan: Namesake for Chappell Roan (her grandfather, Chappell's favorite song) El Paso: Featured in Breaking Bad finale "Felina," as the story echoes Walter's arc in the final season.
Such a fun album, makes you feel like you're listening to an old-timey radio. Also why are there two versions of el paso lol, did the extra 19 seconds really warrant a "full-length version"? (not complaining tho, i don't mind hearing that song twice)
FALLOUT NEW VEGAS AMKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
Supercoozy themed album with beautigul vocals. The chords and song melodies does repeat on some tracks though
Memes aside, this is great fun. It does its thing and it does it well. I kinda thought the track about him getting shot would have made a better ending track. Weird how you can sing along to bits of it without having heard them before.
Good songs, well-recorded. Like a musical version of diner food. Nothing unexpected or brilliant but a solid, comforting meal if slightly boring.
Big iron 😂
Oh, man these bring back memories, I remember hearing these on the radio and hearing the stories in the songs on the long drives when growing up on the classic country station.
Pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this one. This list has showed me that I enjoy older country music.
Delightful.
This is the sound of my father's childhood. He would sing these songs often.
Charming. Will I return to it? I don’t know, maybe not, but listening to this truly felt like getting a little treat
You get exactly what the label says. That's always a plus in my eyes. In this case, even in almost the right dose. Album's a little too long for my taste, but it doesn't get annoying. What the label doesn't tell you is that shit slaps, yo. Bonus point for the unexpected Breaking Bad reminder.
I didn't have high hopes, but I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Every track was fantastic
Very fun listen.
I like the 3/4 rythyms with the guitar, It is not my style but IS interesting.
It's hokey, it's sexist, it's dated....but it's awesome. Such tightly written songs with vivid lyrical imagery. The music is performed flawlessly too. I am a sucker for old timey music and this was no exception. A really fun listen.
Thank you Fallout Favourite songs: Big Iron, El Paso, Utah Carol, The Little Green Valley, The Strawberry Roan Least favourite songs: In the Valley 4/5
Really enjoyed the short, catchy songs and good story telling
It’s just really cool
I had so many albums that I needed to do catchup on that I nearly forgot there was 1 or 2 that I missed before I joined the group. Fun listen nonetheless. Obviously best known in my generation for le funny Fallout NV song but there are bangers throughout.
Ok, so maybe I like country music after all. I really like the stories being told and the visuals they are able to elicit with enjoyable music. Each song is engaging and some are just fun. Poor Felina :(
El Paso, Big Iron, A Hundred and Sixty Acres = all classics.
Love this album—great storytelling and Marty Robbins is able to get emotional without being sentimental. Particular favorites include Big Iron, They’re Hanging Me Tonight, The Master’s Call, and I generally don’t skip any tracks whenever I’m in the mood for it.
Turns out I really enjoy old cinematic country albums. Best Song: They're Hanging Me Tonight
Not a country guy. Nor am I a 50s music guy. When those two things come together, it’s either a recipe for success or a disaster. And thank god it was the former. Man what a good time this is. Big Iron is a certified classic, without a doubt, and immediately took me back to my time playing Fallout New Vegas. Really this whole album reminds me of that experience. This might not be as country as other music I’ve heard. I guess it’s more categorized as western. But I still think it fits under the umbrella of country. And this is country music for people who really care about the genre. Unlike that commercialized slop artists make nowadays. It paints a picture of the western period of the United States. Which is one of the most interesting periods in our history. And to see a piece of that history still hold so well is great. I give music from this time a lot of crap for being too simple. This is one of the only albums I’ve found where the general simplicity of the era actually works to the music’s effect. Again, it transports me to a different world. And this is most definitely aided by Marty’s fantastic lyricism. And really, storytelling. I have heard few artists who are able to tell a story through their songs as well as he does here. Whether it’s about a woman leaving him, and then him being hung for killing her and the man he left him for. Or about being a hit man in your past life, and leaving your lady to becoming a running gun, only to meet your end at the hands of another gunslinging bounty hunter. Funnily enough, a lot of them end in death. Particular Marty himself dying. Tall tales from a time that once was. But each one of them is unique and a joy to listen to. It’s what makes this stand out, so many decades later. And also what makes this an essential country album. Rating: 7/10
Never thought I would like this but I love it and have played it on repeat 3 times since first hearing it, it's so good. Big Iron and El Paso are major highlights but the whole album is worth A listen
Patrolling the Mojave really makes you wish for a nuclear winter… Big Iron is an absolute masterclass of western musical storytelling. Beautiful harmonies. Really wish this song hadn’t been memed to death. Songs that are completely unrelatable to the post GFC listener. Wish I had 160 acres in any valley. Just a comfy little tune about livin a simple life. Truly love this track. Old timey country musicians really sang about their impending execution a lot. This album really has some beautiful vocal harmonies. Huge fan of Strawberry Roan. Worlds most retarded horse easily defeats alleged master horse breaker. Paints a really good picture in this song of this janky as fuck old bastard horse. Just lovely storytelling. Masters Call is another fantastic ballad massive fan of this biblical fuck you for being an evil bandit. On the flip side it’s really funny to think of Jesus Christ just exploding cattle with lightning. Running gun is a real jaunty break from the slower paced songs that make up most of this album. Jumpy little guitar tune. Saddle tramp another classic banger. El Paso is a fantastic track. First heard it on cassette or something on this big fuck off stereo my uncle had at my grandparents house when I was like 8. This is one of my favourite country albums for sure. Most of the songs are short and sharp and don’t hang around too long. Nice little stories, there are a few tracks that are a bit forgettable but for the most part it’s a classic.
Phenomenal album. The Master is a Masterpiece, so good it made Running Gun seem way shitter than it was (even though after a couple listens it's still the worst track on the album imo) El Paso II is also a major highlight, type song to give a mf butterflies. Type of album to have so many great tracks one passes by and you gotta relisten cause you think it's an off cut but it ain't it's just as goated as the rest. 9/10 Fav tracks - Big Iron, They're Hanging Me Tonight, Cool Water, Billy the Kid, Utah Carol, The Strawberry Roan, The Masters Call, El Paso I, In the Valley, Little Green Valley, The Hanging Tree, Saddle Tramp, El Paso II Least Fav - Running Gun
An absolute joy to listen to this whole album finally. I have heard Big Iron and El Paso more times than I've had hot dinners and they still never get old. Highlights from this album besides those two are definitely Cool Water, Master's Call, They're Hanging Me Tonight and Saddle Tramp. Back to back songs both about valleys (at least on spotify which seems to be the CD version of the listing). My favourite song on this album is still El Paso.
why.. am I kind of enjoying this? I'm confused. Ok I legit enjoyed it. Don't like cowboys, don't understand why it was great, but 4. No notes. Nice catchy songs, great voice. Dated material but... I couldn't hate on it.
Enjoyed this western country album. El Paso is such a classic. I did not realize there were so many songs about being killed by a stampede of cattle.
Pretty solid. I thought this album was gonna be a total drag but I quite enjoyed it. “Big Iron” was probably my favorite song so it’s kinda unfortunate that the album starts with that but that’s okay. Reminds me of Johnny Cash at least in his style of writing and story telling ability.
while this is not an album I would normally choose to listen to, I enjoyed it. he's a great storyteller with song choices & arrangements were nice
A bit repetitive but has fun and engaging lyrics and stories.
I love this era of country and western music and most of these songs are familiar favorites for me. So much so that when I happened to stop in El Paso on a work trip, I couldn’t help but make my way to Rosa’s Cantina to watch Felina whirl. I’ve always enjoyed the story telling that was a staple of this era. And the themes are as old as time itself: love, death, rebellion, redemption, regret. I know this type of music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I’ve always felt like everyone’s got a little cowboy in them, and if you let them, these songs just might speak to that part of you. 4/5
I knew a couple of these songs already (El Paso was the big one) - this was a great listen, he had a marvelous voice and the songs are all vignettes about love and violence in the wild west.
Señoritas
Fun!
I did not have barbershop quartet country ballads on my bingo card. But somehow, this album really worked for me. Maybe it’s because I’m a sucker for Flamenco/classical guitar. Maybe it’s because this guy’s voice is beautiful. Maybe it’s because the melodies are simple and catchy. I’m not sure, but as someone who generally hates country-western music (though I might have to revise that opinion given the albums on this list so far) I enjoyed this a lot. These songs are very much in the vein of Johnny Cash in terms of storytelling and Elvis Presley in terms of the buttery smooth vocal performance (and white guy doing the blues). I don’t love cowboy/Western mythology. And the stories told in these songs are very heavy on those tropes. If you close your eyes while listening, you might imagine Ronald Reagan singing these songs, which is an unsettling thought. And yet, I still really like it. It gets a little repetitive because there are so many songs on the album and the melodies and stories all follow the same familiar structures. But it’s really smooth and pleasant to listen to. I wouldn’t listen to it all the time, but I’m glad I heard this at least once. 4/5
This reminds me of home. I can see him riding across the plains and fighting his way south to the border to find his love. It has a gentle, nostalgic tone while delivering a gun-slinging message. It takes you back to when your word and what you did meant something.
Funny this comes on the heels of the Chronic. Both albums mix myth with reality (this one is certainly more myth). Scores are settled. Violence lionized. Gats swapped for 44s. But his time around the music is warm and inviting. Taking you back to another time. Not just to the time this album was recorded but a time long ago. I enjoy the western flavors. Voice and instrumental. El Paso is an all timer.
Great sound to hear if you're into Westerns
STANDOUTS: Big Iron El Paso OVERALL: 4/5; you probably have to be in the MOOD for this, but I thought it was fun!
just good wandering tracks, sound ther age but impeccable knack for storytelling
Maybe this brand of pone caught me just right, because behind Robbins' lugubrious voice and the sometimes too-pretty arrangements is a cracking western album. I mean, the narrative songwriting of 'Big Iron' (be sure to check out Colter Wall's cover) is streets ahead of most modern pop in terms of sophistication, atmosphere and the ability to paint a vivid picture. Other highlights - 'El Paso', 'The Hanging Tree' and my favourite, 'The Master's Call'. Surely Elvis took a cue or two from Robbins when it came to singing ballads?
Not exactly my kind of music but I did rather like it. Did knoe El Paso. Easy 4.
Part of me wants to like this more than I do. It’s thoroughly enjoyable throughout, but never again manages to reach the height that it sets for itself with Big Iron, and although the subject matter is similar to other Country singer that I enjoy, most notably Johnny Cash, there’s something about the style that makes it seem all less consequential than Cash’s great works. I think the problem is that Robbins’ voice is too pretty. It doesn’t have the gravity or drama that the songs need. It’s relaxing, when it needs to be arresting. It should be an edge of your seat event, detailing the various murders and highjinks occurring on the trail, and instead it’s a bit like being told a bedtime story. I feel like I’m being more harsh than I mean to be. What I’m meaning to say is that I thought this was going to be different to how it was. I’m not disappointed in what it is, I enjoyed it. But I can see there being a version that I enjoyed more
weirdly I really liked it, don't think listen to it very much though 3.5 stars
BIG IRONNNN BIIIIG IRONNN
Not gonna be a repeat listen for me, but damn this was some good cowboy drama
Solid outlaw rock 4*
I don’t know if I could defend it, but I enjoyed the album plenty.
I've never really been much of a Westerns (apart from Red Dead Redemption) guy, so I don't have a lot of context for the lyrics on here. Nothing to complain about here though really, some of the songs were a bit samey, but all very pleasant to listen to. Production is good, it sounded really clear coming through my Pip-Boy...anyone got any spare Rad-ex?
its high noon
Delightful and nostalgic. Living in the west - and a frequent visitor to El Paso - I’m almost obligated to give this a high rating. I almost went for 5 stars, but hesitated because some of the songs started to sound pretty similar…it’s on the edge, though. Favorite tracks: Big Iron, Cool Water, Billy The Kid, El Paso
big iron
Bumping this from a 3 to a 4 👌🏻
The really old stuff can be hard to rate, and the really old country stuff even more so. No one calls it this, but these old Western albums are basically just early concept albums. Maybe it isn't one story throughout, but this is all just historical storytelling related to the outlaws of the wild west (Marty was born in 1925, it definitely wasn't still super "Wild West" at that point). Here's the thing, this is actually really enjoyable. He's got a really nice voice, the vibes are solid, it's very decent. I'm not super into outlaw music overall, but I can get behind the concept when the overall sound is good. Everyone freaks out about Johnny Cash (and don't get me wrong, he's great), but this is at least as good as the two Johnny Cash prison albums on this list. Marty seems to have had some really shitty politics in his life, but it doesn't come through here so I'll give him a pass. This is just pure Americana, and maybe I'm overhyping it but I think it's good. Side note, but it's pretty hilarious that his real passion was racecar driving, and he used his singing wealth to become a NASCAR driver. Favorite song: El Paso Other: Big Iron, They're Hanging Me Tonight, Cool Water, Utah Carol, The Strawberry Roan, The Master's Call, The Hanging Tree, Saddle Tramp 6/10/24
Badman cowboy tunes from rightwing jutcase who inspired Johnny cash and other basically cool guys. Really enjoyed it, made me feel strong, powerful, male and edgey. Who could want any more?
Finally, a country album I like! Genuinely really enjoyed this one, great storytelling on the tracks, if the instrumentals did get a *bit* samey at times. Fav tracks: Big Iron, The Hanging Tree, El Paso
I enjoyed it. Nicely recorded and a bit different from other stuff on the list.
can’t believe this dude’s whole shtick is being a straight orville peck (I thought I’d hate this album but it actually ruled)
Suspected I liked outlaw country but I didn’t expect to like it this much!
yeah this rule. fun to imagine being a cowboy while you listen. shout out to dj for mentioning big iron in an earlier review!
Oh cool - I previously had Johnny Cash's "American IV: The Man Comes Around" on this project, and "Big Iron" was one of my fave tracks from it - it's great to head where that came from! I enjoyed this - definitely prefer this style of country to the pop country nonsense the genre evolved into. All of these tracks would drop nicely into the soundtrack of a Coen brothers movie. Fave tracks - as well as "Big Iron", also dug "Cool Water", "The Strawberry Roan" and "Saddle Tramp"
Have to be in the mood but its really good
Hell ye
The most accurate title in record history. Yee haw!
Before starting this list I would’ve never thought to enjoy country this much! Great way to find out, excited for more!
An all time classic. I wish my Dad was still around to know how much I have grown to appreciate this.
This is some killer old school country. Big Iron and El Paso are classics, but the album is good all the way through. Very enjoyable.
4.5/5. My best friend who grew up in a small rural town loves this album. I’m inclined to say I love it too, almost as much as I love her.
Biggest Iron only hits 4 sadly
Good stuff!!!
Oh so good. This dude's voice is so warm, and his readings of these songs is just excellent. The music is deceptively morose despite the seemingly happy singing cowboy overtones. And the tales are mostly DARK AF. I've already ordered the vinyl and can't wait to hear this over and over. Four stars.
Pretty darned good!
Classic Country album
Howdy y'all! (I'm sorry, I had to.) If there's one thing that you can do to feel like a badass cowboy, it's busting out some Red Dead Redemption 2 with Marty Robbins playing in the background. Unfortunately, I don't own RDR2, so I guess I'll just stick with the Marty Robbins. Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs is an absolute classic of an album. It's just a nice collection of, as the name suggests, gunfighter ballads and trail songs. The songs are all quite similar to each other, but I choose to look at this album less as a repetitive collection of similar songs and more as an early concept album pertaining to cowboy life. If you envision the cowboy singing this with a guitar, then the album feels very atmospheric and almost like a journey of sorts. The singing, by the way, is great. The tone of the singing is just perfect for this kind of music and the multiple layers of the singing aids in making the sound as good as it is. The instrumental sound also fits the vibe perfectly. The writing and storytelling is quite good. Of course, the album's opener "Big Iron" is the biggest highlight for me, but the other songs are also of a similar level of quality. Overall, this album is great and serves its purpose extremely well. High 4/5.
Great album to enjoy while roaming around the Mojave Wasteland
Big Iron !!!
Dang, that VOICE. So rich and smooth. And Grady Martin on lead guitar plays such a beautiful counterpoint that belies the simplicity of the arrangement from the rhythm and bass. Elements of classical guitar and maybe even fado? Big Iron is such a perfect opener. Although I had heard El Paso before, I didn't know anything about Robbins before today. I was full of skeptism when this popped up, I think I actually laughed outloud when I saw the cover. Big Iron immediately made me sit up, pay attention, and reconsider.
Sounds like early Sun-era Elvis. Robbins’ singing is impassioned and delicately controlled, with subtle backing vocals that add an eerie texture to these tales of western murder and romance. Big Iron and El Paso are definitely the standouts, but overall it’s an enjoyable listen front to back. Most of the songs exhibit a simple beauty with strong vocals mixed with minimalist guitar and percussion. I know this was influential for outlaw country, but I can also see how indie bands like Pixies could have cribbed from Robbins.
Darn good rootin’ tootin’ cowboy music!
Is there poetic license at work here, or did Marty Robbins actually kill all these men he sings about?
I love a song that tells a story, and that's this whole album. Makes me think of my grandpa and the music he would listen to and the westerns he would watch.
Good stuff.
classic cowboy tunes
It occurred to me while I was listening to this that this type of music goes against my normal preferences by virtue of being singing-heavy and music-light. However, I love this type of thing. I could listen to this all day. I'm not sure I'll keep this album on my phone since there are other albums from this era that I like more, but this was a very strong 4. 4.5 if I could.
Great album and fantastic voice. I already know about Big Iron (such a favorite) but also found Saddle Tramp (so good) and El Paso. Will definitely be listening to this again.
too young to sing songs about being a lone wolf and getting hanged in the old west just old enough to sing along to this slapping shit.
Lovely Melodies and singing
I dunno I feel like this is really good for this era and this style. I’m going 3.6.
loved the cowboy vibe, actually really enjoyed all the way through
Excellent songs. Not quite my speed but lots of fun.
Hilariously weird and wonderful
Honestly, I almost want to give this a 5, just because it is so fun to listen to and has such classic songs. However, I can't quite feel it deserves that, for me, due to it being more a "flash in the pan." However, it is a fun listen and something I could see myself putting on around the family when making dinner or cleaning up.
The story telling and setting on this album is really good. His voice and instrumentation make me really happy throughout the album. I really really enjoyed it. Some of these tracks are some of my favorites I have listened to so far in rating these albums. Very solid album! Favorite songs : big iron, they're hanging me tonight, the masters call, El Paso, saddle tramp.
Fun album. Not an everyday listen but makes you feel like a cowboy
Marty Robbins recorded popular country music over a thirty year year career. He recorded albums in a variety of styles - Elvis' odd, movie soundtrack section of his catalog may have been inspired by Robbins' eclectic mix. In the late 50's, Robbins recorded a few albums of "cowboy myth" country. Gunfighter Ballads is one of those albums. This is simple, cowboy country - voices and guitars - and Robbins is at least partially responsible for popularizing this part of country music.
This album can be enjoyed as if you were reading a book. The lyrics are very detailed and each song tells a different story. Very interesting and entertaining
I love the feel of this album, real rancher/outlaw country songs. My only complaint is that a lot of the songs and even lyrics start to feel repetitive by the end of the album. Very similar cadence with very similar themes. But still excellent overall. Top tracks: Big Iron, Cool Water, El Paso
Growing up, we spent a ton of time at my grandparents’ house. I don’t really remember much music around their house (which is ironic since my dad was a musician). Still, I watched a lot of old westerns with my grandfather and he read a bunch of old Louis L’Amour books. This album reminds me of him. He died when I was still a teenager, but I loved him about as much as I have ever loved anyone. It’s really special to see that there are things 35 years later that can bring me back to that appreciation.
He's got such a great voice. The ballad format gets a little tiresome after a while, but these are great. "El Paso" is too perfect. This takes me back. 4.2
I honestly didn't think I'd like this. But I honestly really did. On paper, nothing about this should have been my jam but Marty's delivery is so good, and the musicianship behind him is top notch, and the engineering is great for the time, and the stories were a mix of hopeful and hilarious and heartfelt and heartbreaking. For some reason, it worked.
I thoroughly enjoyed that. I am certainly no authority and this is wildly speculative but this could be the best country album of its era. The best I’ve heard anyway….but I haven’t heard that many.
This album cemented my belief that country isn’t bad, only modern country is.
My sibling has always said this album reminded them of my late grandfather, and while I don't totally see it, I do get the vibe that those who would've heard this album when it released would've been the coolest of cool, a total cowboy in the truest of (fictional) forms. The guitar playing is great, the singing is great, and its all got this mix of coziness and great storytelling, like watching one of those Western TV shows. Its repetitive, I'd even say some songs sound the exact same save for a chord here or there, but I still enjoyed myself enough. Perhaps cut out some of the fluff and this would be like an exciting addition to a story you were already in the middle of, but instead it has too much filler. Someone should make a list of all the episodes (songs) I have to watch (listen to) so I can skip the fluff, eh?
If you want a cowboy to sing stories to you, it's hard to do better than Marty Robbins. If you want anything else that isn't that, you're out of luck.
This rules.
First of all, single greatest album cover in the history of music. Second, the influence a record like this had on country nusic and especially someone like Johnny Cash is obvious. Though novelty or sounding like a movie soundtrack today, they songs themselves are catchy and arrangements are a fun example of a bygone style.
Great classic, western music that doesn’t get old no matter how “old” it gets. Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: yes Favourite Song: Big Iron
Fun (and and also some downright depressing) country-western ballads. Such is the life of a gunslinger in the Old West! The storytelling in "Big Iron" and "El Paso" will have you coming back to this album.
An album full of story-songs? Fuck yeah! A couple of all-time classics (El Paso, Big Iron). More than a few hokey songs, but it's from 1959. Overall, liked this a lot.
This was a great album. Great music to accompany Red Dead.
Sam always listens to songs on this album <3
I love Marty Robbins' voice. His story telling is very fun and he has some true classics on this record. It's country that just feels truly western.
Marty Robbins possesses one of the most iconic country vocals there is. I could listen to him tell me tales of the open prairie and its many outlaws day in and day out.
My kind of music, strangely.
Good classic songs. 4/5
Beautiful voice and a REAL MAN (would shoot someone for speaking to his girl)
Earmarking an era of cowboy fantasy, Marty croons simple cowboy songs with great emotion and locomotive guitar. Stand out tracks: "Big Iron", "The're Hanging Me Tonight", "El Paso", and "The Master's Call".
Gunfights, hangings, and acres, Martin Robbins croons melodies and weaves stories about a fantasy world of the American West. The album features minimal but incredible instrumentation with country western staples, such as flamenco guitar, early electric guitar, upright bass, a bare bones drum kit, and the lush country vocals of the Glaser Brothers. Robbins is a good storyteller and a decent singer, making each track a warm, nostalgic romp through a fictional past. Themes are obviously pretty unvaried, and some songs certainly have aged better than others, but this record feels like a piece of memorabilia or a museum piece. The audio equivalent of a Louis L'Amour novel. Stand out tracks include "Big Iron", "They're Hanging Me Tonight", "The Master's Call", and "El Paso".
Not gonna lie, I did not expect to like this album. To my amazement, it turned out to be a really good one. Each song tells a detailed story. Maybe it's just a difference of country and western songs from the '50s versus today? Now, I don't know if I would seek it out again, but I really did enjoy it.
Honestly I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this one. El Paso is a genuine hit and I found myself humming along with quite a few of these.
Big Iron is well known and the epitome of these songs that transport the lonesome rider cowboy figure
Awesome western country Breaking Bad El Paso song
Está muy bien, pero es un poco repetitivo.
Classic
Меня очень прикололо, что чувак записал/написал почти все песни от первого лица. Чувствуется погружение. Ну, не совсем так я кажется ковбоев представлял. Но допустим))
Very good storyteller, the songs are basically like short stories. And the music is really enjoyable to listen too also
Love the storytelling, love the old time guitars, such a great voice. On the one hand it's hard to believe this is from 1959 as the recording sounds pretty great. On the other hand it is so old it seems like it's from another world entirely - stories about gunfights and showdowns and being out in the wilderness.... it's a world that only seems to exist in old movies and old songs nowadays... I was happy to visit for a while!
I love this kind of country music, it's pleasant and fun to listen to. Stand-out: El Paso
Simple, beautiful storytelling. Felt like I was sitting around a campfire being told stories. So nice to be able to understand every word as well. This is what country music should be.
I don’t know why, but I feel very familiar with the cover art. As though it’s always been in my collection and I should have heard this record 30 times already. But I haven’t. Anyway, it’s pretty good music, I enjoyed this! I appreciate Robbins’ vocal delivery, simple instrumentation and eloquent storytelling. Cool Water rang a bell and is the standout track in my opinion, I’m sure I heard that song on a kids show when I grew up.
Excellent vibe from this album, love Marty Top tracks: Big Iron, El Paso
I understand why some wouldn't enjoy this album. It's certainly of its time. But that's exactly why I do love it -- it's a charming snapshot of the late 50's music scene. The musicians on this release are proficient, but it's the stories that shine. Each track tells a tale interesting enough to catch your attention. I might not always want to put this on, but I certainly wouldn't turn it off.
a fun little romp 4/5
fun album. Definity some great songs.
Loved this listen, really took me by surprise. Marty’s got a smooth voice, instrumentation was real good, and the old west theme was tons of fun. A couple lesser quality tracks bring down the rating a bit, but still going to revisit. Top tracks: Big Iron, They’re Hanging Me Tonight, Utah Carol, The Master’s Call, Running Gun, The Hanging Tree
I had not heard this before. Definitely a very very specific genre, but I believe it was done very well.
r/vinyl, is that you?
Catchy and classic. Sometimes simplicity says an awful lot.
Can't believe there was a time you could just get a bunch of session musicians to back you up while you croon about how you gunned down Lefty Simmons at Mustard Fart Station and get a hit record out of it. Country music needs to go back to this.
Album fucks imo. Also like, El Paso and A White Sport Coat are not his best songs and people have bad taste. Trying to write anything for this without having a strong grounding in country music feels like utter fucking nonsense. There's so fucking much about class and race going on in there and I cannot fucking tell where Marty Robbins places himself in all of it.
simpaticno
Moooore
i love big iron and el paso
Cool. Can see the influence on early rock and roll and some classic tunes
Marty Robbins is just masterful at good ol' fashioned country story tellin'.
Fun album! Great stories, catchy tunes, velvety voice. "Big Iron" is my jam.
Back when it was called Country and Western music. A great example of this genre, with catchy tunes and great storytelling. Not my cup of tea, but I can appreciate the talent. I recognized one of the songs from Breaking Bad and one played by the Grateful Dead. So it’s definitely had an impact
Truly iconic sound from Marty on this one. I think this album could have been like 10 mins shorter, still great though.
interesting songwriting great vocals cowboy music
This was so much fun! It’s stuff that you know you’ve heard in the background of movies, but really focusing on it lets the storytelling shine through
This album offers a fascinating insight into the music of the late 1950s -- before the Beatles-led "British Invasion" of rhythm and blues roots blossoming into a 'popular' bloom that would dominate and influence music for decades. Yet, even without the increased variety that the 1960s would bring, this album does have its own merits, most notably the song-stories interspersed throughout. While some have a better sonic and story-structure than others, all of them are compelling narratives in their own way. This album also gains a greater degree of cultural significance when viewed in the larger scope of popular media at the time, especially cinema, where the genre of Western Films would continue in popularity for another decade with the emergence of "Spaghetti Westerns." Given the context, Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs is more culturally significant than it may first sound. It also helps that there is a widening variety of music to choose from, rather than being sequestered to limited musical genres.
Very underrated, great storytelling
I dug this
This was cool, I hadn’t heard all of these before. Everyone in my family liked it.
Big Iron and El Paso are fun and memorable ditties. The rest is cozy background music.
Good old’ western cowboy country. I would have never listened to this if not assigned and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. I really enjoyed the album overall. Reminded me of something my great grandpa listened to on the ranch. Woody’s round up vibes.
Marty Robbins has such a classic voice and singing style that I love. It really makes you feel like you're in a black and white western film. The story telling is probably the biggest strength of this album. It's a shame the stories aren't more cohesive though as each song seems to be it's own little tale. I thought I hated country but this album proved that wrong because it was a joy.
Solid album, liked pretty much every song. Nothing felt amazing, but good vocals and guitar. 4/5
I've listened to Marty Robbins a few times and enjoy the old school country vibes immensly. Way to go Marty. 4/5
So commercial it stings, but at the same time, great bops. I'd have never listened to this, and I'll likely never listen to it again, but it just feels like this pristine time capsule. Perfect production, clear lyrics and nice narrative style. I'll bet the kids freakin loved this back in 1959.
So old and innocent
Didn't think I'd enjoy this that much, but it was kinda fun
Recipe for Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs: Ingredients: 1 Elvis Presley's voice 1 cowboy's hat Big cup of yee-haw Preparation: Go to the wild, wild west and mix every ingredient. Ready!
A western classic brought into the present through Fallout New Vegas. A time capsule for the olden days on the prairie.
A fun time of recalling the songs that my parents enjoyed. Americana personified.
Hard to separate the music from the feeling I got playing Fallout: New Vegas. Definitely transports you to dusty gunslinger days.
Awesome stuff. Great voice and harmonies. Great guitars.
4 stars
What on earth? This wasn't supposed to be good! I'm not sure many of the later tracks live up to Big Iron's thundering opener, but this album is surprisingly enjoyable! The lyrics are great, each song having a proper narrative to it.
Songs right out of the valley, where the sun goes down and a lonesome cowboy rides on his horse into the sunset.
My dad was a huge Country & Western fan so I grew up listening to Marty Robbins. This album promises gunfighter ballads and trail songs and that's exactly what it delivers. This is proper cowboy music, light on the corniness and delivered with a beautiful voice. I found myself cranking it up so I could hear the stories. I'm not a country fan but have developed an appreciation for this old school stuff. Mary Robbins is a cowboy poet.
Album 297 of 1001 Marty Robbins - Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs Rating : 4 / 5 Perfect representation of its genre. It was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or artistically significant." That is something, I guess. Certainly a snapshot of a time gone by. Fun listen. It has "El Paso". Gets a bit repetitive.
How does this exist. Some of the noodling going on during Big Iron grabbed me right away. What!? The singer of this became a NASCAR driver?! People used to do all sorts of things. Man he was a bad driver. This is great music. Not all hits the same but he can sing and the vibe is strong. I wanted to love every inch of this. The Master's Call helps me realize how much I like a story in a song.
Patrolling the Mojave almost makes you wish for a nuclear winter.
Probably the definitive Western Country album. Great Melodies from start to end. If I had to choose standouts I'd go with They're Hanging Me Tonight, Utah Carol, The Master's Call, and of course Big Iron and El Paso.
Great stories with good tunes.
BIG IIIIIRROONNN BIG IROOONNNNNN
I was struck by the sound of this. It isn't experimental, or artistically bold, but had a lasting impact on me. This galloping, western-influened, country is like nothing else on here. This reminds me; wasn't I sold on this experience being a bunch of iconic, unique and vital albums? It shouldn't be difficult to find a list of 1001 albums that at least have identity and purpose, and I'm disappointed that editing biases have led to an overinclusion of bland (mainly psychedelic) rock, which is generally very inconsequential. Going for a 4 on this, though that may be partly due to the choice of inclusion than the actual album.
Really fun country album about people dying in the Wild West. I guess its themes are what is making that one so popular because musically it's also really good but rather on the smooth side for an outlaw country album.
My Grandpa and Uncle both own this record. El Paso is a favorite of mine. I'm a sucker for storytelling especially the occasional murder ballad.
What a find. This feels like the good angel to Johnny Cash’s bad angel (who is one of only a handful of country artists I would have said I really liked before starting this project). Marty is on the list! Can’t wait to listen to more of his stuff.
First heard of Marty Robbins from a Rick Beato video, so familiar of this album. Great voice, sneakily good guitar, beautiful harmonies. Very fun cowboy western music. ‘Cool Water’ was fun to hear as I remember it from the “Buster Scruggs” movie. Favorites are ‘Big Iron’ (love the harmonized octave slurs) and ‘El Paso’.
A few keeper a few misses
I never saw myself listening to an album like this, nor did I see myself liking an album like this. 😂👍👍
Tremendos vibes. Igual no siempre apetece el rollo western/fallout, pero esto te transporta instantaneamente a ese paisaje.
Pleasant surprise. Heard the name before, recognized a couple songs.
Bilo mi je zabavno
First cowboy album but surprisingly good fun. Have heard most of them before. Marty had a good voice.
this was a pleasant surprise! definitely some recognizable songs and can see how it has influenced some indie/folk music of today.
Classic country but good
OK, I liked about half the songs
Erstaunlich gut
Good country cowboy
Although maybe not a daily listener, it is the peak of what it is. Need western/cowboy music? This is it. Great imagery and stories as well.
pourrais je devenir fan de country?????
The storytelling and lyricism in this is absolutely great. I never thought I'd enjoy this album as much as I did; such a relaxing listen.
Marty’s way is long gone, but it still sounds good to me. Something to be said for these old ballads
Definitely don’t make them like this anymore
Outlaw country of the 50s. With an Elvis-style voice, simple slow melodies, and immersive storytelling, the record offers a surprising amount of value and diversity for its time, when most other records fell victim to constant filler, repetition, and lazy writing. There's still a bit of that. Almost half the tracks have little interesting going on. "The Master's Call" sounds like a remixed "Big Iron". But a third do stand out as both unique and impressive. For its innovation, cohesiveness, and above average deep cuts (for 50s standards), I'd give it the 4th star. In a later decade, it would've been 3. Favorites: Big Iron, El Paso, Saddle Tramp
I'm into it... it's the type of music your brain thinks of when it thinks of Western / cowboy music
Memorable, smooth vocals, great melodies, classic!
Super fun!
Smoky campfire vibes
Really surprised by how beautiful this album is. It’s less country than I expected, at least vocally. Marty croons with the best of them, the harmonies are pretty, and the sound quality is stunning. Plus, it’s got El Paso from the Breaking Bad finale.
Enormément de charme. Chaque chanson est une petite cavalcade dans les paysages de l'Ouest sauvage, avec ses histoires de cowboys chevauchant vers leur perte sous la forme d'une demoiselle souvent trop facile. "Big Iron", "One hundred and sixty acres", "They're hanging me tonight", "Running Gun", "The hanging tree" et le titre qui résume bien l'ensemble : "El Paso" et cette fourbe de Felina, mexicaine aux yeux plus sombres que la nuit, qui se joue des sentiments, certes un peu toxiques, de notre héros qui saura lui pourrir la vie à coup de flingue alors qu'elle n'avait rien demandé, pour au final un sacrifice parfaitement inutile et vaguement pathétique.
Would never have listened to this otherwise, nice album
Terrible gun trigger discipline on the cover! Very scary to see. Anyways... This is definitely an enjoyable Western albums - a classic mixture of of pop and country blending together to an authentically genuine effect. Robbins is a wonderful storyteller, transforming songs that should feel corny into something fresh.
Very surprised at how good this was.
I am just going to start telling people I left my heart on the hanging tree, too.
Great!
DK - You know what, I came into this album preparing to give this a literal 0/5, but I was blown away instantly by the lyricism, the voice, the amazing story telling, I literally couldn’t believe it; after the first four tracks I thought this was going to be my first 5/5 album. However unfortunately the album becomes blah, stale and low energy after those tracks except for some stand out tracks (“El Paso”, “In the Valley”). For a country album, something I never thought I’d enjoy, he killed it. Rating - 3/5 // Aaron - Iconic intro song. Beautiful storytelling combined with Marty Robbins' voice makes this album an incredible listen. Every song on this project feels cohesive and serves a purpose on the album. There aren't any tracks that feel or sound half-baked. Robbins deeply explores themes of love, adventure, and melancholy in the old wild west of America, the song-writing is so incredibly vivid that from beginning to end you're transported to the landscape Robbins so powerfully describes. I can't think of a single thing I don't like about this album. Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs is a flawless album. 5/5
This album is a fantastic example of telling stories through music. Yes, Big Iron is a bit of a meme at this point, but the song carries itself even apart from its reputation. There's a lot of other good stuff in here too. Nothing wrong with firing this entire soundtrack up and wandering the wasteland, it's incredibly iconic and is well deserving of this list. Highlight: Big Iron Lowlight: In The Valley Surprise Hit: El Paso
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs, released in 1959 by country music icon Marty Robbins, stands as a landmark album in the genre, blending storytelling prowess with melodic charm. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Lyrics (Pros): Marty Robbins' songwriting prowess takes center stage in Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs. The lyrics are a masterclass in narrative storytelling, vividly painting tales of love, honor, and the Wild West. "Big Iron," a standout track, tells the gripping story of a showdown between a lawman and an outlaw, showcasing Robbins' ability to craft compelling characters and narratives. The poetic quality of the lyrics adds depth to each song, creating a lasting impact on listeners. Lyrics (Cons): While the storytelling is captivating, some may argue that the album lacks lyrical diversity. Many tracks revolve around similar themes of love, loss, and the rugged life of the Old West. The risk here is that the listener might feel a sense of thematic repetition by the end of the album. Music (Pros): The music in Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs seamlessly complements Robbins' storytelling. The fusion of traditional country with elements of Western folk and even Latin music (notably in "El Paso") is a testament to Robbins' versatility. The use of acoustic guitars, harmonicas, and subtle orchestrations contributes to the authentic Western sound that defines the album. The melodies are both catchy and emotionally resonant, showcasing Robbins' musical dexterity. Music (Cons): Some may argue that the album lacks musical experimentation. While the traditional country and folk elements are well-executed, there is a lack of sonic diversity that may leave some listeners wishing for more innovation in the musical arrangements. Production (Pros): Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs benefits from the impeccable production of Don Law and Frank Jones. The album's sound quality is exceptional for its time, capturing the warmth of Robbins' voice and the nuances of each instrument. The balance between vocals and instrumentation is well-maintained, allowing the narrative elements of the songs to shine through without overpowering the musical accompaniment. Production (Cons): Some purists may argue that the polished production, while excellent, detracts from the raw, gritty atmosphere that could have added another layer of authenticity to the Western themes. The argument here is that a more stripped-down, rustic production style might have enhanced the overall experience. Themes: Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs is a thematic masterpiece, exploring the iconic imagery of the American West. The themes of love, violence, and honor are interwoven with tales of cowboys, outlaws, and vast landscapes. Robbins' ability to capture the essence of the Western narrative tradition makes the album a timeless representation of the genre. Influence: This album has left an indelible mark on the country music landscape. It not only solidified Marty Robbins' place in the genre but also inspired future generations of artists. The influence of Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs can be heard in the storytelling approach of subsequent country and folk artists, emphasizing the enduring impact of this seminal work. Conclusion: Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs remains a cornerstone in country music, celebrated for its storytelling, musical craftsmanship, and thematic richness. While some may find fault in the thematic repetition and lack of musical experimentation, the album's enduring influence and cultural significance cannot be understated. Marty Robbins' ability to transport listeners to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West through his music and lyrics is a testament to the enduring power of Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs.
The game was rigged from the start. Great country album with really interesting story telling. Marty Robbins is one cool mother fucker
outlaw red dead Django type shit
Great album, love this man’s voice
big iron
Only because of the Fallout Games and nostalgia this get 4 stars.
Marty Robbins' "Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs" is a true gem that transcends the boundaries of time and genre. As someone who appreciates storytelling in music, this album captivates me with its vivid narratives and cinematic quality. The iconic twang of Robbins' voice, coupled with the evocative instrumentation, transported me to the rugged landscapes of the Old West. The storytelling prowess displayed in tracks like "Big Iron" and "El Paso" is exceptional. Robbins has a unique ability to weave tales of love, honor, and conflict, painting a rich tapestry of characters and landscapes through his lyrics. The emotional depth in his delivery, especially in ballads like "They're Hanging Me Tonight," adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with me. Musically, the arrangements are masterfully crafted, complementing the thematic elements of each song. The use of traditional country instruments, such as guitars and harmonicas, enhances the authenticity of the Wild West atmosphere. The album strikes a perfect balance between storytelling and musicality, making it a timeless classic in country music. What sets "Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs" apart is its versatility. From the upbeat and catchy "Cool Water" to the poignant "Running Gun," Robbins showcases a range of emotions and moods. This album is more than just a collection of songs; it's a narrative that unfolds with each track.
Country! Felt like a depressed cowboy listening to this, really had me in my feelings listening to it, especially on a rainy day. Cool record from a country legend.
-have never heard of this guy -THIS IS THE TIKTOK SONG. the “big iron on his hip” SONG -oh i LOVE his voice -they’re hanging me tonight is seriously so good -omggggg all the voices together in cool water -i really am loving EVERYTHING about this album which is unexpected -all these songs are really hitting the mark for me. not one that i feel is boring or the same as all the rest -its very old western cowboy but thats what makes it WORK! -idk why i was fully expecting this man to start singing the hunger games hanging tree. LOL -anyways its a good song just like the rest! getting a four stars for me -just because i love music like this and his voice scratches that part of my brain PERFECTLY
Delightful
Heck yeah
Lofi beats to study/shoot outlaws to
7/10. Shame its over 3 chords add some synthes could be amazing. Maybe a project for the future.
Big Iron absolutely whips. I'm tempted to say that was totally attributable to positive associations built while playing Fallout New Vegas; however, I like the rest of this album a lot! Cool Water and El Paso are highlights. I'm learning through this exercise that I like corny pastiche-y music. It's fun! I'm not sorry!
slaps actually
This was a treat.
Great memories listening to this with my family. Perfect album to put on in a low key setting
Story telling unmatched. Every song has the same vibe but enough to keep it unique. Definitely not a style I’d like to shuffle onto though, very specific vibe to enjoy.
I enjoyed this especially they're hanging me tonight, big iron and el paso. Apparently the album was recorded in one 8 hour session which impressive considering the band sounds so tight. Especially Marty Robbins himself who really feels at ease singing these songs even though i think melodically they're quite tricky to sing. Alot of notes to get stuck on. But it adds a sence of authenticity when they all sound so relaxed. It s like the fun, adventure and sorrow conveyed in the lyrics were reflected in the pressures and joy in the playing of the whole band. What i mean is a cowboy record recorded in 1959 might be called phony but if the theme were a vehicle for artists to express themselves isn't that what arts about?
Listened Before? N What a gem! These are all great classic country western songs. I loved this album. I was familiar with Big Iron from New Vegas, of course, but the rest were mostly new to me and I enjoyed it beginning to end. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Big Iron
Sounds like a soundtrack to a spaghetti western. It’s good. 4/5
Just what you’d expect: music a cowboy in a western would be listening to
Several familiar songs here, and a high nostalgic value for me. I imagine the many kids that listened to this album through the years, envisioning themselves as western heroes. Oddly I find a sense of wholesomeness in that; a sense not common to the art of my time, and it feels good to bathe in that world for a while. This is an album that's been missing from my life. Adding to my collection. 3.7
Fill in soon. 7/10
BIG IRON
Geitin
Really enjoyed this one. This may be the most inoffensive music ever created.
I'm a sucker for these old time outlaw country artists and albums. It's almost a guilty pleasure as they stray far from what I typically listen to. Good story telling. Mary Robbins may be one of the better artist in this genre and style. Loved this album. I've listened to this album many times before reviewing it here. And I will listen to it again It's too bad these types of country artists rarely exist now a days. New country is basically just teangy pop music. No substance. Formulaic. Bullshit.
One thing I love about country albums is the stories that are told through the songs. These songs tell amazing stories whilst also being such gentle tunes and such a nice listen. Gentle country music might be becoming one of my favourite music genres. All songs were just really nice to listen to but stand out tracks were: Big Iron, Utah Carol and The Hanging Tree.
Prob deserves 5 stars but old Western music just isn't my cup of tea.